Sustainable Camping Essentials You Need for Next Summer
Perhaps you camp every weekend you can sneak away, or maybe you’re more of a once-a-summer kind of camper. Either way, there are some hiking and camping essentials for eco-friendly nature enthusiasts that you just can’t do without. If you’re hoping to practice environmentally-friendly recreation while you spend time outdoors, you’ll want to make sure you choose some sustainable & green camping gear. Read on to discover our top picks for eco-friendly camping essentials from some of the most sustainable outdoor camping brands for 2024!
jump to:
Sustainable Sleeping While Camping
Eco-Friendly Toiletries and Hygiene
Sustainable & Solar Powered Gadgets for Camping
Other Green Camping Essentials
Sneaky Sustainable Camping Swaps
Sustainable Essentials Camping Packing List
What is Eco-Friendly Camping?
Many people might immediately answer that all camping is sustainable camping because spending time in nature must be eco-friendly, right? Well, that depends not only on how you do it but where you do it and what you bring with you.
In short, you need to make sure that where you’re camping won’t negatively impact the surrounding area environment. Most importantly, for eco-camping, you need to ensure that you’re following the 7 Leave No Trace Principles. And if you really want to lessen your impact on the planet, you’ll make sure to choose eco-conscious outdoor gear, too. We won’t get into all the details here, but if you want more tips and information about zero-waste camping, you can check out our article about that here.
different Types of Camping
Not everyone pictures the same thing in their heads when someone mentions camping. Are you at a cozy site with a picnic table, your vehicle nearby, and a washroom facility within a few minutes walk? Or do you imagine your tent pitched next to a lake, miles from the nearest road, sans amenities and no neighbors to be found? Or maybe you’re what we might call “glamping” it up in a yurt, dome, or more permanent tent structure in a more resort-like setting?
Of course, all of these are accurate camping examples. But the kind of camping you choose will significantly affect what type of sustainable camping essentials you need. If you’re planning on carrying all your gear into a remote destination, known as backcountry camping, you’ll be carrying less (and hopefully lighter) gear. Alternatively, if you prefer being able to drive right up to your site, or frontcountry camping, you’ve got more options!
Eco-Friendly Camping Essentials for Next Summer
Before recommending any ethical camping products or brands, I want to preface this section with one statement: the most sustainable item is the one you already own. If what you already have would suffice for your camping needs, please use that item! Or, you could either borrow from an outdoorsy friend or family member or rent from a supplier in your city. Next, try finding the item second-hand on one of the many buy-and-sell platforms online these days or a site that specializes in used outdoor essentials, such as Geartrade.
If you need to buy new, there is nature-friendly camping gear available from camping equipment brands that are doing their best to help you lessen your impact while camping eco! Here are our top picks for the best sustainable camping gear 2024.
Eco-friendly sleeping, tent, & shelter options
Not all that many camping equipment companies are making what most would consider an eco-friendly tent, but Nemo, a top camping gear brand, has stepped up!
Dragonfly osmo 2P tent – nemo
About this item:
- OSMO fabric made from 100% recycled yarns, PFAS-free and meets flame retardancy standards without the use of chemicals
- Bluesign®-approved fly and floor material meets strict ecological and chemical requirements
- Comes with a NEMO Lifetime Warranty
- Amazingly lightweight for backpacking at 2 lbs. 10 oz.
Kammok is leading the way when it comes to earth-friendly camping gear companies and sustainable sleeping solutions. This B Corps-certified brand aims to use recycled materials that are durable enough to last a lifetime.
Mantis all-in-one hammock tent – kammok
About this item:
- GravitasX™ fabric is 100% recycled, bluesign® approved hammock body.
- Comes with an integrated insect net and built-in rainfly shelter
- Lightweight at 2 lb 11.5 oz / 1233 g
Mountain Hardware is a top camping brand that has been creating low-impact camping gear for thirty years. You won’t find a more eco-friendly or non-toxic sleeping bag than this one they make from recycled nylon!
LAMINA ECO AF™ 30F/-1C – Mountain hardware
About this item:
- Eco-design features undyed recycled fabric, insulation, trims, storage, and compression sack
- Fabric lining and body made from 20D Recycled Nylon Ripstop
- Thermal.Q™ Recycled Insulation
- Available in short, medium, and long sizes
- Lightweight at approximately 1 lb 14.7 oz / 870 g *varies with size
Aside from creating some pretty innovative camping equipment, Exped has managed to keep sustainability in mind with this comfy and insulated sleeping mat.
dura 8r sleeping pad – exped
About this item:
- 100% recycled polyester fabric
- Down certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS)
- Insulated and 3.5 inches thick, this pad will keep you warm on chilly nights
- Looking for something without down? Check out their Exped Ultra 3R instead!
Coalatree started as a self-sustaining organic farm in Colorado and launched a line of sustainable outdoor clothing in 2010. The best part? They use surplus fabric to create warm blankets for people experiencing homelessness in their hometown of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Kachula Blanket – coalatree
About this item:
- Soft brushed nylon flannel & durable ripstop nylon, both made from 100% recycled materials
- Stuffs into itself for use as a pillow
- Has a snap-attached hood to use as an emergency poncho
- 50″ x 72″ flat and lightweight at 1 lb 9 oz
- Packable, water-resistant, and durable
Eco-friendly hygiene products for camping
The usual sustainable toiletries you use at home can also be used while natural camping. With a few additions that might help you battle some of the “challenges” of the great outdoors, you’ll be all set with your sustainable camping essentials!
When you find yourself in need of a new toothbrush, check out these super sleek ones from Truthbrush!
painted bamboo toothbrush – truthbrush
These beautiful bamboo toothbrushes feature a smooth bamboo handle and medium plant-based bristles made of 100% castor oil.
Each Truthbrush is hand wrapped in recyclable tissue paper and cardboard pillow pack.
Use code SUCCESSFULLYSUSTAINABLE for 10% off!
Regular toothpaste contains chemicals that can be harmful to you and to the environment. Check out these tablets from Huppy that are perfect for carrying the exact amount you need camping or traveling instead!
Toothpaste Tablets – Huppy
These cruelty-free & vegan toothpaste pellets are available in four flavors – Peppermint, Charcoal Mint, Watermelon, and Strawberry. They contain nano-hydroxyapatite, a non-toxic fluoride alternative, and the aluminum case is perfect for camping or travel!
One thing that you might consider purchasing if you camp or travel often that isn’t necessarily needed at home is a portable bidet, especially if you’re backcountry camping without facilities. This one from Brondell can help you keep your butt and the environment clean!
gospa Travel Bidet -Brondell
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, affordable, and transportable bidet for travel or camping, this is it! Its collapsible design makes it compact, and the stow-away storage bag keeps it clean and discreet. The 100% silicone body is BPA-free, with a screw-top lid for easy filling. Just aim the angled spray nozzle and use the easy-squeeze technology for a powerful spray on the trail, at the campground, or anywhere you need it! Comes with a one-year warranty and a choice of twilight blue, blush, or black. No more need to pack out your dirty toilet paper while exploring outdoors!
If you’re not quite ready for a bidet, or you want to bring a bit of TP for backup, make the switch to an eco-friendly version like Cloud Paper. Don’t forget to pack a small camping spade to dig yourself a cathole and a baggie for your used TP if you’re planning on remote wilderness camping!
Bamboo Toilet Paper – Cloud Paper
Cloud Paper is made from 100% responsibly sourced, FSC-certified bamboo. Lightened with an elementally chlorine-free bleaching process, it contains no PFAs, added scents, or pesticides. Choose from a one-time purchase or customizable subscription options and have this plastic-free toilet paper delivered in a post-consumer recycled box. You can cancel your subscription penalty-free anytime, but you won’t want to!
It’s essential that we choose non-nano mineral sunscreens, not only for our health but also to protect our waterways and their delicate ecosystems. Chemical sunscreens contain many ingredients that can harm aquatic life, which is the last thing we want to do while enjoying nature! This one from Cocoon Apothecary is one of our top picks. For more information and recommendations, read our article “How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Sunscreen” here.
Reflector SPF 30 Facial Sun Protection – cocoon apothecary
About this product:
- Includes zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are gentle on your skin
- Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots
- Vegan & cruelty-free
- Canadian company, small batch made in Ontario in studio
Use code SUCCESSFULLYSUSTAINABLE for 10% off!
If you’re like me, you suffer from what I call “mosquito madness,” meaning insect repellent is probably the most important sustainable camping essential. I swear; others don’t need repellent when I’m around because they all come straight to me! I hate putting chemicals all over myself to keep them at bay, so this all-natural one from Public Goods is perfect for those of us suffering from this affliction.
Lemongrass Insect Repellent by Public Goods
All natural and safe for the whole family! No toxic chemicals or petroleum-based ingredients, and made in the U.S, it will come in a 100% recycled, post-consumer plastic bottle. Perfect for camping and hiking while being kind to Mother Earth.
Some of those pesky stingers are going to get by; it’s guaranteed. This is where the all-natural anti-itch cream from Butter Me Up Organics comes in!
Bug Bite Anti-Itch Cream
About this item:
- Completely cruelty-free
- No sulfates, phthalates, or parabens
- No synthetic dyes or fragrances
- Completely all-natural and safe
- Zero waste company
Use code SSANDBMUO for 10% off!
We should always be mindful of what we’re putting on our bodies and down the drain, but we should be extra careful when using products like this that will be ejected directly into nature. These refillable and biodegradable items from Plaine Products are an excellent choice for camping or traveling! Keep in mind that soaps should never be used directly in a lake – read more about why in this article.
Travel Set – Plaine Products
About this item:
- Reusable & refillable travel and camping sizes
- Biodegradable
- Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Non-GMO, Sulfate-Free
- Palm Oil Free, Color Safe, Silicone Free
- Comes with body wash, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion
Get 20% off with code PLAINEANDSS
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I personally choose not to use deodorant while camping. If I’m being perfectly honest, I rarely use deodorant. However, if you’re looking for one that doesn’t contain any nasty ingredients that can cause all kinds of health issues, I highly recommend this organic one from Butter Me Up Organics. When I do opt to be a little less “natural” smelling, this is the one I own and use!
Handmade Organic Deodorant Polite Pitts – Butter me up organics
About this item:
- An all-natural and effective deodorant
- Comes in a 4 oz. clear glass jar that can be reused or recycled
- Made with non-toxic premium ingredients
- Completely cruelty-free
- Zero waste company
Use code SSANDBMUO for 10% off!
Solar-powered & Rechargeable camping gadgets
Depending on the kind of camping you’re doing, you may need an alternate power source to charge up your necessary gadgets for the outdoors. This portable charger from Nimble is lightweight and made with recycled plastic!
Compact Portable Tech Charger – nimble
About this item:
- Capable of an 80% charge in 30 minutes
- Holding three days‘ worth of power for backcountry camping
- Encased in 72.5% post-consumer plastic
- Free e-waste recycling
If you’re planning on being without a plug-in power source for more than a couple of days, consider investigating a portable solar panel option like this one from Biolite.
Biolite Solar Panel 5
About This Item:
- IPX 4 Weather Resistance
- 5 Watts of useable power via USB outlet
- 360-degree kickstand featuring Optimal Sun System
- Updated integrated 3000 mAh on-board battery
- 13.7 oz & 10.12 x 8.19 x 0.94 inches
- Will look amazing on your picnic table at camp!
Although I’m sure you’ll be enjoying the night sky and all those stars while camping, you will still need something to keep your campsite safe and visible once the sun has gone down. These solar lanterns from Luminaid double as a way to charge your devices and are a perfect choice for eco-camping.
PackLite Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern – Luminaid
About This Item:
- Twist-to-open inflatable & waterproof lantern & phone charger that packs flat for easy carrying
- Recharges via solar power in 16 hours of sunlight or by USB input in 2-4 hours.
- Can run for up to 100 hours on Low mode
- Can recharge your phone 2-3 times on a single charge
- 100% PVC-free, lead-free, and RoHs compliant
Remember to bring thi crucial sustainable camping essential to help you navigate at night! This headlamp from Biolite is rechargeable, so you shouldn’t need disposable one-time-use batteries ever again!
Biolite 325 headlamp
About This Item:
- USB rechargeability
- White + Dim , Red + Dim, White Strobe, Red Strobe light options
- Battery life between 3 (high light) and 40 hours (low light)
- Front panel tilts downward with one hand
- Available in Ocean Teal, Midnight Grey and Ember Yellow
Sustainable cooking and dining gear
Biolite is quickly becoming one of the top sustainable camping gear brands for outdoor enthusiasts. This camp stove not only uses renewable biomass as fuel but can charge your electronics as well! If you’re looking for the whole deal, including a kettle pot, coffee press, and portable grill, you can check out their Campstove Kit here.
BioLite CampStove 2 +
About this item:
- Patented thermoelectric combustion technology
- Cook your camp meal with smokeless flames
- Features an updated 100 lumen FlexLight with ChromaReal LED technology
- Uses renewable biomass as fuel (twigs, sticks, pellets)
- Boil 1 litre of water in 4.5 minutes
Chances are that you already own a reusable water bottle (or two!) But if you genuinely are in need of a new one that will keep your beverage of choice hot or cold, this one from Scoria fits the bill!
The insulated water bottle – scoria
About this item:
- Keep drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold for 12-16 hours
- Durable, leak-proof, and easy to clean
- Eco-friendly packaging with no plastic
- 500 ml in size
- Made with stainless steel
Use code SSANDSCORIA10 for 10% off!
If you know you’ll need it often, this utensil set from Zero Waste Store, specific for camping or hiking, is plastic-free, packs nicely, and comes with everything you might need to enjoy your outdoor meal!
plastic-free utensil set
Set Includes:
- Spork utensil, stainless steel straw, agave fibre straw cleaner, two produce bags, zero waste kit napkin
- Optional knife made of ceramic and bamboo
- Perfect for camp dinners and breakfasts!
If you’re hoping to eat more than trail mix and dried fruit on your adventure, a cooler is likely high on your list of sustainable camping essentials. This ECOCOOL roller cooler from Igloo is the first of its kind to be made from recycled post-consumer recycled resin. Do you need a size reference for what 62 quarts look like? This cooler can hold 93 (recyclable) cans!
