The Best Eco-Friendly Outdoor Gear You'll Need to Hike And Camp Sustainably
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The Best Sustainable Camping & Hiking Gear
Exploring the great outdoors is one of the most sustainable things we can do. Unfortunately, in today’s world, it can be easier than not to harm the natural environment. However, if you’re planning a hiking or camping trip, certain things can be considered to explore more sustainably. One of the most important things we can do is to be mindful of what we bring with us into nature. In this article, we’ll cover the best eco-friendly outdoor gear so you can enjoy your next hiking or camping adventure more sustainably.
Why Does Eco-Friendly Outdoor Gear Matter?
Many of the things we use in our everyday life aren’t great for the environment, but it’s especially important to be mindful of what we use and do when spending time outdoors. Popular places to hike and camp are typically protected, natural areas that aren’t used to human interference like cities are. As such, diverse habitats can become endangered when we bring plastic, pollutants, and other unnatural substances.
Whether hiking on a trail or camping in the woods, it’s crucial to pack eco-friendly items that won’t negatively impact the natural surroundings. That may look like not bringing plastic items when possible, choosing biodegradable toiletries, and properly disposing of our trash.
One source of plastic pollution that we commonly forget about is our clothes and fabrics. Traditional outdoor gear is usually made with plastic and synthetic materials that break down while using them. Choosing items made from natural materials with as few synthetic or plastic materials as possible can help combat this.
Where to Find Sustainable Hiking and Camping Gear:
If you’re looking for sustainable outdoor gear, look for items made from natural and recycled materials. Numerous sustainable brands produce items like compostable cutlery, plastic-free coolers, and eco-friendly activewear.
Another great option is to buy used instead of new. In general, the most sustainable item is the one you already own or one that someone else has already owned. Sporting goods stores, and some prominent sustainable brands, sell or rent camping gear essentials. This is a great way to avoid supporting new consumption and instead reusing what’s already been made.
Some awesome places to find sustainable and used outdoor gear are:
That being said, many used items may still be made from plastic or synthetic materials. So finding an eco-friendly version from a sustainable brand is best if you need something traditionally made from unsustainable materials, like plastic coolers.
Below, you’ll find the top eco-friendly outdoor gear essentials to help you hike or camp as sustainably as possible.
Our Top Picks for Eco-Friendly Outdoor Gear:
1) Sustainable Hiking Boots
Suggested Pick: The Weekend Boot from Thesus Outdoors
Price: $198
If you’re looking for the perfect hiking boot to wear both on the trails and with any outfit, then look no further. The Weekend Boot is a stylish, vegan, water-proof boot. It comes in a variety of fun and evergreen colors and is designed for the outdoors.
Each boot is made from 95% recycled and natural materials with anti-slip soles and temperature-controlled lining.
Thesus Outdoors handmakes their products in their family factory in Portugal. Everything is vegan and made almost entirely from recycled materials. They even provide a handy chart that breaks down what material was used for each part of the boot.
2) Solar Lantern
Suggested Pick: Luci Outdoor 2.0 from MPowered
Price: $24.95
What could be better for a backpacking trip than a lightweight, inflatable light that is also sustainable? Luci Outdoor 2.0 is a portable, solar-powered lantern perfect for your next trip.
Cost-effective and long-lasting, this lantern makes it easy to get power sustainably while off the grid. It recharges naturally in just 7 hours of light and each charge lasts 24 hours.
The lantern is easy to carry thanks to an adjustable base and top strap, plus, it’s inflatable so you can pack it effortlessly. It’s also waterproof with four different light settings.
MPowered is a B Corp that provides sustainable, accessible power to as many people globally as they can.
3) Recycled Cooler
Suggested Pick: Hielo from Cotopaxi
Price: $105-$150
If you don’t have a cooler and you’re looking for a more sustainable option, Cotopaxi has two great designs for the outdoors. You can choose between the Hielo 12L Cooler Bag or 24L Cooler Backpack. Both options are waterproof, easy to carry, lightweight, and made from recycled fabric.
The cooler bag has an easy-to-close roll top and side carrying strap.
Both coolers use repurposed foam to insulate the cooler and even have an external water bottle holder, so you can drink your cool beverages on the go.
What makes this collection (and company) unique is that every item is a colorful, one-of-a-kind design from the makers themselves. Cotopaxi is a B Corp and they donate 1% of their proceeds to alleviate poverty in disadvantaged regions.
4) Sustainable Cookware
Suggested Pick: Camping Cookware from GSI Outdoors
Price: Varies
When heading on a weekend camping trip, packing a sustainable cooking set is essential. This will help you cut down on your plastic consumption and cook without harming the natural environment. GSI Outdoors is your one-stop shop for all sustainable camping cookware.
They offer a variety of cookware sets and items including frying pans, pots, and tea kettles.
They even have cooking sets for one. Thanks to their rust-free finish and durable design, GSI cookware is designed for use over campfires or outdoor stoves. Most cookware is BPA, phthalate, and plastic-free and made from stainless steel.
GSI Outdoors was founded by nature lovers for nature lovers. They design gear as efficiently and sustainably as possible, meant to last lifetimes and be passed down between generations.
5) Eco-Friendly Running Shoes
Suggested Pick: Trail Runners from Allbirds
Price: $140
For hiking, running, or everyday wear in nature, look no further than Allbirds Trail Runners. Available for all in a selection of colors, these sustainable sneakers are perfect for the great outdoors.
Their shoes are durable with a tear-proof mudguard as well as water resistant. They are made from FSC-certified TENCEL™ Lyocell and ZQ Merino Wool.
