20 Best Eco-Friendly Camping Gear & Hiking Essentials - The Mindful Traveller (2024)

Are you planning your next adventure and looking to reduce your environmental impact? Here are the best eco-friendly camping gear and hiking essentials to fully enjoy the outdoors whilst lowering your carbon footprint.

Camping is an incredible way to immerse yourself in nature, disconnect from your busy life and enjoy fantastic experiences. Unfortunately, camping (if not done correctly) can also be harmful to the place you are visiting. This is why it is essential to consider adopting green practices and packing eco-friendly equipment.

By choosing sustainable camping gear, you will help protect the environment and encourage responsible manufacturing methods within the outdoor industry.

And to support you on your journey, we have selected the best durable items for your holiday. But remember to also do your part and check the company website, product labels and details on sustainability features and certifications.

So, are you ready? Let’s discover together the top 20 eco-responsible camping gear you need to add to your packing list. You will also find sustainable camping tips at the end to help reduce your impact even further. Enjoy! 🏕️

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Overview: must-have green camping items

SLEEPING

• Tent – Vango Alpha 400 Tent
• Sleeping bag – The North Face Eco Trail Synthetic 20 Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping pad – NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad

COOKING

• Cutlery – Bambaw Bamboo Cutlery Set
• Water bottle – Grayl Ultrapress Purifier
• Mug – Hydro Flask Mug with Flex Sip™ Lid
• Stove – BioLite CampStove 2+
• Cooler – Igloo ECOCOOL Latitude 60 Roller Cool Box
• Bin bag – EcoBag 50 Heavy Duty Refuse Sacks
• Chair – Bel-Sol Eco-Friendly Mila Foldable Camping Armchair

TOILETRIES

• Soap – Eco Warrior Moisturising Body & Hand Soap Bar
• Shampoo – Eco Warrior Deeply Nourishing Shampoo Bar
• Toothpaste – Georganics Mineral Toothpaste Charcoal
• Repellent – THEYE Mosquito Repellent Pump Spray
• Towel – HORIZON 100% Recycled Quick Dry Travel Towel

CLOTHING

• Waterproof jacket – Rab Kangri GTX Jacket
• Backpack – Cotopaxi Luzon 24L Backpack Del Día

ELECTRONICS

• Solar charger – Goal Zero Nomad 10 Solar Panel
• Torche – igadgitz Waterproof Eco Rechargeable Solar Flashlight
• Lantern – Goal Zero Collapsible Crush Light

Planning a camping trip in the Lake District? Check out this article:
10 Best Campsites in the Lake District, UK

20 best eco-friendly camping gear& essentials

SLEEPING

Vango Alpha 400 Tent

The Alpha 400 4-man tent by Vango is ahighly portableandeasy-to-pitch tentfeaturing a stylish yet functional gothic arch porch for storing equipment, the ideal tent foroutdoor adventurers, cyclists and groups.

ItsPowerFlex Polesoffer a stable structure withgenerous headroom, and itshighly waterproof yet lightweight Sentinel Eco flysheet(3,000mm HH) provides durability and reliability whilst reducing waste by usingexcess trim fabricand70D polyester made from single-use plastics.

Itsother technical elementsinclude alinked-in groundsheet, breathable Polyester interior, large crystal clear windows, inner pockets andnightfall bedroomsto reduce the amount of light. Perfect for enjoying a weekend or camping holiday whilstprotecting the environment.

The North Face Eco Trail 20 Sleeping Bag

Proudly made with100% recycled materials(minus the zipper teeth), the Eco Trail Synthetic 20 Sleeping Bag by The North Face is designed for outdoor enthusiasts and campers who want to enjoycosy nights of sleep anywherewhilst being mindful of the environment.

Lightweight, durable and versatile, this sleeping bag will allow you to spend a comfortable night when temperatures drop to-7°Cthanks to itsrecycled synthetic insulationbut will also adapt to warmer conditions with itslarge J-zip.

In addition, it is small enough to accompany you on abackpacking tripwith your equipment on your back but big enough at night withincreased width at the kneesfor roomy comfort – the perfect eco-friendly companion!

NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad

Whether on a camping trip or backpacking expedition, having a good night sleep and enough rest is a necessity. Enjoyunparalleled sleepwith the Tensor Insulated Sleeping pad by NEMO, offering 3 inches ofquiet and supportive cushioningwithout the usual waterbed feel.

Built on the iconicSpaceframe baffle construction, Tensor offersincredible comfort and weight distributionin an ultralight package. It also comes with the Vortex pump sack paired with the custom Laylow zero-profile valve foreasy and quick inflation.

In addition, the mattress is100% Bluesign certifiedwith itsrecycled 20D polyester fabrics. NEMO is a brand highly dedicated to sustainability, and for twenty years, it has created durable outdoor gear that inspires us tocare for each other and our planet.

COOKING

Bambaw Bamboo Cutlery Set

The Bamboo Cutlery Set by Bambaw is asustainable and plastic-free solutionto single-use cutlery when eating away from home. It contains everything you need for outdoor eating and drinking: aknife,fork,spoonandwide strawwith a cleaning brush – all made from100% untreated bamboo.

Packaged in anatural cotton pouchwith extra space to add chopsticks or any other utensils, the set islightweight and durable, perfect for camping trips with family or friends without damaging our planet.

Its main features includesturdy materialtreated with vegetable oil,no aftertaste, a wide straw for any drink and, as an added bonus, all items aredishwasher safeto be reused multiple times. The utensils are alsocompostable, so they will not end up polluting the environment.

Grayl Ultrapress Watter Purifier

Compact and fun, the 16.9oz UltraPress Purifier Bottle fits into any bag pocket, requires no setup and producessafe and great-tasting drinking water in less than 10 seconds. It is the perfect on-the-go filtration and purification for campers and backpackers seekingfast-flowing purified water for staying hydrated or cooking.

The Grayl water systemfilters out viruses, bacteria and protozoa, making contaminated water safe to drink whenever and wherever you are. An excellenteco-friendly gearto add to your packing list andditch single-use water bottles.

Durable and portable, this purifier bottle is alsoeasy to use. Fill the outer part of the bottle with dirty water before reattaching the inside and pressing down on the rubber pads. You will haveclean water in a few seconds.

Hydro Flask Mug with Flex Sip™ Lid

The Hydro Flask travel mug lets you enjoy your favourite brewleak-free at optimal drinking temperature for hourswith its double-wall and vacuum-insulatedTempShield technology. It will keep your content hot whilst preventing any condensation or heat transfer to the outside of the bottle.

Made fromprofessional-grade stainless steel, a metal known for its resistance, this eco-friendly travel mug isplastic-free, easy to clean and dishwasher safe. And thanks to itsFlex Sip™ Lid, you can transport and sip your drink with peace of mind on the go.

Finally, thisportable insulated flaskis compatible with most backpacks and car or chair cup holders, making it the perfect travel item for your camping vacation. Itspowder coatingalso means aneasy-to-grip, sweat-free and durable bottleyou can take anywhere.

BioLite CampStove 2+

Turn fire into electricitywith this award-winning stove by BioLite! Forget gas canisters and unleash the potential ofsticks and twigsaround your camp orBioFuel pelletswith this portable campfire that cancook your mealsandcharge your gear, all at the same time.

With its internal thermoelectric generator, the stove convertsheat into functional electricityand uses it to power an internal fan for hyper-efficient combustion. Excess juice is then stored in theinternal batteryso you can access energy when you need it.

Compact and lightweight, the CampStove 2+ is a must-have eco-friendly gear for all camping holidays. Not only designed to reduce your impact on the environment, it isincredibly practicaland can boil a full litre of waterin less than 5 minutes.

Igloo ECOCOOL Latitude 60 Roller Cool Box

Pack enough fuel for your camping adventures in the Igloo Ecocool Latitude 60, the first worldwide cool box made frompost-consumer recycled plastic resin. It is a unique item that perfectly combinesperformance and durability.

