Are you an eco-friendly camper?
Although you might look at camping as one eco-friendly trip and generally speaking, it is - it can still leave a negative impact on the environment. The reason is some modern-day campers use equipment that is not really THAT eco-friendly.
So, to make sure that your next camping trip will be as good for Mother Nature as it would be for yourself, here is a list of our top outdoor gear picks for an eco-friendly camping trip.
Best Outdoor Gear to make Mother Nature Happy
Having a portable power source is important when you are spending a few days outdoors. You need to run lights around your campsite at night for your safety. You need to trickle charge your vehicle battery so you would not have problems on the drive back home. You need to run camping appliances like a portable electric stove for cooking; a camping fridge to keep food fresh; a portable fan to keep insects away from you while you sleep and more.
Solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it to electricity. It does not require petrol to run, so you cut down on expenses. It does not emit smoke or fumes, which is important to keep your camping trip eco-friendly. It does not emit any sound so you do not disturb nearby campers. This means if you are staying in a holiday park for example, you can just book a non-powered tent site, which again saves you a lot of money.
Choosing the best solar panels for camping depends a lot on what gadgets you are going to have to use during the trip, and what type of a camper you are, overall. Here are some quick tips:
Solar Blankets are the best choice for frequent campers with limited vehicle space. You literally just spread it open to use it, and fold it up when you are done. The integrated handle makes it easy for transport. The matte surface makes it an ideal power source in all types of weather.
Caravan Panels on the other hand are perfect for budget-conscious, frequent road tripper and camper. It is a powerful system that you just install on the roof of your caravan and pretty much forget it is there. If you are not the type that likes moving things around the campsite, this type of solar panel will work for you.
Folding Solar Panels are recommended for infrequent campers that still like to take the comforts of home when they DO go camping. This type of panel has a suitcase type design so it is quite portable. While it is bigger than solar blankets, the size will not be much of an issue for people that do not go camping that often anyway, and just bring essential gear on the trip.
Portable Water Tank
Avoid bringing lots of drinking water in single-use plastic bottles when you go camping. Reduce plastic waste by getting a portable water tank instead to store water for drinking and cooking.
You can find portable water tanks online so you do not have to drive to a store to get one. Get water tanks that can store more than 20 litres so you would have enough drinking water for your camping trip. Choose tanks that come with wheels and a handle so it would be easy to move around your campsite.
Tents
Investing in high-quality camping tents that you can reuse and pass on to your kids or even let friends or relatives borrow is another eco-friendly way to go camping.
Choose tents that have a double layer fabric construction. This not only provides great weather protection, but it makes the tent more durable.
Other eco-friendly camping tips
- Leave your gadgets at home Save for your mobile phone that you can use for emergencies, try to leave as much electronic gadgets at home. Enjoy the time you have outdoors and make an effort to truly commune with nature. Also, leaving laptops and tablet computers at home means you do not have to use batteries or charge them on your car battery.
- Choose a nearby campsite If possible, choose a campground or area close to where you live. You do not have to travel hundreds of kilometres to sleep under the stars, after all. Not only are you saving the environment by not spewing fumes from your car exhaust, you also save money by not travelling too far to go camping.
- Clean up before you leave the campsite Leave the campsite exactly the same way you found it. Pick up all the trash you and your companions accumulated during your stay. This will ensure the next group of campers will enjoy the campsite the same way you were able to. Do not break off tree branches or pick flowers. Do not disturb the animals and the environment around the campsite.
- Use non-toxic bug sprays It is easy to find organic bug repellants and sunscreen these days. There is no reason to add toxins into your body and harm the environment to have a comfortable camping trip.
- Use organic bathing and cleaning products Staying clean and making sure all your camping utensils are clean is important. But make sure that you choose organic soap and shampoo bars to clean with. The same goes for dishwashing liquid. These are biodegradable and will not harm the environment.
Takeaway
Camping is no doubt Australia's favourite pastime. And there are so many different ways that you can go camp. Some would go all out glamping, while others prefer the traditional way of enjoying a few days outdoors. Whatever your camping style and interests may be, we hope that we have helped make your camping trip a little more eco-friendly.
Looking for the best place to buy outdoor gear? Check out what the team over at Outbax has to offer. They have been around for years and have a range of affordable, reliable outdoor gear that will fit your needs. Give them a call today and get all your camping equipment needs sorted.
