New Zealand’s Kathmandu has made down jackets since the ’90s, but this one’s special. The Epiq SE’s sharp, clean profile warrants a double take, but it’s the details that really count.
The Epiq SE Hooded Down Jacket (available for men and women) boasts a buttery-soft outer fabric made from recycled plastic/petrochemical waste, including end-of-life tires. So when you buy one, you’re helping close the loop on waste—and do something about the pollution crisis (which is driven in large part by the unsustainable garment industry).
The outer fabric may have a soft handfeel, but it is burly when it counts. So you can walk on a trail and not worry about branches snagging or ripping your jacket. The quality proves that choosing a recycled option means zero dimunition in quality.
With 600-fill power duck down (independently certified to the Responsible Down Standard), the jacket fends off the bitterest winter weather.
Apart from Patagonia, it’s difficult to find an outdoor apparel maker as sustainability-focused as Kathmandu. Their short-term goal is to have 100% of its products designed, developed and manufactured using elements of circularity principles.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation describes the three principles of a circular economy as:
- Designing out waste and pollution
- Keeping products and materials in use
- Regenerating natural systems.
The ultimate goal is to have zero environmental harm from their business operations. That means operating carbon-zero, zero-waste facilities and removing waste from supply chains. If any company is in a position to achieve these goals in the short term, it’s Kathmandu.
In 2019, Kathmandu became a certified B Corp. This means they are legally required to consider the impact of decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community and the environment.
For more details, check out their annual sustainability report.
Some other features of the Epiq SE Hooded Down Jacket:
-Adjustable drawcord hood and hem for extra weather protection
-Internal stretch cuffs to comfortably seal around your wrists
-Embossed logo interior lining
-Chin guard and an inner collar with soft, brushed fabric lining
-Two front zip pockets with soft, brushed lining, plus an inner stash and zip pocket
-Durable Water Repellent finish encourages water to bead off its surface
-Includes a separate stuff sack.
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