The Denver Post | MINDY SINK 

August 9, 2022 at 6:00 a.m.

Here are a few companies — including some in Colorado — that are making outdoor gear out of some surprising materials.

It used to be that people headed out in the wilderness wearing not much more than cotton and wool. Then, synthetic fabrics replaced some of the classics with promises of being lighter, waterproof, helping the body adapt to changing temperatures and maybe even being more stylish.

These days, companies are looking back to nature as the source material to make the optimum gear for savvy hikers, rock climbers, runners and bikers.

There might be parts of a eucalyptus tree or volcanic mineral or castor …