Photos courtesy of respective companies
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the January 2026 print edition of Greenhouse Management under the headline “Best of 2025 Green Gear.”
Last year, we embarked on a monthly exploration of the best gear for hardworking greenhouse pros. From boots and gloves to Wi-Fi hotspots and weather stations, we picked the tools, tech and technical clothing that makes every day in the greenhouse easier and more comfortable. As we prepare for another year in gear, here are 2025’s top picks.
The Perkins (Comp Toe) 6” Waterproof Durable Work Boot
The Perkins has a lot to offer horticultural workers. For one thing, the full-grain, waterproof leather upper means that watering won’t lead to soggy, uncomfortable feet. Also, Brunt says the upper is “barnyard resistant,” which it claims helps The Perkins boot to “resist the damaging effects of oleic acid, urea, sodium chloride and ammonium hydroxide.” Other benefits include electrical hazard qualities to offer secondary protection for accidental contact with live wires and an oil- and slip-resistant Brunt rubber sole. There’s also a hard toe (to keep toes safe from dropped pots) built from a composite material that will not conduct heat or cold into the interior of the shoe.
Tactical ColdWork Original in Coyote
As winter winds down, it will remain necessary to keep hands warm while also keeping them safe as production heats up. Storied workwear brand Mechanix has a new glove to keep the cold at bay without losing grip or nimbleness to other bulky workwear options. The new Tactical ColdWork Original features water resistance, 60-gram 3M Thinsulate Eco Insulation and a reinforced thumb-saddle. It also features touchscreen-capable synthetic leather so that workers can still navigate tech while keeping warm. User reviews call out the durability even in exposure to ice, snow and water, with one user reporting, “The gloves allow for remarkable dexterity while providing some protection from the cold.”
Lumbar Pack with Suspension
Hold the world on your back with this handy lumbar pack. Hunters have utilized these versatile bags for years as an efficient way to stay mobile and well-prepared in the field. Growers, too, need the right tool for a laundry list of potential challenges, carrying pounds of equipment across facilities all day long. Let this versatile bag handle some of the heft with a modular system for customization, tear-resistant polytricot PVC material, water-resistant Denier Cordura fabric and a suspension system that keeps weight distributed evenly over the wearer’s hips. Shoulder straps range from sizes small to large, with the waist belt ranging from 27 inches to 34-plus inches.
Lightweight NYCO Hooded Long Sleeve
North Carolina-made premium workwear brand 1620 released new gear perfect for spring temps that swing between hot and cold or that transition from warm greenhouse to parked car. The lightweight NYCO hooded long sleeve isn’t constructed from a standard fabric blend. NYCO is shorthand for Codura-brand nylon fabric that offers durability with a cotton feel, according to 1620. The fabric offers UPF 50-plus sun protection and a wicking finish. The brand also claims that the fabric dries two-and-a-half times faster than cotton, making it a perfect selection for wet greenhouse work. Structurally, the hoodie features a fit that is roomier in the chest and shoulders and keeps skin covered while working, whether tucked or untucked. Stealth pockets round out a feature set to keep cold hands away from the breeze. It’s workwear that offers protection from sun and chills over the turbulent spring months.
Arborwear Cedar Flex Jacket
Made with a durable cedar flex stretch twill, this coat offers a dynamic range of motion with a warm, sherpa-lined interior. Adjustable cuffs on the sleeves and a removable hood make the jacket customizable for your comfort, and with plentiful pockets, you’ll have the extra storage you need to stay prepared for anything.
Chill-Its 6602 PVA Evaporative Cooling Towel
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy famously suggested that one should never leave home without a towel. The Chill-Its 6602 Evaporative Cooling Towel is a prime example of a towel you’ll not want to leave home without. Constructed with PVA cooling fabric, this 13-inch by 25-inch towel works through evaporative cooling, much like the way sweat cools the body. After soaking the towel in cool water, the wearer wrings out the excess water from the material and swings it in the air to start the evaporative process. When placed around the neck, the evaporation continues to draw heat from the body, keeping the towel cool and the wearer comfortable. The fabric is bulk-free and lightweight. It is also machine-washable, which is a plus after a day of sweaty work with growing media. The 6602 version is also available for bulk orders so you can keep your entire crew comfy in the summer heat.
Solis Lite Hotspot
If staying connected is difficult, enter the Solis Lite Hotspot. This simple palm-sized orange puck pulls down 4G LTE by using AI to scan your area for the strongest, nearest, most-viable network to connect to. And because it’s not tied to a specific network and uses digital SIM technology, users have flexibility to travel where they please without carrier contracts. The Solis Lite allows users to share Wi-Fi with up to 10 devices, including tablets, laptops and phones, and boasts a 16-hour battery life, giving you plenty of time to catch up on emails or browse supplier websites. The Solis Lite operates on a subscription plan specific to the coverage area you’d like to use it in. The North American coverage plan extends from Canada to Mexico and Puerto Rico, but the company also provides a global coverage plan and one specific to the United Sates. Regardless of which plan you choose, the Solis Lite provides 1 gig of data per month for free and 24/7 customer service.
Explore the January 2026 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.
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