Punxsutawney Phil has spoken—and according to him, we’re in for six more weeks of winter. With his shadow spotted and cold forecasts stretching ahead, it feels like we’re officially living in a Groundhog Day loop: chilly mornings, bundled-up errands, snowy walks, repeat. While the idea of hibernation grows more tempting by the day, most of us still have places to go, trails to walk, and winter days to show up for—again and again.
That’s why reliable winter clothing matters. For this week’s 5 Faves, we’re highlighting outdoor brands that prioritize durability, thoughtful materials, and responsible production. These are pieces built to handle the long haul of winter—designed to layer well, wear often, and stay in rotation long after Phil’s prediction fades. Because if we’re doing winter on repeat, we might as well do it well.
1. OutsideIn
OutsideIn designs clothing with longevity and purpose in mind. Based in Belfast, the brand focuses on durable pieces made for active, often outdoor lifestyles, prioritizing function and fit over fast-moving trends. Their design process is customer-led rather than trend-led, with fabrics and construction chosen based on real-world use and feedback.
Behind the scenes, OutsideIn works with factory partners that meet recognized ethical standards, including SMETA audits that assess labor practices, health and safety, and environmental performance. The brand is also thoughtful about reducing fashion waste, giving damaged, deadstock, and sample items a second life through local thrift pop-ups rather than sending them to landfill. Through its Wear One, Share One model, every purchase also helps provide essential clothing to someone experiencing homelessness, making each piece part of a larger cycle of use, care, and community support.
2. Fjällräven
Fjällräven approaches sustainability with the same long-term thinking that defines its outdoor gear. The brand publishes a Sustainability Summary outlining its environmental and social commitments, with particular focus on material choice. Fabrics are evaluated for durability, performance, chemical composition, and environmental impact using a continually updated Preferred Materials and Fibres List informed by ongoing research. Wherever possible, Fjällräven prioritizes organic, renewable, recycled, and traceable natural materials, with durability seen as a core sustainability principle.
The company also maintains clear standards across its supply chain through a public Code of Conduct based on the Fair Labor Association’s Workplace Code, covering human rights, environmental protection, animal welfare, and anti-corruption. Fjällräven eliminated fluorocarbons from its products in 2012 and continues to refine its Chemical Guideline in collaboration with the Swedish Chemicals Group. Beyond production, the brand takes responsibility for the full lifecycle of its products through repair services, a limited lifetime warranty, resale, and take-back programs, reinforcing a culture of care, use, and reuse.
3. PAKA Apparel
Founded in Peru, PAKA creates natural, all-purpose outdoor clothing by innovating with alpaca fiber and other low-impact materials that are healthier for people and the planet. The brand prioritizes traceable alpaca fiber, supporting traditional farming practices while helping protect local biodiversity and rural livelihoods. Its product line includes sweaters, base layers, thermal socks, and accessories designed for active, outdoor lifestyles.
PAKA’s impact extends beyond materials. The company donates 1 percent of all sales through its partnership with Peruvian Hearts to support university scholarships for young women in Peru and works with the International Alpaca Association to advance regenerative farming practices and farmer livelihoods. Through partnerships with local nonprofits, PAKA supports the employment of Peruvian women at wages well above local living standards. A Certified B Corporation, the brand publishes an annual Impact Report and operates the PAKA Foundation, focused on preserving cultural traditions, improving alpaca health, strengthening community well-being, and expanding access to education. Nearly all of its fibers are natural, organic, or recycled, supported by biodegradable packaging and carbon-neutral shipping.
4. Tellus Outdoor
Tellus Outdoor creates sustainable outdoor apparel and gear using 100% recycled and organic materials, with a business model designed to give back from the start. Through its GiveBack100 pledge, the brand donates 100% of net profits to conservation and environmental initiatives, operating as a social enterprise where impact is built directly into its infrastructure.
The company works with responsible suppliers, including bluesign®-certified mills, to ensure fabrics are produced with safer chemical management and reduced energy use. Its products are designed for longevity, reuse, and recyclability, and are shipped in mailers made from 100% recycled, ocean-bound plastic. Alongside its environmental commitments, Tellus Outdoor prioritizes ethical manufacturing and strong labor standards throughout its supply chain.
5. Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi is a more widely recognized brand, but any conversation about sustainable cold-weather gear would feel incomplete without it. Sustainability is central to its product design, with 100% of Cotopaxi products now containing materials that are repurposed, recycled, or responsibly certified by third parties.
They use lower-impact materials to reduce chemicals, water use, and wastewater in its supply chain, and incorporates renewable energy and water-reduction initiatives across its manufacturing processes. Cotopaxi also reuses textile offcuts from other companies, diverting excess materials from landfills.
Looking ahead, Cotopaxi has launched a Sustainable Product and Materials Roadmap that outlines goals for material innovation, packaging standards, and circularity over the next decade. The brand partners with factories that follow rigorous labor and human rights standards aligned with the UN Global Compact, and it publicly shares its progress through annual impact reporting and science-based climate targets.
These brands prove that staying warm doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense. Thoughtfully made, durable, and designed for real outdoor life, their gear keeps you comfortable while supporting people, animals, and the environment. With every layer and every piece, winter adventures can feel good in more ways than one.