Stylish camping essentials to pack for your camping trip this summer.

Summer is essentially here, and for outdoorsy types that means one thing — camping. We’re dreaming of hitting the road in a stylish Cricket Trailer or eco-chic VW Microbus. But a nice little tent will do as well, as long as it’s pitched in a gorgeous spot with a view. One of the keys to having a grand time out in the wild is packing wisely. Here’s what we’re bringing on the road (less traveled) this summer.

1. SoCo Camping Hammock
Although it’s large enough to comfortably hold two people  (up to 450 lbs) the SoCo Hammock packs down to the size of a softball. The high strength, triple stitched, breathable, mildew-resistant parachute nylon guarantees durability, and the optional SoCo straps allow it to be hung between two trees up to 32-feet apart. SoCo also works toward empowering the poor through nonprofit partnerships and a commitment to fair wages.
$69.95, SoCo Hammocks

2. Go! Towel
Disposable wipes are handy, but most of them are not very good for the environment. Go Towels, however, are made from bamboo and are completely biodegradable. Each one weighs only a third of a gram, making them ideal to bring when you’re backcountry camping. In a pinch, they can also be used as coffee filters.
$14.95 for a pack of 10, Go! Towel

3. To-Go Ware RePEaT Utensil Set
Disposable dinnerware is just not stylish, even if you are camping. Instead, pack this bamboo utensil set, which contains a fork, knife, spoon and chopsticks and comes in a holder make from recycled PET (plastic bottles). The bamboo is heat and stain resistant, durable, easy to wash and light to carry — perfect for camping.
$12.95, To-Go Ware

4. BioLite CampStove
This portable stove cooks your meals with nothing but the twigs you collect on your journey, eliminating the need for heavy, expensive, polluting petroleum gas. It uses thermoelectric technology to convert heat to electricity that powers a fan to make the fire ultra-efficient. BioLite also uses the same technology to bring clean, safe energy to families across the developing world. The extra electricity that is generated can be used to charge small electronics like mobile phones and LED lights. It’s quick and easy to use.
$129.95, BioLite

5. Mountainsmith Juniper 50 Backpack
This carry-all pack by Mountainsmith was designed especially for women and is large enough to fit all your essentials (and some non-essentials too). Made with 450d recycled PET (each bag contains about 21 16-ounce plastic bottles) it also features a detachable daypack for shorter excursions and summit wanderings. It’s better looking than most backpacking packs and comfortable and easy to carry.
$194.99, Next Adventure

6. Everly Pomegranate Maqui Berry Drink Mix
Designed to support truly healthy hydration for active, adventurous types, Everly was recently successfully funded through Kickstarter and is starting to produce their first three flavors. Made from all natural ingredients, the low-cost, low-waste powder packets can be cleverly carried on a carabiner.
Available soon, Everly

7. Badger Anti-Bug Balm
A natural mosquito repellent is a must when you’re camping. Badger’s tried-and-true formula consists of 100 percent organic ingredients like citronella, cedar, and lemongrass essential oils, which have been used for centuries to repel insects naturally. It contains no DEET, petrolatum or other chemicals and comes in a handy tin. Best of all, it smells super nice.
$9.99, Badger

8. Capsul Case
Store cash, credit cards, business cards (you never know when you may need them, right?) in a sturdy wallet by Capsul case. Made in Canada from of highly recyclable non-toxic polypropylene, it will keep all those valuables safe, dry and in one place.
$12, Capsul

9. Falcon Enamelware TumblersThis set of sturdy tumblers are as pretty as they are practical — use them for everything from coffee to white wine. Light to carry and easy to wash, they’re perfect for camping. Buying them in different colors makes it easier for your group to keep track of which mug belongs to you. Unlike plastic cups, they make a nice clinking sound when you do a cheers.
£4.99 each, Falcon Enamelware

The post 9 Sustainable and Stylish Camping Essentials appeared first on EcoSalon.

For a weekend of rainforest activities in Ecuador, fill your bag with laid-back basics that can handle long jungle hikes.

When packing for a weekend stay at the gorgeous Mashpi Lodge, a rainforest biodiversity reserve in Ecuador, bring laid-back eco-friendly basics that can stand a good day-long hike through the jungle. Functional fabrics that can breathe are crucial, and whatever you do, don’t forget the natural bug repellent.

Light Gives Heat Classic Bracelet
This chunky cuff bracelet is made from a random assortment of colored SUUBI beads, made from recycled paper. It wraps around the wrist 4-5 times and is the perfect way to dress up a casual outfit. Each bracelet is 100% unique and hand-crafted by the Suubi women in Uganda.
$18, Light Gives Heat

Degree Six Her Bamboo Razorback
This bamboo razorback tank is easy enough to wear on long hikes through the jungle, but cute enough to wear out and about too. Green-hued burnout fabric treatment and contrast stitching make this tank a great wardrobe staple. Made in Los Angeles, from 100% bamboo.
$25, Degree Six

Patagonia Women’s Torrentshell Jacket
One thing you need to be prepared for when you’re in the rainforest is, well, rain. Pared-down and packable, this Torrentshell jacket by Patagonia is a no-frills, 2.5-layer hard shell with a waterproof and breathable barrier made for seriously wet weather.
$129, Patagonia

Eco Swim Eco Covers Shorts
A good pair of shorts is a must-have when you’re out and about in nature. These recycled poly-textured woven cargo shorts by Eco Swim have pockets to fit all your essentials and can stand to get wet.
$64, Everything But Water

Blissoma Backyard Bliss Sprayable Lotion
Whenever you’re in tropical climates, it’s a good idea to bring insect repellent. Backyard Bliss summer sprayable lotion by Blissoma is 100% vegan and 100% natural and has a pleasant, essential oil scent that feels more like a perfume than a bug spray. It also contains organic aloe vera, which keeps your skin cool and protects it from sun stress.
$13.25, Blissoma

Mountainsmith Alder 30 Women’s
Traveling to unusual places usually requires a good backpack. With a capacity of up to 32L, this one, by classic outdoor goods purveyor Mountainsmith, is made especially for women. It’s big enough to hold all your stuff, even for a more extended trip, but also small enough to take as a carry-on for flights. Made with 450d recycled PET fabric, the Alder 30 utilizes 17 recycled 16-ounce plastic bottles.
$124.95, Mountainsmith

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