Environmentally-friendly expeditioning
Is it possible to do a multi-day trip without any single-use plastics? Almost, but it’s hard, really hard, as British bikepacker, Cass Gilbert, testified.
We launched a compostable pouch in 2018 to reduce single-use plastics. In 2023, we went further, and launched a pouch recycling scheme for those who need to carry a waterproof pouch because of their activity. This includes water-based and especially remote expeditions where you can’t risk any damage to your food stores.
But there are ironies in doing better by the environment. The choices you make as a customer cost us more as a business – which we don’t pass on to you. The technology is more expensive than you might think. But we are sticking to our guns. Because the little changes matter. When small companies like ours are part of a larger trend, you start to see change in the outdoor industry at large.
Here’s our shortlist of 6 pieces of kit for camp cooks trying to to improve their environmental responsibility – including, wherever possible, the reduction of single-use plastics.
Our biobags — made from bio-based materials such as sugar cane — are 100% compostable and come as an option with all our meals. You can't pour water inside them or they'll start to break down because of the heat and the moisture, but you can rehydrate them just as easily using the pan you use to boil your water, or a food jar. When you're done, they'll go straight into your home compost.
There is something satisfying about gathering twigs when you’re setting up camp for the night. The Solo stove is made from 100% stainless steel and is pretty efficient, protects the undergrowth from any heat damage and packs down small.
3. Klean Kanteen recycled steel food jars
Klean Kanteen has a range of food jars that use 90% recycled steel — a very high percentage compared to competitors — from old industrial equipment and everyday domestic appliances. They also have a handy size that suits both our regular and extra-large meal portions.
If you prefer to carry a pan over a food jar (some do), this MSR kettle might be a better option for you. It's a favourite of our founder and fits nicely on top of the Solo stove: a lightweight, strong, efficient titanium pot, with a spout, interior water marks for accurate measuring, and in a size that fits the water you need for any of our extra-large meals – plus some left over for a cup of tea.
Kupilka’s cutlery is nicely designed, well priced, lightweight (the spork weighs 16g), and this spork is a great length (225mm) for our tall pouches. It’s not completely plastic-free – Kupilka’s products are made from a natural fibre composite (50% wood cellulose from certified Finnish forests and 50% polypropylene) – but you can recycle them, or return them to Kupilka to be reused at the end of their lifespan.
6. Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System
This little water filter (the SP128) fits onto a water bottle or hydration pack, and comes with a straw for running water. It’ll stop you needing to pick up a water bottle.
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