Imagine this: you’re cresting a ridge, the sun is warming your face, and before you stretches a breathtaking vista of mountain peaks. As you breathe in the crisp, clean air, you feel a surge of gratitude for the natural world. Now, imagine experiencing that joy knowing your gear hasn’t come at the cost of the very environment you cherish. That’s the power of choosing eco-friendly hiking gear.
As a nutritionist and meal prep coach, I’m passionate about helping people live healthier lives. And to me, that extends beyond what we eat to how our choices impact the planet. Choosing sustainable hiking gear is a powerful way to minimize your footprint and protect the trails we love. But with so many brands and buzzwords, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
This guide will equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to find eco-friendly hiking gear options that align with your values and your budget.
Understanding the Impact of Traditional Hiking Gear
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s take a quick look at the problem. Traditional hiking gear production often involves:
- Heavy reliance on fossil fuels: Many outdoor gear materials, like conventional polyester, are derived from petroleum.
- Harmful chemicals: Toxic dyes, waterproofing treatments, and chemical finishes can pollute waterways and harm wildlife.
- Unethical labor practices: Fast fashion principles have seeped into the outdoor industry, leading to unfair wages and unsafe working conditions in some cases.
The good news is, awareness is growing, and more sustainable alternatives are entering the market.
Sustainable Hiking Gear
Key Considerations for Eco-Conscious Hikers
Here are the key factors to keep in mind when searching for eco-friendly hiking gear:
1. Materials: Seeking Out Sustainable Sources
The foundation of any eco-friendly product lies in its materials. Look for these earth-friendly options:
- Recycled Materials: Many companies are now utilizing recycled polyester (rPET), made from post-consumer plastic bottles, to create high-performance fabrics.
- Organic Cotton: Choose organic cotton over conventionally grown cotton, as it eliminates the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers.
- Hemp: Hemp is a highly sustainable fiber that requires minimal water and pesticides to grow, and it’s naturally antimicrobial.
- Tencel/Lyocell: These fibers, derived from sustainably harvested wood pulp, are biodegradable and require less water to produce than cotton.
- Merino Wool: This natural fiber is renewable, biodegradable, and naturally odor-resistant.
2. Durability: Choosing Gear That Lasts
The most sustainable gear is the gear you already own. Opting for durable products will reduce your consumption in the long run.
- Invest in Quality: It might seem counterintuitive, but spending a bit more on well-made gear from reputable brands can save you money and resources in the long run.
- Look for Reinforced Areas: Backpacks, jackets, and pants with reinforced stitching and durable fabrics are designed to withstand wear and tear.
- Read Reviews: Online reviews from fellow hikers can provide valuable insights into the longevity of different products.
3. Certifications: Trustworthy Eco-Labels to Look For
Third-party certifications provide assurance that brands are meeting specific environmental and ethical standards:
- Fair Trade Certified: Ensures fair wages and safe working conditions for workers in the supply chain.
- Bluesign®: Rigorous certification that focuses on reducing the environmental impact of textile production at every stage.
- Global Recycled Standard (GRS): Verifies the recycled content of materials and ensures responsible social and environmental practices throughout the supply chain.
- OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: Tests for harmful substances and ensures textiles are safe for human use.
4. Multi-Functionality: Gear That Does Double Duty
Minimize your impact by choosing gear that can serve multiple purposes:
- Convertible Pants: Pants that zip off into shorts provide versatility for changing weather conditions.
- Layering Systems: Instead of one bulky jacket, opt for layers that you can adjust to regulate your temperature.
- All-in-One Products: Some companies offer products like sleeping bags that can transform into jackets, reducing the need for multiple items.
5. Repair and Repurpose: Extending the Life of Your Gear
Don’t toss it, fix it! Embracing a repair-minded approach can significantly reduce your environmental footprint.
- Learn Basic Repair Skills: Simple repairs like patching holes or replacing zippers can be done at home with a little practice.
- Support Brands with Repair Programs: Many outdoor brands offer repair services, extending the lifespan of your gear.
- Get Creative with Repurposing: Old sleeping bags can become dog beds, and worn-out t-shirts make excellent cleaning rags.
Where to Find Eco-Friendly Hiking Gear
Now that you know what to look for, here’s where to find brands that prioritize sustainability:
- Patagonia: Known for its commitment to environmental activism and social responsibility, Patagonia offers a wide range of durable, ethically made gear.
- REI Co-op: This outdoor retail giant has a strong commitment to sustainability, offering a curated selection of eco-friendly gear and supporting organizations that protect wild spaces.
