Sunglasses: N 8.1 \\ Ultramarine by Westward Leaning, $210 || Knife: Nontron NA #38 Camp Knife by Best Made Company, $150 || Hat: Canvas Longill Cap by Patagonia, $35 || Rucksack: Critical Mass Pack 22L by Patagonia, $129 || Compass: MC-2G Mil Scale Compass by Suunto, $75 CAD || Shirt: Double Layered Check Shirt by Knowledge Cotton Apparel, $115 || Case: Waxed Canvas Travel Zip-Case by Best Made Company, $82 || Book: US Army Field Manuals (Set of Three) by US Army, $22 || Safe: Match Safe by Best Made Company, $9 || Undershirt: Hemp Henley Layer by Groceries, $40 || Cup: Seamless & Steadfast Enamel Steel Cups (Set of Two) by Best Made Company, $32 || Trousers: Harem Pants Army by Arbor, $80

As our first Conscious Gift Guide has been creating quite a buzz, I thought it necessary to capitalise on this and continue with our gift guide series through the blog. I've just finished my Christmas shopping for the women to whom I wish to give gifts, but I am still battling with other gifts to give the men (although I also want to gift everything on my and Em's Gifts for Him section in the Magazine). This is mainly because I tend to gift shop based on personalities, and right now I'm shopping for those who love the Great Outdoors. 

When it comes to the great outdoors, I always get product-envy as the sustainable outdoors companies are mainly male-dominated. To indulge a bit, I've gone through a few of these brands to curate a list of gifts that I would love to give (and most I'd love to get) to the special outdoorsy men in my life. These are all ethical brands from some of my absolute favourite brands, such as Arbor, Best Made Company and Patagonia who specialise particularly in ethical and sustainable outdoor activity products .  Hopefully, this list inspires you as much as it has inspired me...(my bank account and my accountant are going to cut me off soon)

Check out our Giveaway in our Christmas Magazine. Competition Closes 15th December

So there is a certain fiance of mine who is obsessed with cycling. Rain, Shine AND Snow he rides to and from work everyday, which makes him the inspiration behind this post. Whilst looking for a Christmas present for him two Christmases ago, I stumbled across Veleco, which I bookmarked and forgot all about, until now. 

 

VELECO is the world’s first Fair Trade and eco-friendly cycle-wear company, priding themselves in using natural, organic and recycled materials wherever possible and in the way they take care of their employees. This is a key aspect of why we are excited about Veleco. Not only do they pay their workers double the minimum wage, but they also pay a 15% Fair Trade premium on every garment made, which supports health and welfare projects for their workers and their families in Pakistan. They even use Triodos Bank--I actually just received something from Triodos last week--which is an ethical bank that only lends money to people and organisations who are engaged in social enterprises (post coming soon on Triodos). [You can read more about Veleco HERE]

This eco-friendly cycling jacket is made from softshell 100% recycled polyester, with microfibre outer and tricot mesh lining. Making it lightweight, windproof, water resistant and highly breathable. With subtle reflective detailing which doesn't compromise the jacket's style. A great commuter cycle jacket.

Eco Softshell Recycled Cycling Jacket - £75.00

It's getting a bit chilly outside, and my friends in Italia are already pushing me over the edge with their taunts of how great the weather. So, I thought I would use them as my inspiration and feature an Italian ethical brand. And not only that, I thought it was about time we did something on menswear. To be honest, I was spoiled for choice, but decided to go with something I personally love on a guy--a tie. Well I like the suit that goes along with the tie too, but I was thinking of starting small, especially for mi amici Italiani, who are more into fashion that I could ever dream of being. Maybe something might grab your attention. 

Now, the brand I decided to look at is CAMPECHE, which focuses on scarves, stoles and ties made with vegetal dyed yarn, dermatologically tested and GOTS certified (Global Organic Textile Standard). The style inspiration was taken from the ever so amazing Nick Wooster, who is notorious for his textured skinny ties, and amazing suits and jackets to match. These add character to an outfit, without looking as though one has tried too hard. Not to mention they're ethical (you'll at least feel a bit self-righteous once you've explained to your friends that your tie is one of those little things that will help save the world one day...well why not?).