Plogging: the outdoor sport that combines ecology and fun

Have you heard of plogging ? If you've never heard the word, prepare to be tempted to put on your sneakers, helmet, or skis... and head off on an adventure with a trash bag under your arm. Plogging is simple: it's doing sports while picking up the trash you come across on your way. Coming straight from Sweden , plogging is a fusion of "plocka upp" (to pick up) and "jogging," and transforms your outdoor outings into a true ecological mission . Whether you're a fan of trail running, hiking, cycling, skiing, or bivouacking , plogging isn't just for jogging; it's suitable for all outdoor sports . At Muule , we love it when the outdoors rhymes with fun and responsibility . So get ready to discover how to become the eco-friendly superhero of the mountains .

What exactly is plogging?

The concept is as simple as it is effective: during your outdoor activity , you pick up the trash you come across on your way. A piece of packaging here, a plastic bottle there, and there you go. You're accumulating cardio and positive karma . It's a bit like a reverse treasure hunt: instead of looking for treasure, you remove the trash .

The principle is so clever that you wonder why you didn't think of it sooner. Sport + ecology + personal satisfaction = the perfect recipe for feeling useful while letting off steam. And the cherry on top (yes, we like this expression at Muule ), it adds a challenge dimension to your usual outings.

Why go plogging in nature?

Because nature sees a lot of people passing by... and unfortunately, a lot of waste too. Plogging is the little habit that changes everything: the one that transforms an outdoor outing into a truly useful action .

It's simple: you move, you breathe, you enjoy... and you take action . One piece of paper picked up means one less microplastic in the waterways. And as a bonus, every squat to grab a can, every little detour to reach a plastic bag, makes for killer thighs . Core exercises, lunges, balance: your body is building muscle without you even thinking about it.

Honestly, coming back from a ride with aching legs and a clear conscience is worth all the energy bars in the world.

And what's more, it's contagious: when a plogger picks up, a second one often joins in. In short, a small gesture, a big impact ... and a few well-placed aches and pains.

Ready to discover the plogging version of your favorite sport? Let's go.

Plogging while hiking: Zen cleaning

When hiking , you move at your own pace and enjoy the pleasure of observing nature. Perfect for developing your anti-waste eagle eye and transforming your outing into an eco-responsible hike . Imagine: you are quietly climbing towards a pass, and there, at the bend of a shoelace tightening, you spot an abandoned packet of sweets. A few more steps, you pick it up and head to the bottom of your backpack in a small dedicated bag. Bonus: this adds a fun challenge to your walk, how much waste can you collect before the snack break?

Pro tips for plogging-hiking:

Lightweight gloves in a side pocket: avoid unpleasant surprises on contact.
Small trash bag or zip bag: your loot must have its designated place.
Walking sticks : perfect for spearing trash without having to bend down every time.
Sturdy hiking shoes : essential for staying stable on trails and picking up litter without the risk of slipping.
Cap or hat : protects from the sun and keeps you comfortable during your long outings.
Men's hiking clothing and women : choose technical stretch outfits , which allow you to bend down easily without causing irritation.

The advantage of hiking is that you can carry a little more weight without it hindering your performance. So you might as well take advantage of this opportunity to bring along some abandoned trash.

Trail-plogging: Run, pick up, repeat

This is where we get a little more complicated. In trail running , every gram counts, so you have to be strategic. The idea isn't to turn yourself into a sprinting garbage collector, but rather to target the "good garbage deals" : those that are light , compact , and easy to grab without breaking your rhythm.

Let's follow the example of Jocelyne Pauly , ultra-trail runner and member of the Trail Runner Foundation , the pioneering association of "useful running" created in Pau in 2014. She joined the association in 2015 and actively participates in waste collection actions during her trail outings .

Practical advice: keep a free pocket of your trail vest for your finds and pick up waste while moving or during hydration breaks .

Trail-plogging equipment:

Multi-pocket trail vest : a dedicated pocket for waste.

Thin trail or running gloves : protect your hands, provide good grip and allow you to pick up without fear.

