6 Eco-Friendly Camping Essentials For Your Next Outdoor Adventure

“Only you can prevent wildfires.” – Smokey Bear

Being in nature, exploring the environment, it is one of the most amazing pleasures in life. So why not help protect the only planet we have while enjoying everything the outdoors has to offer? We can start by being conscious of our environmental footprint during camping trips and wilderness adventures (shout out to the Leave No Trace movement). By choosing products with fewer chemicals and more sustainable fabrics, we’re ensuring our outdoor gear isn’t harming the environment—during production or when we’re using it outside. Better yet, many sustainable outdoor brands have give-back programs and prioritize ethical working conditions, too.

Here are some of our favorite eco-friendly wilderness brands and essentials to make your next camping trip healthy for you and for our earth.

1. Down Sleeping Bag

Investment | $529

Patagonia is a one-stop-shop for all your outdoor needs. Their amazing repair team helps revive items injured on the trail, so while products are a bit more of an investment than at your standard camp store, Patagonia goods are made to last a lifetime. We especially love the Down Sleeping Bag. Keeping warm at night is key to having a fun trip, and nothing is worse than losing sleep because your bag isn’t holding up. This one is made with sustainable down and is perfect for keeping cozy.

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2. The MOLECULE-4 Tent

Investment | $300

The Earth Ship’s MOLECULE-4 tent is something of a symbiotic outdoor shelter: it promises to keep you protected from the outdoor elements which you, in turn, protect by purchasing this tent. Not only are ten trees planted for every tent sold, but this wilderness shelter is made with almost entirely recycled materials—including recycled polyester and nylon. Bring your camping experience full circle with this eco-friendly tent.

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3. Tarak Del Día Pack

Investment | $100

Since its inception, Cotopaxi has continued to improve its sustainable practices—from becoming B Corp-certified to donating 1 percent of profits to education initiatives abroad to creating the #GearForGood model. That’s why we’re sporting their one-of-a-kind backpacks during our next camp trip. Made from remnant materials in an ethical factory in the Philippines, the Tarak Del Día packs are a collaborative creation between designers and sewers. Moreover, the repurposed bags are durable and versatile, which is just what every outdoors person needs.

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4. EcoVessel Water Bottle

Investment | $29

Based in Colorado, EcoVessel is a brand combatting single-use water bottles with a sleek and sustainable alternative: enter, The Boulder. This vacuum-insulated, (food grade) stainless-steel water thermos longs to be every person’s new best friend in the wilderness. Recyclable, heavy-duty, and BPA-free, it’s perfect for every camp adventure. Because hydration is important—so drink up. EcoVessel also has a selection of coffee and tea tumblers for those brisk camp mornings.

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5. Camp Desert Blanket

Investment | $109

From park picnicking to beach days to camping, you will find more uses for this blanket than you’d ever imagine. Sackcloth + Ashes’ Camp Desert Blanket is perfect for stargazing or late-night fire talks during your next camping trip. Made from a 100 percent recycled wool blend, it’s eco-friendly and cruelty-free. For every blanket purchased, Sackcloth and Ashes also gives one to those in need.

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6. The Abigail Headband

Investment | $24

Krochet Kids’ Abigail Headband will keep your ears warm on chilly camp mornings. It will also help keep your hair out of your face while hiking. Coming from a brand we’ve long loved and supported, the Abigail Headband comes in two colors and, like all items from Krochet Kids, is ethically-made by artisans in Peru, Uganda, and India.

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Not ready to invest in eco-friendly camping gear? You can rent equipment at REI. Learn more here.