Saltwater anglers have a unique investment in the health of our oceans. Freshwater anglers have a similar investment in the health of lakes, rivers and streams. And all of us—boaters and nonboaters alike—have an investment in the health of our planet.
And what’s one common threat to all of the above? Plastic. One particularly nasty offender is single-use plastic bottles. They clog landfills, resisting biodegradation. And they pollute the ocean to the tune of 8 million tons a year, collecting in literal floating islands, sinking to the bottom or, because exposure to sunlight breaks the molecular bonds that hold plastic’s toxic compounds together, breaking into pieces that are ingested by fish and wash up on shorelines.
It’s a growing problem, but one with solutions. One obvious solution is recycling. We can all do our part to make sure that the single-use plastics we bring aboard make it back to the dock and, eventually, the recycling bin. We can also choose to buy products made from these same recycled bottles.
Huk’s new Waypoint line of performance fishing gear is made from Repreve, an environmentally friendly performance fiber. It’s moisture-wicking, water-repellant, features adaptive warming and cooling, and has the stretch an active angler requires. It’s also made from lots and lots of recycled plastic bottles. In fact, on average, each item in the Waypoint collection keeps nine plastic bottles out of waterways and landfills. Compared with using virgin fibers, Repreve decreases petroleum use, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and conserves both water and energy.
For a clothing brand like Huk, it’s a natural fit. Huk gear already reflects a unique understanding of an angler’s needs, with a particular focus on protection from the elements. The partnership with Repreve now allows both the company and the anglers who choose its clothing to also do their part in protecting the very environment they spend so much time enjoying.
The Waypoint collection includes the key pieces an angler (or for that matter, any boater) looks for to offer protection from the sun and stay both dry and comfortable during long days on the water: the Waypoint hoodie, Waypoint long-sleeved shirt, men’s Waypoint shorts, Women’s Waypoint shorts, and Waypoint pants. The ever-popular hoodies and long-sleeved shirts are fabricated for 95 percent recycled polyester, with spandex for stretch, and feature 50-plus UPF sun protection.
Both men’s and women’s shorts and pants likewise feature a majority of recycled polyester, with a small amount of additional material for stretch and comfort. Get wet and they’re quick to dry. Splash a little fish guts and blood, and their stain-resistant finish keeps things neat. Because items such as the Waypoint shorts and pants can fit in off the boat as well, recent additions also include a variety of polo shirts.
The goal of Huk Gear has always been to provide functional, stylish and protective clothing for fishing. The entire Waypoint Collection now allows you to still do all of the above, while adding protection for something else: the planet.
And that’s no fish tale.