- prAna: With a focus on fair trade practices and sustainable materials, prAna offers stylish and functional clothing for hiking and everyday adventures.
- Cotopaxi: This brand is known for its vibrant colors and commitment to using repurposed fabrics and ethical manufacturing.
- Econscious: As a certified B Corporation, Econscious specializes in organic and recycled apparel and accessories.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to contact brands directly and ask about their sustainability practices.
Making Informed Choices: Your Purchase Matters
Every purchase you make is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. By choosing eco-friendly hiking gear, you’re:
- Reducing your environmental impact: Minimizing your contribution to pollution, waste, and resource depletion.
- Supporting ethical companies: Voting with your wallet for brands that prioritize fair labor practices and environmental stewardship.
- Inspiring others to do the same: Setting a positive example and encouraging fellow outdoor enthusiasts to make conscious choices.
Eco-Conscious Hiker
Bestseller No. 1
Combat Wipes ACTIVE Outdoor Wet Wipes - Extra Thick Camping Gear, Biodegradable, Body & Hand Cleansing/Refreshing Cloths for Backpacking & Gym w/Natural Aloe & Vitamin E (25 Wipes)
- DESIGNED WITH BATTLE-FIELD EXPERIENCE: Stay fresh & clean while on your adventures with outdoor wet wipes developed by elite military soldiers. Unlike regular wet cleaning wipes that easily tear and never give you a clean feel, COMBAT WIPES ACTIVE are extra thick, conveniently large (7.1” x 8.3”), have a unique textured cloth design for a thorough wipe, and are extensively lab-tested for a superior clean.
- 100% BIODEGRADABLE WIPES, GREAT CAMPING GEAR AND BACKPACKING GEAR ESSENTIALS: No more carrying dirty moist towelettes around. These Eco-friendly outdoor cleaning wipes are 100% biodegradable and have no synthetic materials. Just bury the biodegradable wet wipes in the soil or compost to dispose them completely guilt-free. All Combat Wipes are considered vegan, and do not contain any animal products or byproducts
Bestseller No. 2
TiTo Titanium Long Handle Spork and Spoon Eco-Friendly Ultralight Portabale Flatware for Outdoor Camping Backpacking Hiking Travel Picnic Tableware with Bag (2Pcs Sandblasting)
- 【Lightweight And Portable】Spork Size is 220*40*40mm/ 7.8*1.6*1.6in. Only 16g/0.57oz each. With 1 Quick-drying bag, portable carrying and easy to store.
- 【Extended Long Handle】Long handle enough to reach/stir the bottom of the dehydrated meals/Mountain House meal bag/MRE bags,or other deep cook pots, deep containers without getting your fingers dirty or burned.
Bestseller No. 3
Nature Buff 2-Pack Biodegradable Soap Unscented Travel-Sized Camping Soap Bars -All-In-One Backpacking Essentials Outdoor Recreation Soap Bar and Washcloth (Includes Travel Case)
- ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANSER - This biodegradable bar soap for camping is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. Perfect for keeping your cooking and backpacking gear clean. Ideal for camping, hiking, backpacking, canoeing, boating, and more, it ensures an eco-friendly cleaning solution in every adventure.
- NATURE WASH SOAP - Our unscented camp soap is specially formulated to clean effectively while being gentle on the environment. Feel fresh and clean after a day of adventuring with this all-purpose camping soap. It's a compact travel essential, perfect for any backpacking kit or camp supplies.
Bestseller No. 4
ReferenceReady Outdoor Knots - Waterproof Knot Tying Cards with Mini Carabiner - Includes 22 Rope Knots for Camping, Backpacking, & Scouting Scenarios
- Knot cards with step-by-step, color-coded knot tying diagrams designed to be easy to follow, including descriptions and usage tips
- Includes mini carabiner for clipping your knot cards to your pack or bug-out bag
SaleBestseller No. 5
Hand Warmers Rechargeable 2 Pack, 14000 mAh Electric Hand Warmer with Charging Case, Portable Heater for Camping Hunting Gear, Gifts for Women, Men, Christmas, Raynauds, Outdoor, Golf Accessories
- 1s Instant Heating & Magnetic Pairing - The magnetic system enhances thermal conductivity and heats quickly in just one second. The magnetic feature ensures that the two hot hands hand warmers remain firmly connected, which you can use together or share with your family. The 2-in-1 design is compact, easy to store, and portable, so you won't lose one.
- Portable Charging Case - These portable hand warmers come with a 10,000mAh charging case for up to 60 hours of continuous warmth even outdoors. You can charge the hand warmer anytime, anywhere, without worrying about carrying extra cables or chargers. In addition, the charging case provides an extra protective layer for hand warmers to protect them from damage.
