The United States is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse outdoor landscapes in the world. From hiking and camping to fishing and kayaking, there are endless opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors.
But before you head out on your next adventure, it's important to make sure you have the right gear. In this article, we will discuss the types of outdoor gear you should always have with you for the top 5 most popular outdoor activities in the United States and how to shop for it responsibly.
Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the United States, with millions of people hitting the trails every year. To ensure a safe and enjoyable hike, it's important to have the right gear. Here are the essential items to bring on a hike:
A good pair of hiking boots or shoes will provide support and traction on uneven terrain. Make sure you have a pair of boots that will protect your feet from the elements and provide the proper traction for the types of trails you are visiting.
Eco-friendly brands that sell hiking boots or shoes include:
A backpack is essential for carrying water, snacks, and other gear. It is a good idea to get a sturdy backpack with all the necessary pockets and compartments to hold the gear you need for your hike. You may also want to make sure that it is made of a material that can withstand backpack cleaning so you can use it for years to come.
Look for a backpack made from recycled materials, such as:
Staying hydrated is crucial on a hike so it is essential to bring a durable water bottle along. To preserve the wildlife and foliage in the area, it is also important that you never discard plastic water bottles on the trails.
Opt for a reusable water bottle made from stainless steel or glass, such as:
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat will protect you from harmful UV rays. Remember, you can get sunburn any time, even on cloudy days.
Look for eco-friendly sunscreen brands such as:
Camping is another popular outdoor activity in the United States, with millions of people enjoying the great outdoors each year. To make the most of your camping trip, be sure to bring the following gear:
A good-quality tent will keep you dry and comfortable throughout your camping trip. In addition, washing a tent can be a tough job if it is not made from quality materials. Luckily, there are fabricare cleaners like eClean Advanced Fabricare that can take care of your tent cleaning needs every season.
Look for tents made from recycled materials, such as:
A warm and cozy sleeping bag is essential for a good night's sleep. There are many types of sleeping bags on the market that can help you prepare for any camping conditions. From waterproof, down bags to natural wool bags, you’ll want a bag that can handle the weather you will encounter. Don’t worry, a sleeping bag cleaning service and help you take care of all your cleaning needs when the season is over.
Eco-friendly brands that sell sleeping bags include:
A camp stove will allow you to cook meals and boil water. This can be especially handy if you are backpacking or want to boil water for coffee without damaging your kettle in the fire.
Look for camp stoves made from recycled materials, such as:
A headlamp will provide hands-free lighting at night. A bit of extra light is especially useful for finding tools around the campsite, setting up your bedding when it is time to go to sleep, or sneaking off to the restroom in the middle of the night.
Look for headlamps with rechargeable batteries, such as:
Fishing is a relaxing and enjoyable outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. To make the most of your fishing trip, be sure to bring the following gear:
A good-quality fishing rod and reel will make it easier to catch fish. Plus, they offer durability that will last you for years if they are taken care of properly.
Eco-friendly brands that sell fishing gear include:
It goes without saying that you will need fishing line to accompany your rod and reel; however, it is important to note that fishing line can cause damage to the environment if it is discarded or made from damaging materials.
Look for fishing line made from eco-friendly materials, such as:
A tackle box will keep your fishing gear organized and easily accessible.
Look for tackle boxes made from recycled materials, such as:
Kayaking is a fun and exciting way to explore the great outdoors, with opportunities to paddle on lakes, rivers, and oceans. To make the most of your kayaking trip, be sure to bring the following gear:
A good-quality kayak will provide stability and maneuverability on the water. That means less chance of flipping!
Eco-friendly brands that sell kayaks include:
A lightweight and durable paddle will make it easier to paddle through the water. In turn, you will be able to enjoy a much more relaxing adventure down the river.
Look for paddles made from sustainable materials, such as:
A life jacket is essential for safety on the water. They are especially important for first-timers and, in some cases, they are required to traverse certain routes.
Look for life jackets made from recycled materials, such as:
Biking is a great way to explore the outdoors and stay active. To make the most of your biking trip, be sure to bring the following gear:
A good-quality bike will provide a smooth and comfortable ride. There are many different styles of bikes that are great for different terrain and distances. Be sure to do your research ahead of time so you can choose the bike that is best for your trip and your body.
Eco-friendly brands that sell bikes include:
A helmet is essential for safety while biking. They can protect you in the event that you lose control of your bike, or something or someone hits you while you are on the road or trail.
Look for helmets made from recycled materials, such as:
A bike lock will keep your bike secure while you're away. Look for bike locks made from eco-friendly materials, such as:
Whether you're hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, or biking, having the right gear is essential for a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience. In addition, it is important to keep that gear clean and mildew free. Instead of worrying about how to clean a tent yourself, find apparel care cleaners that are knowledgeable about your equipment to keep it fresh every season.
By choosing eco-friendly brands that sell gear made from sustainable materials, you can enjoy the great outdoors while also protecting the environment and making the most of your next outdoor adventure.
Has your trusty sleeping bag started to get a little too cold for mountain & winter use, or are you just noticing that it's not feeling the same as it did when it was new? It's a frustrating experience that can leave you longing for a good night's sleep.
In this article, we dive into the reasons behind insulation loss in sleeping bags, specifically focusing on down-filled ones. We'll explore the science behind the properties of down, the impact of washing machines, and common causes for reduced insulation.