Some
general guidelines for spending time on the trail, whether in the backcountry
or in trail town. Not only do we have interest in having minimal impact on the
wilderness, we want to have minimal impact in every day life. Remember the old
school field trip speech about “you are representing your school”. Well, the
same applies on the trail. When you put a pack on and head out, you are representing
hikers and backpackers, whether you like it or not.
Although
the wilderness is not, by nature, necessarily a quiet place, there is a huge
difference between wilderness noise and day to day noise. There is much “trail
music” to be heard with wind, water, loons, coyotes, and more. This is one of
the most common reasons that we choose to spend time in the wilderness. We want
to enjoy the sounds of the wild as well as the sound of silence. Be aware of
the noise you are making whether on the trail or in a campsite. If you need to
use a cell phone, try to move away from other backpackers and do so in private.
Not everyone wants to hear the conversation you are having with a loved one or
friend. If you like to have music playing, do so in a respectful tone and don’t
assume that everyone will be as happy to hear
Even
if you prefer to be solo, there are sure to be nights when you find yourself
camping with other backpackers – especially if you are on a high-use trail or
in places that require you to stay at designated spots. Weekends and holidays
will also see a flux of weekenders that you should expect to see. Enjoy the
interactions; chances are you will meet some terrific people and share some
great experiences with them. It is important that you carry a tent because
there are times you will get to a shelter only to be greeted by someone saying “the
shelter is full!” If you use them, welcome new hikers and try to make room for
them. One thru-hiker said “the shelter is full when everyone who needs shelter
is in for the night.” I happen to agree with that whole-heartedly. If you are
the newcomer, be considerate of others, especially if you come in between dusk
and dawn. In this case it is probably more courteous to come in quietly and set
up a tent so as not to disturb the other hikers. Consider that “hikers
In
more crowded areas where campsites tend to be more established, people will
often expect to be sharing the site. Particularly in places where there are
several fire rings and obvious flat spots. I tend to look around and scout the
area and then choose a place in the corner, trying to give other hikers as much
space as I can. In the event that I really want to be alone,
I will find a place off-trail and away from the crowd. In places where
the landscape is vast, like in the West, backpackers try to keep at least some
distance between their camp and the ones of their neighbors. Common sense and
courtesy go a long way. (back to top)
It
took me one night on the
If
you are hiking with one or more partners, it is simple. Do what you say you are
going to do and if there is a change, make everyone aware of it. Don’t go off
alone without telling someone where you are headed and approximately when to
expect you back. If you agreed to meet at a certain campsite, don’t decide to
camp somewhere else without informing the group. This is not only for your
safety, but that of your companions. They could get worried and head out to try
and find you or even call a ranger and report you missing. You don’t want to be
stuck with fines from that or cause your friends any unnecessary panic. (back
to top)
We
all have our own pace that we hike at. If someone is coming fast behind you,
step aside and let him/her go! Seems obvious I know, but I have seen plenty of
people who either a) speed way up the second someone is behind them or b) not
bother to move aside OR change their pace. I had a particularly frustrating
experience with a couple who were meandering along, stopping and looking at
things while I was clearly behind them and growing increasingly impatient. They
made no move to let me pass, and the trail I was on made it impossible to pass.
Along the same lines, if you are climbing and there are people descending, I
feel it is courtesy to let the people descending have the right of way.
Besides, who doesn’t want a little break on a particularly brutal climb? (back
to top)
ü
Avoid
building campfires anywhere other than a designated site. In the event that you
do choose to build a fire, only dead wood should be used (do NOT cut branches
off of trees). When you are ready to leave the campsite, be sure that the fire
is completely extinguished by using water. Stirring the water around in the
ashes helps too cool them so don’t just dump water on top and think that it is
out. Ashes can burn hot for hours and are a potential threat for wildfires,
especially if the wind is blowing. For cooking, in general, it is best to use a
backpacking stove. They are lightweight, efficient and much safer than cooking
over the campfire.
ü
Stay
on the designated trail at all times. Going off-trail or scrambling up a climb
to avoid switchbacks is not only dangerous, but can increase the erosion.
Remember…minimal impact! In camp, use the established footpath to the privy and
water source.
ü
Pack
out what you pack in. Do not litter or leave your garbage (even half-burned) in
the fire ring or on the ground for someone else to pick up.
ü
Avoid
profanity and vulgarity in shelter registers. Remember that lots of people,
kids alike, read them. It’s okay to complain about a
long day, the rain, whatever; just do so without a string of obscenities attached.
ü
Washing
(of yourself, your clothes and your dishes) should be done at least 100 feet
from the water source. Don’t use soap in the streams or dump dirty water back
into the stream. (back to
top)
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