Designed withCoolRiser technology, this roller box keeps your food and drinks cold witheco-friendly THERMECOOL insulationand delivers aMAXCOLD 4-day ice-retentionperformancefor longer journeys.

And since a full cool box can be heavy to transport, you will love thelockable telescoping handleandoversized wheels, making it easy to move the cooler from your car to your tent on any terrain and season.

EcoBag 50 Heavy Duty Refuse Sacks

The EcoBag Heavy Duty 100 litres is asuper strongandexceptionally durablesack, ideal for disposing of any waste around your camp. Not only practical, these bags are alsosustainable, made from a minimum of98% recycled plasticand100% recyclable.

Additionally, the bags aretear-resistantand have anextra leak-resistant sealto help prevent leaks. It is a must-have item for following the “leave no trace” principleand picking up your trash or any you come across, the perfect way toreduce your carbon footprintduring your camping trip.

Bel-Sol Eco-Friendly Mila Foldable Camping Armchair

The Mila foldable camping chair is the perfect companion for all your outdoor adventures! It iselegant and comfortableand does not take up much space thanks to itslightweight materials. Its armrests made ofPU leathernot only look stylish, but they are also soft and cosy.

This practice folding chair is also built fromcertified RPET materialobtainedfrom recycled PET bottles, therefore reducing the impact on the planet whilst providing ahigh degree of comfort and durability.

Finally,no assembly is required. Simply unfold, and the chair is ready for use, no matter the weather, thanks to itsUV-resistant feature, ensuring that sunlight will not fade or damage the chair.

TOILETRIES

Eco Warrior Moisturising Body & Hand Soap Bar

Leaving your skinhydrated and beautifully cleansed, this must-have nourishing bar is scented with a Coconut blend ofpure essential oils, including vanilla, and isexcellent for all skin types.

But this soap is not only good for your skin, it is also friendly to the environment! Made from simple ingredients that arevegan, cruelty-free and hand-craftedin the UK, this bar is made using the finestnatural ingredients, all ethically sourced.

Plus, it is ideal foreliminating unnecessary plasticandtravelling light, as it can fit in your backpack without leaking. Finally, it iseasy to use: lather the soap on wet hands and massage it over the body before rinsing it with warm water.

Eco Warrior Deeply Nourishing Shampoo Bar

This revolutionary new solid formulation cares for your hair, creatingexcellent lather without the need for SLS. It is made with addedpink clayto cleanse and moisturise, and fragranced with a blend of pureorange and ginger essential oilsto stimulate your scalp and help promote healthy hair.

This shampoo bar isvegan and cruelty-free, made from94.3% naturally derived ingredientswith no synthetic chemicals. It is a simple product that will help you transition from liquids to bars. Plus, its components aresuitable for all hair types, including curly.

You guessed it, this solid shampoo is an essential camping item forprotecting our body and the environmentthanks to its natural ingredients and no single-use plastic policy.

Georganics Mineral Toothpaste Charcoal

This non-foaming whitening toothpaste is a paste ofcompletely organic peppermint oil and activated charcoalspecially developed to cleanse and remineralise teeth naturally. It providesall-day protectionandremoves surface stainswithout harming your teeth.

In addition, this mineral toothpaste isveganandcruelty-free, as it uses onlyfood-grade certified,natural and organic ingredientsthat are extremely effective inkilling anaerobic bacteriaand maintaininggood oral health.

Finally, not only kind to your body, the paste is also kind to the environment. Each product comes in arecyclable glass jarwith analuminium lidand packaging made fromrecycled materialso you can enjoy the outdoors whilst reducing your impact.

THEYE Mosquito Repellent Pump Spray

Tired of those mosquito attacks when sitting down outside your tent on a warm summer evening? This100% natural mosquito repellent straywill become your new best friend. It providesup to 6 hours of protectionwith a single application without hurting your skin.

As a result, thiseffective 100% plant-based mosquito repellentwill keep your body and the environment safe thanks to its combination ofnatural ingredientswithzero harmful chemicalsor pesticides (deet-free).

