Camping season is back. It's the quintessential escape – a chance to breathe in fresh air, disconnect from the digital world, and reconnect with nature. But with this love for the outdoors comes a responsibility: to minimize our impact and ensure these wild spaces remain pristine for generations to come. It's about enjoying the wilderness while leaving it as untouched as we found it.

In this post, we'll explore five innovative companies and products making waves in the sustainable camping scene, offering gear and practices that help you explore responsibly. From eco-friendly cookware to low-impact hygiene solutions, get ready to elevate your camping experience while minimizing your footprint!

Ignik Outdoors

Sustainability Report
Certifications: None Listed

Ignik's claim to fame is its innovative Firecan propane fire pit. Small, packable and safe to use in sensitive environments, the Ignik Firecan has become a staple in our kit. For those of us living in dry climates, this has become increasingly handy as fire bans grow in number and length of time. We find it particularly useful for warmth with one or two people. The small size is great for packing, but not so much for group fires (there are larger propane fire pits for that).

Beyond their now famous Fire pit, Ignik also boasts 98% recyclable or compostable air activated hand and feet warmers, reusable propane tanks, and multiple products featuring portable and reusable power solutions. On top of this, Ignik is a member of 1% for the Planet, giving back 1% of sales to conservation efforts.

Yama Mountain Gear

Sustainability Report
Certifications: Climate Neutral Certified

Ultralight gear with an "ultralight impact" on the environment, Yama is the brainchild of Gen Shimizu. Gen is a mechanical engineer who designs and builds YAMA gear out of a historic, former lumber mill on the banks of the Blackfoot River, just outside of Missoula, Montana.

We are particularly enamored with Yama as a small business with relatively extensive sustainability reporting. Gen and team do an amazing and transparent job of reporting their environmental impact, materials use, waste and shipping practices. This level of reporting is unusual for a business of this size. Also, we absolutely are in love with the design of the Sassafras Fastpack V3.2. This pack The can adjust from 4 L to 30 L. The tapered width and thickness follow the body's form, narrower and thinner towards the base and thicker around the chest for a more natural weight distribution and feel. Give Yama a look for ultralight packs and shelters.

Barebones Living

Sustainability Report
Certifications: B-Corp

We are official members of the Barebones fan club around here. The company has its roots in doing good with a history steeped in philanthropic work and they continue to help lift people out of poverty by providing essential skills, education, and tools. Their products, which began with an emergency shelter, are tangibly satisfying in the materials and build quality. There's is something wonderfully old school and yet innovative about everything from their enamel wear (which we love) to their lanterns (yep, we love those), to their bags (also love). We also love their plastic-free packaging and overall sustainability ethos. Have we mentioned we love Barebones?

Exped

Sustainability Report
Certifications: RDS Certified, Bluesign

There's more to a comfortable air mattress than meets the eye apparently. Exped has gained well-earned accolades for its uber-comfortable sleeping systems, but perhaps we have buried the lead. Exped's sustainability commitment is serious. EXPED’s entire sleeping mat line, as well as all sleeping bags, liners, booties, and pillows, are certified as climate/CO2 neutral. They use only 100% RDS certified down and 100% of its products are free of BPA and PFOAs. They actively sell used gear and package sustainably. Also, their mattresses are sublime. We can testify to this with many hours of great shut-eye. But they also make amazing sleeping bags, backpacks, footwear and even pillows.

Norrøna

Sustainability Report
Certifications: Bluesign, Global Organics Textile Standard, RDS Certified, RWS Certified

Perhaps new to American consumers, Norrona is definitely not new. Born in Norway in 1929, this family-owned company has a clear vision - "Welcome to Nature" - and a North Star of social and environmental responsibility along with great products that perform and last. Norrøna holds themselves accountable through a laundry list of commitments to nature, people and the planet and a nearly as long list of professional certifications. Further, their line of camping equipment from sleeping bags to tents have high-performance standards of excellence. Their 4-person, 4-season, tunnel tent is a perfect example. This tent can withstand heavy winds and snow after being pitched with only four pegs and is made almost entirely of recycled materials.