How to Be an Eco-Conscious Hiker
As outdoor enthusiasts, we know how precious and inspiring the natural world can be. Hiking provides us with the opportunity to connect with nature in profound ways. However, with our love for the outdoors comes the responsibility to protect and preserve it. By adopting sustainable practices, we can minimize our impact on the environment and ensure that future generations can enjoy the same pristine wilderness we cherish today.
In this post, we’ll explore simple yet effective ways to become an eco-conscious hiker, from the gear you use to the clothing you wear and the habits you develop on the trail.
Choose Sustainable Hiking Gear
When it comes to outdoor gear, durability and longevity are key. High-quality, eco-friendly gear not only lasts longer but often leaves a smaller environmental footprint. Here's how to make more sustainable choices when selecting your hiking equipment:
Opt for Eco-Friendly Materials: Many brands now use recycled or natural materials in their gear. For example, look for backpacks made from recycled polyester or shoes made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo.
Buy Durable and High-Quality Gear: Investing in high-quality gear means fewer replacements in the long run. A durable jacket, sturdy boots, or a reliable water filter can last for years, reducing waste. Investing in quality products often ends up being cheaper in the long run.
Repurposed Gear: Don’t overlook the benefits of buying secondhand gear or repurposing items. Thrift stores, outdoor gear exchanges, and online marketplaces offer a variety of gently used hiking equipment at a fraction of the cost. By buying secondhand, you help reduce demand for new products and keep old gear out of landfills. REI has a great program where they sell lightly used products for great prices.
Choose Brands with a Sustainable Focus: Support companies that prioritize sustainability, ethical production, and environmental responsibility. (Hint, hint: Like Dirt Roads Project!) Many outdoor brands are committed to reducing waste, minimizing carbon footprints, and using eco-friendly materials in their products.
Practice Leave No Trace Principles
Being an eco-conscious hiker isn’t just about the gear you choose, but how you interact with the environment around you. Following Leave No Trace (LNT) principles is one of the best ways to minimize your impact and ensure that trails remain pristine for future hikers. See our previous blog post about 10 Ways to Leave No Trace for more info!
Stay on Marked Trails: Avoid cutting through areas with fragile vegetation or disturbing wildlife habitats. Sticking to designated trails helps protect the surrounding ecosystem and reduces soil erosion.
Pack Out What You Pack In: Always pack out all of your trash, including food wrappers, bottles, and even biodegradable materials like banana peels or apple cores. These can take months or even years to break down. Always bring a small trash bag to carry out anything you bring in.
Be Mindful of Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and avoid feeding them. Feeding wildlife can disrupt their natural behavior and lead to dependency on human food, which is detrimental to their health and survival.
Use Biodegradable Soap: If you plan to wash dishes or clean yourself in a stream, use biodegradable soap to prevent harming aquatic ecosystems. Always do your best to wash at least 200 feet from water sources, and opt for natural soaps when possible.
Respect Campfire Regulations: If campfires are allowed, use established fire rings, and always make sure to fully extinguish the fire when you’re done. Consider using a camping stove instead of making a fire to reduce your carbon footprint and the risk of wildfires.
Sustainable Hydration
Water is one of the most essential aspects of hiking, but the bottles or hydration systems we use can often harm the environment. Here’s how to minimize your impact while staying hydrated
Use a Reusable Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder: Ditch single-use plastic water bottles and opt for a stainless steel or BPA-free reusable water bottle or hydration bladder. These options are both eco-friendly and durable.
Use Water Filters or Purification Tablets: If you're hiking in areas where clean water is scarce, instead of buying bottled water, use a water filter or purification tablets. This reduces plastic waste and ensures that you're always prepared for hydration on the trail. We like to keep water purification tablets in our hiking bag just in case of an emergency and we run out of water on the trail.
Sustainable Food Choices for the Trail
The food you carry with you can also play a significant role in your environmental impact. Consider the following tips to make your hiking meals more eco-conscious:
Opt for Reusable Containers: Ditch plastic wrap and single-use packaging for reusable containers. Invest in lightweight, durable containers that can be used for both food and beverages on the trail.
Choose Energy-Dense, Minimal-Packaged Foods: Look for trail snacks and meals with minimal packaging, such as bulk nuts, dried fruits, and energy bars in compostable or recyclable packaging. Consider dehydrated meals that come in sustainable packaging to reduce waste.
Go Plant-Based: If you're looking to make a big environmental impact, try packing plant-based meals. Not only are they lighter to carry, but they also have a lower carbon footprint compared to meat-based options.
Offset Your Carbon Footprint
Hiking may seem like a carbon-free activity, but traveling to trailheads and supporting certain outdoor industries can still contribute to your carbon footprint. Here are ways to offset it:
Carpool or Use Public Transportation: If you’re heading to a popular hiking destination, carpool with other hikers or use public transportation to reduce emissions. The fewer cars on the road, the better for the environment.
Choose Close-to-Home Trails: Opt for local hikes to reduce the carbon footprint from travel. Exploring nearby parks or trails can be just as rewarding, and it minimizes your environmental impact.
Support Carbon Offset Programs: Some outdoor companies and organizations offer carbon offset programs to balance out the environmental impact of their products and services. Consider purchasing offsets or supporting brands that do so.
Being an eco-conscious hiker means being mindful of the resources we use and how we interact with nature. By choosing sustainable gear, clothing, and practices, you can help protect the wilderness you love to explore, ensuring that these wild spaces remain beautiful and accessible for generations to come. Start small, make conscious choices, and encourage others to do the same.