Climb Green

The one thing I’ve certainly become more attentive of over the past few years is what I wear when climbing … and increasingly more aware of the impact-trail that item has placed on the planet on its journey into my wardrobe.

Back in my student days it was all about wearing the cheapest oldest clothes possible (not sure if this was actually due to my student status or more just due to the laid-back carefree mind-set of my fellow South African climbers). Gradually this transformed from “I don’t care how scruffy I look” to wanting to look (and feel) a bit more presentable, so that at least I could go to the supermarket after climbing without drawing disdainful looks :)

This change came about due to a number of factors … first of which was me taking my climbing more seriously and regarding myself as an athlete rather than a bum climber.  It’s hard to feel like an athlete if you’re dressed like you just scrounged through the sale bin at the local charity store (not that I condemn buying from charity stores mind you! I think they make a whole heap of sense and some of my best and favourite items are from one).  But I think you get my point :)

Another reason is simply from experiencing the difference between wearing an item designed for activity versus any old clothing.  Although I think a lot of outdoor clothing is over-jargoned with high-tech-ness than is actually necessary (or beneficial), there is definitely some value in having the right thing for the job. 

And finally simply because there are awesome options out there nowadays! Active wear clothing has become the latest trend, and even the most slothful never-had-a-splash-of-mud-on-my-shoes individual struts around fully kitted out in Adidas, Nike and The North Face gear.

On the green side of side of things, my awareness of this has been building up gradually over the years, and my readiness to do something about it even more so. We’ve all seen video footage on, or at the least have heard or read about, child-labour factories and the exploitation of the land – but how feasible is it to avoid buying clothing that is marred by these things?  Where can I get it and at what sacrifice on cost, quality, design and comfort? As much as I wanted to be planet-friendly, I wasn’t aware of any brands out there providing me an enticing alternative.




That is until I discovered 3rd ROCK. They are an ethical company focused on protecting the environment while still producing high quality climbing clothing (and general active wear) from high quality materials. Their motto of “Our Planet, Our Playground” says it all really … let’s have some fun, but no need to destroy our planet in the process!
  
They only use organic cotton for their clothing - which means the cotton is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or toxic pesticides and is GM free, all of which is better for the soil, for the animals, for the workers, for the air (less greenhouse gases), and for the end user (no allergenic, carcinogenic or toxic chemical residues on the fabric).

Organic cotton field

They also use up-cycled fabrics wherever possible - up-cycling represents a truly cyclical, balanced process of creating a product of higher quality or value than the original. They’re even ethical down to the inks and trims, using water-based phthalates-free printing inks and recycled fibres. And they strive to keep their carbon footprint to a minimum by sourcing their fabrics locally, and using local factories which they have personally visited and can vouch for their humane working conditions as well as the quality of work produced.

They also donate 1 euro from every item sold under their “earth” collection to the Environmental Justice Foundation, which is a worthy and admirable contribution coming from a small starting-out company.

You can read more about their principles on their website.

I know what you thinking … this all sounds great, but surely with all this “goodness” there must be some loss of quality or comfort in the final product? With 3rd ROCK my experience has been quite the opposite. The clothing is super comfortable, with well-fitting fashionable cuts, and the quality is commendable. 

I got my set of kit from them just after Christmas … the Saturn sports bra top, Eden trousers, and the Alexis hoodie and I’m loving the look and feel, to the point that I plan my laundry days to try and ensure I always have my 3rd ROCK kit for my climbing sessions at the wall :)

Climbing in my 3rd ROCK hoodie and trousers

The hoodie top has an innovative cut that is designed for arm movement – basically the cut reduces the top riding up and exposing your midriff to the cold when you’re swinging around on the wall.  It fits snuggly but doesn’t inhibit movement, and it’s warm.

Climbing in my 3rd ROCK hoodie and trousers

The trousers are incredibly comfortable, with deep hand pockets and a side slip pocket for little things. They have an integrated thick elasticated waist band that is stylishly done and feels really comfy, with a draw cord which prevents the trousers from riding down at the back when you’re in a flexed position.  I love the cut - they’re fitting and stretchy, allowing movement whilst looking good and not being too baggy. They are quite thick which means they should handle wear and tear well, but I wouldn’t recommend them for warmer climates (3rd ROCK is looking at producing a lighter range at some point in the future).

And finally the sports bra top, with which I cannot find a flaw.  It’s comfortable, slightly padded, sits well through all ranges of movement, and has a flattering design.

These are just the clothes that I’ve tried out, check out their website to see their full range, which includes leggings, t-shirts, shorts, chalk bags and more. 

Cost is of course a factor for most, and here I think it’s important to consider the whole package when looking at the price … not just the end product, but everything from start to finish: farms, workers, factories, transportation, chemicals, ethics, the air we breathe and the land we so heavily rely on. Ask yourself, what do you want to support and how you will feel wearing that product?

A lot of the well-known brands of clothing that we buy keep their costs down at the expense of scruples, with some of them we know this for a fact, and for others it may be to a greater or lesser extent, but invariably we don’t fully know what shortcuts they’ve taken along the way, and who or what that may have affected.  3rd ROCK is a company which is not willing to sacrifice on their morals, and they feel this heavily with their profits, but despite this they still offer their garments at comparable prices with other climbing and outdoor brands.   

All in all, I really think this company is on to something good … they’re producing high quality garments that do the job AND look stylish, while also doing their part in protecting our planet. 

Perhaps you will find, as I have, that this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to do YOUR part! 

… “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Gandhi