Allbirds is a Certified B Corp that makes their products from ethically and sustainably sourced natural materials. While Allbirds specializes in shoes, they also have a line of sustainable activewear, underwear, and accessories.
6) Reusable Water Bottle
Suggested Pick: Bottle PureVis from LARQ
Price: $109
There are few water bottles as handy as this one for a weekend outdoors. Dubbed “the world’s first self-cleaning water bottle,” PureVis sustainable water bottle filters your water after filling. This makes it an ideal choice for even the most remote backpacking destinations.
You can leave plastic water bottles and containers at home when you have a portable filtration system built in.
LARQ offers different insulation, weight, and size options. You can get an insulated bottle for 24 hours of cold water or a non-insulated bottle, which is more lightweight. You can also choose between the 500 ml or 740 ml water bottle.
LARQ is part of 1% for the Planet. They donate a portion of their proceeds to organizations providing clean water worldwide.
7) Fuel-Efficient Camping Stove
Suggested Pick: CampStove 2+ from BioLite
Price: $149.95
If you’re planning on cooking meals outside, a fuel-efficient, eco-friendly camping stove is a great investment.
The Campstove 2+ is an awesome choice.
This wood-burning, portable stove converts fire into electricity. You can even charge your phone while cooking dinner comfortably, thanks to its “smokeless flames” technology.
This smart, sustainable stove comes with foldable aluminum legs which make it easy to pack and set up. All you need to start your fire is the kindling and sticks surrounding you.
BioLite produces a variety of energy-efficient products including outdoor grills, headlamps, and battery packs. They aim to provide clean energy to 20 million people world.
8) Sustainable Apparel & Activewear
Suggested Pick: Happy Earth and Prana
When it comes to choosing eco-friendly outdoor activewear and apparel, try to look for items made from natural materials.
Choose clothes made from plastic-free materials like organic cotton, bamboo, or other plant-based fibers.
Two brands producing sustainable apparel from natural materials are Happy Earth and Prana.
Happy Earth is a social enterprise and B Corp that gives back to the environment for each product purchased. Here you’ll find uni-sex basics, leggings, loungewear, hats, and sweatshirts.
At Prana, you’ll find uni-sex sustainable outdoor gear like hiking pants, waterproof jackets, and swimwear. Prana uses natural & recycled materials, gives back to various environmental projects, and is Fair-Trade Certified.
Not finding what you’re looking for from the brands above? Thankfully, there are numerous places to find eco-friendly sportswear. United by Blue and Patagonia are wonderful brands to check out for a larger variety of sustainable outdoor apparel.
9) Sustainable Sleeping Bag
Suggested Pick: Noches Sleeping Bag from Cotopaxi
Price: $84
Another awesome outdoor gear essential from Cotopaxi is their sustainable sleeping bag.
Designed for camping in 45F and above temperatures, the Noches Sleeping bag is made from 100% repurposed fabric. It has a wrap-around zipper and comes with an internal pocket to stash your valuables while sleeping.
Each one-of-a-kind bag is insulated entirely with recycled polyester. Weighing in at three pounds, this lightweight, roll-up sleeping bag is easy to transport.
10) Eco-Friendly Blanket
Suggested Pick: Puffy Blankets from Rumpl
Price: $69- $199
You may be looking for a warm outdoor blanket if you’re planning on spending a weekend camping. Rumpl’s Puffy Blankets are waterproof and designed for year-round use. Each blanket is insulated with recycled polyester and made from 16-100 plastic water bottles, depending on the size.
They have three different sizes: Junior, 1-person, and 2-person.
The 1-person blanket has a “cape clip” so you can wear your blanket hands-free. Each blanket comes in very unique designs including retro prints and fun colors.
Rumpl is a member of 1% for the Planet and they give back to environmental non-profits. They also produce a line of quick-drying travel towels to take with you on your outdoor adventures.
11) Low-Impact Tent
Suggested Pick: Sustainable Tents from Vaude
Price: $300-1700
It can be tricky to find a tent made entirely from eco-friendly materials, but Vaude's sustainable tents are a great start. They sell a variety of lightweight, different-sized tents to suit your needs. This includes trekking, backpacking, mountain, family, car, and camping tents.
Some tents are PVC-free, while others are PFC-free.
Most of their tents are made primarily from organic cotton or recycled materials with eco-friendly dye. Each tent lists how it's sustainable to help you make the best choice for you. They also offer various waterproof tent footprints made from recycled materials.
Vaude offsets their emissions so that their products are climate neutral. Vaude is a part of the Fair Wear Foundation, which works to improve working conditions and wages for garment workers.
12) Compostable Cutlery
Suggested Pick: Disposable Wooden Cutlery Set from WoodU
Price: $17.99
If taking your normal silverware camping isn’t an option, this compostable cutlery set from WoodU is the next best thing.
It comes with 100 forks, 50 knives, and 50 spoons, all made from birch wood. Each wooden utensil is entirely compostable and biodegradable. They are chemical-free and non-toxic.
While the cutlery is disposable, you can wash and reuse them. The set is packaged in an easy-to-carry compostable container.
WoodU is a family-run company that aims to eliminate single-use, plastic cutlery. They also sell compostable wooden plates, tasting spoons, and coffee stirrers, if you need anything else for your trip.
About the Author
Alicia Briggs is a writer & editor specializing in slow travel & sustainable living. She has been a full-time traveler since 2018 and runs her own blog, Learning the Local Way, where she covers responsible travel tips and guides.
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