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What is Coalatree?
Coalatree is a US based outdoor apparel brand. They prioritise functional and versatile gear which can be utilised across wild and urban settings alike. Coalatree prides itself, as per its slogan, on providing ‘eco-minded goods’.
Previously, we, at Eco-Stylist, found that this slogan ran true; in 2021 Coalatree received a silver accreditation as a result of their sustainability efforts. However, our recent 2026 review illuminated that these efforts have not been sufficiently sustained. This unfortunately means that Coalatree no longer meets our various transparency, accountability and action-based criteria. As a result we no longer feel that this brand is congruent with the standards required for an Eco-Stylist certification.
This disappointing result illuminates how vital it is for sustainability to be viewed as a constant process. It is impossible for any brand’s sustainability efforts to be complete, and failure to sustain high standards of sustainable work is accompanied by a falling sustainability score.
We reached out to the brand several times to share its new score, offered help for free, and did not receive a response. As a result, we are revoking certification.
Coalatree has recently been acquired by the company Backcountry – a factor potentially impacting their responsiveness and transparency. As we have not yet reviewed the sustainability of Backcountry, the future sustainability trajectory of Coalatree under their ownership is uncertain and will be reevaluated in the future.
How sustainable is Coalatree in 2026? Updated full ethical and environmental rating
Coalatree’s new score is 33/100.
This score does not meet the minimum standard we require for accreditation. As this rating is a cumulative score across multiple criteria, it paints a more complex picture than a uniform failure from Coalatree. Some continued efforts in the area of sustainable production can still be commended. However, the brand’s score was disproportionately brought down by inadequacy in the areas of transparency and fair labour.
The full breakdown of their score is as follows:
Transparency: 0/14
Fair Labor: 4/33
Sustainably Made: 28/49
DEI: 1/4
Our Principles: 0
There is some evidence of sustainable production through efforts to cut energy and water usage, as well as engaging in a “closed loop” process of recycling CO2 vapours. However, under the broader criteria, failures in other areas mean that these efforts are not enough. To sustain accreditation, stronger and more comprehensive accountability and transparency is required.
Is Coalatree transparent?
Coalatree scored 0/14 for transparency.
Coalatree is not transparent. This score is derived from the company’s failure to provide any supply chain information. Whilst a generalised statement is provided that they ‘strive to develop lasting relationships with ethical and eco-friendly factories’, no evidence is provided of this. Without specific information such as factory names, locations and audits, we are unable to provide a score above 0.
Is Coalatree ethical?
Coalatree scored 4/33 for Fair Labor.
Coalatree highlights on their website their initiative to give back to community programs. However, they fall short in other, important areas. Namely, they provide no evidence of paying living wages or benefits to clothing makers. As a result of this, their overall score for Fair Labor remains disappointingly low.
This does not automatically prove the existence of poor labour conditions. However, without the provision of evidence for tackling labour issues and sustaining good practice, they receive a low score.
Is Coalatree sustainable?
Coalatree scored 28/49 for sustainably made.
Coalatree’s greatest strength is its sustainable production. Their factories use multiple methods to work towards zero emissions and reduced waste. This includes: specialist dye methods for reducing water and energy waste; using a “closed-loop” to reuse CO2 vapours; the use of more sustainable fabrics and raw materials in garments; and using recycled materials for tags and packaging. They also hold bluesign accreditation – a signal of their commitment to responsible production.
There is still room for improvement. Coalatree does not disclose GHG emissions and total water usage measurements, for instance. However, sustainable production remains the company’s strongest asset.
DEI Rating
Coalatree scored 1/4 for diversity, equity and inclusion.
Their point is gained through their shared efforts to encourage an inclusive workplace and prevent discrimination.
However, these efforts remain highly limited in supporting diversity and inclusion at the leadership level. There is no evidence of POC making up a reasonable percentage of management. And, again, Coalatree falls short in providing transparent figures in this area.
How does Coalatree conform to our 3 principles?
Our 3 principles are:
- Is the brand fast fashion?
- Does the brand inspire us?
- Do we trust the brand?
Coalatree does not fail any of our principles. However, if the brand continues to underperform in the area of transparency then it is likely that our trust in the brand will dwindle.
Overall sustainability rating
Coalatree’s overall score is 33/100.
Whilst there is evidence of some sustainable practice, the marked absence of specific evidence regarding their labour and supply chain practices restricts their ability to gain a higher score. We would recommend the brand work on it’s transparency and fair labor practices.
Currently, our standards of accountability are not being met. We have reached out and offered our support in helping them reverse this position through better practice but have not received a response. Consequently, we can no longer in good faith present them with a Silver rating. If appropriate changes are made this is hopefully a temporary position. But, for now, it is a disappointing decision we must take.
Is Coalatree vegan?
Coalatree does not use animal sourced products in their clothing so could therefore qualify as a vegan-friendly brand. However, they do not market themselves as specifically a vegan brand and therefore this could change.
Why trust our ratings?
At Eco-Stylist, we take an evidence-based approach to evaluating brands. We look across a range of sustainability and transparency criteria. This means we can look beyond sweeping statements or empty promises to address the material reality of brand sustainability.
Coalatree are far from fast fashion; indeed, in some areas they are doing positive work. However, when assessed across our full range of criteria, they now fall short.
We do not want to punish brands such as Coalatree whose sustainability efforts still far exceed fast fashion brands. However, our mission is to provide complete brand transparency for consumers to make informed choices. As such, we could not in ernest continue to certify them.
This said, we will continue to assess Coalatree’s actions and will reinstate their certification when the evidence satisfies our criteria.
Ethical Alternatives to Coalatree
If you want to shop functional, versatile and sustainable outdoor gear, here are some better Eco-Stylist approved alternatives:
1. Patagonia
Patagonia is a pioneer in sustainable outdoor gear, however, they also provide the multi-functional casual garments which are prioritised by Coalatree.
They are an industry leader in both sustainable production, community initiatives and reinvesting their profits back into the planet. In contrast to Coalatree, Patagonia’s recent action report also highlights their commitment to transparency.
2. Tentree
Slightly more on the casual-side, but still bringing a versatile outdoors vibe, Tentree evidences nature-oriented production. They use sustainable and natural materials in their garments and provide a better demonstration of their production methods.
3. Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi provides fun, colourful and versatile clothing which can be worn from the mountains to city cafes. Like Coalatree, the brand holds a commitment to using better materials such as deadstock fabrics.
However, their sustainable focus is more holistic; it also includes detailed outlines of how they are committed to tackling labour issues and wider poverty. Moreover, they are highly transparent, providing an annual progress report since 2015.
More Sustainable Alternatives to Coalatree
A commitment to versatile, outdoor-focused clothing offered by Coalatree is foundational to many of the brands certified by Eco-Stylist. This means that you have plenty of alternative places to shop for your favorite, sustainable garments.
To explore more great sustainable brands, check out our full brand guide.
Using our guide, you won’t have to sacrifice transparency and accountability for your favorite styles of outdoor adventure apparel.
Rhona is studying a Master’s degree in Global Development and Environment at the University of Bristol. She also works in sustainable retail and, in her downtime, enjoys reading, thrifting and yoga.
