The outdoor industry faces a uncomfortable paradox: people who love nature often rely on gear that harms it. Waterproof coatings, synthetic fabrics, and disposable products all carry environmental costs. For environmentally conscious consumers, this creates a genuine dilemma—how do you stay dry while minimising your impact on the planet you're trying to enjoy?
The good news is that sustainable options are improving rapidly. This guide explores the environmental issues in rain gear, identifies more sustainable alternatives, and provides practical strategies for reducing your impact without sacrificing performance.
The Environmental Cost of Traditional Rain Gear
Understanding the problems helps you make informed choices about solutions.
PFCs and PFAS: The Waterproofing Problem
For decades, the most effective waterproof treatments relied on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals." These substances provide excellent water repellency but present serious concerns:
- Persist in the environment virtually indefinitely
- Accumulate in water systems and wildlife
- Found in human blood samples worldwide
- Linked to various health concerns in research studies
Many brands have moved away from long-chain PFCs, but alternatives vary in their environmental profiles. "PFC-free" has become a marketing term, but the alternatives aren't always significantly better.
Be sceptical of vague environmental claims. "Eco-friendly," "green," and "sustainable" aren't regulated terms. Look for specific certifications and detailed information about materials and manufacturing processes.
Synthetic Fabrics and Microplastics
Most rain gear uses nylon or polyester—both petroleum-derived synthetics. These materials:
- Require fossil fuel extraction and processing
- Shed microplastics during washing
- Don't biodegrade in landfills
- Require significant energy to manufacture
The Disposable Culture Problem
Cheap, disposable ponchos represent the worst of fast fashion applied to outdoor gear:
- Single-use plastics designed for immediate disposal
- Manufacturing resources wasted on throwaway items
- Often end up as litter at events and on trails
- Create demand for continuous production
More Sustainable Material Options
The industry is developing better alternatives, though perfect solutions remain elusive.
Recycled Synthetics
Many brands now offer rain gear made from recycled materials:
- Recycled polyester from plastic bottles
- Recycled nylon from fishing nets and carpet waste
- Recycled content in membrane and coating layers
Benefits: Diverts waste from landfills, reduces virgin material demand, similar performance to virgin materials.
Limitations: Still sheds microplastics, recycling process uses energy, eventual disposal remains problematic.
Bio-Based and Natural Materials
Some manufacturers explore plant-based alternatives:
- Waxed cotton (traditional, very durable, repairable)
- Natural rubber coatings
- Plant-based membrane technologies (emerging)
- Hemp and organic cotton blends
Benefits: Reduced petroleum dependence, potentially biodegradable, often repairable.
Limitations: Generally heavier, may require more care, performance sometimes compromised, land use concerns for crops.
Traditional waxed cotton ponchos and jackets, like those from Barbour or Australian oilskin manufacturers, represent proven sustainable technology. They're fully repairable, rewaxable for decades, and eventually biodegrade. They're heavier than synthetics but offer genuine sustainability.
PFC-Free Water Repellents
New DWR treatments avoid PFAS chemicals:
- Silicone-based treatments
- Wax-based treatments
- Plant-derived hydrophobic coatings
These alternatives generally perform well but may require more frequent reapplication than traditional fluorochemical treatments.
Choosing Sustainable Brands
Some outdoor brands have made sustainability a core mission. Look for:
Transparent Supply Chains
- Published information about manufacturing locations
- Details about material sourcing
- Third-party audits of labour practices
Certifications That Matter
- Bluesign: Certifies responsible use of resources and chemicals
- Fair Trade: Ensures ethical labour practices
- B Corp: Holistic assessment of social and environmental impact
- Climate Neutral: Carbon footprint offset programs
- OEKO-TEX: Tests for harmful substances in textiles
Repair and Take-Back Programs
Truly sustainable brands support long product life:
- Offer repair services for damaged items
- Provide spare parts for DIY repairs
- Run take-back programs for recycling
- Sell used gear programs
The most sustainable rain gear is the piece you already own, properly maintained and used for years. Before buying new, ask whether repair, rewaterproofing, or simply better care could extend your current gear's life.
Practical Sustainability Strategies
Beyond product choice, behaviour matters enormously.
Buy Quality, Buy Once
The single most impactful choice is avoiding repeat purchases:
- Invest in quality that lasts 5-10+ years
- Choose timeless styles over trends
- Match durability to actual use—don't buy ultralight if you'll be bushbashing
- Research before buying to avoid disappointed returns
Maintain What You Have
Proper care dramatically extends gear life:
- Wash according to manufacturer instructions
- Reapply DWR treatments regularly
- Store properly (dry, loosely hung or folded)
- Address small repairs before they become major
See our poncho care guide for detailed maintenance instructions.
Repair Before Replace
Many gear problems are fixable:
- Small tears patch easily with repair tape
- Seam leaks can be resealed
- Worn DWR is refreshable, not a reason to replace
- Professional repair services exist for major damage
Buy Second-Hand
Pre-owned gear extends product life without new manufacturing:
- Outdoor gear marketplaces and Facebook groups
- Op shops occasionally have quality items
- Brand-operated used gear programs
- Gear swaps within outdoor clubs
Avoid Disposables
Just say no to single-use rain gear:
- Carry a reusable poncho instead of buying disposables at events
- Keep emergency gear in your car rather than relying on cheap purchases
- Accept that quality costs more upfront but less over time
The Microplastics Challenge
Even the best synthetic gear sheds microplastics when washed. Minimise impact:
- Wash less frequently—spot clean when possible
- Use a microfibre-catching wash bag
- Install a washing machine filter
- Choose front-loading machines (gentler, less shedding)
- Wash on delicate cycles with cold water
The Future of Sustainable Rain Gear
The industry continues evolving:
- Research into truly biodegradable synthetics
- Improved plant-based waterproofing technologies
- Circular economy models gaining traction
- Growing consumer demand driving change
While no perfect solution exists yet, conscious consumers can make meaningful differences through thoughtful choices. The outdoor community's love of nature creates powerful motivation for the industry to find better solutions—and our purchasing decisions signal what matters to us.
Learn about extending your gear's life in our Poncho Care and Maintenance Guide, or understand material options in our Beginner's Guide to Rain Gear.