Spending time in the great outdoors has so many personal and physical benefits that it’s a wonder why we would ever lock ourselves indoors. Studies by very smart, indoorsy people have shown that spending time in nature can lower stress levels, raise moods and improve overall mental health. That means that literally just by going on hiking and backpacking trips, you have set forth upon a wonderful journey of being your best self.
But let’s not be selfish here. While we are out there adventuring and killing it at the game of life, let’s pay homage to the very thing that allows us to do all of this – Mother Nature. Choose gear that will not only last, but was also built with sustainability in mind.
This is one of the things that I love most about Gregory – their love for planet Earth. They are not only dedicated to making the most functional and innovative packs on the market, but do so with their environmental impact at the forefront of their designs. Take the Gregory Zulu 55, one of my go-to packs – it has been created with sustainable production in mind, featuring recycled polyester materials in its construction, minimizing the amount of waste being deposited in landfills.
Gregory takes on a thorough approach to sustainability, starting from raw materials to the production and shipping of the items, with the goal of limiting their environmental impact. They have a Lifetime Guarantee & Pack Repair Service which helps lengthen the lifespan of all of their packs. In the case when a repair is not an option, they will actually recycle or repurpose components of the pack. Now, that’s some dedication!
They also participate in the Social Compliance Program (SCP). This is a set of agreements with suppliers that ensure compliance with all local laws and prevent all instances of child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking. Their products are more than just adventure vessels. They have carefully crafted tools that have been meticulously tested not only for their use but also for their purpose of safeguarding our world for future use. If you’re interested in learning more about their approach to sustainability, check out this page.
Nowadays, if you want to pick eco-friendly stuff for your daily use, it’s super important to know where they’re from, how they’re made, and what they stand for. By paying attention to these details, backpackers can be sure of making a purchase that can help minimize the impact on our environment. Leaving the wilderness in an even better condition than it was before you explored it will allow generations to enjoy the same beauty that you did.
Also, please, please, please always practice Leave No Trace principles such as collecting all trash and keeping the impact of campfires to a minimum, in order to help achieve adventure longevity.
Ultimately, backpacking is about far more than just having the right gear – it is also about becoming one with nature and taking part in activities to protect the environment. By making conscious gear selections, you will allow future adventure seekers to reap the benefits of nature for many years to come.