Trail poles : ideal for picking up litter without having to bend over every time and for maintaining balance when picking up on steep terrain.

Sports headlamp : essential for spotting rubbish in the shadows or undergrowth.

Grippy trail shoes : essential for stopping safely on slippery or technical terrain when you spot debris.

Bike-plogging: the art of useful slaloming

On abike , plogging requires a little more technique . It's difficult to pick up while riding (and frankly, we don't recommend it for your safety). The idea is to spot things while you're riding and stop at the right times: technical breaks or moments to admire the view. Give yourself 3-4 plogging breaks of 2 minutes max on your rides. The advantage: it allows you to recover , admire the scenery and clean up the area . Triple benefit.

Bike-plogging tips:

Bike bags : perfect for storing waste without having to carry the weight on your back.

Lightweight anti-theft device : to secure your bike during your micro-cleaning missions.

Cycling gloves : protection when picking up + better grip on the brakes afterward.

Suitable routes : choose routes with easy parking areas.

Safe stops only : no plogging on technical descents.

Cross-country skiing and ski touring: the perfect winter plogging

Cross-country skiing and Nordic hiking are ideal winter disciplines for plogging. Unlike downhill skiing , you move at a leisurely, contemplative pace that lends itself perfectly to picking up litter. On cross-country trails or snowy paths , you can easily stop to pick up litter without compromising your safety.

In winter , a lot of waste gets stuck in the snow and reappears in the spring . By picking it up as soon as possible, you prevent it from ending up in the torrents when the snow melts. In short, a small gesture for eco-responsible skiing , and a big step for cleaner mountains.

Expert ski-plogging mode:

Ski jacket with multiple pockets: ideal for small items.

Ski gloves : protection and warmth when collecting in cold weather.

Ski backpack : for storing larger items found on the slopes.

Strategic breaks : take advantage of stops to scan the surroundings.

Team spirit : Encourage your group to do the same. At the end of the day, organize a small cleanup mission around the parking lot.

Plogging in cross-country and Nordic skiing.

Bivouac-plogging: a pre-bed cleaning mission

When you pitch your tent for the night, it's the perfect time for a great plogging session . You have time, you're no longer rushed to perform, and you can explore the surroundings of your base camp. Pick up any trash around your bivouac , even if it's not yours, so you can leave the place even cleaner than when you arrived.

Plogging bivouac kit:

Hiking backpack : to carry waste the next day.

Waterproof zip bags : perfect for separating waste from the rest of your equipment.

Headlamp : Trash sometimes hides in dark corners.

Eco-friendly soap : for cleaning your hands after picking up without polluting waterways.

Team spirit : turn it into a game with your bivouac companions.

The Golden Rules of the Accomplished Plogger

Safety first

Never risk your safety over trash. A can isn't worth a fall or an accident. On technical downhill runs (skiing, biking, trail running), focus on your riding first!

Unity is strength

Plogging is even better in a group. Organize plogging parties with your friends and share your haul on Run Eco Team . The more you are, the more ground you cover, and the more motivating it is . Not to mention that it creates great memories and original group photos.

Sort smart

Consider recycling, even in the great outdoors. Separate recyclable waste from other waste; this will make it easier to process once you get back down to the valley.

The material that changes everything

At Muule , we have everything you need to turn your outings into successful eco-heroic missions : technical gloves , backpacks with multiple compartments, ultra-practical trail vests ... Because with the right gear , plogging becomes a real pleasure.

Plogging is now.

In the end, plogging is just common sense with a dose of personal satisfaction. Coming back from an outing and saying to yourself, "I enjoyed it and I did a good job ..." frankly, it's priceless. And with the right Muule gear , it becomes a real little challenge that makes nature cleaner .

We're giving you a little challenge : collect 5 pieces of trash on every outdoor outing . Small gestures make a big difference. So, are you ready to slip a little bag into your pocket on your next adventure? Nature is waiting for it... and so are we.

Happy plogging, Muules.

Article written by Sarah de Muule on August 27, 2025.

Plogging: the eco-fun version of outdoor adventure