12. What's the Deal with Natural Fibers in the Outdoor Industry? with John Gage

In episode 12 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we discuss the use, or lack thereof, of natural fibers in the outdoor industry.

What is the deal with natural fibers in the outdoor industry? 

Why don’t we use them more if they’re more sustainable? 

Why are they more expensive and harder to design? 

Are synthetics really that bad for the environment? 

Are certain natural fibers more eco-friendly than others?

So many questions!

To help me answer some of these questions and more, I’d like to introduce John Gage.

John Gage is the co-founder of Appalachian Gear Company, a brand that pioneered performance fabrics made from 100% alpaca fiber geared toward outdoor adventure activities. John has spent his career in textile manufacturing and is also a lifelong outdoor enthusiast. Appalachian Gear Company was founded with a simple goal in mind: to create a performance product line using natural fibers that gives customers an eco-friendly alternative to polyester and nylon while bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S.

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APPALACHIAN GEAR COMPANY: https://appalachiangearcompany.com/

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APPGEAR BLOG: https://appalachiangearcompany.com/blogs/appgear-insider