Eco-Friendly Gear Swaps to Reduce Your Environmental Impact
Environmentally conscious outdoor products for hiking, climbing, and an active lifestyle
January 10th, 2024
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As an outdoor enthusiast, you are likely more conscious than most about human’s impacts on the natural environment. The delicate ecosystems of the backcountry stand in stark contrast to the trash generated by a single on-trail lunch.
If you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact while enjoying your favorite outdoor pastimes, this guide is designed to help you with easy swaps on gear you already use or may be looking to purchase anyway.
These eco-friendly alternatives to some basic outdoor gear elements are a great place to start.
Everything on this list is not only environmentally friendly, but it’s also budget-conscious and easy to pack. Whether you’re an enthusiastic outdoor beginner, an avid car camper, or an experienced backpacker, there’s an eco-swap for you.
Remember, the best option for the environment is opting not to buy by renting, borrowing, or choosing used gear. We’ll walk you through the options to help you make more eco-conscious gear decisions.
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While there’s no way to wash our hands completely clean of the environmental impact of our lives, small actions collectively can make a difference and influence policy. Photo by Jocelyn Crawford.
How much can we really do for the environment as individuals?
Does changing a few habits really matter if climate change is a global issue?
Six years ago, the Carbon Majors Report made headlines in the Guardian and other sources, with catchy headlines suggesting that 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global industrial emissions.
There’s some major caveats (for example, industrial emissions doesn’t account for agricultural or land use emissions) and up to 88% of emissions comes from consumption of the products.
Along those lines, according to reports, 90% of those emissions are generated by downstream consumption of carbon-emitting products like coal, oil, and gas—which includes filling up our cars, manufacturing materials to build our roads and skyscrapers, and heating our houses. T
hose 100 companies may be the ones profiting, but our personal consumption is contributing to pollution in a tangible way.
That means that by reducing our personal environmental impact, we are making a difference!
Do small changes make a difference?
For a long time, I felt as though there was no way I could be environmentally conscious without a complete, costly overhaul to all aspects of my life.
But even small changes help—and they have an impact on the people around you.
Talking about eating less meat has led to more meatless lunch orders. People fly less often when someone they know is doing so for environmental reasons. When community organizers have solar panels, more community members get them.
As more people shift their behavior, entire industries also change.
Environmentalism can sound like a huge undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated! Every person's small changes help, and enough imperfect environmentalists can actually make a difference.
That said, reducing your personal environmental impact as an individual is not meant to absolve companies, governments, or policymakers of their responsibility to combat climate change. Focusing on only the individual or the global makes the large-scale changes necessary to stop global warming feel virtually impossible.
Personal action and collective action go hand in hand—it’s not an all-or-nothing situation, and changing a few personal habits here, and there can be a good place for you to start.
Opting for rechargeable batteries instead of single-use batteries is an example of an eco-swap that can reduce waste. Photo by Jocelyn Crawford.
3 eco-friendly outdoor geaR IDEAS
You can make sustainable choices and opt into sustainable practices no matter your lifestyle or preferred outdoor hobbies.
All of the following swaps are pieces of outdoor gear I use on my own outdoor climbing trips—gear that has proven itself on several occasions. I’m not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned here; I genuinely just love the pieces since they work for me!
This list is by no means exhaustive, so feel free to use it as a starting point to think about what outdoor gear you use most on trips, what environmental impact it may have, and if there are alternatives that would be more sustainable.
Ditch single-use batteries for a sleek, simple rechargeable to upgrade an essential piece of equipment.
No matter your outdoor activity of choice, a reliable headlamp should be on everyone’s gear list.
Sometimes a headlamp just means you can set up camp hands-free; other times, it saves you from a twisted ankle on dark trails when a hike takes longer than expected.
After watching my climbing partner get stuck on the wall retrieving gear and rappel down in complete darkness, I always double-check that I have at least one reliable headlamp in my pack before heading outside for the day.
