A Complete Guide to Eco-Friendly Hiking Gear

Hiking is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature. However, hiking can also have a negative impact on the environment if hikers don't take care to choose eco-friendly hiking gear. Traditional hiking gear is often made from synthetic materials that take a long time to break down, and can release harmful chemicals into the soil and water. Additionally, much of this gear is mass-produced, meaning that a lot of resources are used up in its production. Luckily, there are now many options for eco-friendly hiking gear that are just as good as traditional gear, but without the negative environmental impact.

This gear is made from sustainable materials like bamboo and wool, and is often sourced from small businesses that use ethical manufacturing practices. Next time you're in the market for hiking gear, make sure to choose something that's good for the planet—ideally, made from recycled materials. Your hiking adventures will be all the better for it! In this article, you’ll find some of the best sustainable hiking gear you can buy, whether you’re an enthusiast hiker or a weekend warrior trying to add a fun hike to your camping trip.

Photo: Keen Footwear

If you’re a serious hiking enthusiast who enjoys full-day hikes, it’s a good idea to invest in shoes and boots that will stand up to the rigors of those long trail adventures. If you are trying to combine high-quality hiking shoes with an eco-friendly mindset when considering the right footwear for your next hiking trip, we can confidently and proudly recommend KEEN Footwear. Keen has similar values to us when it comes to protecting the environment. Every boot, sandal, or sneaker they sell helps them support programs that benefit the community and the environment. They have been collaborating with The Conservation Alliance since 2005, working hard to make a difference. They’ve donated more than 100,000 shoes, 200,000 masks, and $5M in cash and product to those in need. On top of that, their products are completely PFC/PFAS-free, with no non-biodegradable chemicals, and 90 percent of their leather is sourced from LWG gold-rated tanneries. And, like us, their focus is on quality: They make truly high-performance, durable hiking sneakers and boots.

Their best-selling Targhee boots feature incredible traction and stability combined with KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane and Eco Anti-Odor construction that naturally controls odors. Plus, they are made of environmentally preferred premium leather and are PFC-free, durable, and water-repellent with a quick-dry lining that’s perfect for keeping your feet dry on those day-long hikes. With a proprietary metatomical footbed design, Keen’s boots are anatomically engineered to support your arches and contour to your foot naturally. For a lighter, faster fit, Keen also makes the NXIS Evo Waterproof Boot, which sports a more athletic look but not at the cost of terrific heel and toe protection, comfort, and durability.

Whether it’s because of the combination of great looks and high performance or simply because you know you will be supporting a company with their hearts truly in the right place, KEEN shoes will be a decision we know you’ll be comfortable with.

Considering the need to carry ample hydration, some snacks, sunscreen, and perhaps even shelter if you are combining your day hike with a camping trip, we’d say one of the most helpful pieces of hiking equipment one can have is a high-quality pack. When we start making recommendations for packs, we always start with Gregory Packs.

Another member of The Conservation Alliance, Gregory has always operated by being mindful of its environmental footprint. We can’t think of a backpack more fitting to toss a Klean Kanteen in than theirs! From overhauling their boxing and shipping processes to be 21 percent less wasteful in terms of packaging and fuel, to designing products that last a lifetime and recycling and repurposing components, they are doing the right things when it comes to watching their environmental impact. Even with all of these excellent eco-friendly commitments, the best thing about Gregory is that they make some seriously high-quality backpacks, no matter if you need a bag for a day hike or a hydration pack for longer treks. Gregory not only helps you find the right product, but also will help educate you about how to achieve the perfect fit to your body and your needs.

Gregory’s Juno 24, for example, is an excellent option for a day hiker’s pack, designed for days where all you’re bringing with you are the essentials. It features ventilated Vaporspan suspension, large zippered hipbelt pockets, and an ActiveFlex Perforated shoulder harness with sternum strap that includes an integrated safety whistle. The pack’s lining is made of 40-percent post-consumer recycled 135D polyester, too. Gregory has tons of great options depending on your hiking needs. Your hike definitely needs a solid backpack, and this is the first place we would start.

Plus, all three of their US facilities run 100-percent on renewable energy. With comfy, cocoon-like bags designed to work with insulating sleeping pads and their commitment to sustainability, Big Agnes is our natural recommendation for your multi-day hiking trips. They also make a large selection of sleeping pads, tents, camping furniture, clothing, and accessories to fully outfit your hike. If you’re going to be on the trail for days at a time, you’re not going to be reveling in utmost comfort around the clock, of course—but the downtime you do have should be as restorative as possible.

Big Agnes tents are designed to be ultra-portable and lightweight, too, making them a perfect companion for longer hikes without giving up an inch when it comes to features. The materials they use in their tents are light and strong, and the tents are designed to create maximum space and comfort when unpacked while condensing to a handy, portable size when you pick up camp. If the trail is going to be your home away from home for a couple of days, a Big Agnes tent is an awesome piece of equipment to own.

BPA-free stainless steel and a food-grade silicone lid, Klean Food Boxes are plastic-free and easy to clean. All three sizes come with leakproof, press-fit lids with flexible corners for easy venting. No matter where you’re headed, get the complete set and take to-go food anywhere. Nearly as light as plastic containers but far more durable, these reusable lunch boxes and bento boxes were designed for adventure–just as handy and reliable as hiking gear as they are for winter camping. And, with three different sizes–7, 20, and 34 ounces–you can build a set completely customized to your meal needs. All three boxes stack together in a perfect rectangle, further making them a cinch to bundle up and take on the go.

All of the eco-friendly hiking equipment we’ve listed above will probably already be on veteran hikers’ radars. But if you are new to hiking, you’re probably wondering what basics you’ll absolutely need for your first “real” hike before you decide to go all-in on some high-quality equipment. Here is a list of basics that are always good to bring on more intense hikes:

There are many more great companies out there producing excellent, eco-friendly items that will help you take your hikes to the next level, while leaving nature just as you found it. When shopping for quality sustainable products, we suggest starting your search by reviewing brands that are registered as B-Corporations and/or Certified Climate Neutral.

Gear up for your hikes by focusing on buying reusable, quality products made by companies who care about the environment. This is a surefire way to give back to nature so we all can keep enjoying it for generations to come.