The Sustainable Trail Setup: 4 Eco-Friendly Picks for Autumn Miles

The months of simply throwing on a t-shirt have long since gone. It’s now all about moisture management, reliable durability and most importantly, keeping warm.

But enjoying the great outdoors is not just about the fabrics that we wear - sometimes it’s about the footprint left by the people and places that make our clothes.

This month, I took to the trails to road-test a complete autumn setup from four top brands who say that technical excellence doesn’t have to come at a cost to our planet. Here’s how I handled the mud, wind, and miles...

Sherpa Adventure Gear Dumji Jumper (£130)

Mission: Every item bought from Sherpa funds a day of education for a child in Nepal and after recent floods in the country washed away two of their partner schools, supporting them directly helps to rebuild safe classrooms. sherpaadventuregear.com

Test: Inspired by early Mount Everest expeditions, the Dumji has that classic look, but don’t be fooled, as it works very hard. The blend of extra-fine wool and recycled nylon forms a technical masterpiece. In an exposed field during a recent countryside dog walk, the jumper’s heavy knit helped block the sideways wind instantly. Up the steep and slower inclines, I managed to keep warm without overheating.

Verdict: At £130, it’s definitely an investment. But the Nepalese pattern is sharp, the cuffs hold their shape and the jumper is completely scratch-free against the skin, making it perfect for multi-day trips.

Patagonia R1 Air Zip Neck (£130)

Mission: Patagonia pioneered corporate activism. Their self-imposed ‘Earth Tax’ sends one per cent of total sales straight to environmental grassroots campaigns through the non-profit ‘1% for the Planet’ organisation.

Test: This acts as the engine room for fast-paced, high-sweat hikes. It’s incredibly light and uses a recycled fleece with yarns woven into a zigzag texture. The design is great as the channels dump excess body heat while you move, but trap warm air the second you stop. When pushing hard up a steep hill, dropping the deep quarter-zip gives instant cooling.

Verdict: Featuring an athletic, low-bulk fit that layers perfectly under a jacket, flat cuffs that stay out of the way and a secure zipped chest pocket, it earns its £130 price tag for versatility alone. ellis-brigham.com

1000 Mile Fusion Repreve Double Layer Socks (£18.50)

Mission: 1000 Mile cuts down plastic waste by spinning recycled yarn out of intercepted ocean and landfill plastic bottles.

Test: Bad socks can wreck good walks as wet autumn trails often lead to damp boots and inevitable blisters. 1000 Mile fixes this with a double-layer system, with all the rubbing taking place between the fabric layers and not against your skin. Wearing these after 12 miles inside boots, my feet showed no signs of irritation.

Verdict: Exceptional padding across the toes, heel, and achilles provides elite comfort. They are thick, warm, stay locked at mid-calf and show zero wear after tough testing. Essential kit well worth the £18.50. 1000mile.co.uk

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack - Del Día (£200)

Mission: Cotopaxi channels revenue directly into global poverty alleviation grants, with their Del Día line built entirely from high-quality factory remnant fabric.

Test: Built for travel but tough enough for hauling gear around. The harness, padded straps and hip belt distribute heavy loads perfectly and tuck away cleanly to prevent snagging. It opens flat like a suitcase, using mesh dividers that let me keep wet waterproofs entirely separate from dry gear and electronics.

Verdict: The repurposed nylon material is incredibly rugged, taking hits from grit and damp soil without a scratch. At £200, it’s premium luggage pricing but delivers unparalleled character, heavy-duty zips, a padded laptop sleeve, and a brilliant quick-access top pocket. Plus, the bright colours make it so much fun!

The final word...Socially responsible gear is no longer a compromise. While the Patagonia fleece and 1000 Mile socks deliver raw, uncompromising trail performance, the Sherpa sweater and Cotopaxi pack provide the exceptional durability and craftsmanship you want to wear every single day. So if you are updating your kit for the colder months, buy from the brands driving real global change. ellis-brigham.com