Bestseller No. 6
Bar-D Biodegradable Body Wipes with Tea Tree Oil & Aloe Vera - Refreshing Shower Wipes Great for Camping, Hiking, Post Workout and Travel (3-Pack, 10 Wipes/Pack)
- Feel a little less than fresh? We get it. Our camping body wipes for women and men quickly remove sweat, stink, and grime. Use one for your face or two+ for your entire body. Deodorant wipes and biodegradable wet wipes are ideal travel gear, hiking supplies and festival accessories.
- Made with aloe vera, tea tree oil & chamomile to deodorize and refresh your body with no sticky residue or dry-out. pH balanced to be gentle on your skin. Camping wipes for bathing are hiking must haves!
SaleBestseller No. 7
VICRAZY Hiking Socks for Men, Women - Funny Hiking Socks - Cool Gifts for Hikers - Hiking Accessories, Socks for Hikers, Stocking Stuffers for Men, Women
- FUNNY HIKING SOCKS: These premium socks feature newly designed hiking-themed patterns. They make perfect birthday gifts for people who love hiking, the best gifts for hiking enthusiasts, gifts for women who hike, hiking gifts for men, hiker birthday gifts, happy birthday hiking gifts, and the best gifts for outdoor lovers.
- SOCKS FOR ANY OCCASION: Perfect for people who love hiking, these socks are ideal for birthdays, Christmas, and other holidays. Great for hikers, trail enthusiasts, outdoor club members, and adventure seekers. They combine style and comfort, making them the best gifts for any hiker.
SaleBestseller No. 8
QOJUYO Hiking Gifts for Women, Hiking Gifts for Men, Hiking Gifts Throw Blanket 60"x50", Cool Hiking Gifts, Gifts for Hikers, Hiking Gift, Hiking Gifts for Couples, Hiking Gear for Women Blankets
- PERFECT GIFT: If you love this blanket, share the love and make the perfect gift for your loved one who loves hiking. If you need a Retirement gift, Mother’s Day gift, Father's Day gift, birthday gift, Christmas gift, or anything else, look no further than QOJUYO blankets. Imagine the moment he/she opens the pack and realizes this is a perfect gift for him/her!
- MEDIUM SIZE: Our 50x60-inch throw won't leave you in the cold. Generously sized to cover you while watching TV, working from home, or snuggling by the fire. It is suitable for beds, sofas, chairs, etc. It folds easily and is light enough to carry.
Bestseller No. 9
CIRCE CARE Pee Cloth: Silver Infused Pee rag for Women who Pee Outdoors, Reusable Absorbent Wipes, Ecofriendly alt. to Toilet Paper, Female Urination Solution for Camping, Hiking (1pc Galaxy)
- ☘BE KIND TO THE ENVIRONMENT ON YOUR HIKING ADVENTURES: No more unpleasant wetness, odors and UTI that come from drip-drying after peeing outdoors! Our environment friendly pee cloth is small, travel size, discreet and easy to carry. Avoid carrying around and disposing rolls of toilet paper or wet wipes in hiking or camping areas. Practice leave no trace principles.
- ☘IDEAL DURING THESE TIMES: Avoid using shared TP in public toilets. These paper towel alternates are ideal for road trips, flights and even at home. These soft pee rags are reusable, washable, unscented and durable. Saves money and environment by reducing toilet paper use. Better than “flushable wipes” which eventually clog drains.
Bestseller No. 10
Funny Hiking Themed For Men Women Kids Hiker Hike Gag Hiking T-Shirt
- Best hiking gift idea with "Sloth Hiking Team We Will Get There When We Get There" for men, women, boys, girls, kids, toddler. Unique backpacker clothing for mother, father, brother, sister, teens, youth who are into backpacking equipment & necessities.
- Hike graphic clothes for son, daughter, uncle, aunt who are mountain lover. Cute birthday and Christmas hiking supplies present for mama, papa, daddy, mom, dad, adults who are into mountaineering gadgets & gear. Cool hiking apparel for outdoor adventure.
Conclusion: Hike Lightly, Tread Gently
Choosing eco-friendly hiking gear isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making conscious decisions that align with your values. Every step towards sustainability, no matter how small, makes a difference. By prioritizing durable, ethically made gear and supporting brands that share your commitment to the planet, you can enjoy the trails you love while protecting them for generations to come.
Do you have any favorite eco-friendly hiking gear brands or tips? Share them in the comments below!
