For Earth Month, ML staff and partners showcase sustainable apparel and gear for all your outdoor pursuits. Part 1: Running and hiking.
Picture Abstral+ 2.5L Jacket
The Abstral+ (for men and women) is the do-it-all, take-everywhere, high-performance jacket for any outdoor adventure. The PFC-free waterproof-breathable membrane also features taped seams for full protection while playing in the wildest environments. Its stretch fabric, elasticated brim and adjustable wrist cuffs and hem offer a perfect fit as well as ultimate freedom of movement. Made with recycled polyester and circular polyester, the Abstral+ also stuffs into its own pocket for efficient packability.
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BioLite Dash 450 Headlamp
There aren’t too many headlamps designed with the needs of runners in mind, but the Dash 450 is exactly that. It delivers a snug but never pinchy fit, with illumination that works as hard as you. BioLite’s updated lens design improves optics for a precise 450-lumen beam (rated at a max 90-metre distance) that picks out excellent detail, with lighting modes galore and a 60-hour burn time (on low). The rear red light and reflective band add visibility from all directions for running in town or on country roads. With the award-winning 3D Slimfit construction and a front light only 10mm thick, the ultra-streamlined Dash might as well be made of air. But our favourite feature, as in all BioLite headlamps, is the micro-adjustable tilting light: there are four angles to choose from and you can move the beam up and down with one hand. Plus: For every product sold, someone living in energy poverty gains access to safe lighting and charging through BioLite. To date, BioLite has impacted the lives of 14.6 million people.
Norda 001 Seamless Trail Runners
Canadian-owned Norda’s flagship trail runner, the 001 (for women and men) boasts the world’s first seamless upper of bio-based Dyneema, a low-carbon ethylene fibre derived from waste feedstock from the pulp and timber industries. And it delivers a woven (ie, seamless) upper that is both breathable and very tough. The 001 is tailored for ultra-distance trail runners who appreciate the feel of softer landings. And the MegaGrip outsole provides the ideal blend of stickiness and durability for multi-directional traction on wet and dry surfaces.
Kari Traa Henriette Hybrid Jacket
Made with cooler evenings and mornings in mind, the hooded Henriette Hybrid Jacket will be your go-to layer whether hitting the trails, gathering around a campfire or crushing errands around town. This full-zip panelled fleece/softshell features two side pockets and a zip breast pocket to stash your keys, phone and lippy. Treated with PFC-free durable water repellent, and made from 100% recycled poly, this is an unbeatably lightweight and breathable three-season layer. And BTW: check out Female First Technology, sustainably-made pieces designed (as is everything Kari Traa) by women, for women.
Arms of Andes Alpaca Wool Base Layer
Arms of Andes’ 300 Lightweight Half-Zip (for men and women) boasts a versatile design: it can be used as a ski, hike, run, travel or everyday base layer for cool weather. The 100% alpaca wool is naturally odour-resistant, regulates your temperature and wicks moisture like a champ for all-day, all-conditions comfort. Arms of Andes garments prove that functionality, style, quality and sustainability can work together in perfect harmony.
Arcade Motion Belt
A good belt will keep you hiking longer and happier. Arcade’s new Motion Belt boasts a sleek style and performance stretch webbing that moves with you but stays snug. The tapered buckle is ultralight and feeds easily through belt loops. And the micro-adjustable buckle dials in your exact fit more precisely than holes. It’s also machine washable and made with 100% recycled materials.
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Ciele Athletics ALZCap
Here in Canada we know that allez means go in French. For the ALZCap, Canadian run apparel company Ciele took everything you love about GOCap, increased the mesh coverage for more breathability and lowered the profile. So now it’s the ultimate minimalist run cap and made with 100% recycled poly (the Repreve fabric is derived from post-consumer plastic bottles.) With a packable and ultralight construction plus Ciele’s COOLmatic wicking polyester mesh, this is a cap that feels like wearable air but gives you the protection and performance you demand. Also includes UPF40+ protection on brim, front and back panels and reflective details front and back for night runs.
Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiker
The legendary Bridger Mid Waterproof (for women and men) has all the ingredients of a top hiker on the world’s toughest trails: excellent support, responsive performance (thanks to its supportive heel cup and TPU Chassis for stability and protection from rocks), plus industry-leading durability. We’ve been rocking Oboz for years and these boots show zero signs of wear or tear. No matter the trail conditions, the Bridger Mid is ready to help you handle it with comfort and confidence with its B-DRY waterproof technology and aggressive Granite Peak outsole. And with their partner Trees For the Future, Oboz plants a tree with each pair of footwear it sells: that’s 6 million and counting since 2007.
MEC 18L Trail Pack
This unisex pack boasts a classic, minimalist design with a spacious main compartment and padded shoulder straps for hiking comfort. It’s made to handle hard use and 18 litres of heavy stuff. On the outside, a handy cordlock attachment system lets you secure poles or ice axe. Meanwhile, the rugged construction combines 210-denier recycled nylon with a PU coating for durability and weather resistance. And it sports all the features you need: clamshell zipper with oversized glove-friendly pull loops; padded back and shoulder straps with breathable airmesh for airflow; adjustable sternum strap; hydration sleeve with hangar and hose port; and two side stretch pockets for a bottle, umbrella or gloves.
Smartwool Active Ultralight Short Sleeve + Active Lined 4″ Short
Made with a blend of Merino wool and TENCEL Lyocell, the Active Ultralite Short Sleeve (for women and men) is a summer-ready running/hiking layer that takes advantage of an innovative natural material blend. It’s very light and soft, never itchy, and offers maximum freedom of movement. For anything from long sweaty hikes to gritty training runs, you’ll find all-day comfort in this tee. For running, pair with the new Active Lined 4″ Short for women or Active Lined 7″ Short for men.
Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie
The Echo Hoodie (for men and women) is built from ultralight bluesign-approved recycled materials, perfect for everything from fall running and spring ski touring to summer hiking. It’s lightweight and highly breathable, with UPF 15 sun protection and bio-based ActiveFresh odour control technology—ideal for trips into the backcountry. AirVent technology delivers cooling airflow and moisture management during warm days on trail, and the flat-seam construction and reflective logo ensure next-to-skin comfort for layering and visibility. Thumb holes near the sleeve cuffs keep the sleeves where you want them while adding layers or reaching for the next hold.
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