An easy, cost-efficient, sustainable alternative to single-use batteries for headlamps are their rechargeable counterparts.
Swapping single-use items for a reusable, rechargeable version is an easy step towards lowering your environmental impact. Plus, it’s actually more cost-effective in the long run since you don’t have to buy new batteries when the disposables die or crack.
COMPARE PRICES ON THE PETZL CORE
The Petzl Core rechargeable battery that reduces the need for single-use batteries and their potential for leaks. Photo by Jocelyn Crawford.
Why choose rechargable headlamp batteries
Unfortunately, a headlamp does you no good without batteries.
While batteries have come a long way since 1996, when mercury was prohibited in most types of household batteries, they still contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals like zinc and manganese.
Since alkaline batteries are no longer made with such high levels of mercury, there are fewer regulations stopping you from throwing out batteries with typical trash.
Even in California, where recycling batteries is mandatory, only around 0.55% actually end up recycled. This means that once your headlamp batteries are exhausted, they are destined for the landfill.
As they break down, the corrosive materials inside the battery leak out and seeps into the soil, eventually making it to nearby water sources. As you might expect, the components of batteries can have lasting negative effects on the surrounding environment and human health.
An easy, cost-efficient, sustainable alternative to single-use batteries are their rechargeable counterparts. For headlamps, there are headlamp-specific battery options out there, depending on what type of lamp you use.
What headlamps work with the Petzl core battery?
A headlamp operated by the Petzl Core battery looks the same as those operated by AA batteries. Photo by Jocelyn Crawford.
The Petzl Core is a 1250 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery compatible with all 2017 and newer models of the following Petzl headlamps:
Petzl Tikkina
Tikka
Zipka
Actik
Actik Core
Tactikka
Tactikka +
Tactika Core
Tactikka
RGB headlamps
The rechargeable battery has been a great addition to my trusty Tikka headlamp has been with me for the last few years. The Tikkina and Actik Core are winners in our Best Headlamps guide.
HOW DOES THE PETZL CORE BATTERY WORK?
The integrated charging port on the Petzl Core works with any micro USB cord, so you don’t need a unique charging device to keep the power topped up. (I would’ve lost that cord already if that were the case.)
I also love that the Core is just a single piece instead of three individual batteries (again, less for me to lose). It’s also less prone to leakage compared to alkaline batteries. This is a huge relief since my headlamp was almost ruined by a leaky AA that left a gnarly, crusty residue. I’ve had no issues with battery life or losing charge on the Core Battery, so I’m a happy camper...literally!
WHAT OTHER RECHARGEABLE HEADLAMP OPTIONS EXIST?
If you don’t have a Petzl headlamp, never fear.
While this particular item is more specific of an eco-friendly swap, the intention to opt for rechargeable batteries is the same no matter what style of headlamp, flashlight, or lantern is your go-to. You can even check this guide for rechargeable options that might work for you.
CAN I USE SOLAR CHARGERS TO RECHARGE BATTERIES?
If you’re looking to advance your sustainability game, or if your activities keep you outside for longer periods of time, you might want to look into solar chargers for portable renewable energy.
Solar chargers have become more efficient, lighter-weight, and easier to find in the last few years.
See our guide to Best Portable Solar Chargers for our recommendations and more on how to use solar panels during outdoor activities.
If you can find a version that fits your needs, solar charging may be a great way to reduce the number of batteries you use while giving you more freedom to explore. Solar chargers aren’t a necessary piece of gear for everyone, but if you go for long adventures in sunnier climates and only have a few devices to recharge, they might work well for you.
Replace TP with this quick-drying, pack-friendly, antimicrobial cloth.
There’s a lot to love about outdoor pursuits. But if we’re being honest, answering the call of nature in nature isn’t usually one of them.
If you use toilet paper at home after peeing, staying hygienic, dry, and comfortable can be difficult when outdoors, far from established facilities.