Dermatologically tested, it offershighly effective protectionfor the whole family, no matter your destination. Thanks to its use ofpowerfulCitrepel PMD repellent, refined from Java lemongrass, it will also act against midges, bed bugs, ticks and horseflies.

HORIZON 100% Recycled Quick Dry Travel Towel

Say goodbye to bulky and space-consuming towels and enjoy the convenience of thiseco-friendly travel towelboasting alightweight and compact design, ensuring effortless packing and portability for all your outdoor adventures.

But this sustainable towel goes beyond convenience. Itsquick-drying naturemeans you can spend more time relaxing and less time drying off after a shower or swim, as itdries three times fasterthan a traditional cotton towel.

To top it all, this towel is made from100% recycled post-consumer plastic, giving a second life to a material that is not biodegradable and would otherwise end up in a landfill or the ocean. Not only are theyincredibly softandpleasant to the touch, but they are also respectful of our planet.

CLOTHING

Rab Kangri GTX Women & Men Jacket

Now made with a100% recycled outer fabric, the Kangri GTX is a robust and reliable hardshell built with70D 3-Layer GORE-TEX. Designed for the passionateall-weather adventurer, it is the ideal clothing equipment for hiking, trekking and mountain scrambles.

Windproof and breathable, this sturdy jacket witheffective waterproofingwill keep you dry in the most extreme weather conditions during your camping trip and protect you from strong winds whilstadapting to your activitythanks to itszippered underarm ventilation.

Plus, do not worry about cold winter days. The jacket willkeep you warmwhilst beinglayer-friendly, meaning its regular cut accommodates your mid-layer but does not feel baggy over a t-shirt.

Cotopaxi Luzon 24L Backpack Del Día

Made from100% recycled Ripstop Nylon fabric, the Luzon 24 is aversatile, adventure-ready backpackdurableenough to take you through all your camping experiences in Europe and across the globe. It isvery comfortableto carry thanks to itsultralight mesh shoulder straps.

This eco-responsible pack also features aspacious main compartmenttostore everything you need and azippered spaceto separate your dirty clothes or muddy shoes from the rest of your gear, plustwo mesh pocketsto keep your bottles within reach on the go.

To top it all, each Luzon Del Dia product isone-of-a-kindas it is proudly made in the Philippines by an employee who hasfull creative controlover the stylish design and colours, meaningno two bags are the same!

ELECTRONICS

Goal Zero Nomad 10 Solar Panel

Rugged and durable, the Nomad 10-Watt gives you the solar collecting capability needed tocharge your gearon your camping trip when the sun shines – from phones to headlamps or fitness trackers.

With aflip-up dockandadjustable kickstandthat clicks and locks into place for added stability, you can position your panel foroptimal solar collectionand ensure it stays in place.

In addition, itslightweight designcan be attached to your backpack or tent andfolds easily for storage. It is theideal travel accessoryfor photo (or Instagram) enthusiasts who want to enjoy the outdoors whilst capturing memories.

igadgitz Waterproof Eco Solar Flashlight

Say goodbye to batteries with this solar flashlight!Waterproof and robust, it is designed forall types of environments, perfect for those late nights at the camp, in summer or winter.

Leave the torch recharge in direct sunlight for 1 hour, and you will enjoy90 to 140 minutesof torchlight thanks to3 bright LEDs. And despite itssmall and lightweight design, the flashlight will bring enough brightness to last a long time.

Durable and easy to use, it is a must-have item for outdoor adventures, perfect for camping, hiking or caravanning.

Goal Zero Collapsible Crush Light

Thiscollapsible solar-powered lanternis a lightweight companion for any outdoor adventure. Hang it, light it, crush it – in colour! Transform your camp into a cosy space withsix colours, amulti-colour fadeand aflickering candle modefor ambience.

Fun and durable, the Crush Light Chromaeasilychargesfrom any USB port via a micro USB cable (included) or can be powered from the sun via itsbuilt-in solar panel, providing 60 lumens of usable light on high and a 35-hour runtime on low.

Finally, this lantern is aseasy to storeas it is to use,collapsing to just over half an inch, perfect to carry with you on any camping or backpacking trip.

