Camping gear
Rent outdoor gear
Hire Things
Plan to camp or hike in New Zealand? Rent pretty much anything while you're there with this unique site. Somewhere between ebay (purchasing) and Freecycle (getting things for free), Hire Things allows you to search for your outdoor gear and rent it from someone nearby.Mountain Equipment Co-Op Outdoor Equipment Rentals
Find all sorts of camping gear (think sleeping bags and pads, tents, backpacks, and boats, as well as gear for climbing, snow sports, and video recording) at these stores across Canada. Mountain Equipment Co-Op even knocks the price of one day’s rental from your purchase of the same product!REI Rental Gear
REI rents camping and sports equipment, including stoves, tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, and much more throughout the US. Selection and availability depend on location and season, so call ahead and book early.
Opt for used outdoor gear
Camping Swap
Find used gear of all kinds (backpacks, tents, binoculars, canoes, and even walking sticks) in this online system. Basic listings are free and can be set up as “Auctions” or “Buy Now” listings. It’s frequented by outdoor enthusiasts nationwide.craigslist
Peruse the free online classified ads (search in your own geographic region or anywhere) for just about anything you can name.Freecycle USA
Post items you want to give away for free or get free items from others with this no-charge online membership organization.Freecycle Canada
Like its American counterpart, this online Canadian community lets you post items to give away or find treasures from others.GearTrade
This outfit's motto: “Bringing outdoor freaks together to buy and sell gear.” Yup, with this site, you can buy and sell used and new gear throughout the country, whether it’s for camping and hiking, skiing or climbing, mountain biking or paddling.Mountain Equipment Co-Op Online Gear Swap
Use this system to buy, sell, and trade used gear for all kinds of adventures, including cycling, watersports, climbing, camping, and snowsports. All listings are free, although mostly used by residents of Canada.
Choose rechargeable outdoor gear
Better Energy Systems Solio Universal Hybrid Charger
This eye-catching and innovative solar charger is available in black, white, silver, and pink. The Solio can power up virtually any handheld electronic device, from digital cameras to cell phones.Brunton SolarRoll
This nifty and easy-to-carry solar energy source from Brunton is ideal for charging electronic devices while on outdoor adventures. Available in different sizes and wattages, the SolarRoll comes with a one-year warranty and is waterproof and UV transparent.Camping Survival solar and handcrank radios
Camping Survival offers a wide variety of solar and hand-crank AM/FM, NOAA, and shortwave radios, including integrated flashlights and cell phone chargers.Dynamo Torch Emergency Flashlight with AM/FM/NOAA radio
The Dynamo Torch Emergency Flashlight can be recharged with a hand crank or wall outlet. This all-in-one unit includes numerous additional features: a compass, a digital clock with two alarms, a calendar (good if you're really lost), a radio earphone jack, and a dry storage compartment for matches or other items.Eton American Red Cross FR405
The Eton American Red Cross FR405 AM/FM Radio includes NOAA weather alerts, flashlight, siren, and cell phone charger. This is a great emergency radio if you live in an area with hurricanes or severe storms. It's self-powered and water-resistant. Keep your cell phone charged and use the flashlight and siren to alert rescuers to your location.Eton FR-350 Radio
The Eton Self-Powered Water-Resistant AM/FM/Shortwave Radio is perfect for boating, canoeing, or shooting the rapids. The flashlight and siren can alert rescuers to your position, while the cell phone charger allows you to call for help. Tune into AM, FM, and shortwave bands to listen to music or hear emergency alerts—just crank the handle for power.Eureka Solar Intent Family 11- by 11-Foot 6-Person Tent
Pack a whole family into this solar-powered travel home! The solar collectors (which can be moved for maximum sun exposure) power an interior LED light but can also be tasked to charge battery-powered devices.Everlite EL8 Solar Headlamp
Using the detachable solar panel (2.5 x 4.5 inches), charge this LED headlamp for seven hours of outdoor adventure. It’s lightweight (3 ounces) and comes with a comfortable headband strap that has a snap-in mount and hinged angle adjustment.Freeplay Indigo LED lantern
The Indigo features a cluster of ultra-bright LEDs for space illumination, a single-LED directional light source to use as a reading light or flashlight, and a dimmer switch (great as a night light for kids new to camping). It uses a hand-crank to recharge, or can be recharged from a wall outlet.Freeplay Self-Sufficient Radios
Freeplay radios offer solar, hand-crank, and AC/DC charging options, with models that include AM/FM, SW/LW, US and Canadian Weather Band, an integrated LED flashlight, and an alarm clock. Great for everyday, camping, boating, or emergency use.Freeplay Sherpa LED flashlight
The compact, rugged Sherpa flashlight incorporates hand-crank recharging with the reliability of a cluster of ultra-bright white light emitting diodes (LEDs).L.L.Bean Mini-Crank LED Flashlight
This compact, rechargeable LED flashlight features three bright LED bulbs and is recharged using a hand crank.QuakeKare, Inc. emergency flashlight, radio, and cell phone charger
This affordable radio includes AM/FM channels, an LED flashlight, and a cell phone charger, with solar and hand-crank charging options.Reware Juice Bags
The line of Reware Juice Bags—including a solar beach tote—harness renewable energy via built-in solar panels. The bag itself is made from fabric crafted from recycled soda bottles. Reware also offers a line of organic cotton T-shirts with an eco-edge and accessories.Voltaic Backpack
This attractive yet heavy duty backpack with built-in solar panels features plenty of pockets and wire channels for storing/charging personal electronic devices such as cameras, cell phones, MP3 players, and PDAs. Perfect for trekking through the city or frolicking in the great outdoors.
