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There’s something about being surrounded by nature that fills you with peace, isn’t there? As an eco-friendly living person, I’ve always been drawn to the outdoors.
My sustainable living extended to outdoor adventures, especially when I joined my cousin Tina on her regular hikes.
Over the years, I have come to understand, how important it is to enjoy nature responsibly. I join her for 3 to 4 hiking trips each year.
In a country like the United States which contains so many beautiful landscapes both from the Appalachian Trail to the Pacific Northwest, it is important that we implement measures to conserve these beautiful locations for the next generations.
If you are an outdoorsy person like me, you have likely heard of the concept of sustainable hiking. And how do you ensure that your hiking trips create the least amount of impact on the environment?
Let’s look at some simple, practical ideas that help in addressing these issues.
What Is Sustainable Hiking?
Sustainable hiking is about reducing our impact on nature while we explore it. It’s not just about leaving no trace but actively contributing to the preservation of our trails, wildlife, and ecosystems.
When you’re out on a hike, every small action counts. The more mindful we are, the more we help conserve these spaces for future hikers.
Sustainable hiking to me, began with the small things like picking up trash and making sure that I would stay on the trail.
Now, I’m much more conscious of how my actions—like gear choices or food packaging—affect the environment.
Choose Eco-Friendly Gear
Using eco-friendly hiking gear is one of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental footprint. Tina and I use sustainable gear.
Making the right gear choices is key. Here’s a quick buying guide to help you make sustainable choices.
Hiking Shoes
Shoes are essential, but many are synthetic and therefore bad for the environment. Look for either shoes made from recycled materials or those that are produced via eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
Bring a pair that is reliable and lasts long so you do not find yourself replacing your shoes constantly.
Companies like Merrell or Vivobarefoot offer sustainable options.
Sunglasses
Normal plastic sunglasses end up as garbage. Sustainable choices are best suitable as they appear practical and safeguard the environment at the same time.
Look for Biodegradable / recycled plastic frames and UV protection lenses. Brands like Sunski or Proof Eyewear are known for their eco-friendly sunglasses
Hammock
Hammocks can be a fantastic alternative to tents, but the materials they’re made from matter.
You can go for recycled nylon or organic cotton hammocks that are lightweight and sustainably produced. Check out ENO (Eagles Nest Outfitters), which has eco-friendly options.
Sleeping Bag
Most sleeping bags are made from synthetic fibers and non-recycled materials for insulation.
Look for bags filled with recycled down, or eco-friendly synthetic insulation. Brands like Patagonia and The North Face offer blankets made from recycled materials.
Camping Tent
Tents are essential among camping geeks, but some tents use chemicals and non-recyclable materials. Consider going for a tent packed with recycled polyester.
So it needs to last for many years and of course, durability is essential. Nemo and Big Agnes make great sustainable camping tents.
When you select a durable, long-lived gear item, you reduce waste and avoid the need for frequent replacements.
On top of this, a lot of eco brands will also offer repairs so you can get even more out of your favorite items.
Respect Wildlife and Their Habitat
On one of my first hikes, I spotted a deer grazing just off the trail. I was tempted to get closer for a photo, but Tina reminded me that it’s crucial to respect wildlife.
In the U.S., particularly in popular hiking destinations, wildlife can become stressed or even endangered by too much human interaction. Keeping your distance protects both you and the animals.
Additionally, feeding wildlife—even something as innocent as a granola bar—can disrupt their natural diets and behavior. It’s best to admire animals from afar and let them live naturally in their habitat.
Follow the “Leave No Trace” Principles
The ‘Leave No Trace’ principles are the gold standard for sustainable hiking. They are super simple and anyone could apply them
1. Plan ahead and prepare: Know the area you’re hiking in and pack accordingly.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Stay on the trail to avoid damaging plants or habitats.
3. Dispose of waste properly: Pack out all trash, including food scraps. I always carry a small bag to collect my waste and anything else I find on the trail.
4. Minimize campfire impacts — When camping, use a lightweight stove for cooking rather than a wood fire.
5. Be respectful of wildlife: As we discussed before, wildlife needs space and not interruption in their own habitats.
I follow all these principles during the hike. Little acts like that changed the way I perceived nature in a significant way.
Also Read,
– Sustainable Backpacking Practices
Stay on Marked Trails
It goes without saying to stay on the trail but it is in many ways one of the most sustainable hiking practices.
Hikers also cause unnecessary impacts like trampling the plants, disturbing wildlife, or even contributing to soil erosion when they wander off-trail.
Once, during a hike in the Catskills, I noticed how veering even a few feet off the trail led to clear damage. It’s easy to avoid by simply sticking to the path.
Sustainable Transportation to Hiking Locations
Were you aware that nearly 29% of U.S. greenhouse emissions are from transportation? That’s why it’s essential to think about how we’re getting to the trail.
Whenever possible, I try to carpool with Tina or use public transportation. If you live near hiking trails, consider biking to the trailhead or exploring local hikes to reduce your carbon footprint.
Pack Out What You Pack In
This is a simple one, however extremely important — anything you bring into the outdoors should leave with you.
Trailside snacks: I have a couple of trail-use-only Tupperware-type containers for food, and keep an old aluminum camping bottle on backorder for iced tea and such.
This not only reduces my use of single-use plastic, but it also guarantees that I leave the trail without leaving any trace behind. I pick up litter left by someone else as well if I find it.
Water Conservation While Hiking
Water is a precious resource, and when you’re in the outdoors it becomes even more so. It is important to use water responsibly while hiking.
For example, if you are cleaning the dishes or brushing your teeth — use just a little amount of water and make sure it disposed somewhere where there is no running water to avoid polluting it with soap.
During a hike in the Pine Barrens, I learned to be mindful of where I sourced my water from, using a water filter to ensure I wasn’t impacting the natural streams.
Educate Yourself and Hikers Around You
The spreading of the word is part of sustainable hiking. Just as importantly, I talk to people about practices such as these as well whenever I can — be it with a few friends who also embrace a nomadic lifestyle or other hikers meandering through the same paths. Because the more we share, the more we can protect.
In New Jersey, I’ve also joined a couple of local hiking groups that also do trail clean-ups and incorporate eco-friendly practices.
This is a tremendous opportunity to contribute to nature and find out what others have been doing in the community.
Sustainable hiking is thinking about the impact we make. Hiking responsibly ensures that future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty we do.
This phrase will help you next time as you go out to hike, it is not only about the steps but also necessary to preserve the destination. Happy hiking