Shop the editable travel packing list

Prepare for your perfect outdoor adventure and camp responsibly.

What to look for in sustainable camping gear

When looking for sustainable camping gear, consider the following aspects tolower your carbon footprintandsupport responsible practices:

1- Materials

Look for gear made fromrecycled materials, such as recycled polyester or nylon, as they reduce the demand for new raw materials and lower waste.

Alternatively, choose items made fromorganic cotton or other organic fabricsgrown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

2- Certifications

When shopping for sustainable camping gear, look for thebluesign® certification. Products with this certification meet strict environmental and safety standards, ensuring the manufacturing process minimises resource use and environmental impact.

You can also look forfair trade certifications, indicating the product was made under adequate labour conditions and supports social responsibility.

3- Longevity & design

Opt fordurable and well-constructed gearthat will last longer. Items with a longer lifespan reduce the need for frequent replacements, thereby decreasing the overall environmental impact.

You may also want to consider equipment designed to beeasily repaired. Items with replaceable parts or repair kits available contribute to a longer product life.

Additionally,lightweight gearrequires less transportation energy and will help reduce your carbon footprint, especially if you carry it for a backpacking or hiking trip.

4- Water & chemical use

Where applicable, choose equipment with water-resistant treatmentsfree from harmful chemicalslike perfluorinated compounds (PFCs).

Also, select gear treated withenvironmentally friendly coatingsand finishes that avoid harmful chemicals.

5- End of life

Finally, purchase gearfully or partially recyclableat the end of its life cycle to promote a circular economy and reduce landfill waste.

Some manufacturers also offertake-back programs, where they take back old gear for recycling or responsible disposal.

Eco-friendly gear you might love:

Check outthis pagefor more inspiration on eco-friendly products & gear.

Looking for more camping inspiration? Check out this article:
10 Best Campsites in Snowdonia National Park

Tips for camping sustainably

Sustainable travelmeans exploring the world whilst being aware of your surroundings andhaving a positive social, environmental and economic impacton the places you visit.

And this also applies to camping.Eco-campingis a way to leaveas little impact as possibleon the places you stay, which means being mindful of what you pack, where you go and what you do whilst camping.

Here are someeco-friendly tipsto minimise your impact when camping in a tent, campervan or motorhome for a short weekend or week-long stay:

• Leave no trace: do not litter and pick up any trash you encounter, as leftover waste can be extremely harmful to the local ecosystem. So take biodegradable bin bags with you and, of course, leave the place better than you found it 🙂

• Bring reusable, plastic-free items: it will help prevent excess trash during your camping trip. For instance, avoid single-use plastic water bottles and prioritise areusable filtered bottlelikethis one. You can refill it anywhere from lake to river for clean and fresh water. The same applies tofood containersand toiletries.

• Choose eco-friendly toiletries: for your sustainable camping holiday, pack toiletries and cleaning products that are biodegradable and not harmful to the environment. And if you visit the outdoors in summer, wear azero-waste and natural sunscreenthat does not contain destructive chemicals.

• Pack sustainable gear: arrive in your camp prepared and pack items made from natural fabrics to limit the spread of microplastics and reduce your impact. Here are a few of my favourite eco-responsible brands:Merrell,OspreyandRab.

• Minimise campfire impacts: only make a campfire if allowed on the land you are camping and always consider your surroundings first, especially in summer when the terrain is dry. If not done correctly, campfires can have a disastrous impact on wildlife and the environment.

• Respect wildlife: enjoy watching and learning about wild animals, but do not approach or feed them! Remember that you are only a visitor in their home, so do not disturb their environment, especially during mating and nesting seasons.

• Be considerate of other visitors and locals: when camping, chances are you will encounter other people any time of the year. So be mindful of your surroundings, and do not play loud music or make noise late at night. Camping is about reconnecting with nature and appreciating peace – so make the most of it!

More inspiration for your green adventures:

• Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
• 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
• Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World

Eco-friendly camping gear – FAQ

And you, which is your favourite eco-friendly camping gear?
Let me know in the comments below!

With love ♡
Lucie