There’s nothing like a weekend under the stars – waking up to birds singing, making coffee on a campstove, and spending your day surrounded by trees instead of screens.
But as peaceful and natural as camping feels, it can have a bigger environmental impact than you’d expect.
From disposable gear to plastic packaging and microplastic-shedding clothing, there are a lot of hidden ways traditional camping gear can harm the very landscapes we’re out there to enjoy. But with a few mindful changes, you can camp comfortably and responsibly. Here’s how to build a more eco-friendly camping setup, one conscious choice at a time:
Tents & Sleeping Gear
🌲 Big Agnes
They’ve launched a line of tents made with solution-dyed fabrics that use significantly less water and energy. They’re also transparent about sustainability practices and donate to public lands initiatives.
🌲 Vaude
A German brand committed to eco-friendly outdoor gear, including tents and sleeping bags. They use fair manufacturing processes and eco-certified materials.
🌲 Therm-a-Rest
Offers sleeping pads and bags that are repairable and made in facilities using 100% renewable energy.
Look for: recycled materials, PFC-free waterproofing, and long-lasting construction.
Bonus Tip: Bring a sleeping bag liner to keep your bag cleaner for longer. Less washing = longer lifespan!
Cooking & Eating Gear
🌲 Sea to Summit
Their collapsible bowls, plates, and utensils are BPA-free and built to last. Some are made from recycled materials, and their packaging is minimal.
🌲 Klean Kanteen
Their insulated food containers and water bottles are great for keeping things hot or cold without single-use plastics.
🌲 UCO Gear
Their mess kits and bamboo utensils are compact and reusable – ideal for cutting down waste at mealtime.
Look for: reusable, plastic-free tools that pack light and last forever.
Try this: Skip the disposable propane. Opt for a refillable gas canister if you’re using a camp stove, or consider a compact wood-burning stove like the BioLite CampStove, which even charges your phone via heat!
Water Filters & Bottles
Forget the plastic water jugs. You can stay hydrated sustainably.
🌲 LifeStraw
Their water filters are small, super effective, and they give back: every purchase helps provide clean drinking water to communities in need.
🌲 Hydrapak
Their soft, flexible bottles and water reservoirs are lightweight and BPA-free, with some made from recycled materials.
🌲 Grayl
Known for their ultra-fast water purifiers, perfect for backcountry adventures where water sources might be sketchy.
Tip: Use a reusable water bladder or collapsible container to avoid single-use bottles completely.
Clothing & Footwear
🌲 Patagonia
A classic for a reason. Their gear is tough, repairable, and made with recycled or organic materials.
🌲 Houdini Sportswear
A Swedish brand making high-performance gear with circularity in mind. Everything’s designed to be recycled or composted at the end of its life.
🌲 Wildling Shoes
If you’re into barefoot-style hiking, these minimal shoes are ethically made with renewable materials and are great for light trails.
Look for: natural or recycled fabrics, fair labor practices, and durability.
Avoid: synthetic fleece if possible – it sheds microplastics. Go for natural fiber alternatives like merino wool layers from Icebreaker or Ortovox.
Toiletries & Cleaning Supplies
Leave no trace – literally.
🌲 Ethique
Their solid shampoo and body bars are compact, travel-friendly, and completely plastic-free.
🌲 Dr. Bronner’s
A biodegradable all-in-one soap you can use for body, dishes, clothes, and whatever the heck else. Just be sure to use it 200 ft away from lakes and streams.
🌲 Who Gives A Crap
Best brand name ever? I think so. Their compostable bamboo toilet paper is a low-waste swap that’s ideal for camping.
Pro Tip: Bring a small trash bag to pack out everything you bring in – even tiny things like floss or fruit peels.
Trading in your disposable or synthetic gear for durable, ethical alternatives can make your trips more comfortable and more respectful to nature. And honestly, it just feels better to zip up your tent at night knowing you’re treading a little lighter on the earth.