I have several friends who are vegan, and as hikers, this poses some unique challenges.

What's a vegan, you ask? A vegan (pronounced VEE-gun) is someone who, for various reasons (animal welfare, the environment, or health), chooses to avoid using or consuming animal products. While vegetarians choose not to eat meat, vegans also avoid dairy and eggs, as well as fur, leather, wool, down, and products tested on animals. Around one percent of the population in the U.S. is vegan, and this number is growing.

As you might have noticed, this list of objectionable materials for vegans contains many that are used to make outdoor gear. Almost all hiking boots are made of leather. Many sleeping bags, outdoor clothing and socks contains wool, and down vests, coats, even booties are indispensable items for some outdoors adventurers. Synthetics have made such an impact in the outdoor gear world that it's no problem seeking out great, even superior substitutes for wool and down. But the quest for vegan hiking boots can be problematic.

All is not lost, however. One of my coworkers found this website: Vegetarian Hiking Boots. Two choices highlighted are the Garmont Vegan Hiker boot for women (also made for men), and for trail shoes, the Hurricane Ridge XCR by Montrail.

Are you a vegan hiker? Don't miss the blogging of Megan and Tim, the Vegan Thru Hikers, who embark on their journey of the Appalachian Trail on March 1st in Georgia. And, why not share your vegan trail recipes at WTA's online backcountry kitchen?

Oh, and if you're one of those hiking omnivores like me, you could always try this. I'm no vegan, but the vegan alternative sounds more appetizing to me.

Pictured: Garmont Vegan Hiker boot for women.