Here at Advnture, we’ve spent more than our fair share of time extolling the benefits of natural fabrics, such as merino wool and, to a lesser degree, bamboo rayon, in our outdoor gear. Not only are they high performing (think, moisture wicking and breathable) and kind on your skin, but they’re better for the planet, too, even if all manufacturing comes with a cost. However, we’re aware that a lot of your favorite hiking pants and jackets are made using synthetic fabrics, and you may be interested to know more about the unique properties of these materials, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, when next shopping for new gear.
Synthetic fabrics have been around for decades and are widely used in textiles because they’re cheaper than natural fibers, and typically more durable. They’re often lightweight, water-repellent, moisture-wicking and quick-drying, which makes them especially valuable when it comes to outdoor gear that you’re going to battle the elements in, such as base layers and synthetic puffer jackets. However, as you may know, synthetic fabrics are made using fossil fuels, which makes them intrinsically troublesome for the environment and we won’t try to sugar coat that here. With a new focus on sustainability, however, moves are being made to find ways to recycle synthetic fibers, and we’re hopeful that new solutions will be found soon.
