A Cruelty-Free Camping We Will Go!

Looking for some summer fun? Then load the mess kits and matches into the minivan and make a break for the great outdoors—vegan style. You'll be a happy camper when you fill your pack full of cruelty-free camping gear that makes roughing it easy on the animals.

Go Take a Hike!

We’re not telling you off—we’re just telling you a great way to enjoy nature without hurting animals! Forget fishing—it’s painful when fish are impaled, thrown, crushed, or mutilated while still alive. Get hooked on canoeing, bird-watching, or hiking instead. Hit the trails with these functional, affordable, and rugged hide-free hiking boots:

• Ethical Wares nonleather hiking boot
• Garmont’s vegan hikers

Sleep Under the Stars

Whether you’re unrolling your sleeping bag near the campfire or pitching a tent, there is no reason to pluck a goose to get a good night’s sleep. Stay snuggly warm with down-free clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags:

• Eastern Mountain Sports
• Kmart
• Mountain Equipment Co-op
• REI

Lather on the Lotion

If the sun is burning and the bugs are biting, protect your flesh with animal-friendly Kiss My Face sunscreen and insect repellent found at here.

Fix Vegan Vittles

Need we say “S’more” about our favorite camping staple? Throw together some vegan graham crackers, Tropical Source or Endangered Species dark chocolate bars, and Vegan Sweets brand marshmallows—add a blazing fire and you’ve got yourself some seriously gooey goodness (scary campfire story not included)!

Or if the lake is just over that big hill … get that last burst of energy with some organic trail mix, meatless jerky or energy bars.

All available through the PETA Catalog, Pangea or at your local health food store.

Thrill on the Grill

After answering the call of the wild all day, it’s time to chill and put some mock meat on the grill! Lots of yummy meatless alternatives can be found at your local grocery or health food store:

• Boca Burger Vegan Original
• Gardenburger Flame Grilled Chik’n
• Lightlife Smart Dogs
• Morningstar Farms Better ’n Burgers
• Tofurky Beer Brats
• Tofurky Kielbasa
• Tofurky Sweet Italian Sausage
• Vegetarian baked beans—Bush, Heinz, or Amy’s
• Yves Veggie Cuisine Veggie Dogs

Want something more skewered? Then take a stab at these tasty kebabs:

Marinated “Chicken” Kebabs
For the Marinade:
1/4 cup tamari sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 large garlic cloves, crushed

1 package faux chicken, thawed and cut or torn into chunks (try Worthington’s Chic-Ketts at www.kelloggs.com)
1 onion, cut into wedges
1 green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
12 cherry tomatoes

Combine the marinade ingredients and beat with a wire whisk until blended. Pour over the faux chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours but no less than 8 hours, then put into a cooler to take with you. Alternate spearing marinated mock meat, wedges of onion, green pepper, and whole cherry tomatoes onto skewers. Grill the vegetables and “chicken” until brown.

Makes 2 to 3 servings

Click here for more delicious recipes for the grill!

Be a Good Guest

You’re just visiting, but animals live there. For tips on respectful camping, we recommend the following Web sites:

• LeaveNoTrace.org
• SmokeyBear.com