Plant Based Camping 101: Ultimate Vegan Guide to Camping
Camping is a beloved pastime for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. And if you happen to be a vegan, fear not! Plant-based camping is not only possible but also a delightful way to enjoy the outdoors while staying true to your dietary choices. So, grab your tent, put on your hiking boots, and let's dive into the ultimate vegan guide to camping!
Camping Gear
When it's time to gear up for your camping adventure, remember: your equipment should be as vegan as your kale smoothie! Stay clear of gear that's guilty of incorporating animal-derived materials. Down, that fluff from ducks and geese may keep you warm, but it certainly isn’t vegan! And let's not forget about wool & leather.
Instead, opt for synthetic or plant-based materials that provide excellent alternatives. Look for sleeping bags filled with synthetic insulation like polyester or recycled materials. These options offer warmth, comfort, and are cruelty-free. Many companies now offer synthetic alternatives that are specifically labelled as vegan or cruelty-free.
Nowadays, several brands cater to the needs of vegan campers. One notable brand is Vango, which offers a range of synthetic sleeping bags suitable for various weather conditions. Another popular choice is Rab, known for their ethically produced, synthetic insulated sleeping bags. Additionally, Mountain Warehouse is a great option for affordable and vegan-friendly camping gear, including sleeping bags.
Gear up with vegan and synthetic camping essentials for a guilt-free adventure that's as comfortable as a cloud! Leave behind a trail of conscious footprints and minimise your impact on the planet while sleeping soundly in a synthetic sleeping bag.
Food
Picture this: you, conquering the wilderness, armed with nothing but your trusty camping gear and a stomach that demands deliciousness. But hey, being a vegan in the great outdoors doesn't mean you have to settle for lacklustre meals. Oh no, we've got the recipe for camping success right here. We're talking low maintenance, high taste, and lightweight meals that'll make your taste buds do the happy dance. It's all about planning ahead and packing like a plant-powered pro. Load up on fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, and whole grains like a squirrel on a mission. And let's not forget the superstar of portable cooking: your trusty camping stove or grill. It's like having a tiny kitchen in the great outdoors.
Fancy some breakfast to start your day? Check out our 5 Easy Vegan Breakfast Recipes for Camping! Because nothing says "good morning" like a campfire and a stack of vegan pancakes.
But let's not stop there! When the sun sets and hunger strikes, prepare yourself for veggie-infused greatness. Need some inspiration? Here are some great simple options:
- Vegetable and Bean Chilli
- Veggie Burgers
- One-pot pesto pasta
- Vegetable Skewers
Milk & Hot Drinks
If you're like us, desperately in need of your morning coffee to kickstart your brain cells, the thought of camping without it is downright horrifying. Carrying around tonnes of heavy vegan milk isn’t really an option, but don’t worry, we've got you covered. Overherd oat milk powder weighs 10 x less and can be added straight to hot drinks as a creamer, which dissolves in an instant. It also won’t need refrigerating so you won’t need to strap a fridge to your back like some kind of North Face Turtle.
Bug Spray & Toiletries
When venturing into the great outdoors, bugs might see you as a walking buffet. Fear not, for there are vegan-friendly bug sprays that'll keep those pesky critters at bay without compromising your ethics. Look for repellents that are labelled as vegan or cruelty-free, and avoid products that contain animal-derived ingredients. One fantastic option is the Incognito Insect Repellent, a UK-based brand that offers a range of effective, plant-based bug sprays and lotions. Their formulas are free from harmful chemicals and use natural ingredients like citronella and eucalyptus, keeping bugs at a respectable distance while you revel in nature's embrace.
Now, let's talk about toiletries. A vegan camping trip is the perfect opportunity to showcase your cruelty-free hygiene game. Look for toiletries that are certified vegan or labelled as cruelty-free, ensuring they're free from animal-derived ingredients and not tested on our furry friends. Dr. Bronner's is a fantastic brand that offers a wide array of vegan camping essentials, from biodegradable soap to toothpaste, all crafted with love and compassion.
S'mores
No camping trip is complete without the gooey goodness of s'mores. But what about us adventurous vegans? Fear not! We're here to spill the cocoa beans on how to veganize this campfire classic. Forget milk chocolate, it's time to go over to the dark side (chocolate, that is). Grab a top-notch dark chocolate bar that's as vegan-friendly as a yoga instructor on a tofu diet. Melt that rich, velvety goodness onto your crackers, and prepare for a taste bud tango that'll make even the woodland creatures jealous. Now, marshmallows... tricky little devils, right? Fear not! There is such a thing as vegan marshmallows that'll have you doing a happy dance around the campfire. Brands like Dandies are gelatine-free, meaning you can enjoy those fluffy, toasty clouds of delight guilt-free. So, get ready to indulge in s'mores that are so plant-based, they'll have Mother Nature herself giving you a high-five.
With these tips in mind, you are now ready to embark on your vegan camping adventure!