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17-25 October 2026

Natural Trekking Project

Plastic-free trekking equipment and apparel

Hosted by Tom Bonamici

This project is now archived and was part of DDW26

Event type

Exhibition

Oiled Silk Tarp
Oiled Silk Tarp
Adam Newport-Berra
Nearly all trekking clothing and gear are made entirely out of petrochemicals. This project is an exploration of the compromises needed to make a plastic-free trekking kit, using wool, silk, cotton, linen, and natural oils.

Materials

I used a wide range of petrochemical-free materials, including leather, bamboo, sheep and musk ox wool, natural latex, cotton, linen, silk, linseed oil, and pine tar. I included metals in the collection as they are quite necessary for functionality, and do not release microplastics. I used cotton or silk thread throughout, leading to weak seams and reduced durability - most thread is entirely polyester or nylon.

Techniques

I made nearly everything myself in my studio in Oregon, USA, including the oiled silk fabric. The musk ox wool sweater and hat were custom-commissioned, as were the merino wool socks. And the shoes were bought directly from Feit. I made the collection in the winter and spring, and tested it throughout the summer in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.

Next Steps

I plan to continue working with oiled silk, testing various fabric constructions, oiling methods, base oils, and seam constructions. I'll also try to develop a more comfortable sleeping pad, as this one is rotten. I'm curious especially to explore mycelium foam structures.

In camp
In camp
Adam Newport-Berra
Hiking naturally
Hiking naturally
Adam Newport-Berra
Hiking naturally
Hiking naturally
Adam Newport-Berra

About Tom Bonamici

Tom Bonamici is an assistant professor at the University of Oregon in Portland, teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses in Product Design and Sports Product Design. His research explores lightweight materials and assemblies for backcountry gear and apparel, with particular interest in the advantages of lightweight equipment and clothing for human performance and environmental responsibility.

Colofon

Designer and maker Tom Bonamici

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