As more people become aware of environmental issues, many are looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors without harming the planet. One great solution is choosing sustainable tents made from recycled materials. These tents not only help reduce waste but also provide a reliable and comfortable shelter for camping. In this article, we will explore some of the best sustainable tents available today, highlighting their features and benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting out, these eco-friendly options can help you enjoy nature while being kind to the Earth.
What are the key features to look for in a sustainable tent?
When looking for a sustainable tent, there are several key features to keep in mind that make it eco-friendly and perfect for your camping adventures. First, check if the tent is made from recycled materials, like fabrics created from plastic bottles or old tents, which helps reduce waste. Next, look for non-toxic coatings that avoid harmful chemicals, ensuring that your tent is safe for both you and the environment. It’s also important to consider ethical manufacturing practices; choose brands that treat their workers fairly and use low-impact production methods. Finally, a tent that is durable and repairable can last longer, reducing the need to buy a new one frequently, which is better for the planet! Keeping these features in mind will help you find a tent that’s not only fun for camping but also kind to the Earth.
The Best Sustainable Tents Made From Recycled Materials
North Face Storm Break 2
The North Face Storm Break 2 is a well ventilated two person tent that performs remarkably well in rainy weather.
Shop North Face Storm Break Sustainable Tent
The North Face Storm Break 2 Tent is a solid choice for backpackers who need a reliable, high-quality tent at a budget-friendly price point. The tent is small and relatively light, so it won’t take up too much space in your pack or weigh you down on the trail. It’s also impressively waterproof and can handle heavy rain and wind without leaking inside.
Features
- Capacity: 2 person
- Seasons: 3-Season
- # Doors: 2
- # Vestibules: 2
- Minimum Trail Weight: 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg)
- Floor Dimensions: 87 x 50 inches (221 x 127 cm)
- Peak Height: 3.5 ft (109 cm)
Pros
- Waterproof rain fly and the bathtub-style floor prevent moisture and leaks
- Interior offers plenty of headroom
- Storage pockets are easily accessible
- Double-sided vestibule door provides unobstructed views
- Sturdy guy lines provide extra support in high winds
- Sturdy aluminum poles and strong zippers
- More stable than other similar tents in its class.
Cons
- Small vestibule
- The top of the tent can collect water, which may be a problem if it rains heavily for an extended period
- The rain flap over the zipper can be difficult to manage and may get caught, especially when it’s raining
- Not the lightest option for ultralight backpackers
Beluga 6-in-1 Sustainable Tent
The Beluga 6-in-1 converts from a tent into a tarp shelter, a covered hammock, or 2 hammocks
Shop Beluga 6-in-1 Sustainable Tent
The Qaou Beluga 6-in-1 tent for two people is waterproof and built from 125 recycled plastic bottles. The finest feature of this modular, shape-shifting tent is its six various configurations. It may be a tent, a cocoon hammock, a tent with an awning, a tarp, or two open hammocks. So you can simply adjust the tent to meet the needs of your camping trip, including location, weather, and number of people.
Features
- Capacity: 2 person
- Seasons: 3-Season
- # Doors: 2
- Minimum Trail Weight: 6.6 lbs (3 kg)
- Floor Dimensions: 82.6 x 49.2 in (209.8 x 124.9 cm)
- Peak Height: 3.5 ft (109 cm)
Pros
- 6 different shelter configurations to meet your needs
- 2,000 mm waterproof coating on tent and fly/hammock fabrics
- 4,000 mm waterproof 40-denier nylon floor fabric
- The rectangular floor allows comfortable shoulder-to-shoulder or head-to-toe sleeping
- Anodized aluminum Yunan poles
- Interior shutters to keep out drafts
Cons
- The tent is a high-end camping shelter, and its price may be a bit steep for budget-conscious campers
- With its multiple configurations and accessories, the Beluga tent may be more complex to set up than a traditional tent
NEMO Dagger OSMO
The NEMO OSMO can withstand severe rain, with a rainfly that has 3 times longer water repellency than comparable tents
Shop NEMO Dagger Sustainable Tent
NEMO is committed to sustainability, and puts these values to practical use in the OSMO. The 2-person tent is lightweight, spacious, and created with recycled fabric that is free of PFCs, PFASs, and fire-retardant chemicals. The tent is constructed from 100% Global Recycled Standard (GRS)–certified yarns. The tent elevates the experience of the great outdoors while minimizing the environmental impact.
