Weekends are the perfect time to camp, hike or go backpacking! Camping or glamping, near or far, there are some essentials that you should know about that will help you make the most of your camping excursions! We have compiled a list of 10 sustainable products that will help you make the most of your outdoor adventuring!
1. Have a plan for
sun protection
sun protection
We all want to get a little sun without bringing home its evidence in the form of a sunburn. It’s so important to have a natural and effective sunscreen. My favorite sunscreen is called, “Kiss My Face.” This product is effective, water-resistant and kind to your body! It comes in both SPF 50 and 30 depending on what you like and also has an organic baby version for your happy little campers. The very best thing about this product is that it is both vegan and cruelty-free.
2. Bring your favorite
morning beverage
morning beverage
There’s nothing quite like waking up in nature with a warm beverage in hand. Whether you like coffee, tea, cocoa or a latte in the morning, there is a way for you to take it camping with you. If you are looking for a tasty beverage that you can take on the go and make easily and without refrigeration, check out these vegan, non-gmo, and gluten-free instant drinks!
3. Nourish your body
When you are away from your routine and away from your kitchen, it’s so nice to have fast and easy delicious meals. It takes a little bit of searching to find great on the go nourishing vegan meals, but I have found a few that can be taken backpacking or camping! Good-to-go has several vegan options including a Mexican quinoa bowl, Herbed Mushroom Risotto, and Marinara with Penne. Be sure to check out some of their options here.
4. Stay hydrated
Before you go on your adventure, be sure to do some research on the water supply you will have. Will you need a water purifier? Will you have many sources of water or just one? Will you need to have a CamelBak to stay hydrated on the journey up a mountainside? For any of these options, I also recommend having an awesome water bottle that you love. For plastic-free water bottles check out these hydro flasks that come in so many styles, sizes, and colors.
5. Keep it cool
If you are camping you will want to be able to keep things cool! A cooler is the best way to keep your favorite beverages on ice. Maybe you picked up some local produce or brought some guacamole or hummus for an afternoon snack. Having a great cooler will keep things at their flavor potential. Any cooler will be fantastic, but here are some fun options from a reliable company called yeti.
6. Keep those bugs
at bay
at bay
It can be easy to forget that you are going into new terrain with different wildlife. It may help to know in advance what types of critters hangout in the landscape you are planning to visit. Some bug sprays can be rough on your body and rough on the natural ecosystem that you are spending time in. There are some essential oils that will reduce the likelihood of bug bites. If you don’t already have some natural oils you can also opt for some all terrain herbal armor, which is a natural insect repellent.
7. Sustain your
energy
energy
If you are hiking, backpacking or spending a day at the river, you may need to sustain your energy between meals. There are so many delicious plant-based protein and energy-boosting bars to choose from! You can either find your favorite brand and get a variety pack in bulk, or you could go to a local grocery store and get a myriad of different brands and flavors to keep things interesting and new. If you are looking for a really fun bar check out the Bearded Brothers yummy energy bars! So many delicious flavors to choose from and they are all vegan, organic, raw, and non-gmo.
8. Stay Lit
Gone are the days of toting extension cords and packing three sizes of batteries. Now you can be solar with your flashlights, lanterns, and headlamps! Having great solar lighting will give you the freedom to stay up late playing card games and tread the path back to your tent without falling. There are tons of options but here is one option that is solar powered and inflatable.
9. Add Electrolytes
Always remember to listen to your body. Try to anticipate the needs that your body will have in an outdoor environment while you’re exerting energy. My body often needs electrolytes in hot terrain. There are so many different ways to get electrolytes, but for hiking and camping, I really love Nuun! They are plant-based, dairy and soy free hydration tablets that are easy to take along with you during any type of activity.
10. Make your own
trail mix
One of my friends recently made her own homemade trail mix with all her favorite nuts, seeds, and dehydrated fruits. It was so incredibly delicious and it was something that we all enjoyed together. You can do this by going to the store and gathering all your nutrient-dense dried items and mixing them together to enjoy and share!
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