Choose an environmentally friendly backpack
Earthpak environmentally friendly backpacks
These backpacks are made from recycled plastic soda bottles in the US. The average Earthpak bag saves over 12 two-liter bottles from ending up in a landfill.Eclipse Solar Gear The Reactor Solar Backpack
This backpack has an integrated solar charger, providing a quality pack with an integrated solar charging module for high-tech gear. This patented line of solar backpacks is designed to charge common hand-held electronics, like cell phones, rechargeable batteries, and GPS devices.EcoGear backpacks
The unique, patented "ecoweave" coating is key to these backpacks, allowing them to be water-resistant and durable without the use of dangerous PVC. The two product lines, Ecogear and Ecotech, are both made of all natural materials like organic cotton and use nontoxic dyes. All of the bags are also made with nontoxic coatings on zippers.Hemp Sisters Deluxe Hemp Backpack
Hemp canvas gives this backpack superior durability and strength. The six zippered compartments and nine pockets (plus twin cargo straps and bottle pockets on each side) provide plenty of storage space for all of your gear. The back and bottom of the backpack, as well as the straps, are padded for comfort.
Buy an eco-friendly sleeping bag
Big Agnes Battle Mountain - 15°
This cozy sleeper employs two main insulation materials: goose down and bamboo synthetic. It boasts a built-in pillow pocket, rectangular shape for more room, and no-draft features on the seals and zipper.Lafuma Bags Eco Bag
This eco-bag is filled with 100 percent recycled polyester. The lining and the outer envelope are made from 55 percent hemp and 45 percent cotton, and it can be zipped up with another Lafuma bag to make an even cosier sleeping experience.Marmot Women’s EcoPro Sleeping Bag 15
Rated to 15 F, this bag is filled with 80 percent CoCoNa fabric blend, made from coconut husks (which is apparently quick-drying and stronger than bamboo with odor stopping abilities). The shell is made from 100 percent Upcycle PET (from recycled plastic bottles).Pacific Outdoor Equipment ECO Thermo 6 Sleeping Pad
Touted as the industry’s first carbon-neutral sleeping pad, it’s made from undyed bamboo fibers, recycled aluminum valves, and a weight shaving “mummy” shape. The base is even made using renewable energy.Sierra Designs Déjà Vu 20
The shell of this bag is made from a recycled-content material called EcoSensor, and it’s filled with Climashield, a post-consumer recycled content insulation. The liner fabric is also green, made with CoCoNa.
Use nontoxic, natural bug sprays
Badger Balm Anti-Bug Balm
Bearing both the USDA Organic Seal and Leaping Bunny certification, Badger Balm is a GY top pick. Made from citronella, cedar, lemongrass, rosemary, geranium, and extra virgin olive oil, Anti-Bug Balm is not only effective, but smells good and moisturizes dry skin.Bite Blocker Insect Repellent Herbal Wipes
Bite Blocker, makers of a variety of natural insect repellents for adults, children, and pets, offer these unique insect repellent wipes, designed especially for applying insect repellent to children without getting product in their eyes or mouths. The towelettes are made of soybean and coconut oil, glycerin, geranium oil, sodium bicarbonate, and vanillin.Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent
This Leaping Bunny-certified, DEET-free insect repellent uses rosemary, lemongrass, and citronella oils to repel bugs.California Baby Natural Bug Blend Bug Repellent Spray
This DEET-free formula repels fleas, mosquitoes, ticks and biting flies with a blend of citronella, lemongrass, and cedar. California Baby's essential oils are guaranteed pesticide free and sustainably grown.Jason Quit Bugging Me Insect Repellent
Jason's natural insect repellent uses geranium, soybean, and coconut oils to keep biting bugs away while moisturizing and softening the skin.Kiss My Face Swy Flotter
Swy Flotter is Leaping Bunny-certified, DEET-free, and made of natural oils, such as soybean, citronella, bay) leaf, cedar bark Oil, lavender, juniper, and tea tree.Nature's Herbal Mosquito & Insect Shield with Catnip Oil
This unique DEET-free formula uses catnip oil to repel mosquitoes, black flies, horse flies, and other pests. The formula is long-lasting, water repellent, and comes in a non-aerosol spray.Skeeter Skatter
This citrus scented spray uses citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, catnip, and pennyroyal oils to safely repel insects.
