A responsible outdoor brand creating stylish, sustainable and durable goods
United By Blue creates clothing and accessories for those living an outdoor lifestyle. Their products are highly functional and made from only the best quality materials. They also manage to make wearers of their gear not look like they are about to embark upon an epic mountaineering mission! Their stuff is super stylish, seamlessly bridging the gap between high performance and everyday wear for outdoorsy folk.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Why we really love about this American brand goes way deeper than aesthetics and function…
Behind the brand: What we love about United By Blue
In 2010 United By Blue was born. Just another outdoor brand trying to make their mark in an already overcrowded market? No, sir. From the outset it was clear that UBB was something much more than that. They had a vision beyond churning out cheaply made clothing and gear. They wanted to make a difference.
We believe that products designed for enjoying the outdoors should also be kind to the outdoors
Driven by the belief that “every living creature is united by the blue of our world’s oceans and waterways”, UBB take their responsibility to protect our blue planet very seriously. And you only need to take a quick read of their company mission to understand the depth of this commitment.
For every product that UBB sell, they remove one pound of trash from the oceans and waterways. And they don’t just pass this onto someone else to deal with. UBB organise these cleanups themselves.
They are also working darn hard to create products that reflect the work they are doing out in the field. More and more of their products are made from old plastic water bottles that are converted into soft, long-lasting recycled polyester. Many of their less technical products are made from organic cotton, which is grown without the use of pesticides, keeping chemicals out of the waterways and oceans. And more recently they have started creating clothing that is insulated with bison down that is repurposed from unused and discarded materials from the ranching industry.
For every product sold, United By Blue removes one pound of trash from our world’s oceans and waterways.
How to get involved
We also love how active UBB are in creating opportunities for us all to get involved in their mission to clean up our world.
Here’s a few ways to do your bit too:
- Sign up to one of their regular clean ups.
- Create your own clean up to coordinate with UBB’s annual Blue Friday.
- Order a clean up kit and just get out there on your own litter picking mission!
Our favourite United By Blue products in 2019
As well as super stylish clothing and footwear, UBB also produce bags, camp tools and accessories, and household items like candles and books. They sell a few items from other excellent outdoor brands like Primus and Helinox. Plus, they collaborate with brands like Danner and Barebones to create some pretty unique products.
Some of our faves:
Men’s Bison Sport Jacket
A waterproof insulated winter jacket for everyday wear and active adventures alike
| Features: | Insulated, waterproof, moisture wicking, temperature regulating, and antimicrobial |
| Sustainability: | Filled with sustainably sourced bison fiber and recycled polyester (BisonShield Fill) |
Women’s Bison Puffer Vest
A lightweight insulated vest for those in between times
| Features: | Insulated, waterproof, moisture wicking, temperature regulating, and antimicrobial |
| Sustainability: | Filled with sustainably sourced bison fiber and recycled polyester (BisonShield Fill) |
UBB x Barebones Cooler Backpack
A zip up, easy-carry cooler made in collaboration with Barebones
| Features: | 20 can (12 oz) capacity, removable liner, bottle opener zipper pull |
| Sustainability: | 100% recycled polyester shell |
The Ultimate Bison Sock
Mega warm and super soft American made socks
| Features: | Naturally antimicrobial, moisture wicking and temperature regulating |
| Sustainability: | Made from bison down and merino wool |
UBB x Danner Light Bison Boot
Waterproof boots with a Gore-tex membrane. Tough enough for hiking, stylish enough for everyday wear
| Features: | Waterproof, breathable, shock absorbing Vibram Kletterlift outsole |
| Sustainability: | Handmade in small batches using the ranching industry’s often discarded materials to minimise waste |
SOLE x United By Blue Jasper Wool Eco Chukka
The world’s most eco-friendly shoe for the everyday adventurer
| Features: | Lightweight, breathable, temperature regulating, antimicrobial, packable |
| Sustainability: | Made from recycled cork, bison fiber, merino wool, rice rubber, algae foam, and bamboo |
Birdseye Pom Beanie
A cosy and stylish hat for all around winter wear
| Features: | Classic fit with ribbed knit cuff and pom accent |
| Sustainability: | Made from 100% recycled polyester |
25L Rift Pack
A practical and durable everyday backpack with some super fun design options
| Features: | Has DWR (durable water resistant) finish, internal laptop sleeve and plenty of pockets |
| Sustainability: | Made from 100% recycled polyester (REPREVE) |
Bison Quilted Blanket
A durable and cosy quilt: idea for car camping and van life
| Features: | 50” x 70”, tough ripstop nylon shell, temperature regulating |
| Sustainability: | Filled with sustainably sourced bison fiber and recycled polyester |
UBB also run a reward system. Sign up to it and each purchase you make — as well as removing a pound of trash — will earn you points for future discounts. Win, blooming win!
As you may have noticed, we’re in love with pretty much everything about this brand! If they’re new to you then spread their eco-friendly word. Let’s keep pushing for responsible consumerism and hope that more brave brands start to follow suit.
