October 6, 2023 | Posted by misfitwanders | Adventures, Hiking, Lifestyles, Nature, Traveling, Trekking
Camping, for me, means eco-friendly camping gear is essential. Camping is more than just an outdoor activity; it’s a way to connect with nature’s beauty and tranquility. After taking on numerous adventures, I’ve realized the importance of treading lightly and minimizing our impact on the environment. This made me think that eco-friendly camping gear is the way to go. It not only enhances my outdoor experience but also aligns with my passion for sustainability. Here, I’ll introduce you to some of the eco-conscious gear I’ve discovered on my journey, each with its unique benefits.
Table of Contents
One of the most magical aspects of camping is the night sky. But when the stars are hidden, a reliable light source is essential. Solar-powered lanterns for an eco-friendly camping gear, like the LuminAID PackLite, have become my go-to choice. These compact lanterns soak up the sun’s energy during the day and provide hours of illumination at night. I remember a camping trip to Big Sur, California, where these lanterns not only lit up our campsite but also saved us from fumbling in the dark as we prepared a late-night feast.
Besides that, the battery life is pretty good, lasting up to 50 hours on low power! On top of that, it’s built to handle all kinds of weather since it’s waterproof, shatterproof and dustproof. It recharges in 12-14 hours of sun and there’s the MAX version that has an outlet for charging your phone. Being lightweight and collapsible makes it easy to store in your hiking backpack or with your camping gear. This eco-friendly camping gear is helpful to have when you plan on camping and it’s also great for hiking trips!
In today’s world, staying connected, even while camping, is often a necessity. That’s where portable solar chargers like the Anker PowerPort Solar come in. This foldable device effortlessly harnesses the sun’s energy to power your gadgets. During my hubby and my road trip through the states, this little wonder kept my camera and phone charged. With this eco-friendly camping gear, I could keep my devices charged. This gave me the chance to capture the awe-inspiring landscapes and stay in touch with fellow travelers.
Maintaining personal hygiene while camping is vital, but it doesn’t have to harm the environment. Get biodegradable camping soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap. This eco-friendly camping gear is a game-changer. This soap is not only eco-friendly but it’s also versatile. It can be used for everything from body wash to dishwashing, reducing the need for multiple products. On a backpacking trip in northern Sweden, which is best for the northern lights, I appreciated the convenience of this soap. Since I knew that it wouldn’t harm the pristine streams that I washed in.
Since I’m originally from the states, I used this pretty frequently when I lived in northern cali. You can get this soap in a variety of scents or even have it unscented. This product was used on the outdoor adventures that I had and even at my home. I highly recommend it!
Camping cuisine doesn’t mean you have to compromise on sustainability. Reusable silicone food bags, like Stasher Bags, have replaced single-use plastic bags in my camping kitchen. These eco-friendly camping gear essentials are airtight, durable bags. They keep food fresh and are easy to clean. Besides that, they can stand up and are leak resistant. It’s good to know that they don’t have lead, latex, BPA, or BPS in it. If you like color, there are bundles of bags in different colors. During a camping trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, these bags proved their worth by keeping our snacks dry during an unexpected rainstorm.
Cooking over an open flame is a must-do camping experience. But traditional nonstick cookware can be harmful to the environment. That’s why I’ve switched to eco-friendly camping gear like the MSR Ceramic Solo Pot. This pot features a nonstick ceramic coating that’s free from harmful chemicals like PFOA and PTFE. I used it to prepare everything from morning oatmeal to evening stews on a camping excursion in Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park. At this time, my hubby and I were traveling in our van with our dog and two cats. Since we had the van, it made it a bit easier to carry this along with other great eco-friendly camping gear items.
Disposable plastic utensils are not only wasteful but also detrimental to the environment. So, try out Bamboo camping utensil sets, such as To-Go Ware. These give you a sustainable alternative. These lightweight, reusable sets include a fork, knife, spoon, and chopsticks, perfect for eco-conscious campers. Plus, you can get it with a holder that was made out of recycled plastics. Besides that, it has a carabiner, and the utensils are heat and stain resistant. On a hiking trip through Abisko National Park in Sweden, I appreciated the convenience of these utensils. I was able to enjoy meals without guilt.
Let’s face it; camping can get messy. Biodegradable wet wipes, like Surviveware Biodegradable Wet Wipes, are a guilt-free way to stay clean in the wild. Made from eco-friendly materials, these wipes break down naturally, minimizing their environmental impact. During a camping excursion to Yosemite National Park, these wipes were a lifesaver for quick clean-ups and refreshing after long hikes. This eco-friendly camping gear is great for wiping kids’ faces, for adults and even for pets!
Staying comfortable in changing weather conditions is crucial while camping. Choosing sustainable outdoor clothing brands like Patagonia, prAna, and Fjällräven ensures that your apparel is made with eco-conscious materials and ethical practices. I’ve trekked through Norway’s fjords and wandered there, all while wearing sustainable outdoor gear that not only performs well but also reflects my commitment to a greener planet.
Responsible camping means leaving no trace of your presence. A Leave-No-Trace kit is essential. Use eco friendly camping gear. For instance, it can include biodegradable toilet paper, a small shovel, and waste disposal bags. It’s vital to minimize your environmental footprint. During a backpacking journey in Arizona’s Grand Canyon, these tools helped me work on Leave-No-Trace principles. I had the chance to respect the fragile desert ecosystem with this practice.
Camping often means dealing with pesky insects. With that in mind, traditional bug sprays contain harmful chemicals like DEET. Opting for eco-friendly camping gear such as Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent provides effective protection without the environmental drawbacks. It works for up to 6 hours and I enjoy the scent. Besides that, it’s not greasy even though it’s an oil of lemon eucalyptus. On a camping trip in Peru’s lush rainforests, this repellent gave me the opportunity to enjoy the jungle’s wonders without harming its delicate ecosystem.
Incorporating these eco-friendly camping gear items into your outdoor adventures not only enhances your experience but also contributes to preserving the natural world that we cherish. Since I’m a nature lover and support sustainable living, I’ve found that these products align perfectly with my values. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsy person or new to camping, taking on eco-friendly camping gear is a step toward a more responsible and rewarding outdoor journey. So, start today by getting your sustainable gear. Remember to leave nothing but footprints and let nature’s wonders inspire your eco-friendly camping adventures.
Remember, exploring the great outdoors can be a transformative experience, and doing so responsibly ensures that future generations can enjoy the same pristine beauty that we cherish today. So, gear up, venture out, and let the magic of nature unfold before you while leaving a minimal ecological footprint.
You can find some eco-friendly camping gear items at my Shop. They’re great for traveling and some are especially useful when camping. I even have some articles to help broaden your knowledge of great gear!
I may get a commission on many of the items that I recommend. But this doesn’t change the price for you!