While velvety leaves and smooth stones aren’t the worst options if you choose to wipe rather than use a backcountry bidet or urination device, allow me to introduce you to something better than natural TP: the Kula Cloth.
This is essentially the best version of reusable toilet paper possible. And Treeline writers like using it so much in the backcountry, we even use it at home to cut down on toilet paper needed.
The Kula Cloth replaces the majority of your needs for toilet paper. Photo by Jocelyn Crawford.
WHY YOU MAY WANT A PEE CLOTH
It might sound like an odd thing to think of as an outdoor essential, but let me explain.
This past summer, my climbing area of choice didn’t have a restroom nearby. At first, I didn’t think twice about it—peeing in the woods is basically a requirement if you have any outdoor hobbies.
But visiting the crag a few times a week, I quickly got frustrated with waiting to drip dry, and any sort of discomfort due to dampness is multiplied by a climbing harness.
Packing toilet paper in and out just to pee on day trips seemed a little excessive—not to mention used TP isn’t the ideal thing to have sitting in a sun-baked backpack all day.
I’d heard that backpacking enthusiasts solved such a problem with a “pee-rag,” a single bandana to replace the majority of TP you’d otherwise carry.
The idea of using a Kula Cloth to wipe away urine may sound a bit strange and awkward, but I was impressed with how dry I got and how hygienic it all felt. Feeling comfortable after peeing was genuinely a game-changer for full-day, high-intensity activities as well as longer trips. Now my Kula is a staple in my climbing bag.
WHAT IS A KULA CLOTH?
The Kula Cloth air drying on the side of a backpack. Photo by Jocelyn Crawford.
The Kula Cloth is so much more than a designated pee rag.
The inner side you wipe with is made of an antimicrobial, silver-infused, absorbent material with a reflective stitched seam to aid in nighttime location by flashlight.
The outside is a waterproof layer that comes in a wide variety of designs, some by female artists. A portion of the profits from select Kula designs goes to support artists and/or charitable organizations. And if none of the existing designs speak to you, you have the option to design your own.
Add a double-snapping strap for open or taco-style attachment to a pack, and you’re looking at the most technical and luxurious version of reusable TP. (And if that isn’t enough, Kula Cloths are made in the USA, CPSIA certified, and PFA/PFOA-free.)
WHY SHOULD I PACK OUT TOILET PAPER (OR NOT USE IT)?
So why not just bring TP and bury it in a cathole, as is the correct Leave No Trace protocol in most places?
For one, it can easily start to add up.
Nothing ruins a trip to the mountains like stumbling onto mountains of used toilet tissue. Backcountry campgrounds and popular parks don’t have enough space for every visitor to dig a hole and bury toilet paper every time they pee.
There are also plenty of areas where burying isn’t advised due to cold or arid conditions, where decomposition is slower.
An alternative like the Kula cloth eliminates a significant amount of trash, reduces what you have to pack out, and keeps you comfortable. It’s the perfect swap for you and the environment. (And for anyone that doesn’t need a pee cloth, I’ve heard it also makes an excellent travel washcloth.)
Leave all other cleaning products at home—this biodegradable, multipurpose soap is a great option for you and the planet.
Depending on what you’re getting up to outdoors, being able to wash dishes, gear, clothing, and yourself can have a whole lot of benefits.
Washing gear means you can pack less stuff overall, stay out for longer, and, just maybe, be a little bit more comfortable.
Soap isn’t just a luxury item in the outdoors. On camping trips, my sensitive skin fares better when I’m able to wash the sunscreen off my face at the end of the day.
When climbing for multiple days in a row, I can prevent my hands from getting too dry by washing chalk off at the end of a session. Washing your hands with soap is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others.
Still, no one wants to bring harmful chemicals into sensitive ecosystems, so biodegradable, eco-friendly soaps are the clear choice for outdoor use. But not all biodegradable soaps are created equal.
In every situation, Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap puts all others I’ve tried to shame.
LIQUID SOAP
BAR SOAP
Dr. Bronner’s organic fair trade soap is available in bar and liquid varieties. Photo by Jocelyn Crawford.
