Eco hiking is almost identical to regular hiking: heading out to explore nature, its wildlife and flora. What sets it apart is its activist stance for a cleaner natural environment — a world where tomorrow's trails are free from litter left by polluting walkers or by locals who treat nature as a free dumping ground. A world where, faced with a cleaner nature, hikers take greater responsibility.
The principles of eco hiking
Eco hiking works thanks to environmentally conscious hikers who respect nature and collect litter in bin bags. The aim of eco hiking is to preserve hiking sites and raise awareness about nature by calling out harmful practices. Eco hiking isn't just for the most "green-minded" — everyone has a role to play in this practice, and it can even have educational appeal for younger participants.
Accessories for eco hiking
In eco hiking, the principle is simple: none of the accessories used should pollute nature.
Equipment
Enthusiasts regularly use tents, generally suited to the space available, without disturbing pitches or plants.
You can use highly practical backpacks featuring waste compartments that let you charge devices using solar power.
Use stainless steel cutlery sets, completely eliminating disposable plastic cutlery. Water bottles are also available, solvent-free, made from aluminium and completely leak-proof. And if, by chance, you find yourself eating away from a stream, there are portable sinks for washing up. And of course, bring bin bags for your waste! You can find resealable, sturdy ones, specially designed for eco hiking.
To help you along the way, you can use a trekking pole, which will help you walk more easily or keep your balance on uneven terrain.
On an eco hiking trip, solar chargers should never be overlooked. As well as being eco-friendly, they'll save you from a sudden flat battery — especially when you urgently need your phone. Wind-powered devices are also an option.
Still in keeping with this approach, rechargeable torches are available. High-performing, they can be recharged in sunlight, via USB or with an adapter. There are also dynamo torches, which are completely waterproof.
Clothing
When it comes to clothing, multi-pocket jackets and multi-pocket gilets are very practical, allowing you to store various pieces of litter in their different compartments. For footwear, some shoes are made from fully recyclable materials: chrome- and nickel-free leather.
Hygiene
If you're heading out for several days, there are eco-friendly shampoos and soaps available. For washing, opt for solar showers. The principle is simple: fill a reservoir with water, leave it in the sun, and it will heat your water the eco-friendly way!
For makeshift toileting, an eco-friendly trowel will let you dig your hole… And you can even slide your used toilet paper inside the handle!
France has plenty of specialist shops in the eco hiking field. That said, choose your products carefully — it would be a shame to buy gear that ultimately harms the environment.
