As an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast, I was immediately drawn to Parks Project‘s mission to support US national parks. Over the past couple years, I‘ve purchased multiple products from their collection. In this review, I‘ll share my first-hand experience with Parks Project‘s quality, sizing, conservation efforts and more.
Introduction to Parks Project
For those unfamiliar, Parks Project is an apparel and gear brand that partners with national parks to raise funds for important projects. Whether it‘s building an accessible trail or restoring habitats damaged by wildfires, purchases help complete initiatives often left unfunded by the government.
So far, the brand has raised over $2 million to support 45+ parks organizations nationwide. Impressively, 100% of profits from their hand-poured candles directly aid conservation nonprofits.
After testing several items myself, I‘m convinced this brand walks the walk when it comes to quality, ethics and standing by their mission. Keep reading for a comprehensive review from an actual Parks Project customer.
Reviewing the Apparel: Fit, Feel and Style
I‘ll start by reviewing some of Parks Project‘s apparel which makes up most of their offerings. From graphic tees to fleece jackets, products feature retro park prints and slogans calling to mind nostalgia for America‘s great outdoors.
Butterflies Hoodie and Joggers
One of my favorite purchases is the matching Butterflies hoodie and joggers, created in collaboration with National Geographic. The collection supports Nat Geo‘s butterfly conservation initiatives worldwide.
I ordered both pieces in size medium. The French terry hoodie fits slim through the body with a boxy, vintage look. It feels buttery soft – I end up wearing it multiple times a week!
The joggers have a similar slim silhouette with rolled cuffs that stay in place. I especially like how the blue butterfly graphic runs down just one leg. It‘s a subtle yet playful design detail.
After 6 months of heavy use, both items still feel thick and cozy with vibrant colors intact. For $70 apiece, I‘m pleased with the premium quality.
Recycled Fleece Jackets
When temps dip extra cold during shoulder season hikes, I break out my Parks Project recycled fleece. The polyester Sherpa material and loose fit makes it perfect for layering over my hoodie.
I went with the purple Mount Rainier style which fundraises for protecting trails in that national park. But the multi-colored Shrooms print looks awesome too.
Both retail around $100 and seem durable enough for many seasons of wear. Hand warmer pockets and elastic cuffs help seal in heat.
Graphic Tees and Accessories
Expanding my collection, I also purchased several graphic tees and a corduroy baseball hat supporting Parks‘ Project collaboration with National Geographic.
The sunset orange hat was only $36 and makes a statement with its embroidered mountain peak patch. It‘s made of soft cotton twill that fits great with a back clasp closure.
Meanwhile the Butterflies Specimens long sleeve tee has an ultra soft cotton texture. I love this one for shoulder season hiking trips paired with shorts. The blue butterfly illustrations align perfectly with my joggers for a coordinated outfit!
Between vibrant designs and quality materials that hold up over time, I wholeheartedly recommend Parks Project‘s apparel.
Review of Home and Outdoor Gear
Beyond clothing, Parks Project creates a wide range of lifestyle products to elevate your next outdoor adventure. I‘ve tested out several items that deserve mention in this review:
Alpine Backpack – made of waterproof ripstop fabric with suspension straps, this technical pack easily carries heavy camping loads. Plus a portion benefits trail improvements in Montana‘s parks.
Enamel Mug – colorful enameled steel mug that keeps drinks hot around the campfire, laser etched with an artsy mountain scene.
Deck Blanket – cozy cotton canvas picnic blanket to layout in grassy meadows or on park beaches. Hemmed edges prevent fraying even with heavy use.
Candles – hand-poured soy wax candles scented with hints of pine and sage. Burn time lasts 50+ hours and 100% of profits aid conservation nonprofits.
While premium-priced, these items withstand the elements and enrich time spent appreciating nature. I‘ll continue adding to my collection for future adventures that also benefit our parks.
Evaluating Parks Project‘s Conservation Impact
Helping national parks is woven into this brand‘s DNA. But how much of an impact is Parks Project truly making?
I decided to dig deeper into their financial reports, project partners, and ethical manufacturing initiatives.
Here‘s an overview of what I discovered:
Funding On-the-Ground Park Improvements
Rather than donate cash, Parks Project co-funds targeted projects that create tangible change. This direct involvement brings transparency on exactly how purchases translate to progress.
Recent initiatives brought to life with their help include:
- Building an accessible trail in Sequoia National Park
- Restoring habitats damaged by wildfires in Montana
- Expanding youth education programs teaching conservation
- Improving safety features and maintenance across regional trails
They currently partner with 45+ organizations including national conservancies along with local friends‘ groups. This grassroots approach allows Parks Project to assist both federal lands and state park systems.
Ethical and Sustainable Production
Part of protecting natural spaces means producing merchandise responsibly. Parks Project seems to walk the walk when it comes to monitoring its supply chain.
The brand confirms apparel factories uphold safe working conditions and fair wages. Materials utilized include organic cotton, recycled polyester and responsibly-sourced down insulation.
Moreover, 100% of paper products and shipping materials get sourced sustainably. These initiatives help reduce manufacturing pollution and waste.
Raising Public Awareness
With over 600,000 Instagram followers, Parks Project leverages its platform to spotlight pressing environmental issues.
Recent posts have covered topics like wildlife preservation, sustainable recreation practices and supporting Indigenous groups who steward park lands.
This education and advocacy around conservation helps drive impact beyond direct donations. It inspires the next generation to pursue careers and activism around public lands protections.
Final Verdict: Parks Project Review
In conclusion, I‘m wholly satisfied with this brand after extensively using their products and researching their practices. The quality is top-notch while profiting a cause I‘m passionate about – preserving nature for all to enjoy.
I believe Parks Project is making authentic change through sustainable business principles and transparent partnerships. They creatively raise awareness and invest in the future of our parks through merch people actually want to buy.
While spending $70 on a hoodie or $100 on a backpack won‘t fit every budget, costs feel justified by giving back and promoting responsible production.
For these reasons, Parks Project earns my highest recommendation for like-minded outdoorists. I‘m excited to rep their mission on trails for years to come!