Wear eco-friendly outdoor clothes
Cullen Modal Elbow-Sleeve Jacket
Made from a sustainable blend of cotton and cellulose Modal fabric, this jacket comes in three colors. It’s soft and durable, even after many washings, and is easy to relax in.Exofficio Men's Tofutech™ Tee Shirt
A super soft, comfortable T, this eco-friendly version is made from Tofutech, the “vegetable cashmere” of fabrics. It’s got a tagless neck and is lightweight. Choose from five colors and many sizes.GoLite Drimove Bottom Long Underwear
Made with CoCoNa fabric, these bottoms easily absorb odors, are quick-drying and moisture-wicking, and have an SPF rating of 50+. They’re also the winner of Outside Magazine’s Green Gear of the Year award.GoLite Drimove Women’s Zip Top
This polyester-CoCoNa blended top can be worn over and over without washing because of its odor-absorbing and moisture-wicking properties. Comes in many sizes and six different colors.Horny Toad Roots T
Made with 100 percent organic cotton, this classic fit men’s T-shirt comes in three colors. It’s made with double-needle stitching so it’s durable and strong.Kavu Bambina Top
A long sleeve, women’s shirt made with 30 percent organic cotton and 70 percent bamboo, this piece is soft and comfortable. It’s got natural wicking and moisture absorption characteristics, too.Kavu Hempster Pants
Made with 55 percent hemp and 45 percent cotton canvas, these women’s fixed-waist jeans have a relaxed fit and flap patch pockets. Choose from several colors and many sizes.Marika Balance Organic Cotton Pleated Shimmel Shirt
This active-wear tank is made from 95 percent organic cotton, giving you lots of support and structure (it’s got a shelf-bra) while being comfortable. It’s machine washable, so easy to care for.Patagonia M's Lightweight R4® Jacket
Suitable for many climates and outdoor adventures, this fleece jacket is made from 60 percent recycled polyester. It’s got three external and two internal pockets and is recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.Patagonia M's Micro Puff Vest
Perfect for alpine conditions, this vest will provide warmth and protection from the elements. Made with 40-80 percent recycled content polyester, it’s also water repellent and durable.Pulp TENCEL® Twill Capri Pants
TENCEL is made from renewable cellulose fibers, making this a sustainable pair of pants. They’ve got a silky feel with lots of pockets and a variety of colors to suit all styles!teko Ingeo Light Hiking
Made from a blend of Ingeo PLA (derived from corn), Ecopoly Recycled Polyester, nylon, and spandex, these socks are available for women and men and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
Choose sustainable hiking boots
Green Home environmental superstore men's and women's hiking boots
Green Home offers several models of hiking boots for men and women made from hemp, cotton, and recycled rubber.Nikwax
This water-repellent coating made from beeswax and water-based finishes will wash-up and protect your boots, tents, and other outdoor gear sans petroleum byproducts, keeping them clean without affecting their breathability, wicking properties, or ability to repel water.Pachira Hemp Hiking Boot
This is an eco-friendly boot all-around! It’s got recycled foam in the insole and tongue, recycled-content imitation leather trim, post-consumer tire rubber sole, and hemp and cotton uppers. Made to withstand all kinds of hiking abuse.Patagonia Finn Hiking Shoe
Patagonia's Finn light hiking shoes have outsoles that contain up to 30 percent recycled rubber.Timberland Footwear
Many of the company's outdoor hiking books (though not all) use PET for the lining and laces and Vibram® EcoStep® recycled rubber outsoles. Many are also stitched with hand-sewn side-stitch construction to avoid the use of adhesives.Timberland Greenscapes Mountain Sneaker
This environmentally friendly mountain shoe is made from organically tanned, premium full grain leather and fast growing hemp uppers—for comfort, durability, and abrasion resistance.Vegetarian Shoes Veggie Trekker MKIV Hiker
Made with durable Vegetan Micro Uppers, these breathable boots have a one-piece upper pattern and riveted D-ring lace fasteners with locking hook. They’re insulated throughout so ideal for colder hikes.
