By Derek Edwards
Taking a backpacking trip through the woods either as an avid hiker or leisurely camper is a great way to unplug, connect with your surroundings, and enjoy the peacefulness of the outdoors. By being a responsible backpacker, you can help make a difference in preserving the natural landscapes that wildlife call home.
The hiker’s “Leave No Trace” principle is one of the best ways that we can keep wildlife happy and safe, maintain hiking trails, and let future generations enjoy their time spent outdoors as well. This set of outdoor ethics can guide backpackers to be responsible in their time outdoors, playing a significant role in the conservation efforts of natural flora and fauna ecosystems.
Helpful Tips to Leave No Trace
Walk Single File and Stay on Designated Trails
Traveling with a group allows for some great experiences but makes it all the more important not to disrupt the environment around you. It’s best to walk in a single file line throughout the trail, as well as always staying on the trail that has been designated. Trails in the area should already be marked, allowing you to plan ahead and understand the various terrain you’ll be encountering throughout your adventure.
Dispose of Garbage and Waste Properly
“Pack it in, pack it out” is part of leaving no trace. Properly disposing of your garbage and body waste is a critical component in wilderness preservation. Keep track of any food containers or packagers, toilet paper and other hygiene products, and any other kinds of trash that will need to be thrown away in a designated area. Keep room in your backpack or care for these items. If backcountry camping, human waste should be disposed of in a cathole at least 200 feet away from any water source. Those staying at popular campsites will most likely have designated trash areas and bathrooms available for use.
Avoid Fires When You Can
For many, the first image that comes to mind when thinking of camping or hiking is a roaring campfire. But, campfires can cause lasting impacts in the wilderness, including large wildfires that are becoming more prevalent in the U.S. year after year. Instead of cooking over a campfire, consider using a lightweight backpacking stove for cooking and refueling your body.
There are a handful of reasons why you may not be able to use an alternative heat or light source, making it important to keep your campfire as small as possible and use existing fire rings if available. Extinguish your fire completely before you leave your campsite. Research the current fire danger warnings of the area before you take off on your trip so you can know how to prepare.
Be Aware of and Respect the Wildlife
An exciting part of backpacking is getting back to nature, but in doing so you’ll also encounter the homes of birds, deer, foxes, and other woodland wildlife. To leave no trace, be mindful to keep a safe distance from any animals you come across. You’re in their home, so do your best to ensure they feel safe and undisturbed. Do not try to attract, approach, or feed any wildlife you see—doing so may disturb the animals and put yourself in danger.
Leave Behind What You Find
As tempting as it may be to bring home souvenirs on your trips like plants, rocks, and other natural artifacts, it’s important to leave them be. While it may not be obvious, all of these items play a specific role in the natural ecosystem of the area. Don’t move or take anything from the trail as you explore. Instead of taking these items with you, either take a picture or draw them in a hiker’s notebook. You’ll be able to retain the memories and write down any details or dates that attracted you to the item.
Leaving No Trace Lets Everyone Enjoy the Great Outdoors
If you’ve gone backpacking and have encountered trash, waste, and other disruptions on the trails, then you’ve experienced bad-mannered hikers not following the “Leave No Trace” principle. Cleaning up after yourself, taking care of the surrounding ecosystem, and understanding the regulations that are put in place in certain areas will let everyone enjoy their time outdoors for years to come.
Author Bio: Derek Edwards is an outdoors enthusiast, environmental advocate, and up and coming blogger based out of sunny San Diego, California. When he’s not out exploring or behind his keyboard, he can be found enjoying a fish burrito on the beach. If you enjoyed this post, you can follow along his adventure over on his blog, Outdoor with Derek.
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media