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We all know Backpacking is one of the best ways to connect with nature, But if we practice it carelessly, it creates a negative impact on the environment.
Sustainable backpacking helps reduce the likely footprint we leave on the environment and ensures these natural wonders last for future generations.
Additionally, did you know each year outdoor activities generate well over 100 million tons of waste? Let’s change that.
In the previous year, I had the chance to join my cousin Tina on her Asia backpacking adventure.
Viewing this through the lens of an eco-friendly lifestyle advocate, made me realize just how impactful sustainable living is on a global scale.
This taught me what to do and how you can minimize your impact while backpacking!
Pack Light and Smart
The biggest lesson I learned on our Asia tour — the importance of packing light! It can also take the load off of your back, and reduce how many disposables you might be tempted to bring.
With a lean packing list, you can focus on the essentials and avoid unnecessary waste.
For instance, I carried a refillable watering can with a portable filter. It would mean I did not have to purchase a bottle of water daily and could instead refill and filter from streams or taps at waypoints along the way.
Also, be mindful of toiletries. I carried only eco-friendly biodegradable soap and shampoo bars which were not too heavy anyways.
Choose Eco-Friendly Gear for Sustainable Backpacking
Having the right gear is key when preparing for a sustainable backpacking trip. In addition, you need to get easy-to-carry stuff that is lightweight, and durable, because it decreases your bag load as well as waste.
Here’s a breakdown of essential eco-friendly items that should be in your pack, along with where to buy them.
# Water Bottles & Reservoirs
An easy pick for backpackers – Best Reusable Water Bottle, use stainless steel water bottles or refillable BPA-free plastic ones you can take on the move.
My goto is a Hydro Flask bottle, you can pick one up at REI or Amazon. Another good option is the Nalgene bottles.
And if you’re going for a longer hike you can use a hydration reservoir (like the CamelBak), allowing you to carry more water with less effort.
# Handheld Water Purifiers
You can also avoid carrying multiple plastic water bottles by investing in a handheld water purifier, which helps you filter water from streams, lakes, or taps.
I use the LifeStraw purifier, which is lightweight, compact, and perfect for filtering water while backpacking.
# Backpack Dehydrator
Dehydrate your food with a backpack dehydrator using lightweight meals that are eco-friendly. You can make homemade snacks at home, which is ideal for decreasing packaging waste.
Nesco and Excalibur are 2 brand offerings dehydrators on Walmart/Amazon It was a great way to pack zero-waste, healthy backpacking meals for longer trips.
# Menstrual Cup
Being a female hiker, for me, the game changer was my ‘Moon cup’ menstrual cups as I aim to eliminate waste.
Reusable options from brands like DivaCup, and Lena Cup are easy to use, clean, and store during your trip. Tote Bags, Dustbin liners & Sacks Wraps.
# Cloth Bags, Paper Bags, & Beeswax Wraps
Also, do not store food items or any other things in plastic bags, rather use cloth bags or paper bags. You can find them from eco-friendly brands like Baggu, or on Etsy.
When it comes to food storage, I love using beeswax wraps, which are reusable, compostable, and great for wrapping up sandwiches or snacks.
# Personnel Care
You can use a bamboo toothbrush and comb. I usually use a deo bar from brands such as Ethique or Native that have plastic-free packaging.
Dr. Bronner’s other natural soap bar alternative is plastic-free much lighter and more compact to travel with than liquid soaps if you are carrying them on your plane or train journey.
# Eco-Friendly Backpack Bag
I am a very big fan of the new Osprey Archeon series which uses recycled fabrics and and is durable enough for any adventure.
It’s available at REI and Backcountry. Another great option is the Patagonia Black Hole Pack, made from recycled fabrics and designed for durability.
They are ideal for both eco-conscious travelers and those adventurers looking to invest in long-lasting, earth-loving gear.
# Eco-Friendly Backpacker Shoes
When it comes to footwear, choosing sustainable hiking shoes can make a big difference.
My favorite is Merrell’s Moab 3 shoes, which are made using recycled materials in the laces and mesh. Also, these shoes are durable and comfortable for long hikes.
Another great option is Vivobarefoot’s Magna Trail, which uses eco-friendly materials and promotes a less-waste hiking experience.
Camp Responsibly
When we finally made it to our first campsite, Tina and I talked a lot about how camping can affect the environment.
Being a sustainable backpacker, one of the best practices you can do to make sure you do not damage any environment is by camping in designated areas.
Camping outside of these spots can harm the fragile ecosystem.
We were also happy to have used a stove rather than a fire, as that not only does it less harm but is really fast for cooking.
Fires are a rare pleasure in many popular US backpacking spots and can be land-altering, causing long-term damage to an environment, so stick to established fire rings or use portable stoves.
Check out my detailed blog post on Eco-Friendly Camping Practices here.
Sustainable Hiking Practices
In New Jersey, I often hit the trails near home with Tina. It is a priority for both of us to stay on designated trails.
It may be tempting to wander off the trail, but doing so could create unnecessary damage to plants and disturb wildlife. Many hikers aren’t aware that even small disturbances can hurt delicate ecosystems.
Also, When you’re out hiking, keeping your noise levels down helps avoid scaring animals or disrupting their natural behavior.
This is something I noticed when Tina and I hiked in quieter parts of Asia, and it made me much more mindful of my surroundings.
Read my comprehensive blog post on sustainable Hiking practices here.
Food and Waste Management on the Trail
Food management is critical, especially on longer trips. For our backpacking tour, I planned meals with minimal packaging.
Bulk foods like nuts, dried fruits, and grains not only take up less space but also help reduce trash. Bringing reusable bags and containers for food storage meant we didn’t have to deal with plastic waste.
Everything You Pack In, You Pack Out (The Golden Rule of Sustainable Backpacking) All food waste, wrappers, and even human waste (if need be) must be disposed of in the correct manner.
On our trip, we used a small portable toilet in certain areas, which kept us in line with Leave No Trace principles.
Practicing sustainable backpacking helps protect the environment for future generations. These small eco-friendly steps add up to make a big difference.
As someone who’s experienced the wonders of backpacking, I can confidently say that it’s definitely possible to enjoy the outdoors in a sustainable way.
