We seek outdoor experiences in order to connect with Mother Nature and all of the bounty she provides. We camp under the stars, hike with our babes, and swim in crystal clear lakes to not only get rid of stress, but to teach our kids how to care for this planet. So don’t sabotage your efforts by packing non-reusable, or toxic, camping gear on your next excursion. There are a plethora of green camping products from eco-minded companies available, designed to minimize your impact on the environment while maximizing your comfort.
Once a kiddo arrives, sleeping under the stars (without a tent) may be a bit less realistic—and definitely less romantic. It’s best to plan for all outcomes, including bad weather or a case of the boogieman, when packing for your camping trip. Plus, comfort is king, so pack chairs, extra pads/pillows, and bring along an extra-large tent.
The Re-Routt collection
from Big Agnes was launched in 2008 out of a desire to create more
eco-friendly products (named in honor of Routt County, Colorado, where
Big Agnes is headquartered). The program and line, which utilizes recycled fabrics, fills, and hardware, helped divert 500,000 PET bottles from the landfill last year. We love the Skinny Fish sleeping bag, made with 100% recycled insulation and 100% recycled shell materials. ($179–$189). All of Big Agnes's tent poles made in 2009 utilize DAC’s Green Anodizing process, which avoids the use of phosphoric and nitric acid—two toxic chemicals common in the manufacturing process. They also make an eco-friendly tent, the Salt Creek 2, made from recycled materials ($349.95). However, the Salt Creek 2 only fits two, so you may want a more practical option, the Flying Diamond 6
($499.95), which features one large room that can be divided into two,
providing enough room for 6 (or in my case, two adults, one wiggly
baby, and two dogs).
You’ll sleep better on the Eco Thermo 6 sleeping pad (available for men and women) by Pacific Outdoor Equipment. The 2.5” thick pad is filled with bamboo and covered in a bamboo fabric. Even the valve is made from recycled aluminum, adhering to the company motto: Good Gear = Less Waste. Beyond the eco-factor, this is a cozy sleeping pad, including such extras as added insulation in the feet for those cold toes. ($127–$133). They also make a kids’ pad, complete with fun animals and a growth chart ($40), although the current model is not made from green materials.
The Kids Mini Chair
from Pacific Outdoor Equipment provides the perfect seat for picnics,
and with one snap can be used as a quick, washable changing pad. ($28)
I don’t know what’s better about the ML-1 Mini lantern—the fact that it doesn't require an electric power source, or the fact that its hand-crank charging system can keep kids entertained for hours! The lantern made by Freeplay is truly self-sufficient and rechargeable, featuring ultra-bright LEDs. Fully charge it by plugging it in before you go, giving you 8 hours of continuous ultra bright light or 100 hours of night-light. If it ever goes dark, remember, “you are the spare power.” (Each 60-second wind provides 1 hour of light.) ($55)
Your little ones can feel big in their own Rei Camp Kids Chair (adult models are also available), made out of durable nylon and featuring their own cup pocket—perhaps for a sippy filled with hot chocolate? ($24)
You can tote a good portion of your gear in the waterproof, Eco Sumo from Pacific Outdoor equipment. Considered an “eco-hauler” this bag made out of recycled PET, reclaimed materials, including upcycled buckles, and sustainable kapok padding, features a welded bottom, zipper compartments, and handles that convert to backpack straps. Heck, this bag can be used all the time—we love how easy it transitions from shoulder bag to backpack. ($96)
The biggest worry many parents have about camping with kids is whether anyone will sleep. As any parent can attest, sleep-deprivation plus vacation equals a recipe for disaster. Ensure your kids' comfort by making the campsite feel like home. Also, keep in mind the weather. If you’re camping at a higher elevation, the temperatures at night are likely to dip quite a bit—so, pack for the cold.