WHAT'S IN DR. BRONNER'S CASTILE SOAPS?
Both the liquid and bar soap versions of Dr. Bronner’s are made from ten food-grade vegan ingredients—nine if you go with the unscented version—and many of the ingredients are fair-trade certified and/or certified organic.
Although all Dr. Bronner’s soaps use fair-trade organic palm kernel oil—an eco-friendly marketed ingredient that has been associated with harmful farming and environmental practices used to obtain it—Dr. Bronner’s seems like an brand that might be doing it right. (If you’re still on the fence, you can opt for Castile soaps sourced from local oil or oils that come from different plants. If you’re DIY-inclined, you can even make your own Castile soap using sustainable materials like olive or coconut oils.)
Breaking a soap bar into slivers allows you to separate your dish washing soap bar from your underwear washing soap bar from your face soap. Photo by Jocelyn Crawford.
HOW CAN I USE DR. BRONNER'S CASTILE SOAP?
Castile soap is also highly concentrated, so a little goes a very long way.
It also has 18 listed uses (including toothpaste, if you’re brave enough), so this single soap can replace any other cleaning or personal care item for at least a few days, making it perfect for anyone trying to lighten their pack or streamline their gear list.
SHOULD I GET THE BAR OR LIQUID DR. BRONNER'S?
Dr. Bronner’s is available as a liquid or in bar form. Depending on your activities and preferences, one may be better than other for your needs.
The liquid comes in post-consumer recycled plastic bottles with a 100% recycled paper label; the bar comes wrapped in paper.
I prefer the bar formula since it eliminates any risk of leaky plastic bottles—and it can easily be cut down into smaller chunks if you’re concerned about space or gear weight. Smaller slivers are also nice if you prefer to have designated bars for washing dishes, undies, and faces.
For those who prefer liquid, you can repackage Dr. Bronner’s into small dropper bottles for backpacking or travel. Remember, one drop goes a long way!
CAN BIODEGRADABLE SOAP IMPACT THE ENVIRONMENT?
Even if you opt for biodegradable soap, it is still important to follow safe washing practices. Biodegradable soaps can still impact the environment—especially water sources.
According to the EPA, a single ounce of biodegradable soap must be diluted in over 150 gallons of water to be safe for fish, and biodegradable soaps also provide food for harmful algal blooms.
The typical rule of thumb is to use any soaps or cleansers at least 200 feet away from any water source, and this applies no matter what ingredients are in your products of choice.
An easy way to go about this is to fill your cooking pot, empty water bottle, or even a Ziploc bag with water, and take it to a washing area away from the water source.
As long as you’re being responsible and intentional about your washing, a little water and a few drops of castile soap can help you stay safe, comfortable, and healthy while enjoying your favorite outdoor activities.
Revive Your Well-Loved Gear
USE NOSO PATCHES TO REPAIR GEAR AND ADD STYLE
Jackets, outdoor clothing, sleeping bags, tents, and backpacks are some of the most well-loved pieces in anyone’s gear stash.
Since these items see a lot of use, it’s not surprising that they also see a lot of wear and tear.
When an actual tear appears, it can feel like the end of the road for your favorite pack or jacket. And since these are some of the most expensive items in your kit, a feather spewing rip can be devastating for your wallet.
But instead of replacing a whole piece of gear, why not try replacing a few square inches of fabric?
Enter the superstar of at-home gear repair: the Noso patch!
Buying and selling used gear are all part of reducing your footprint. Photo by Jocelyn Crawford.
WHY PATCH OUTDOOR GEAR TO REPAIR IT?
Any patching style that works for your purposes is an eco-friendly alternative to replacing a whole piece of gear or clothing—and that includes duct tape and super glue, which can be thrifty and effective fixes. But sometimes an actual fabric patch can be more durable, reliable, and ultimately better for the planet. Patches are also sometimes the only suitable fix for specialty gear requiring mesh or extreme weather resistance.
