Here at Goboony, we’re all about adventure, and it’s our mission to help everyone explore more, regardless of whether you own or are hiring a van. We believe that travelling in a campervan is one of the best ways to see some of the more remote places in the UK and Europe, but to keep exploring these areas, we need to consider the impact we have when travelling and exploring. Fortunately, the outdoor experts at Cotswold Outdoor have some top tips for making adventures more sustainable.
The right kit for your adventure
One of the ways we believe you can enjoy more sustainable adventures is by having the right kit that fits first time, and that’s suited to your adventures. So before you grab your keys and get behind the wheel of your campervan, have a think about where you’re travelling and what activities you’ll be doing.
For example, if you’re heading to Southern Europe for a summer getaway, you’ll be expecting better weather than when exploring Britain, so pack accordingly. That said, there are some essentials we always recommend packing, like a lightweight packable waterproof, so you don’t get caught out on your adventures, and a good pair of walking boots or shoes for getting out and about in. Packing for the conditions is important because it means you won’t end up making rash purchases when you’re on the road.
Think about the activities you’ll be doing too. Are you happy pottering around the campsite, or are you an avid climber, hiker, runner, or paddleboarder? This is important as it may affect the size of the campervan you choose for your trip. Smaller vans tend to be more fuel-efficient. But, if you choose a campervan that doesn’t offer space for all of your outdoor kit, you may need additional storage on the outside, which can reduce aerodynamics, increasing your fuel spend and your carbon emissions!
If you’re not sure about what the best kit for your adventure is, why not book a free in-store appointment with one of our experts? Our camping kit list appointments allow you to speak one-to-one with our camping experts about the kit you’ll need to make the most of your adventure. They can cover everything from the essentials you’ll need to pack in your campervan to the little extras that will help you get and out explore when you arrive at your destination. Plus, they’ll help ensure you get the best fit with free rucksack and footwear fitting services, so that you don’t waste precious resources on items that aren’t up to the job or don’t fit correctly and will ultimately end up in landfill.
Caring for your kit
Another way you can help reduce your impact on the environment is by taking care of your kit. Although it’s tempting when you’re travelling to chuck everything in, it pays dividends to take some time to pack all of your kit to minimise damage whilst you’re on the move. Try to secure any items that are loose or liable to fall over, and be careful when packing fragile kit that is susceptible to damage.
If your kit has been sitting in storage, we recommend getting it out and giving it a check well before your trip. That way, if it needs any repairs or a good wash and reproof, you can get it sorted beforehand, and you won’t end up replacing kit unnecessarily. At Cotswold Outdoor, we offer an in-store Repair & Care service for specialist repairs and washing services and a Footwear Protection Service for professional-grade protection against damage from water, salt, mud, dust, UV rays, stains and colour fading.
The work doesn’t stop when you go away, either! We know it may seem like a chore to clean your kit after each use, but trust us, doing so will save you time and money in the long run, and it’s better for the environment as you won’t need to replace your kit as soon. We stock a full selection of at-home wash and reproofing treatment options in-store and online, so it’s easy to give your kit the specialist treatment it deserves right from the off and keep it performing for longer.
Opt for reusable
When you’re heading on a road trip, it can be tempting to grab meals and drinks on the go, but with some preparation, you can make sure doing so doesn’t result in unnecessary waste. Carrying a reusable flask and refillable water bottle means you can grab hot and cold drinks on the go and cut down on unnecessary plastic. If you're really organised, you could always pack up your lunch in the morning, and enjoy a picnic somewhere en route to your destination.
We offer free water refill stations in many of our stores and have partnered with Refill so that more people can find out where to top up their water through their easy-to-use app.
Discover our five top tips for exploring more sustainably
1. Explore locally
Hiring a campervan and exploring more locally is a great way to see the area in a new light. Plus, by exploring more of what’s around us, we can reduce our travel and lower our overall carbon footprint.
2. Travel responsibly
When you want to travel further afield or to popular National Parks, consider the impact you’ll have on the local area. Travelling in a campervan allows you to put back into the local economy if you stock up on goods from local shops or visit local cafes and restaurants.
Plus, when you hire through Goboony, you’re participating in a sharing economy, which is better for the planet.
3. Leave no trace
The golden rule of any adventure is to leave no trace. This means taking your litter home and respecting footpaths to reduce your impact on the natural landscape.
4. Buy quality
Buying the right kit, not only allows you to make the most of your time outside, but it can save you from buying lots of unnecessary products that can harm the environment. Invest in quality kit that fits and is fit for your activities, and it will last you for many years.
5. Look after your kit
Once you have the right kit, it’s essential you look after it to keep it performing at its best for years to come, and means you won’t have to replace it prematurely.
With a complete campervan packing list full of sustainable kit, you're ready for an eco-friendly road trip! Embrace the joys of slow travel and visit one of many great eco-friendly campsites across the UK. Happy camping!