Made from sustainably sourced Radiata pine, the Cariboo Folding Bassinet from Scandinavian Child, is the easiest way to transition a young baby (up to 22 pounds) from home to the woods. The bassinet's “e-zero” board is free of formaldehyde, the sleeping pad is made from PBDE-free foam, and the bassinet itself is JPMA/ASTM certified and available in teak and mahogany. Be forewarned: Although the bassinet folds up, it still takes up a considerable amount of room, so pack your car accordingly. ($294.95)
I’m in love with the lillebaby EuroTote available at Scandinavian Child. I recall all too well trying to move my sleeping daughter from the car seat into the house (without much luck). With the EuroTote, you can snap the microfiber tote into your car seat (the tote is ASTM safety certified), therefore making transitions that much easier (just unsnap and carry). Plus the tote easily converts to a toddler stroller bag, play mat, or—for camping—a small sleeping bag. A lightweight mesh cover works wonderfully in hot summer months. ($124.95)
Aden + Anais Organic Swaddle Blankets are the perfect go-to for travel, as they act as swaddle blankets, picnic cloths, play mats, sunshades, and more. Lightweight, breathable, and big enough for even larger kiddos to use as blankies, these are a must-have for any parent. ($34)
Sleep sacks are an excellent option for little babes (or even older ones) who are apt to throw or kick off their covers in the middle of the night. The Halo Organic Cotton SleepSack is an affordable and eco-friendly option, made with 100% organic cotton and featuring a bottom-up zipper for ease of use. ($32.95)
Marmot’s EcoPro +30 sleeping bag for kids is made from 100% recycled fabrics and uses 80% recycled insulation. Designed for children’s comfort, the hood and face muff can be cinched tight for extra coziness, plus there’s a pocket for all of those nighttime essentials, including any favorite stuffed bears. ($125)
For smaller children, the Outside Baby sleeping bag
($40) is a great option. Available in a bright turquoise blue, this
affordable, PVC-free bag provides the perfect introduction to sleeping
in the Great Outdoors. We also love their windproof, fleece blankets ($39)—perfect for cool nights spent roasting marshmallows.
Getting outside and exploring, playing in the dirt, swimming in the cool waters, or trying your hand at fishing is half the fun of a camping trip. So, be sure to pack all of the gear necessary for outdoor adventures and smiles, including gear to keep you warm and dry in case the once sunny skies turn gray. (Like they're known to do in a split second here in Colorado.)
i play. offers a durable, PVC-free, and fun heavy duty raincoat, overalls, and rubber rainboots that are the perfect antidote to a dreary, rainy day. Honestly, if I had this set, I’d have an entirely different outlook on wet weather. (P.S. iPlay’s sizes run a little small, so be sure to check their sizing chart before ordering.) (Raincoat, $40; Overalls, $25; Rainboots, $25)
Nikon Ecobins 10 x 25 Binoculars
allow you to bird or animal watch while preserving your eco-ethos. The binoculars are
made with lead- and arsenic-free glass and non-chloride rubber, while
the strap is made from Tencel , a sustainably made fabric sourced from
Eucalyptus forests. In addition, the binoculars are waterproof and fogproof.
($199.95)
If camping = fishing at your house, be sure to check out Green Tackle's lead-free spinners, biodegradable fishing lines, and natural lures.
Fishing may seem like an enviromentally friendly sport, but
unfortunately, the reality can be quite the opposite. Standard
monofilament fishing line can last for 500+ years, harming wildlife
during its lifetime; lead weights are toxic (to both humans and birds
who accidentally ingest lost weights); and plastic lures, well, are
plastic—and unfortunately many lures are lost to sea, killing fish.
Green Tackle utilizes technology to make fishing more green. In fact,
the "lures" are made from 100% natural fish food, so fish that ingest
these tempting bites will just be eating dinner, instead of poison.
(prices vary)
Nothing can ruin a great vacation like a fantastic sunburn, cut, or worse. Pack along the necessities, including a first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen.
Just hook the Organic Eco Lips SPF 30 Face Stick (attached to a carabiner) to your backpack, and you’ll always have protection from the sun and wind. Plus, the stick application makes it easy to swipe it on without having to take a break from the action, especially appealing for fast-moving toddlers. Featuring organic sunflower seed oil, aloe vera, jojoba seed oil, and calendula, the stick is also great for soothing dry or irritated skin—common discomforts during outdoor excursions. ($8.99)
Between hiking, handling raw meat, and my daughter's tendency to put everything into her mouth, a good hand sanitizer is a must on any camping trip. The alcohol-free Cleanwell Hand Sanitizing Wipes are made with essential plant oils, killing 99.99% of bacteria, including E. Coli and Salmonella—without the use of harsh chemicals like triclosan, an antibacterial chemical that harms the environment and our health. ($21.99 for 8 packs)
Unfortunately, any camping trip can turn into a disaster without necessary precautions (and remedies), so be sure to pack along a first-aid kit with the standard staples. (My Precious Kid First Aid Kit makes it easier for you, containing everything from gauze and tweezers to sting pads and a cold pack in a handy, petite bag.) ($19.99) You’ll also want to bring along some natural remedies for bites, burns, or a brush with poison ivy. The women at Naturally Savvy suggest these 10 remedies, including arnica, calendula cream, and tea tree oil.