Choose mesh outerwear
Bug Out Outdoorwear
Full suits, pack covers, and more.Mad Dog Gear
Clothing and accessories for outdoor lovers.The Original Bug Shirt Company
Insect-proof clothing made in Canada.
Buy a flameless solar oven
Global Sun Oven
Use the power of the sun (no polluting fuel or flames needed) at your next cookout. The Sun Oven is a box-style solar cooker the size of a small suitcase and has a convenient carrying handle for easy portability. Reaches temperatures of 360°F to 400°F .Hot Pot Simple Solar Cooker
This inexpensive solar oven can reach temperatures up to 400°F. It's lightweight and compact, so it can be packed with you on camping trips, eliminating the need to start a campfire.Rohitas Electronics Tulsi-Hybrid Solar Oven
The Tulsi-Hybrid Solar Oven uses the sun's energy to cook all types of food, reaching temperatures of over 400 degrees. It also features a built-in energy-efficient, low-wattage electronic heating backup unit so it can operate even if the sun's not shining. To use, place food inside the oven, position the reflector toward the sun, and let it bake.SOS Sport Solar Oven
Made from recycled soda bottles, this lightweight two-pot solar box cooker holds two 10-inch pots (3 quarts each) and reaches temperatures close to 300°F. It can be ordered with optional detachable reflectors that help lengthen the outdoor cooking season beyond just the summer months.Sun Toy Solar Cooker
This lightweight panel-style solar cooker is constructed of crushable, water-resistant foam. It folds flat for easy transport and reaches temperatures in the mid-200°F. Comes with a high-temperature cooking bag, required for cooking.Surfer Chef Solar Cooking Oven
This lightweight solar cooker allows only the food to get hot, like a microwave oven. It also features a built-in thermometer that shows food temperature, not oven temperature. Food cooks even in haze and low-sunlight conditions. The Surfer Chef solar oven system shows when there is enough sunlight to cook.
Buy a green tent
Adventure Medical Tent Repair Kit
Don’t leave home without a quick repair kit like this. It includes nylon repair materials, a sewing kit, tent pole splint, and adhesive. You’ll never have to sleep in a leaky tent again!Big Agnes Seedhouse and Emerald Mountain Models
These Big Agnes models feature tent bodies constructed from lightweight nylon and polyester mesh, which offers excellent ventilation and reduced weight. These free-standing, double wall tents are constructed with PVC-free and solvent-free seam tape and use DAC Featherlite NSL poles, which utilize eco-friendly anodizing.Earthworks Tipis
These Indian-inspired tents come in many sizes (12 to 28 feet tall) and are made from woven cotton fabric that’s treated with odorless finishes. They’re rugged and come with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.Eureka Solar Intent Family 11- by 11-Foot 6-Person Tent
Pack a whole family into this solar-powered travel home! The solar collectors (which can be moved for maximum sun exposure) power an interior LED light but can also be tasked to charge battery-powered devices.Nikwax
This water-repellent coating made from beeswax and water-based finishes will wash-up and protect your boots, tents, and other outdoor gear sans petroleum byproducts, keeping them clean without affecting their breathability, wicking properties, or ability to repel water.REI Outdoor Zipper Rescue Kit
Quickly and easily fix those jammed and broken zippers with this handy kit. It includes single-pull sliders and double-pull sliders for both nylon and plastic zippers, as well as top and bottom stops.Sierra Designs Anu 2 Tent
This two-person, three-season tent is lightweight (5 pounds 5 ounces) and comes with the usual bells and whistles. It’s also pretty green, given its eco-features: dye-free canopy and PVC-free tape.Sierra Designs Various Tents that Use DAC® Featherlite NSL Poles
Sierra Designs features numerous tents that utilize DAC® Featherlite NSL Poles, greatly reducing the use of phosphoric and nitric acid in the anodizing process. These poles also save weight and have the best strength-to-weight ratio of any tent pole currently available.Woodland Yurts
Made from yurt felt, which is essentially natural sheep’s wool, these tent structures are great for keeping the extremes of hot and cold at bay. They’re naturally waterproof and look cool, too!
Comments
Share Your Comments