What is Alpkit?
Alpkit is all about friendship, adventure, and a bit of frustration with how pricey top-end gear can be. This innovative UK brand is the only direct-to-consumer performance company catering to those who run, hike, climb, camp, swim, and bike. Starting online back in 2004, Alpkit has grown into a thriving business with over 200 staff and a presence that spans from Bristol and Kingston-upon-Thames in the south to Inverness in the north, boasting 10 stores opened in the last six years. It’s a brand that’s truly built on passion for the outdoors and making quality gear accessible.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
Alpkit isn’t just about selling gear; it’s about making a difference. Here are some standout facts that show why this brand is more than just another name in sustainable outdoor clothing and equipment:
- 30% of their products are Made In Britain, crafted right on the edge of the Peak District.
- They’ve donated 5 tonnes of outdoor gear through the Continuum Project to support grassroots initiatives.
- Last year alone, over 2,850 products from all brands were repaired by Alpkit’s team.
- They’re the first UK outdoor brand to publish a comprehensive sustainability report.
- Alpkit has sold to 69 countries in the past 12 months, showing their international reach.
- They’ve won multiple awards, including Sustainability Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 and TGO Magazine Online Retailer of the Year eight times in nine years.
- Their Big Shakeout festival, now in its 10th year, brings together around 1,000 outdoor enthusiasts.
- Since 2015, 40% of profits have been given to the Alpkit Foundation, helping 40,000 people and 2,000 grassroots projects get outside.
Alpkit’s Commitment to Sustainability
Being sustainable isn’t just a buzzword for Alpkit — it’s baked into everything they do. From recycling gear to repairing products and supporting grassroots projects, sustainability is at the heart of their mission. They’ve even made a point of being carbon neutral and a living wage foundation employer. Plus, as a Certified B Corp, Alpkit proves that business can be a force for good without compromising on quality or performance.
Community and Culture
Alpkit’s culture is deeply rooted in enthusiasm for the outdoors and a genuine connection with their customers. The brand is co-founder led and proudly independent, with over 4,000 customer and staff shareholders thanks to two successful crowdfunding rounds. Their tagline, “Go Nice Places Do Good Things,” isn’t just catchy — it sums up their belief that elitism and expense should never block anyone from enjoying the outdoors. They’re all about inclusivity and sharing the love of adventure.
Innovation and Local Craftsmanship
Innovation meets tradition at Alpkit, where 30% of products are made in Britain, right near the Peak District. This local manufacturing approach not only supports British craftsmanship but also reduces environmental impact. Their hands-on approach to making and repairing gear means customers get durable, high-quality products designed to last. It’s a refreshing take in an industry often dominated by mass production and overseas factories.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Encouraging outdoor activity for healthier lifestyles.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Living wage employer and supporting local jobs.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Recycling, repairing, and sustainable manufacturing.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Carbon neutral operations and sustainability reporting.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Supporting grassroots projects that promote outdoor access and conservation.
Giving Back Through the Alpkit Foundation
The Alpkit Foundation is an independent charity that channels 10% of profits and 1% of all sales into direct action grassroots projects. Since 2015, it has helped 40,000 people and supported 2,000 projects aimed at getting more folks outside. This commitment to giving back is a core part of Alpkit’s identity, proving that business success and social responsibility can go hand in hand. It’s not just about selling gear — it’s about making the outdoors accessible to everyone.
What Alpkit actually does
Alpkit is a Nottingham outdoor gear brand founded in 2004 by four friends, Col, Nick, Jim and Kenny, selling direct-to-consumer online to cut the markup of traditional retail. It runs the Alpkit Foundation, funded by 1% of sales, to support grassroots outdoor-access projects.
Where the impact shows up
- Grassroots outdoor access: the Alpkit Foundation has funded projects including Duke of Edinburgh’s Award groups, Scouts and Cadet units, and individual challenge fundraisers.
- Repair and reuse: a down wash and reproof repair service, plus the Continuum project for rehoming used gear.
Proof, not just claims
Alpkit has also completed 12,657 repairs through its down wash and reproof service, and rehomed 20 tonnes of gear through its Continuum project.
Why this belongs on a sustainability directory
Alpkit supports SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) through its repair service and gear-rehoming program, and SDG 13 (climate action) through a measured 46% cut in direct carbon emissions, backed by 1% of sales funding grassroots outdoor-access projects nationwide.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Alpkit based, and how does it sell?
Alpkit is based in Nottingham, UK, founded in 2004. It sells outdoor gear direct-to-consumer online, avoiding traditional retail markup.
Which SDGs does Alpkit support, and how?
SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production): a repair service with over 12,657 repairs completed and a gear-rehoming program. SDG 13 (climate action): a 46% cut in direct carbon emissions, with 1% of sales funding the Alpkit Foundation’s grassroots outdoor-access projects.
How is Alpkit verified as a sustainability project?
Alpkit is a Certified B Corporation, achieving a B Impact score of 122.6 in 2024.
Looking for similar ethical fashion projects?
See Ethical fashion projects on Keys for Tomorrow.
