Shopping for backpacking gear can be daunting for anyone, finding backpacking gear that’s also vegan can, at times, seem impossible. To make this task a little easier we’ve put together this guide of what to get and what to look out for.
Recently I was having a discussion with a fellow backpacker and I mentioned something about vegan gear. They were pretty taken aback and asked why vegans would need special gear since we’re not going to eat it.
Is Vegan A Diet Or Lifestyle?
In the truest sense of the word veganism is a lifestyle. A vegan is someone who seeks to do the least harm possible by avoiding animal products, products tested on animals, and establishments that exploit animals.
This of course included diet, but also included things like personal care items, clothing, and backpacking gear.
What’s Not Vegan About Backpacking Gear?
Backpacking gear is made from a wide verity of materials depending on the item, manufacturer, and intended use.
It’s not uncommon for gear to contain:
- Leather
- Wool
- Down
- Silk
These are typically used because historically they’ve had better breathability, wicking properties, heat retention, packability, and durability than other products. However, there are now many amazing vegan alternatives now available.
Items That Might Not Be Vegan
Vegan Footwear
Hiking Boots
La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX Hiking Boots Women’s
WEIGHT: 2 lbs. 0.3 oz.
La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX Hiking Boots Men’s
WEIGHT: 2 lbs. 8.4 oz.
Salewa Ultra Flex Mid GTX Hiking Boots
WEIGHT: 1 lb. 10.2 oz.
La Sportiva Stream GTX Hiking Boots Men’s
WEIGHT: 1 lb. 15 oz.
Astral TR1 Merge Hiking Boots – Men’s
WEIGHT: 12.2oz
La Sportiva Stream GTX Hiking Boots – Women’s
WEIGHT: 1 lb. 10.2 oz.
La Sportiva Blade GTX Hiking Boots – Men’s
WEIGHT: 1 lb. 14.4 oz.
Inov8 Roclite 345 GTX Hiking Shoes – Men’s
WEIGHT: 1 lb. 8 oz.
Inov8 Roclite 345 GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s
WEIGHT: 1 lb. 8 oz.
Arc’teryx Bora Mid GTX Hiking Boot – Men’s
WEIGHT: 1 lb. 10 oz.
Socks
Darn Tough CoolMax Micro Crew Cushion Socks – Women’s
Fabric: 60% CoolMax polyester/35% nylon/5% Lycra spandex
Darn Tough CoolMax Cushion Boot Hiking Socks – Men’s
Fabric: 35% CoolMax polyester/34% nylon/28% acrylic/3% Lycra spandex
Fabric: 75% CoolMax polyester/21% nylon/4% Lycra spandex
Vegan Sleeping bags
Big Agnes V Notch UL 40 Sleeping Bag
Weight: 1 lb. 6 oz
Temperature Rating: 40 degrees (F)
Marmot Trestles 30 Sleeping Bag – Women’s
Weight: 3 lb. 7.7 oz
Temperature Rating: 29.1 degrees (F)
The North Face Cat’s Meow 22 Sleeping Bag
Weight: 2 lb. 4 oz
Temperature Rating: 20 degrees (F)
NEMO Azura 20 Sleeping Bag – Women’s
Weight: 2 lb. 6 oz
Temperature Rating: 23 degrees (F)
REI Co-op Zephyr 30 Sleeping Bag – Men’s
Weight: 2 lb. 6 oz
Temperature Rating: 23 degrees (F)
Sea to Summit Traverse TvII 25 Sleeping Bag
Weight: 2 lb. 7 oz
Temperature Rating: 25 degrees (F)
Vegan Sleeping Bag Liner
Weight: 8 oz
Added Warmth: Up to 5 degrees (F)
Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Compact Plus Sleeping Bag Liner
Weight: 9.3 oz
Added Warmth: Up to 20 degrees (F)
Weight: 9 oz
Added Warmth: Up to 5 degrees (F)
Vegan Backpacking Pillows
Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Deluxe Pillow
Weight: 4.6 oz
Weight: 3 oz
Big Agnes AXL Air Pillow
Weight: 1.6 oz
Vegan Backpacking Clothing
Patagonia Micro Puff Insulated Vest
REI Co-op Revelcloud II Jacket – Women’s
Patagonia Micro D Quarter-Zip Fleece Pullover
REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Crew Top
Columbia Kettle Ridge Long-Sleeve Shirt
REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants
Vegan Backpacking Food
- The Ultimate Vegan Backpacking Meal Guide
- Vegan Backpacking Meals At REI
- 10 Easy Vegan Backpacking Breakfasts
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