Camping can require very little cooking gear, or quite a bit, depending on how many you want to feed and how fancy you want to get. Either way, it’s best to prep as much as you can in advance, for instance slicing/dicing vegetables for sautéing, or making a sauce ahead of time. You can even marinade your meat if you’re planning on using it within a few hours of arriving at your campsite.
Kelty makes camping easy—not only with their innovative kid carriers,
tents, and sleeping bags, but also with their Binto line of "hauling"
devices, including the Binto Cooler
($31.95). PVC-free, the Binto cooler allows you to separate items in an
organized fashion, for instance by type of meal (breakfast vs. dinner),
or by dining preference (vegetarian vs. carnivore). And, if you're
really organized, you can pile a few of these coolers into the ultimate
outdoor kitchen organizer—the Binto Bar ($124.95), which can store the coolers and utensils, and also offers a food prep surface.
When camping with kids, coffee is a necessity—not a luxury—each morning. Not willing to forgo my cup of joe while secluded in the woods, the Rei Campware Percolator allows me to brew a perfect cup—or 12—in this light, stainless-steel camping essential. (9 or 12 cup; $39.50/$46.50)
The Me-Me Sippy has everything you need in a cup: style, functionality, ease-of-use, and a leak proof design. Made from stainless steel and polypropylene, the BPA-free Me-Me handles well and fits an array of interchangeable lids that correspond to your child’s development. ($15)
The mamas behind Mindful Mama love To-Go Ware for its versatility and concept. The 3-Tier Stainless Steel Tiffin Set ($22.95) provides an easy way to transport meals made at home in the three handy compartments. There's even a small container for dips, sauces, or dressings. You could easily give each member of your family a set to use for hiking and picnics on the fly. (Not to mention to replace your standard lunch box.) While you're at it, be sure to check out the RePEaT bamboo utensil set ($11.95), which comes with a fork, knife, spoon, and chopsticks, just in case a stir-fry is in order.
Not necessarily just a camping mug, the Aladin ECycle Travel Mug, made from 100% recycled food grade polypropylene, and BPA free, is a great option for toting both cold and hot drinks (and it fits into a standard car cup holder). ($9.99) If you’re looking for a canteen option, Guyot Designs’s stainless steel bottles are part of their C-Minus program, a program that is not only carbon-neutral, but carbon negative. Drink up! ($24.95) (The C-Minus program also includes MicroBites, a unique 5 in1 utensil set that acts as a spoon, fork, knife, spatula, and spreader.) ($4.95)
Who says that camp ware has to be ugly? Or, worse—disposable? GSI Enamelware makes beautiful and practical (dishwasher safe) enamel dishware, including everything from cups, plates, and bowls to salt and pepper shakers, tea kettles, and more in vibrant colors, including a bright, chartreuse green. (The four-person enamelware set, $69.95; cutlery set, $29.95)
A good cast iron pan is not only eco-friendly; it lasts for generations. I vividly recall my mother using our cast iron pans not only for camping trips, but for daily use at home. Cooking in cast iron is one of the easiest health choices you can make, too, adding absorbable iron to your foods (especially beneficial for vegetarians and those with anemia). For your go-to camping pot, turn to Lodge Cast Iron Cookware's 6-Quart Camp Dutch Oven. If you're not used to cooking in cast iron, the guide, Camp Dutch Oven Cooking 101: From Backyard to Backwoods comes in handy, offering tips on seasoning your cast iron as well as recipes for everything from Chile Verde and BBQ Ribs to Apple Crisp. ($89.95)
If you've got messy eaters (or eaters like mine who eat right off the table), you'll want to pack along a table covering. Mimi the Sardine makes PVC-free, Oeko-Tex 100 Standard certified "food gear," including bibs, aprons, placemats, tablecloths, and more. We love the brightly colored tablecloths—perfect for adding a bit of childlike flair to your camping table. ($74)
Dish with Mindful Mama! Have any other ideas for camping necessities? Or tips to share?
Writer and contributing editor, Melissa B. Williams, is realizing she should add a hybrid SUV to this list, in order to fit her family and necessary gear into the car for their first family camping trip!