Going green shouldn’t break the bank. We’ve put together a list of affordable eco-friendly tents under $300, made with recycled materials and sustainable design.
| Tent Model | Price | Key Eco-Friendly Features |
|---|---|---|
| Kelty Discovery Basecamp | $119 | Solution-dyed fabrics |
| The North Face Eco Trail | $198 | 100% recycled polyester |
| The North Face Stormbreak | $200 | Non-PFC water repellency |
| Kammok Mantis | $269 | Recycled GravitasX™️ fabric |
| Tentsile 2-Person Tree Tent | $269 | Recycled nylon |
| Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 | $275 | Solution-dyed fabric, PFAS-free |
Affordable Eco-Friendly Tents Under $300
Kelty Discovery Basecamp 4
- HIGH CAPACITY SHELTERS FOR THE BACKCOUNRTY: Pound for…
- BACKPACKING WITH COMFORT: 58-68 inch peak heights, 14…
- NO FRILLS, MANY FAVS: Kelty has developed a number of…
- PROTECTING NATURAL SPACES: Kelty is 1 of 4 founding…
- NITTY GRITTY: 4P – Min Weight 7lbs 8 oz, Floor Space…
The North Face Eco Trail 2
- Made with 100% recycled polyester fabrics for the rainfly, floor, and canopy
- Durable 75D ripstop materials prevent rips and tears and extends the life of the tent
- Waterproof recycled polyester ripstop rain fly and…
- Guylines and stacks included for quick and easy setup…
- Packed Size: 23.2 x 7.5 x 6.5 in. Floor Dimensions: 86…
The North Face Stormbreak 2
- Uses non-PFC/PFAS water repellent
- Flame retardant-free fabrics
- QUICK PITCH. The Stormbreak 2 is our classic two-person…
- BREATHABLE AIRFLOW. Keep comfortable with high-low…
- EASY IN & OUT. There’s no need to roll up the 2 doors…
- TOUGH CONSTRUCTION. A fully seam-taped canopy and floor…
- TECH SPECS. Total Weight: 5lbs 14.2oz; Trail Weight:…
KAMMOK Mantis Hammock
- Features 100% recycled GravitasX™ nylon (bluesign® certified)
- TRAIL READY: With a 100% recycled, bluesign approved…
- INTEGRATED INSECT NET: Mantis’s Dragonet is an…
- ALL-WEATHER VERSATILITY: The included rainfly offers…
- 60-SECOND SET-UP: Lighter than your tent and easier to…
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR SETUP: Mantis is fully compatible with…
Tentsile Solo Tree Tent Hammock
- Made from recycled nylon
- PREMIER SOLO CAMPING EXPERIENCE: Perfect for…
- TREEHOUSE IN A DUFFEL BAG: Equally suited for backyards…
- VERSITLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT: unique 3-point anchoring…
- ALL WEATHER SHELTER: The 70D Polyester rainfly is PU…
- NITTY GRITTY: Max capacity 265 lbs, floor area 24 sq….
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2
- Solution-dyed fabrics cut water/energy use by 50-80%
- PFAS-free construction and recyclable DAC poles
- Repair program extends product lifespan
- TECHNICAL COMFORT – Our award-winning Fly Creek tents…
- SUSTAINABLE & STRONG – Solution-dyed fabric is highly…
- READY TO PITCH – Simplified setup with proprietary tent…
- FULL FEATURED – The Fly Creek HV UL tent includes two…
- LIFETIME WARRANTY – All seams taped with waterproof,…
What materials are eco friendly for tents?
Eco-friendly tent materials prioritize sustainability through recycled content, biodegradable options, and low-impact manufacturing. Here are the key materials and their environmental benefits:
1. Recycled Polyester
- Made from recycled PET bottles (13 bottles per square meter in ECO13B fabric[6]), reducing plastic waste.
- Offers water resistance and durability comparable to virgin polyester but with 50-80% lower energy/water use[1][4].
