When we want to get out and enjoy nature, it’s good to be prepared. Day hikes are much more enjoyable with the right combination of clothes and footwear. You may also want a light pack, for snacks and water, and it’s always a good idea to keep first aid supplies handy.
However, any gear we buy new has some environmental impact, and there’s also the issue of any packaging that might come along for the ride too. So, if you’re looking for hiking gear that’s also gentle on the environment, avoids single-use plastic, and still holds up on the trail, we have some suggestions for putting together the perfect day pack.
Here’s the best sustainable hiking gear:
Made from organic bamboo, Boody underwear is a sustainable choice with garments for all genders. Bamboo fabric requires much less water than conventional cotton. Boody offers a soft feel from material that wicks moisture and doesn’t irritate skin. No side seams mean you can hike to your heart’s content without feeling a nagging seam against your legs, and the flat-ribbed waistbands won’t press into skin.
Best Underwear
Boody Eco Wear Underwear
The bamboo used for the fabric is grown organically without pesticides and fertilizers—only rain water. Boody is also certified vegan by PETA and produced in a WRAP-certified facility ensuring fair and safe labor. Bonus points for recycled packaging with vegetable-based ink.
Made in Vermont, these merino-wool-blend socks keep you cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and offer comfort, breathability, and are fast drying. Merino wool is antimicrobial and repels odors and bacteria, which means you can tackle dough day treks without worrying about wet, smelly socks, as the fabric pulls moisture away from skin and dries fast.
Best Socks
Darn Tough Hiker Boot Cushion Socks
Although these sock aren’t vegan, Darn Tough uses ethically-certified Merino wool from South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, and Uruguay. The socks are guaranteed for life, and a performance fit means no bunching, blisters, or slipping while you’re exploring.
Price at time of publish: $28
Sustainability hits a high note with these 100% vegan boots that are also free from virgin (new) plastics. The water-resistant upper is made from repurposed marine plastic collected by fishermen, and a high-performance vegan glue binds the upper and sole together.
Best Hiking Boot
Thesus The Weekend Boot
The boot’s temperature-controlled lining is made with 100% recycled synthetic wool, and the sole is made from natural and sustainable rubber (45% of which is recycled). Currently, 90% of materials used by the Thesus (formerly known as Alice + Whittles) are sustainable and traceable, with a goal of reaching 100%.
Need to clean these boots after a long day through dusty or muddy terrain? Simply wipe them down with warm water and soap and they’re good as new.
Great for hiking or daily use, this day pack includes a removable rain cover, which comes in handy on the trail. The shoulder straps and back padding foam are made from BLOOM algae, a renewable biomass feedstock. Water used in the algae harvesting process is cleaned and returned to nature—a win for the environment (and a really cool talking point with fellow hikers).
Best Day Pack
Jack Wolfskin Ecoloader 24 Pack
The synthetic components of the pack are all 100% recycled, and 18 plastic bottles are used to make each pack. The four-way zippered opening makes it easy to access everything you’ve packed, and the zippered side security pocket is great for easily stowing keys, cards, and anything important.
Price at time of publish: $33
Completely plastic free, this water bottle from Klean Kanteen is double-wall vacuum insulated with an internal thread design to increase thermal performance. Keep things hot for up to 38 hours, and cold for 100 (!!) hours. This stainless steel is not only good for water, but also soups and coffee. The bottle is also leak-proof and chip-resistant.
Best Water Bottle
Klean Kanteen Insulated TKPro 32 oz
For the last 10 years, the company has been identifying its emissions and working to reduce them. Kleen Kanteen has purchased carbon offsets and renewable energy credits for any emissions they weren’t able to eliminate directly, as a way to fight climate change. It also donates 1% of gross sales through the non-profit 1% for the Planet.
Price at time of publish: $30
Made from wheat fiber, this bento box is great for carrying a variety of snacks or meals while out on the trail. You can fit 100-plus ounces of food inside, and the box comes with a fork and knife also made from wheat fiber.
Best Food Container
Eco-Life Edo Box
The inner-locking lid creates an air-tight seal to keep food fresh, and the whole set is top-rack dishwasher safe, although it’s recommended to hand wash the inner lid to protect the seal. Rest easy knowing that you can stow the box in your day pack without food leaking out.
Price at time of publish: $25
Layers are always important when hiking through mountainous terrain or desert landscapes where temperature changes can happen fast. A puffer jacket is a great addition to wrap around your waist and put on when things turn chilly. Patagonia’s Nano Puff Hoodie is made from synthetic down, made from 55% post-consumer recycled materials. You might even be able to snag a used one through Patagonia’s Worn Wear hub.
Best Puffer Jacket
Patagonia Nano Puff® Hoody
The jacket is also water-repellent and has a recycled polyester shell and lining. Non-hooded versions are available, but the hooded version is made to fit under a helmet. The sewing for the puffer is all fair-trade certified, and the front zipper has a wicking interior storm flap to keep moisture out and warmth in. It’s available in men’s and women’s sizes (view women’s sizes on Patagonia).
Price at time of publish: $280
When you’re spending time outdoors, it’s important to use a sunscreen that’s both effective and safe for the environment. Raw Elements’ sunscreen is one of the best, with top marks from the Environmental Working Group.
Best Sunscreen
Raw Elements Face + Body Sunscreen Tin SPF 30
Made from certified all-natural ingredients, Raw Elements’ sunscreen provides UVA-UVB broad spectrum protection that’s water-resistant beyond 80 minutes. It’s also packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and extracts, and protects skin after sun exposure. It’s safe for all ages, soy-, nut-, and gluten-free, and the natural, biodegradable formula won’t burn your eyes.
Price at time of publish: $19
Treehugger recommends avoiding single use plastics for water bottles and snacks, it’s important to keep first aid supplies in your hiking pack. You can always assemble one yourself with things you have at home.
Don’t Forget a First Aid Kit
I GO 85 Pieces Hard Shell Mini Compact First Aid Kit
If you’re looking to buy a ready-made kit, we like this one for hikes. Along with plenty of bandages and sterilizing pads, it has tweezers in case of ticks or splinters, and sting relief wipes. It weighs about half a pound and comes with a handy carabiner, so it can be attached to the outside of a pack.
Price at time of publish: $15
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We love The Weekend Boot from Thesus for their eco-friendly design and the company’s commitment to sustainable materials. Raw Elements’ sunscreen is also a huge hit for us, as sun protection is so important while exploring and environmentally friendly sun protection is always the safest route to take.
Author Amanda Ogle is a veteran reporter who loves writing about sustainability and believes it is important that we all strive to be as environmentally friendly as we can. She loves hiking, and one of her pet peeves is seeing waste littering our precious parks and trails. She strives to educate adventurers on sustainable gear and the importance of knowing what’s in their products.
