Know How CAMPCRAFT | TECHNIQUE | EXPERT TIP | GEAR | FOOD
[ iN the PaCk ] Detox Your Pack THE SCARY TRUTH ABOUT CHEMICALS IN YOUR CAMPING GEAR
Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie, authors of the recent bestseller Slow Death by Rubber Duck, examined how the toxic chemistry of everyday products in our homes and workplaces affects our health and the environment. After reading the book, I asked myself, “So, what’s in my own camping gear?” Here’s what I found out.—SP
Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs)
FOUND IN: Chemically treated flame resistant clothing and tents.
HEALTH RISKS: Possible long-term consequences include cancer, reproductive and developmental disorders.
1] DETOX WITH: Icebreaker’s clothing line of base layers and mid layers are naturally fire resistant and BFR-free. The merino wool fibres are soft, odour-resistant and control moisture in any climate. From warmer Olympia Zips to lightweight Superfine Tech Tees, Icebreaker has you covered.
$85–$140 CDN
icebreaker.com
Bisphenol A (BPA)
FOUND IN: Polycarbonate (number seven plastic) waterbottles, camping plates, mugs and cutlery.
HEALTH RISKS: BPA is a hormone disruptor linked to prostate and breast cancer, reproductive damage and birth defects.
2] DETOX WITH: To-Go Ware bamboo utensil kit, which includes a fork, spoon, knife and chopsticks. The sustainably harvested bamboo is strong, light, stain-resistant and is polished with safe natural oils for extra durability.
$12–$55 US
to-goware.com
N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) FOUND IN: Insect repellent containing DEET.
HEALTH RISKS: DEET is a possible gastrointestinal, liver, respiratory and reproductive toxin.
3] DETOX WITH: BugBand’s natural insect repellents use traditional wisdom to outwit pesky mosquitoes, flies, fire ants, ticks and no- see-ums. The formula is derived from geranium oil to create a safe and effective DEET-free product line for the entire family, which includes pump sprays and glow-in-the-dark wristbands.
$6 US
bugband.net 22 SPRING 2010 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs)
FOUND IN: Non-stick camping pots and some waterproof jackets.
HEALTH RISKS: PFCs are hormone disruptors and may cause cancer.
4] DETOX WITH: MSR’s Alpine 4 Pot Set is ideal for family or group canoe camping. The one-, two- and three-litre stackable stainless steel pot combo is the ultimate in durability and food safety.
$70 US
cascadedesigns.com
FOUND IN: Vinyl (number three plastic) dry bags and vinyl canoe float bags.
HEALTH RISKS: PVC products leach phthalates, chemical additives that are hormone disruptors and can cause male reproductive birth defects.
5] DETOX WITH: NRS Canoe Center Float and Canoe 3-D End Float bags are a must-have for big water enthusiasts. Built from durable polyurethane-coated denier nylon, these PVC-free float bags allow you to breathe easier, knowing that no harmful dioxins where produced during manufacturing.
$40–$120 US
nrsweb.com
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