Here are some of my go-to items to cut back on waste for a nearly zero-waste backpacking set up! (I have a separate list for my favorite backpacking meal brands)
Sections
3
Toiletries
Menstrual Products
Food Storage
Toiletries
Reduce waste by skipping unnecessary TP use and cut down on pack weight with easy swaps like toothpaste tablets!
Save on TP on the trail with a pee rag! (women-owned and operated company)
Kula Cloth
Keep hygiene products off the trail and out of sight. (women-owned and operated company)
YourYuckies
Reusable trash bag for hikes (I also use these for my dog poop bags)
Cloth Diaper Wet Bags
Low waste bathroom kit
PACT Outdoors Bathroom Kit
One of the OG toothpaste tablets! They save on space, waste, and weight.
Bite Toothpaste Bits
If you have to pack TP, I suggest a more environmentally focused company like Who Gives a Crap
Who Gives a Crap
Menstrual Products
Having your period on the trail can be done with reusables, but for folks who also want more ethical and less toxic disposables, I've added those to the list as well. There are other brands available, but the primary brand I like to support is Cora.
To reduce waste, if I use a tampon, I like to have avoid applicators
The Comfort Fit Tampon- Applicator Free
Pair this with a non toxic organic cotton tampon
Reusable Tampon Applicator Set - DAME
I don't use pads, but they do offer them
The Made-to-Move Pad
If you don't like period cups, you might like a disc. They're my preferred option!
The Soft Fit Disc
I haven't tried these yet, but I plan to get them because I'd love sleep shorts!
The Free-To-Flow Period Sleep Short
Their cup options are pretty standard but they have a good price
The Easy-Does-It Cup
I like the Cora period underwear, but the Awwa ones I also shared on this list I use more often
The Free-To-Flow Period Underwear
These are hands down my favorite period underwear for backpacking
High Rise Period Panties | AWWA
Food Storage
Food storage is one of the hardest parts of going zero waste on the trail, but here are some of my favorite alternatives
Heavier than cloth bags, but they are more leak proof.
Stasher Bags
Go-to bag for food like trail mix, loose leaf tea, and other trail snacks