Features
- Capacity: 2 person
- Seasons: 3-Season
- # Doors: 2
- # Vestibules: 2
- Minimum Trail Weight: 4.2 lbs (1.9 kg)
- Floor Dimensions: 90 x 50 in (228.6 x 127 cm)
- Peak Height: 3.5 ft (106 cm)
Pros
- Polyester/nylon blend ripstop has 3 times longer water repellency
- Vestibule storage container to protect gear
- Spacious interior
- Ultralight and easy to pack and carry on long hikes
Cons
- More fragile than heavier, more traditional nylon tents
Kammock Mantis Recycled All-in-One
The Kammock Mantis is a great solo bike packing tent, weighs less than 3 pounds and doubles as a tent and hammock, with an integrated bug net
The Kammock Mantis Recycled All-in-One Hammock Tent reduces weight and increases comfort when camping. Its breathable hammock body, integrated bug net, and featherlight rainfly make it a great choice for backpacking and camping trips. The hammock tent is constructed from Kammock’s proprietary GravitasXTM fabric that is from 100% recycled pre-consumer waste.
Features
- Capacity: 1 person
- Seasons: 3-Season
- # Doors: n/a
- # Vestibules: n/a
- Minimum Trail Weight: 3 lbs (1.3 kg)
Pros
- bluesign® approved chemical-free
- 100% recycled 40-denier fabric
- Safely holds up to 500 pounds
- Hammock is enclosed in a mesh canopy protect against bugs
- Mesh panel to view the night sky
- Easy 60 second set up and break down
Cons
- Limited Space:
- Not suitable for use in all seasons, especially cold weather and rain
- Requires two trees or sturdy anchor points to set up, which may not be available in all camping locations
- No separate rain fly
Vango Joro Inflatable Tent
The Vango Joro has an effortless setup and quickly inflates and deflates with a double action pump
Shop Vango Joro Sustainable Tent
The Vango Joro Air 450 is a 4-person inflatable tent constructed using Sentinel Eco Fabric, created from 100% recycled single-use plastic. Vango has recycled more than 8 million plastic bottles through their camping tents and sleeping bags. The Joro has multiple king-sized, nightfall bedrooms, pre-angled beams for more head room, a built-in vestibule with awning and a huge front door. The Vango Joro Tent can be set up and taken down within a matter of minutes, using the Vango AirBeam®.
Features
- Capacity: 4 person
- # Doors: 1
- Minimum Trail Weight: 43.2 lbs (19.6 kg)
- Floor Dimensions: 19.6 ft length X 9.8 ft width (600.0 cm length X 300.0 cm width)
- Peak Height: 6.7 ft (204.5 cm)
- Material: 70D recycled polyester shell
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Spacious and can comfortably accommodate up to four people
- Only 1 door, which may force campers to step over each other
- Well-ventilated, with multiple windows and mesh panels
- Sewn-in, waterproof groundsheet protects against moisture and bugs
- Privacy curtains create 2 bedrooms and 1 living area
Cons
- Requires a power source to inflate, which may not be available in all locations
- May not provide adequate insulation in colder weather
- Heavy, weighing over 40 lbs (18 kg)
North Face Assault 3 FutureLight
The North Face Assault 3 FutureLight can handle any weather situation, including severe snow and wind
Shop The North Face Assault Sustainable Tent
The North Face Assault 3 Futurelight tent is a single-wall tent made from recycled nylon. The tent accommodates 3-people and can be used during all 4 seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. It is made with tough, waterproof, and breathable materials so that it can be used in high-altitude camps.
Features
- Capacity: 3 persons
- Minimum Trail Weight: 6.5 lbs
- Dimensions: 60 x 90 in (152.4 x 228.6 cm)
- Peak Height: 3.5 ft (106 cm)
Pros
- Designed to withstand severe weather, including strong winds, heavy rain, and snow
- Roomy enough to accommodate three people and their gear
- Features multiple upper vents for plenty of airflow
- Front door and back exit hatch makes entry and exit easy
Cons
- Small vestibule
- No windows
Resources
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides information on sustainability and its importance in protecting the environment.
