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Gear That Gives Back: Shop These Brands and Pay It Forward

Hiking in New Zealan wearing Patagonia Shell Yeah collectionPhoto credit: Patagonia
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What’s better than getting gifts during the holidays? Getting gifts that give back.

The holidays don’t have to be about buying the most expensive gear or wrapping the most beautiful gifts. Sometimes, it’s better to focus on giving — giving out, giving away, giving back. Check out these gifts from brands that are giving back for the holidays.

Cotopaxi x MiiR Llama Water Bottle Collection: 100% of Sales Donated to Water1st 

cotopaxi miir bottle collection

These brands have come together to launch a new drinkware line that will support a nonprofit’s ongoing grant. Water1st addresses economic justice and health by providing communities in Honduras with access to house taps and clean water. The collection features a tumbler, camp mug, and 20-ounce bottle — each emblazoned with a shiny llama.

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Western Rise: 100% of Bundle Sale Proceeds Go to Climate Neutral

Shop Western Rise’s Climate Neutral bundle deals and get up to 40% off. Essentially, buy in bulk, save, and it gets donated. All the proceeds are donated to Climate Neutral to promote a more sustainable planet.

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Mystery Ranch: 10% of Pack Proceeds to Wildland Firefighter Education Scholarships

Mystery Ranch has launched its Backbone Series to raise funds for wildland firefighters. Plus, 10% of proceeds from two unique packs — the Urban Assault 21 and the 3-Way Briefcase in Wildfire Black — will fund the scholarships. Winning contributors will receive a $1,000 scholarship toward related education.

The Backbone Scholarship will “assist in the education of seasonal Forestry Technicians that want to further their careers in or outside of fire,” Mystery Ranch wrote. The packs will go on sale in 2021.

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VSSL: 10% of VSSL x Kay Foye Knife Collections Donated to Communitas

vssl buck knives

VSSL is branching out from first-aid kits and EDC tools to a collection of knives sure to impress any blade junkie. The three new collections of knives are a Buck 110 folding knife with custom handles made of mammoth tooth, ram’s horn, and elk antler.

The proceeds from all the knives will be donated. Communitas is a Vancouver-based nonprofit organization that helps find employment for youth with special needs. The knives go on sale today.

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Flylow: Brosé Work Shirt Benefits Athletes With Life-Altering Injuries

Flylow Brose workshirt

We’re excited to shop giveback items like this shirt this holiday. The Brosé Work Shirt is an inside-out flannel, with a sturdy canvas and synthetic exterior fabric and an interior soft flannel canvas lining.

Proceeds from Flylow’s sales of Brosé Work Shirt go to the High Fives Foundation nonprofit. High Fives educates athletes about staying safe in winter action sports. It raises money and awareness for those who have suffered life-altering injuries, like SCI, paraplegia, and amputations.

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Zeal Optics: ‘Buy a Zeal, Plant a Tree Giveback Program

zeal planting trees

Buy a pair of Zeal snow goggles, lenses, or shades, and the brand will pledge funds to plant a tree. The campaign runs through Dec. 31, and trees will be planted in places impacted by wildfires — the western U.S., western Canada, and Australia.

Looking for ideas on what to gift or buy? Check out the brand’s new Beacon goggles, or sunglasses made from plants

Shop Zeal Optics GlassesShop Zeal Optics Goggles

inov-8 Running Shoes: 5% of Sales Donated to Plant Trees

Inov-8 will now donate 5% of its sales to the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, a charity that plants trees and restores wetlands as part of its carbon reduction projects. Check out all of inov-8’s shoes on sale here.

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Patagonia: Worn Wear Collection Sale & the ‘Buy Less, Demand More’ Campaign

patagonia worn wear gear repair
Patagonia Worn Wear jacket repair; photo credit: E Bissell.

It’s a bit of an odd thing to say during the holidays, but Patagonia is saying it: Don’t shop. With its “Buy Less, Demand More” campaign, Patagonia is asking its customers to buy less or buy used on Black Friday. Buy used, repair what you own, or upcycle your old jacket into something new.

Demand recycled; demand Fair Trade. Basically, shop consciously with your dollar. (If you’re shopping at Patagonia, they give 1% for the Planet.)

If you’re shopping for a special someone, check out Patagonia’s Worn Wear Collection, which sells gently used Patagonia gear at a deep discount. Patagonia also recently added an option to “buy used” on every product on its main retailer site — so it can offer more sustainable shopping alternatives.

Shop Worn Wear SaleSee ‘Buy Less, Demand More’ Campaign

Wild Tribute: 4% of Proceeds From Every Purchase Donated Back to National Parks

Check out Wild Tribute’s National Park Road Trip or Smokey Bear Collection T-shirts. For every purchase made, the brand gives 4% back to national parks. With purchases over $75 during the holidays, you’ll also get a free Smokey Bear ornament.

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Thousand Helmets: Donations Through the Holiday Wish Fulfillment Center

thousand helmets

From Nov. 27 to Dec. 24, Thousand is shifting its focus from saving lives with helmets to helping to make cycling wishes come true. Customers can simply submit a wish for themselves, a family member, or an organization in need, and Thousand will try to fulfill as many wishes as possible.

Wishes include people asking for bike and helmet donations, or asking for the brand to donate to nonprofits like PeopleForBikes. Read on to see what Thousand donated last year.

Learn About Thousand’s Wish Program

Orvis: 10% of Profits Support Trout Unlimited Alaska & Everglades Foundation

bristol-bay-sockeye_fish-eye-guy-1980

Orvis, a decades-long leader in wild habitat protection and restoration, will donate 10% of profits to its partners at Trout Unlimited Alaska and the Everglades Foundation, supporting both organizations’ efforts to protect two vital watersheds: Alaska’s Bristol Bay and Florida’s Everglades.

Shop OrvisSee Impact Report

Hydro Flask Limited-Edition Timberline Collection: Portions of Each Sale Donated to Forest Fire Relief

Hydroflask Timberline Collection

Cozy flannel, a crackling fire, and majestic fir trees are the warm, woodsy memories that inspire the limited-edition Timberline Collection. Choose from two bottle size options — the 21-ounce Standard Mouth and 32-ounce Wide Mouth — available in four seasonally inspired colors: Bonfire, Snowshoe, Woodstove, and Treeline.

Through its Parks for All program, Hydro Flask donates $1 for every Timberline Collection bottle sold through Dec. 31 to support Sustainable Northwest, with the goal of restoring forest health and reducing wildfire risk to Oregon communities.

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Eric Hansen Snow Shoeing in the Mountains Winter Camping

Top Picks: Holiday Gifts Under $50

Whether you're looking for stocking stuffers or the perfect gift for that special someone in your life, check out our guide to the best outdoor gifts for under $50. Read more…

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