WHY CHOOSE NOSO PATCHES FOR GEAR REPAIR
The Noso patch comes with a stencil kit to make it easy and fun to cut patches to the shapes and sizes you want. Photo by Jocelyn Crawford.
My preferred patch producer, Noso Patches, backs up their sustainability mission through action.
They use deadstock fabric—textile waste from large-scale garment manufacturing that is otherwise thrown away—and bluesign certified eco-friendly material when possible.
Their patches are manufactured in the US with a zero-waste dye sublimation process and adhesive so toxin-free, it’s essentially chewing gum.
They also use FSC Certified compostable, biodegradable, and packaging with recycled materials to reduce waste.
If you purchase from Noso’s website, you also have the option to pay to offset the carbon footprint generated by producing and shipping your patch, with all proceeds going to Atmosfair and Fair Climate Fund.
The Noso patches come in a ton of cool colors, shapes, designs, and fabrics, and are super useful for reviving beloved gear.
I opted for a reflective Noso patch to add visibility to a black down jacket, and it worked like a charm—plus, it saved an entire coat from becoming trash.
Even if the Noso patches aren’t really your style, repairing gear with whatever material you prefer is always a more environmentally conscious choice than tossing something old and buying something new.
HOW TO REPAIR USING A NOSO PATCH
Repairing gear you already own is the most eco-friendly option can you can make.
We go into step-by-step instructions on using repair patches on apparel in our article on How to Repair Down Jackets.
If your tent has a hole, you can also read our guide on using patches in How to Repair a Tent.
Patching down jackets is an eco-friendly alternative to replacing a whole piece of clothing or gear. Photo by Jocelyn Crawford.
BUY Used or Renewed Outdoor Gear
One of the simplest ways to reduce your environmental impact is to buy less and buy differently.
A great start to buying less is extending the life of the gear you already own by patching or repairing parts that break, melt, or tear.
But sometimes we have to buy while knowing that anything we buy, no matter how thoughtfully and sustainably made, contributes to our carbon footprint and greenhouse gases.
If you do have to buy, consider checking out used options. We have an entire article on used outdoor gear, that delves into why opt for used gear, feeling more comfortable with purchasing used gear, trade-in programs, and making used gear a more common practice.
Consuming less means fewer resources will be used to produce new gear in the first place. And who knows—you might discover something better suited for your purposes!
WHERE ARE GOOD PLACES TO LOOK FOR USED GEAR?
An easy place to start are thrift stores and garage sales, “Buy Nothing” or Zero Waste groups. You can also check your local clothing swap.
If you’re looking for a special technical piece of gear, we recommend checking out outdoor stores that have renewed gear programs. You can even opt for rentals before turning to brand new gear.
WHAT OUTDOOR GEAR SHOULD I GET USED? WHAT SHOULD I NOT GET USED?
The most eco-friendly clothing is used clothes. However, take care when purchasing personal safety gear that can be dangerous if too heavily used (like ropes, helmets, harnesses, or climbing equipment).
This article breaks down gear items by Don’t Buy Used / Maybe Buy Used/ Always Buy Used When Possible.
Buying or getting used gear and selling or trading in your old gear are all part of reducing your footprint.
While being intentional with your consumption is ultimately the most eco-friendly solution, outdoor activities require activity-specific gear. We’re here to support you as you do what you can—knowing that even small steps towards eco-friendly substitutes are steps in the right direction!
USED AND RENEWED GEAR SOURCES
As mentioned above, an easy way to make sustainability part of your life is by opting for second-hand gear from a thrift store or gear swap, “Buy Nothing” or Zero Waste groups. These organizations also help build a sense of local community.
For more technical outdoor items, check out stores that specialize in used outdoor gear listed below.
This list of used gear vendors is by no means exhaustive, so feel free to use it as a starting point to think about what outdoor gear you use most on trips, what environmental impact it may have, and if there are alternatives that would be more sustainable.