- The Conversation website has a section dedicated to articles on sustainability
- Columbia University’s Earth Institute has a section on sustainability and the growing awareness of environmental issues. [source]
- The United Nations has a Small Grants Program that supports local communities and non-governmental groups working on sustainability initiatives.
- Nature Sustainability has research articles on topics related to sustainability, such as clean energy and resource use efficiency.
FAQs
How can I identify eco-friendly tents when shopping?
Identifying eco-friendly tents while shopping is easier than you might think! First, look for tents made from recycled materials, like those made from plastic bottles or old fabrics; this info is usually mentioned in the product description. Next, check for certifications like the Bluesign® label, which means the tent was made with environmentally friendly practices and safe chemicals. You can also look for brands that are transparent about their manufacturing processes and show a commitment to sustainability on their websites. Additionally, see if the tent has non-toxic coatings instead of harmful chemicals. Finally, read reviews or ask other campers about their experiences with eco-friendly tents to help guide your choice.
What materials are used to make a tent?
Tents are made from a mix of materials that help keep you safe and comfortable while camping. The outer layer, called the fly, is usually made from nylon or polyester because these fabrics are lightweight and waterproof, and keep rain out while being easy to carry. Inside, the tent body often uses the same materials but can also have breathable mesh panels to let air flow in and keep bugs out. For the tent poles, you’ll find materials like aluminum or fiberglass—aluminum is strong and lightweight, while fiberglass is a bit heavier but less expensive. Lastly, the tent floor is often made from durable materials like polyethylene or coated nylon to protect against moisture and wear. All these materials work together to create a cozy shelter that can handle whatever nature throws at you!
What tent material is best for camping?
When it comes to choosing the best tent material for camping, nylon and polyester are two of the top contenders. Nylon is super lightweight and strong, making it perfect for backpackers who want to carry their gear easily. Plus, it usually has a great waterproof coating, keeping you dry during rainy nights. On the other hand, polyester is a bit heavier but is really good at resisting UV rays, so it won’t fade or weaken in the sun as quickly. If you’re planning to camp in various weather conditions, look for tents made from ripstop nylon or high-denier polyester, which are tougher and more durable. Some tents even use a blend of both materials to give you the best of both worlds.
Are there any eco-friendly tents that use bamboo for frames?
Yes, Bamboo is a fantastic choice because it’s super strong, lightweight, and grows quickly, making it a sustainable material. Companies create unique bamboo frame tents that are perfect for camping or glamping. These tents often combine bamboo poles with durable, weather-resistant fabrics to create a cozy and stylish shelter in nature. Additionally, modern designs like bamboo yurts not only look amazing but also provide great insulation and stability against the elements. So, if you’re looking for a tent that’s both cool and kind to the planet, bamboo options are definitely worth checking out!
What are the drawbacks of using poly-cotton blends for tents?
Using poly-cotton blends for tents has some drawbacks that you should know about before heading out on your camping trip. First, these tents are generally heavier than those made from pure polyester, which can make them a bit harder to carry and set up, especially if you’re hiking to your campsite. They also have a larger pack size, meaning they take up more space in your car or backpack. Another important point is that poly-cotton tents need to be weathered before you use them, which involves soaking them in water and letting them dry to help the fabric tighten and become more waterproof. Lastly, they tend to dry out slower than other materials, so if it rains, you might end up waiting longer for your tent to dry out after the storm passes.
How do non-toxic coatings in eco-friendly tents work?
Non-toxic tent coatings protect you from water and the environment without using harmful chemicals. Instead of using traditional PFAS (forever chemicals) that can be dangerous, companies are developing awesome alternative coatings that keep your tent dry and safe. For example, some brands like NEMO and Diamond Brand use special polyurethane-based treatments that repel water just as effectively as old-school chemicals. These eco-friendly coatings work by creating a microscopic barrier on the fabric that makes water droplets slide right off, kind of like how water beads up on a freshly waxed car. These new coatings are not only better for your health but also help protect the planet by avoiding toxic substances that can harm the environment.
Related Posts: