Hilltop Packs Launches Community-Focused Upcycling Project in Greene County, PA
Waynesburg, PA – In a continued effort to support sustainability and serve its local roots, Hilltop Packs has launched an innovative new project centered around upcycling and community impact right here in Greene County, Pennsylvania they are calling "Good Humans Regear - by Hilltop Packs."
The mission? To rescue durable, high-quality fabrics from the waste stream and give them a second life—transforming them into useful, rugged outdoor gear.
Turning Trash Into Trail-Ready Treasures
Hilltop Packs has begun sourcing used fabrics from a variety of outdoor and industrial sources, including retired billboard fabrics, outdoor marketing banners, and even high strength packaging materials. These fabrics often have a short shelf life due to the limited window of time they are expected to be used, despite remaining structurally sound.
Rather than letting them end up in landfills, Hilltop Packs tests these materials for durability and strength—putting them up against the same rigorous standards used for their high-end gear. If they pass the test, they earn a new purpose: as backpacks, stuff sacks, dry bags, pouches, and other adventure-ready items.
“At the heart of this project is a desire to minimize waste and create something meaningful from what would otherwise be thrown away,” says Ben McMillen, founder of Hilltop Packs. “We're not just reducing our environmental footprint—we’re inviting our community to be part of that change too.”
Rooted in Community
Initially, these upcycled products will be sold locally throughout Greene County, allowing residents to be the first to experience the uniqueness of every piece. Long-term, Hilltop Packs plans to expand the program by partnering with select outdoor retailers and sustainability-focused shops across the region and beyond.
A Second Life for Coffee Bags Too
Hilltop Packs also operates a specialty coffee roastery Called Hilltop Packs Coffee Roastery, and even there, the upcycling mission continues. Raw coffee beans arrive in large, ultra-strong, woven bags—bags that are typically discarded after use. Now, these rugged sacks are being repurposed into backpacks and accessories, merging two of Hilltop Packs’ passions: gear and great coffee.
“This isn’t just a business decision—it’s a mindset. A lifestyle change. And it’s one more way we’re trying to be Good Humans,” McMillen adds, referencing the company’s growing “Good Humans” line centered around mindful manufacturing and earth-friendly practices.
About Hilltop Packs
Hilltop Packs is a family-owned company based in Waynesburg, PA that specializes in ultralight backpacking gear, custom outdoor products, and locally roasted coffee. With a focus on craftsmanship, community, and conservation, Hilltop Packs continues to innovate ways to explore the outdoors more sustainably.
To learn more about this project or to get involved, visit www.hilltoppacks.com or stop by their Waynesburg location.
The images below are from an ultralight backpack made using upcycled fabric from bags that once held 65lbs of raw unroasted coffee beans.
Cool beans