Outdoor Gear Guide: Eco-friendly Camping Gear

More outdoor equipment companies are creating eco-friendly camping gear that use less energy, fewer resources and less-toxic materials.

By Natural Home Staff
May/June 2006
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The Blue Sun Solar Backpack from Clear Blue Hawaii charges small electronics in the backcountry.
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Head out this summer with the right gear for the road less traveled. More outdoor equipment companies are creating eco-friendly camping gear that use less energy, fewer resources and less-toxic materials. This guide from Sustainable Travel International lists items produced using resource-efficient, recycled, renewable and/or recyclable materials.

Backpacks

• Venture out with a backpack made of 98 percent recycled materials (mostly recycled plastic bottles).
• Solar panel–embedded packs and messenger bags keep cell phones, iPods, satellite radios and most personal electronics fully charged. Get the bags at Reware, Clear Blue Hawaii, Voltaic and Eclipse Solar Gear.

Backpacking food

• Mary Jane’s Farm: organic, instant and quick-prep meals in recyclable packaging.
• Natural High: natural gourmet camping foods contain no artificial ingredients or MSG.
• Clif Bar: all-natural energy bars made from 70 percent organic ingredients. 

Camp stoves and ovens

• ZZ Manufacturing: a lightweight Sierra stove utilizes a battery and fan to produce 18,000 BTUs from burning pine cones, wood chips, tree bark, charcoal.
• Multi-fuel stoves that burn automobile diesel can burn biodiesel instead (they may require a separate primer). Try Mountain Safety Research’s XGK-EX, the Optimus Nova, the Primus OmniFuel
• Global Sun Ovens soak up solar radiation and reach 360 to 400 degrees in about 45 minutes. 

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