Contrary to popular belief and opinions, being vegan goes beyond not eating anything made from or having any added by-products made of animals. It also extends to not using things that are made from animals as well, such as clothing and other accessories. If you’re vegan, camping can be a challenge as a lot of the materials used, as well as the food made suitable for consumption during camping are made with animal by-products.
Thankfully, there already are manufacturers who keep in mind the welfare of vegans and offer animal-cruelty free items for use in camping. We’ve also found a great resource for gifts for vegans. With that said, here are some of the things every single vegan should bring along with them the next time they camp.
Meals
Food is an essential camping item you have to bring with you. Thankfully, there are a lot: Winco and Fred Meyer.
These are calorie-dense but can be expensive for some. A cheaper breakfast alternative would be good ol’ Quaker Oats. To go with your cereal or oatmeal, bring along some Dehydrated milk by Better than Milk. If you want an on-the-go breakfast, get some New York Style Bagels from Thomas.
For lunch and dinner, a good bet would be Santa Fe Bean Company’s dehydrated beans or Prepared Meals by Outdoor Herbivore which are quick and easy to cook. Boxed Meals either by Fantastic Foods or the Near East brands, which are all tasty and easy to prepare. With that said, make sure to bring with you lots of potable water.
Snacks
If you’re into heavy snacks, then bring along some tortillas with you together with some beans from the Whole Food stores mentioned above. There are a lot of Granola and Chocolate Bars you can get a lighter fix, either from Whole Food, Trader Joe’s and other Vegan-friendly brands.
For added energy, one option would be White Chocolate Wonderful with Peanut Butter & Co. For vegan chips, a great choice would be those made by Garden of Eaten, Trader Joes, and even Pringles. All Oreo types, as well as all other kinds of trail mix (without M&Ms) and dried fruit, are also some great additions to every backpacking adventure.
Hiking Boots and other Footwear
Finding animal-cruelty free boots can be tricky, and that’s why I’d like to share my vegan hiking boot list with you. Never go camping without these heavy-duty shoes as camping grounds can be filled with sharp wood splinters, small pieces of rocks, glass shards left by previous campers, and even animals like ticks and ants, all of which could cause injury.
Cooking Materials
A lot of the foods mentioned above require minimal preparation, and one of the things that you have to secure is aluminum foil, as well as the necessary materials to start a fire, such as a lighter.
Also don’t forget to bring a kettle with you to heat the water on top of the fireplace, as a lot of the foods we have recommended require you to put water on them. A good kettle to bring is the GSI Tea Kettle which is resistant to abrasion and is extremely lightweight.
Tents, Sleeping Materials, and Other Apparel
Yes, there are animal-friendly tents. The good thing about them is that it’s not hard to find one at all. So long as they are not made of animal materials, such as Nylon, Cotton, and Polyester, then you are good to go.
Tensleep Station 6: Tent for 2 to 6 persons. Do away with pillows made of feathers.
Clothing is also of the essence, and finding vegan-friendly apparel such as beanies, gloves, and all sorts is also easy. Simply be on the lookout for either Nylon or Cottonwear, as these are usually free from animal byproducts.
About the Author: Melanie Campbell is an outdoor and camping enthusiast behind Ardent Footsteps, enjoying this wonderful world since 2010. She shares expert advice when it comes to camping and outdoor trekking. With the main focus on making the most out of camping and outdoor adventures, Melanie will make you want to go out today!
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