Update Your Camping Kit for Leaving No Trace

Lone Pine, CA: As the snow melts, camping season is starting to pick up across the U.S.  Packing up the car and hitting the open road this weekend is a ticket to freedom and exploration. You have all of the basic necessities, a stove, cooler, tent and sleeping bags. All this preparation begs the question though; when was the last time you updated your car camping kit for leaving no trace? Read below for just a few of our recommendations for minimum impact living for life on the road.

Gaia App: Download this app to have access to detailed maps for any adventure. Accurate, high resolution, and GPS tracking make this app worthwhile. We use ours to track our progress on the trail and to make sure we always know where to go as we explore a new place each day.

Sawyer Mini Water Filter: Ever run out of water? It’s never a fun feeling. Keep this mini filter handy in your kitchen kit for those emergency moments. This filter is also small and light enough to stick in a daypack, so you will never have a moment of dehydration.

GSI Cascadian Mug: Got to have a good mug handy. This mug is a classic staple for any Leave No Trace trip. “Keep Calm and Dig a Cat Hole”, pair this with some coffee grounds and a trowel, you’re bound to have a great morning.

Toilet Kit:

·      Deuce of Spades Trowel- There are many options for trowels but none match the lightweight and functional design of the deuce of spades. This trowel fits perfectly on the side of a water or fuel bottle.

·      WAG Bags- Lots of brands and functionality, definitely a necessary tool for the road. Not every place to visit will be cat hole friendly. So, the next time you hit the road for sandy soils, pack a few WAG bags to keep the soil, wildlife, and water happy and clean.     

We love our base camp on the road; cars make it easy to be sure we have everything we need to have a great time. Take advantage of the extra space by packing gear that will make your trip safe, comfortable, and easier to minimize potential impacts. By using the gear above and always planning for the environments and places we visit, the two of us stay happy and healthy while living life on the road.

Adventure on!

Enjoy your world & Leave No Trace,

Steph and Andy – Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Team East

Leave No Trace’s Steph Whatton and Andy Mossey are part of the 2017 Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Program that provides free, mobile education to communities across the country. Proud partners of this program include Subaru of America, REI, Fjall Raven, ENO, Deuter, Thule, and SmartWool.