Low-impact camping and backpacking have been gaining traction among the outdoor community. The true value of nature lies in its pristine beauty and everyone deserves to experience it in its unspoiled form. To that end, avid hikers and backpackers can now find plenty of resources discussing sustainable hiking practices. In this article, we hope to cover some of the most essential ones, and equip you with the knowledge you need to keep the trails and forests green and healthy.
Why Eco-Friendly Backpacking Matters
Our natural environment simultaneously belongs to none of us and all of us. That’s certainly a puzzling statement to kick off this article—what do we mean by that?
Simply put, it belongs to none because nature should be able to exist unto itself, completely independent, self-sustaining, and unclaimed by any individual.
At the same time, it belongs to all of us since we all share in the responsibility for protecting and preserving it, so that others may bask in its grace after we have been long forgotten.
This dichotomy wraps around and circles back to one main point—sustainable hiking practices should be on everyone’s radar whenever they’re out in the wild. Littering, trail erosion, wildlife disturbances, trampling on vegetation—all of these actions have the potential to gradually destroy the natural and pristine beauty of parks, preservations, and habitats in the U.S. and across the world.
As responsible hikers and campers, it is our duty to ensure the long-term preservation of the environment to prevent this from happening. This way, we’ll be able to pass on the heritage left to us by the Earth to the next generations in the future while also deepening our connection to nature and enhancing the personal experience of camping and hiking in the present.
Green Travel Tips: Sustainable Gear Selection
Moving on to specific green travel tips, how can you be more environmentally conscious on your adventures? We begin the practical list of advice with sustainable gear recommendations:
Choose Durable Gear
Investing in durable, high-quality gear is one of the most effective ways to reduce waste in the long run. For example, when choosing hiking boots, don’t skimp out and purchase a cheap, poorly made pair that’ll break down on you in the middle of the trail. This approach is harmful to your foot health on the trail and does you no good. Instead, look for reputable brands.
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Pack Light, Pack Smart
Think about it—the fewer things you pack with you, the smaller the risk or temptation of littering, accidentally or otherwise. Learn how to pack your backpack for a multi-day hike or practice the tenets of lightweight backpacking. It’s not just going to wear you out less as you wander the trail, it’s an eco-friendly choice, too.
Here are the basics to keep in mind:
- Opt for multipurpose items like a sleeping bag that doubles as a blanket or cookware with versatile uses.
- Use collapsible or compact gear to maximize space and minimize waste.
- Avoid overpacking to prevent unnecessary energy consumption, especially if you’re traveling by car to reach your destination.
Prioritize Reusables
To follow low-impact camping to the letter, you ought to stock up on reusable items to last you throughout your trip. These include:
- Hydration packs
- Camping cookware (bowls, plates, mugs, and cutlery)
- Food storage containers
- And, optionally, solar-powered devices and chargers
Of course, you don’t have to buy these all at once. Still, replacing your current arsenal with more sustainable alternatives over time will greatly reduce your impact on the environment, and let you serve as a shining example of an eco-friendly camper for others in your circle to follow.
Sustainable Hiking Practices, a.k.a. Leave No Trace
Understanding everything we’ve talked about is a set of beliefs and values enshrined in the outdoor enthusiast community under the umbrella term of Leave No Trace. This philosophy extends beyond individual actions, rather, it’s a mindset of collective responsibility.
While there is some fuzziness as to its exact definition or content that falls under its umbrella, typically, when people refer to Leaving No Trace, they mean:
- Packing out trash
- Staying on designated trails to not disturb wildlife
- Avoiding picking wildflowers
- Choosing campsites with minimal impact (ideally within established areas only)
- Keeping your noise levels down
All in all, every small, conscious decision can contribute to preserving the beauty and balance of nature.
The Takeaway
Incorporating sustainable camping practices into your trips really doesn’t take much effort. Limit your gear purchases, switch to reusable equipment when possible, and follow Leave No Trace principles—by doing so little, you’re already doing so much in the grand scheme of things, enabling others to cherish the irreplaceable, striking charm of natural landscapes for as long as possible.
You may also read: Exploring the Best Campgrounds for Stargazing