What’s on your camping packing list? This guide covers all the sustainable camping essentials that you may need on your next trip in the great outdoors.
Every year, it is estimated that over 40 million people embark on camping trips in every corner of the United States. Thanks to the country’s diverse climate, there’s no shortage of destination options.
Although it’s great that so many people are enjoying the outdoors, this also means that there is higher potential for unsustainable camping, which can have a negative impact on the environment. Take campfires for example, which can release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the environment.Other bad camping habits include littering and the use of disposable items, which are not only useful but can end up hurting wildlife, as animals can choke on plastic items or find themselves entangled.
If you’re considering going camping this year, why not do it more sustainably? We’ve compiled some sustainable swaps to add to your next camping packing list.
Sustainable Camping Packing List: The Essentials
Before you embark on your camping trip, it is vital that you remember to pack the essentials. Here are some essential camping items that you will need for your camping trip, including some sustainable options:
- Tent: There are many different tents on the market. Besides looking for sustainable fabrics, another way to stay eco-friendly is to invest in a good-quality tent that you can use for a long period.
- Steel tent pegs and a mallet: Be sure to clean and dry your tent pegs and mallet after use to make sure they last longer and don’t rust.
- Sleeping bags and pillows: Opt for a good-quality sleeping bag, ideally made from recycled or organic materials.
- First aid kit: While not particularly sustainable, a first aid kit is of vital importance.
- Map: In case you lose signal or your navigation device fails, it’s always good to have a backup.
- Waterproof matches: These are another safety essential you should always have on hand.
- Suitable clothing and footwear: Many activewear brands use fabric that contains microplastics, so be sure to opt for sustainable activewear and for your camping trip, especially if you plan to rinse clothing in rivers, streams or lakes.
- Vegan provisions: Pack plenty of vegan hiking snacks, or go all-out with fancy vegetarian camping meals.
- Reusable dishes, cutlery and cooking supplies: Ditch the disposable products and bring your own plate and eating utensils with you. Stainless steel products are long-lasting and can hold both hot and cold food. You could also bring along wooden spatulas or bamboo tongs.
- Eco-friendlier camping stove: Choose a liquid fuel camping stove, which utilizes a reusable fuel bottle instead of single-use canisters.
- Biodegradable dish soap and natural sponge: Biodegradable dish soap is often made from plant-based ingredients and doesn’t contain chemicals that could pollute the surrounding environment. A sponge made from natural materials will help you avoid shedding microplastics.
- Toiletries: Wooden toothbrushes, DIY dry shampoo, natural bar soap and homemade deodorant are all good sustainable options for your toiletry bag.
- Flashlight: A flashlight powered through solar or kinetic movement is a good choice. This is a more sustainable alternative that constantly circulating batteries.
- Solar or rechargeable lights: Solar lights are always a good option for your tent. For a headlamp, look for an eco-friendly option with a rechargeable battery, or you could even get a headlamp made from wood and recycled aluminum.
- Camping chairs: If you’ll be camping for a long period, a lightweight folding chair can help give your muscles a much-needed rest.
Additional Items to Consider When Camping
While it is important to pack the essentials, there are also some other optional items that you may want to consider for your trip.
- Sunscreen: There are plenty of mineral or eco-friendly sunscreens on offer that don’t contain chemicals that harm you or the planet. It is important to wear sunscreen whenever the sun is out, even if the weather is cool. Learn more about how to choose UV protection.
- Vegan marshmallows: Vegan marshmallows are the perfect option if you want to make sustainable s’mores.
- Sleeping bag liners: Eco-friendly sleeping bag liners are a great addition to add to your camping packing list, as they provide extra comfort and warmth while you rest. Sleeping bag liners made from organic cotton are always a good choice.
- Board games: Board games are a great way to keep kids entertained. Chess is a good option, as the boards and pieces are often made from natural materials, like wood. Jenga and wood puzzles are other good options.
- Spare clothes: It is important to bring some spare clothes in case yours get wet or damaged.
- Compass: A compass is a good idea to carry, and is essential for any kind of deep woods or backpacking trek.
- Solar power banks: If you want to use electronic devices on your trip, a solar power bank is an eco-friendly way to power your devices.
- Books: Leave the e-readers and tablets behind and enjoy the outdoors with your favorite book.
Incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly items into your trip is not only good for the planet but good for you, too. Reducing the amount of waste you put into the environment is vital for wildlife to thrive and helps to keep pollution levels down.
If this is your first camping trip, you may want to consider how you can maximize your fun while camping and still stay organized. Happy camping!
Read more:
- Urban Camping for Beginners: Where, How and Best Spots
- 11 Tips for an Amazing Backyard Camping Experience
- Wild Camping: A Beginner’s Guide to Free Camping in the US
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