ECOCOOL Latitude 60 Qt Roller Cooler – Igloo
About This Item:
- Outside body & lid made with post-consumer recycled resin
- THERMECOOL™ INSULATION: lowers CO2 and VOC emissions
- Foam insulation in the lid & body provide up to five days of ice-retention performance
- Oversized wheels provide all-terrain mobility
- Made in USA
When packing food for camping, you’ll definitely need some eco-friendly containers for all your delicious pre-made meals or snacks! Stasher makes silicone bags and bowls of all sizes that will keep your cooler perfectly organized. Pro tip: use them for literally anything – I have three with me traveling and they come in handy all the time.
Stasher Starter Kit – 5 Pack
About This Item:
- Dishwasher Safe
- Freezer Safe
- Microwave Friendly
- One Bag Replaces 260 Single Use Bags Yearly
- Portion Of Profit Goes To Non-Profits Working To Protect the Planet
Let’s talk about everyone’s least favorite part about camping – doing the dishes! You can ensure that you’re practicing eco-friendly camping by using this biodegradable dish soap bar from Life Without Plastic. Remember, even biodegradable soaps shouldn’t be used directly in a lake – discard your used dishwater on land to allow the soil to break down the soap!
dish soap bar – life without plastic
About This Item:
- Handmade with four all-natural and vegan ingredients
- Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free
- Petrochemical-free, phosphate-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free
- Grey-water and septic-safe, & biodegradable
- Manufactured in the USA
Other Earth-Friendly Camping Essentials
There are bound to be spills and the need to wipe up your picnic table, cooler, or meal space. Rather than disposable paper towels, try these reusable ones from Zero Waste Store. Camping bonus? They can also be used to wash or dry the dishes, or keep one to use as a drying towel after you use your portable bidet!
Reusable Paper Towels – zero waste store
About this item:
- Plastic-free
- 100% organic cotton
- OEKO-TEX standard
- 1% for the planet
- Carbon neutral
We already mentioned that Coalatree is one of the best camping gear brands out there, so why not support a sustainable company and nab yourself a camping and travel towel from them, too? With so many amazing items to choose from, you could even build yourself a durable and eco-friendly hiking capsule wardrobe built to last!
Microfibre Towel from Coalatree
I always bring a travel towel with me camping and abroad – you never know when you might want to take a dip! Coalatree makes sustainable outdoor essentials, like this super absorbent, quick-drying, and antimicrobial towel.
Use code ECOGEAR15 for 15% off!
Looking for advice on sustainable hiking boots and shoes and eco-friendly backpacks? We’ve got you covered in these articles: The Best Sustainable Hiking Boots and Shoes & Best Environmentally-Friendly Backpacks.
Best Camping Swaps of 2024
Remember how we discussed that the most sustainable camping essential is the one you already own or that can be borrowed or bought second-hand? We weren’t lying! Here are some sneaky camping equipment ideas to avoid the need to purchase new products!
Dishes and utensils: honestly, what you already own at home will suffice. There is genuinely no need to buy “special” camping equipment here, especially if you’re frontcountry camping and don’t need to worry about pack weight.
Sleeping bag and pillow: same deal – why not bring your super comfy duvet from home with your favorite pillow? Who said you need to mummify yourself in a sleeping bag to call it camping? I suggest skipping this suggestion if you’re hiking 10 kilometres to camp!
Hiking Boot and Poles: this may be an unpopular opinion, but I dislike hiking boots. Unless you’re taking on some seriously rugged terrain, the running shoes you already own will suffice for the recreational hiking you plan to do on your camping trip. And I’ve been fairly successful at finding a suitable hiking stick when needed from nature on all my (many) trails!
Remember, the most eco-friendly and affordable and eco-conscious camping supplies are ones you didn’t need to buy! If you’re new to camping or only partake occasionally, try borrowing from a friend before investing in a whole kit.
Ultimate Camping List
Here is a minimalist and eco-friendly camping gear list that I created so you remember the essential items needed to create a successfully sustainable eco-camping trip. Of course, you’ll want to add some other “luxury” and personal items to add even more fun to your time in nature!
*also remember to bring a small first aid kit and any medications you think you may need!
Final thoughts
To summarize, I’ll dare to say it again – the most sustainable camping essentials are the ones you already own! Borrowing, renting, or purchasing second-hand is your next-best bet for environmentally friendly camping equipment. Lastly, when new items are needed, try to remember the eco-friendly brands of camping gear and other essentials mentioned in this article to support sustainable businesses!
All products recommended to you on Successfully Sustainable are independently researched in depth. To avoid waste and lead a minimal lifestyle, we test products only when required. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about this here.
