Backpacking Etiquette

Share the trail. When on any trail it is important to be polite and courteous of others. Respect others by keeping to the right side and passing on the left. Those who are going uphill typically have the right of way but sometimes hikers going up do prefer to step aside to catch their breath. The typical order or trail hierarchy includes horses first, hiker's second, and bikers third. If you are in a large pack, avoid stopping in the middle of the path to stretch.

Leave no trace.Stay on trails and respect nature around you. Try to keep nature looking natural; this means leaving the trail looking better than when you found it. Avoid leaving the trail (with the exception of using the bathroom), as off-roading may destroy trees. Fires can have a huge impact on an environment and are prohibited on many backcountry trails. When possible, use portable camp stoves for cooking purposes.

Discard your waste properly. If you pack it in, pack it out. This includes your apple cores, banana peels, wrappers, dogs' poop, and toilet paper. Give your business a proper burial by finding soil which is moist so it can break down properly. Be sure you are digging a hole 6 inches deep at least 200 feet away from water, trails, and campsites. Use ziplock bags to store old TP or feminine hygiene products. Show respect by taking care of your waste properly.

Be friendly.Don't be afraid to say "hello" to fellow adventurers. Be polite in your interactions with others. You don't have to strike up a conversation with every stranger but a simple greeting can go a long way. Some common courtesies on the trail include:

• Be polite with tree branches which may smack the person behind you in the face
• Avoid complaining, you are here to have a good time!
• Give other groups plenty of space
• When approaching a fellow-hiker from behind do the courteous thing of either saying something or coughing that way they are not completely startled when you pass by

Treat cairns with caution. Cairns are stacks of rocks with a purpose or meaning which often times will mark trails and summits. While it might be tempting to topple them over, the respectful thing to do is simply let the rocks be. Though the temptation to build your own abstract art while on a trail may be high, avoid cairn construction altogether. Because cairns are often used to mark a trail, spontaneously placed cairns can lead other hikers in the wrong direction. This being said, be cautious yourself and avoid blindly following rock pyramids.

Treat shelters with respect. Lining the A.T., Shelters are wooden public spaces for hikers to occupy at a first-come, first-served basis. They help to reduce impact on the trail, are a place where you can meet other hikers, and help to avoid getting soaked when it rains. Shelters are important, so treat them well:

• Don't take up more space than needed, make sure there is room for other hikers and pack up all belongings with you when you leave
• Don't be the guy who barges into a shelter and brings all the elements of the weather with them
• Respect others by smoking away from the shelter
• If you have a dog with you or if you snore, consider staying in a tent
• Be aware of your volume levels early in the morning or late at night, be courteous and use your red light when it is dark
• Avoid eating inside the shelter if you can to prevent wildlife from stopping by and making themselves comfortable, you can also do this by sweeping out the shelter when you arrive and depart

Be aware. While technology is great, others may be out enjoying the peace and sounds of nature. Try to keep music speakers quiet and phone conversations short with a low voice, and be aware by not blocking others as you snap pictures or gather video content. When using a trail at night, remember others are likely to be on the trail. Hiking with your headlamp on red can be helpful as bugs aren't attracted to red lights and red lights do not affect your eyes in the same way. Those around you will greatly appreciate your awareness.

Be prepared. It's important to know and to bring the essentials for your backpacking trip. Focus on the items which will be most beneficial to get you where you would like to go. Come prepared with navigation, hydration, and nutrition, important starters. Some other backpacking items which could be useful to include are proper gear, first-aid, and personal identification.

Follow these guidelines both for you as well as others on the trail as you backpack. Good luck out there, be safe, be smart and happy trails to you.