When embarking on a camping trip, the rule of thumb is to leave things better than you found it. This means camping as sustainably and eco-friendly as possible, to ensure you’re not polluting the environment, leaving behind harmful chemicals, or generally making a mess. Since camping is always more primitive than “normal” life, without immediate access to things like recycling bins, it’s wise to stock up as sustainably as possible before your journey, to ensure you’re well equipped for any occasion. From the right kind of sunscreen to reusable tools, here is a list of sustainable camping gear to make your camping as green as the forest around you.
PVC-Free Tent
Naturally, the single most crucial item to pack when camping is a tent. Unless you’re in an RV or cabin, this is basically a non-negotiable. However, many tents are made from The number one item for a successful camping trip is a tent. Unfortunately, tents are typically made from PVC, aka polyvinyl chloride, a widely used synthetic polymer of plastic. Plus, tents are often made with non-sustainable flame retardants. So as long as you’re willing to distance your tent from the campfire a bit, you’ll want to look for tents made from PVC-free materials, especially those that consist of waterproof fabric. Many tents nowadays are made largely — or entirely — from recycled materials, which helps amp up the sustainability even further.
Sustainable Sleeping Bag
Since you’ll need something other than an empty tent for your camping excursion, you’d be wise to keep the eco-friendly vibe going by outfitting said tent with an equally sustainable sleeping bag. Like tents, most default sleeping bags are not so eco-friendly, made with synthetic materials and/or down feathers, which are ethically problematic in their own right. Instead, look for sleeping bags that use recycled and repurposed materials, like polyester. Examples include this one made with 100% recycled shell fabric and insulation, so you can feel cozy and eco-conscious at the same time.
Non-Soluble Sunscreen
While in the great outdoors, sunscreen is one of the most requisite staples, but it’s just as vital to select the right type to lessen the impact on the environment. While shopping for sunscreen, be sure to scan the label carefully to make sure it’s not water-soluble, as this type of product can pollute water, which wouldn’t be a healthy impact on lakes, rivers, or oceans. The same is true of common sunscreen chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate — not to mention many sunscreens that come in plastic containers that are difficult to recycle. Thus, look for non-soluble sunscreen in biodegradable bottles (and opt for cream-based sunscreen over spray, when possible). Examples include All Good, Coola, and Stream2Sea, but don’t be shy to shop around online or ask a customer sales representative in-store for recommendations.
Eco-Friendly Bug Spray
Just like sunscreen, bug spray is one camping amenity you don’t want to go without. Also just like sunscreen, many sprays are unfortunately loaded with chemicals that harm more than just mosquitos. The key here is to look for sprays that come in biodegradable bottles, and are DEET-free, as these are sure to ward off pesky bugs while also not damaging the planet at the same time. DEET is a common chemical in many bug sprays, linked to triggering headaches and even seizures in people, while also being potentially toxic to birds, pets, fish, and other wildlife. Instead, skip the chemicals and looking for natural repellents that use natural ingredients, like mineral oil, citronella, and baking soda. There are loads of options on the market, but some examples include Natrapel Picaridin Insect Repellent, Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent, and Quantum Health Buzz Away Extreme.
Camping Chairs
Since you might want to sit around the campfire on something other than a log, camping chairs are always a worthwhile investment. With infinite options to choose from, steer clear of those made with synthetic materials like plastic or toxic chemical coatings. Like sleeping bags and tents, though, you can easily find alternatives made from recycled and/or materials, like bamboo and cotton. While this might mean paying a bit more, it’s worth it to save the planet, right? Plus, the high quality means they’ll last a lifetime. Examples include these chairs made with canvas cloth and timber, these ones made from recycled water bottles, and these beauties made from bamboo, aluminum, and comfy canvas.
Reusable Kitchenware
One of the easiest ways to stay green while out amongst the greenery is to minimize the amount of waste you generate, and a straightforward way to do so is by cutting single-use items out of the equation. Instead, opt for reusable kitchenwares, like utensils, plates, cups, mugs, bottles, and bowls. Not only does this drastically reduce your trash, but it’ll make it easier to pack.
Biodegradable Soap
Since you’ll be employing reusable kitchen items, this means you’ll need soap to clean them. Instead of simply packing the dish soap from home, though, you’ll want to find something particularly suited to the great outdoors (since most common dish soaps have chemicals that are decidedly not eco-friendly). Rather, find a biodegradable, non-toxic soap to do your cleaning, including ones that come in plastic-free packaging. Options include Direct 2 Boater biodegradable camp soap, Mrs. Meyer’s Liquid Dish Soap made from plant-based ingredients like honeysuckle, and this one made with citronella, lavender, and peppermint oils.
Portable Bidet
This might sound bougie, but a portable bidet is not a bad idea at all. Inevitably, you’ll need to use the “bathroom” out in nature, and depending how primitive your camping experience is, you might have a hard time properly disposing of toilet paper, which could be a big problem for many reasons. By packing along a portable bidet, which is also conveniently compact and easy to pack and carry, you can cut down on toilet paper while still staying sanitary and clean.
Recycling and Trash Bags
Last but certainly not least, a big element of “leave it better than you found it” is taking out any trash you might accumulate. And that includes properly disposing of refuse, and organizing things into recycling and trash. You can do so by bringing along clearly designated bags or containers for collecting regular garbage that you can pack out with you when you leave. The same is true for your recycling. Get in the habit of tossing things where they belong, and then transporting it all back to civilization where it can safely be disposed of responsibly.
Born and raised in New Hampshire, Matt Kirouac grew up with a love for camping and the outdoors. Though he’s lived in Chicago since 2006, he’s always on the lookout for new adventures. He writes about travel and food for outlets like TripExpert, Money Inc, Upventur, DiningOut, Food Fanatics magazine, Plate Magazine and Zagat, and he currently serves as Chicago editor for What Should We Do?! He’s the author of The Hunt Guides: Chicago (2016) and Unique Eats & Eateries of Chicago (2017).
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