A range of sustainable clothing and equipment from Utah.
This review is part of our New Brands Gear Guide.
By Chris Townsend
Coalatree is a Utah-based outdoor company whose products are just becoming available in the UK. They use Kickstarter for funding and say they are “committed to using renewable energy sources, recycled materials, organic growing methods, and also supporting initiatives around the world that improve and support farmers”. Where possible, Coalatree uses organic, recycled, and Bluesign certified materials. The company owns a farm in Colorado where it plans to restore diversity and donate organic food to charities. Coalatree is also working directly with farmers in India and says: “Our seed initiative is built to help feed those less fortunate world-wide. We work hand in hand with farmers to empower communities in need with fresh food and produce.”
Coalatree makes a range of clothing plus some accessory bags and several hammocks. I particularly like the look of the nylon ripstop Trailhead Adventure Pants which come in both Slim Fit and Relaxed Fit, something I wish more companies would do. For this summer, Coalatree are launching Trailhead Adventure Shorts. Other interesting products are the traditional-looking Veranda Wool Flannel Shirt, the Mountain Trail Beanie made from antimicrobial moisture-wicking fabric, and the foldaway 22-litre ultralight Nomad Packable Backpack.
In the USA, Coalatree have also had great success with the Kachula Adventure Blanket which has a nylon base and cotton flannel upper, plus a hood so it can be used as an emergency poncho. I can see the latter being good for car camping and picnics. I don’t think it’s going to end up in any backpacks though. For hot weather and less serious outdoor wear there’s the Original Bottle Tee shirt made from recycled plastic bottles. The colours of the T-shirts come from the colours of the recycled plastic. Coalatree says each one saves 18 litres of water by eliminating textile dyeing.
coalatree.com