Reduce, Repair, Reuse, Repurpose, and then RECYCLE!

At Good Wolf Gear, we take pride in being “Nature’s Best Friend” and championing Reduce, Repair, Reuse, and Repurpose. We offer durable products from trusted brands like Osprey and Gregory, both of which provide lifetime warranties - helping to reduce the need for frequent replacements of cheap gear that wears out or breaks. We also carry products from Gear Aid and Nikwax to help you repair, clean, and maintain your gear, maximizing its lifespan.

Reuse is at the heart of what we do. Our consignment model keeps great gear in service, and our rental program helps our neighbors get outside with quality gear, but without the need to buy.

Be creative about repurposing gear. My old sleeping bag that has lost some loft now lives in the trunk of my daughter's car as part of her winter emergency kit. I gave an old external frame backpack for a fellow naturalist to use to carry 5 gallons of water to water native plant seedlings at a Fairfax County invasive management area.

When all else fails, RECYCLE. We're proud to offer products made from recycled materials, such as the Nemo Chipper, a foam seat made from 100% reclaimed foam, and we actively participate in Smartwool’s annual sock recycling program. Eventually, even the best gear will wear out. When that time comes, we’re here to help you find the right organizations and resources to recycle your well-loved items.

Fairfax County offers a variety of recycling services at the I-66 Transfer Station, including household hazardous waste (like fuel canisters - even if they’re not empty), metals (such as tent poles and stakes), and electronics (like headlamps and batteries). It's less than 20 minutes from the store, and most services are free for county residents, but hours vary depending on the day, so be sure to check their website before you go.

Helpsy, a certified B-Corp, offers local drop-off bins at locations including the I-66 Transfer Station, Fair Oaks Mall, and Sterling, all of which are less than 20 minutes from the store. They accept items like tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, clothing, and shoes. Their mission is to keep clothing out of the trash, and 95% of what they collect is reused or recycled.

In addition, Potomac River Running in Reston Town Center recycles running shoes, and Terracycle offers interesting mail-in recycling programs.

Here's a summary of where you can recycle your worn-out gear: