The Ultimate Sustainable Backpacking Setup

The Ultimate Sustainable Backpacking Setup

The Ultimate Sustainable Backpacking Setup

By The Western Wild Crew

By The Western Wild Crew

The most sustainable option for camping and backpacking is the gear you already have. We aren't going to buy our way to a happier and cleaner planet. Repair and reuse is the name of the game. But if your trusty backpack is on its last legs or you're just starting your camping journey, read on for our top picks from brands that are prioritizing sustainability in camping and backpacking gear.


Sleep System

Tent - Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL1 Solution Dye ($369.95)

This three-season sustainable tent is made with solution-dyed fabric that drastically reduces energy consumption and water use during manufacturing, a process that is better for the environment and improves the quality of the tent fabric. Constructed using ultralight materials with weatherproof, technical features you expect from a three-season tent. The Fly Creek is your go-to, easy-to-setup shelter for ultralight adventures.

Sleeping Bag - Nemo Endless Promise Sleeping Bag ($279.95)

Along with this suite of top features, this 30 degree bad boasts the purpose-driven Endless Promise® designation, meaning it was designed specifically to stay out of the landfill and on the trail, forever. With a shell manufactured fully from PET, this sleeping bag is 100% recyclable at the end of its life — just send it back to NEMO, and they will handle the rest.

Sleep Pad - Big Agnes Circle Back Insulated ($249.95)

Another innovation from Big Agnes, this new sleep pad is three-season, fully recyclable insulated air pad and cover with a 4.7 R value.


Backpack & Gear

Pack - Mystery Ranch Bridger 55

Mystery Ranch makes some of our favorite packs. This company is synonymous with quality, performance and Durability and the Bridger 55 may be the very best pack that illustrates all that Mystery Ranch is about. Featuring the most innovating yoke system we've come across (and most comfortable), this pack is also made from 100d Robic recycled nylon rip stop.

Stuff Sacks - allmansright Ultralight Krafs Stuff Sack ($18.95)

Available in small, medium, and large sizes, the Krafs Stuff Sack line are key for smaller camp essentials, such as, first aid kits, hygiene kit, and other personal items. This innovative sack is made from ultralight and durable Dyneema® Composite Fabric and features tabs for easy opening and closing.

Headlamp -THIRD EYE HEADLAMPS TE14 ($49.99)

These fashionable headlamps are made with 100% recyclable, non-toxic plastic. Third Eye is also a member of 1% for the Planet and donates directly to organizations making the world a better place.


Food & Water

Water Bottle and Filter - EPIC NALGENE OG | 32 OZ ($50)

We know most serious backpackers like to carry plastic water bottles and a small water filter such as the amazing Sawyer Mini. If that's your vibe, don't let us stop you. But beyond our disdain for single-use plastic water bottles, there is growing research showing that chemicals from the plastic can dissolve into the liquid inside the bottle, especially when exposed to heat, sunlight, or stored for a long time. Gross. Grab an Epic OG instead, and reuse the Nalgene forever. Also check our our blog post on other water filter options!

Stove - MSR WhisperLite ($134.95)

While not a perfect sustainable solution, so-called liquid fuel stoves remain the most eco-friendly in part because the fuel canisters are reusable and refillable. We also like natural materials stoves that use wood, pine cones, sticks and other matters to generate their energy. But, we are also very aware that many areas of the United States face burn bans through much of the camping and backpacking season. The most sustainable stove, is no stove at all (cold soak). Otherwise, choose the MSR WhisperLite, a tried and true legend.

Pot - Toaks Titanium Cup/Pot 450ml ($22.95)

Titanium is eco-friendly material because it is 100% recyclable, lightweight, strong, and doesn't rust or deteriorate. Titanium's recyclability makes it sustainable because it can be recycled indefinitely. Recycling titanium also has minimal impact on the environment while retaining exceptional performance. The Toaks 450ml is the lightest on the market, and one of the most economical.

Dehydrated Food Alternative - Cnoc 650ml Buc Food Bag ($8)

If you make your own dehydrated meals, the Cnoc Buc is the container for you. The Buc is a food bag for cooking hot meals or cold soaking ingredients that will not break like PET or nylon bags, and has zero BPA, BPF, BPS or PVC.

Spoon - bambu Long Handle Bamboo Spoon ($5.50)

This reusable bamboo spoon is a great alternative to plastic for your next adventure: eco-friendly, lightweight, and durable. Hand-burnished to a naturally smooth finish, each extra-long spoon is hand-shaped from a single piece of USDA certified organic bamboo.

Food & Coffee


Health & Hygiene

Complete Poop Kit - Pact Lite Bathroom Kit ($35)


More Sustainable Health & Hygiene Products

The most sustainable option for camping and backpacking is the gear you already have. We aren't going to buy our way to a happier and cleaner planet. Repair and reuse is the name of the game. But if your trusty backpack is on its last legs or you're just starting your camping journey, read on for our top picks from brands that are prioritizing sustainability in camping and backpacking gear.


Sleep System

Tent - Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL1 Solution Dye ($369.95)

This three-season sustainable tent is made with solution-dyed fabric that drastically reduces energy consumption and water use during manufacturing, a process that is better for the environment and improves the quality of the tent fabric. Constructed using ultralight materials with weatherproof, technical features you expect from a three-season tent. The Fly Creek is your go-to, easy-to-setup shelter for ultralight adventures.

Sleeping Bag - Nemo Endless Promise Sleeping Bag ($279.95)

Along with this suite of top features, this 30 degree bad boasts the purpose-driven Endless Promise® designation, meaning it was designed specifically to stay out of the landfill and on the trail, forever. With a shell manufactured fully from PET, this sleeping bag is 100% recyclable at the end of its life — just send it back to NEMO, and they will handle the rest.

Sleep Pad - Big Agnes Circle Back Insulated ($249.95)

Another innovation from Big Agnes, this new sleep pad is three-season, fully recyclable insulated air pad and cover with a 4.7 R value.


Backpack & Gear

Pack - Mystery Ranch Bridger 55

Mystery Ranch makes some of our favorite packs. This company is synonymous with quality, performance and Durability and the Bridger 55 may be the very best pack that illustrates all that Mystery Ranch is about. Featuring the most innovating yoke system we've come across (and most comfortable), this pack is also made from 100d Robic recycled nylon rip stop.

Stuff Sacks - allmansright Ultralight Krafs Stuff Sack ($18.95)

Available in small, medium, and large sizes, the Krafs Stuff Sack line are key for smaller camp essentials, such as, first aid kits, hygiene kit, and other personal items. This innovative sack is made from ultralight and durable Dyneema® Composite Fabric and features tabs for easy opening and closing.

Headlamp -THIRD EYE HEADLAMPS TE14 ($49.99)

These fashionable headlamps are made with 100% recyclable, non-toxic plastic. Third Eye is also a member of 1% for the Planet and donates directly to organizations making the world a better place.


Food & Water

Water Bottle and Filter - EPIC NALGENE OG | 32 OZ ($50)

We know most serious backpackers like to carry plastic water bottles and a small water filter such as the amazing Sawyer Mini. If that's your vibe, don't let us stop you. But beyond our disdain for single-use plastic water bottles, there is growing research showing that chemicals from the plastic can dissolve into the liquid inside the bottle, especially when exposed to heat, sunlight, or stored for a long time. Gross. Grab an Epic OG instead, and reuse the Nalgene forever. Also check our our blog post on other water filter options!

Stove - MSR WhisperLite ($134.95)

While not a perfect sustainable solution, so-called liquid fuel stoves remain the most eco-friendly in part because the fuel canisters are reusable and refillable. We also like natural materials stoves that use wood, pine cones, sticks and other matters to generate their energy. But, we are also very aware that many areas of the United States face burn bans through much of the camping and backpacking season. The most sustainable stove, is no stove at all (cold soak). Otherwise, choose the MSR WhisperLite, a tried and true legend.

Pot - Toaks Titanium Cup/Pot 450ml ($22.95)

Titanium is eco-friendly material because it is 100% recyclable, lightweight, strong, and doesn't rust or deteriorate. Titanium's recyclability makes it sustainable because it can be recycled indefinitely. Recycling titanium also has minimal impact on the environment while retaining exceptional performance. The Toaks 450ml is the lightest on the market, and one of the most economical.

Dehydrated Food Alternative - Cnoc 650ml Buc Food Bag ($8)

If you make your own dehydrated meals, the Cnoc Buc is the container for you. The Buc is a food bag for cooking hot meals or cold soaking ingredients that will not break like PET or nylon bags, and has zero BPA, BPF, BPS or PVC.

Spoon - bambu Long Handle Bamboo Spoon ($5.50)

This reusable bamboo spoon is a great alternative to plastic for your next adventure: eco-friendly, lightweight, and durable. Hand-burnished to a naturally smooth finish, each extra-long spoon is hand-shaped from a single piece of USDA certified organic bamboo.

Food & Coffee


Health & Hygiene

Complete Poop Kit - Pact Lite Bathroom Kit ($35)


More Sustainable Health & Hygiene Products

Article Originally Published: May 5, 2024

Article Originally Published: May 5, 2024

© Western Wild, LLC 2024