- Used in brands like 23ZERO (ECO13B) and Diamond Brand (100% recycled “Spunout” fabric)[6][8].
2. Organic Cotton
- Grown without synthetic pesticides/fertilizers, minimizing soil/water contamination.
- Biodegradable and breathable, ideal for warm climates[7].
- Example: Diamond Brand’s undyed cotton tents (no bleaching chemicals).
3. Hemp
- Low water/pesticide requirements and enriches soil during growth.
- Naturally mildew/UV-resistant, blended with recycled polyester in tents like the Safir 7 ECO.
- Fully biodegradable when untreated.
4. Polypropylene
- Fully recyclable alternative to PVC, used in American Tent’s Renegade Series[3][5].
- No toxic plasticizers (unlike PVC), improving UV stability.
- Lightweight and fire-retardant.
5. Bamboo Fabric
- Fast-growing and pesticide-free, with natural breathability.
- Biodegradable, though less common in tents due to lower weather resistance.
6. Sustainable Blends
- Organic cotton + hemp + recycled polyester (e.g., Safir 7 ECO) for balanced durability and eco-performance[7].
- Poly-cotton blends reduce reliance on virgin synthetics when recycled materials are included[4].
Key Eco-Friendly Features
- PFAS/PFC-free coatings: Eliminate toxic water repellents (e.g., The North Face Stormbreak 2)[4][8].
- Solution-dyed fabrics: Reduce water/energy use by 50% (Kelty Discovery Basecamp 4)[4].
- Recyclable components: Aluminum poles, steel frames, and polypropylene tarps[2][3].
Sustainability Trade-Offs
- Recycled synthetics vs. biodegradable naturals: Synthetics excel in wet climates but persist longer in landfills[1][4].
- Organic cotton requires more water than hemp but avoids pesticides[1][4].
What makes the North Face Eco Trail 2 sustainable?
The North Face Eco Trail 2 integrates sustainability through 100% recycled polyester (fly, floor, and canopy) sourced from plastic waste, paired with non-PFC/PFAS waterproof coatings to avoid toxic “forever chemicals.” Its 75D ripstop fabric enhances durability, reducing replacement frequency, while production of recycled materials cuts energy and water use by 50-80% compared to virgin polyester. The tent supports circularity via The North Face’s Renewed program for gear recycling/refurbishment and prioritizes repairability with a lifetime warranty, aligning with the brand’s goal to eliminate single-use plastics in packaging by 2025. By balancing eco-materials, chemical-free treatments, and long-term usability, it minimizes environmental impact without sacrificing performance.
What eco-friendly features does the Kammok Mantis have?
The Kammok Mantis stands out for its eco-friendly design, featuring 100% recycled GravitasX™ nylon (bluesign® certified) that reduces reliance on virgin materials while maintaining durability. Its modular 2-in-1 system combines a tent and hammock, minimizing gear consumption and waste. The tent avoids harmful chemicals with PFC/PFAS-free waterproofing and supports circularity through repairable components and compatibility with Kammok’s recycling initiatives. Additionally, Kammok is a Climate Neutral Certified brand, offsetting its carbon footprint and prioritizing renewable energy in production.
Are there any eco-friendly tents that are also waterproof?
Yes, eco-friendly tents can be waterproof, combining sustainable materials with non-toxic water-repellent technologies. For example, the Miramar Eco-Explorer uses 100% recycled fabric and PFC/PFAS-free waterproof coatings for its bathtub floor and flysheet, to provide weather resistance while avoiding harmful “forever chemicals”8. Similarly, Diamond Brand uses C0-DWR coatings (free of perfluorinated compounds) on their tents made from recycled polyester or undyed organic cotton47.
What are the main benefits of using recycled polyester for tents?
Recycled polyester offers three key benefits for eco-friendly tents: waste reduction by repurposing plastic bottles (13+ per square meter in ECO13B fabric), lower environmental impact with 50-80% less energy/water use during production compared to virgin polyester, and durability that matches conventional synthetics while maintaining waterproof performance.