As outdoor enthusiasts, we all have a responsibility to protect and preserve the natural environments we love. One of the best ways to do this is to follow the Leave No Trace principles.

Leave No Trace is a set of seven principles that help us minimize our impact on the environment when we're spending time in the great outdoors. These principles are:

1. Plan ahead and prepare

2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces

3. Dispose of waste properly

4. Leave what you find

5. Minimize campfire impacts

6. Respect wildlife

7. Be considerate of other visitors

In this blog post, we will discuss each of these principles in more detail and provide practical examples of how you can apply them on your next backpacking trip.

1. Plan ahead and prepare

The first Leave No Trace principle is to plan ahead and prepare. Know where you're going, what to expect, and what you need to bring. It's also important to let someone know where you're going and when you expect to be back.

When planning your trip, be sure to research the area you'll be visiting. This will help you choose a route that's appropriate for your skill level and avoid any potential hazards. You should also pack the right gear for the conditions you'll be encountering.

2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces

The second Leave No Trace principle is to travel and camp on durable surfaces. Avoid walking on vegetation and camping in fragile areas. Instead, stick to established trails and campsites.

If you must camp off-trail, choose a site that's at least 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and other campsites. Avoid camping on slopes, as this can lead to erosion.

3. Dispose of waste properly

The third Leave No Trace principle is to dispose of waste properly. This means packing out all of your trash, including food scraps, toilet paper, and hygiene products. You should also bury your human waste at least 200 feet away from water sources and trails.

If you're camping in a designated area, there will likely be bear-proof trash cans available. Use these to dispose of your trash. If you're not camping in a designated area, you'll need to pack out all of your trash.

4. Leave what you find

The fourth Leave No Trace principle is to leave what you find. As beautiful as they are, don’t pick or pick up wildflowers, rocks, or other natural objects. It also means not disturbing historical or cultural sites.

When you're out in nature, take only pictures and leave only footprints.

5. Minimize campfire impacts

The fifth Leave No Trace principle is to minimize campfire impacts. You should only be building campfires in designated fire rings and using only dead and downed wood for fuel. You should also keep your campfire small and never leave it unattended.

If there are no designated fire rings in the area you're camping in, it's best to avoid building a campfire altogether.

A great alternative to a campfire is the use of our Firebowls. The bowl consists of 4 pieces and can be placed on the ground or suspended using the Hanging Chain Set (included).  All pieces are made from stainless steel and are designed to fit in a Senior Pouch

6. Respect wildlife

The sixth Leave No Trace principle is to respect wildlife. Observe wildlife from a distance and never feed them. You should also avoid making loud noises or sudden movements around wildlife.

If you encounter a wild animal, give it plenty of space. Never approach or try to touch it.

7. Be considerate of other visitors

The seventh Leave No Trace principle is to be considerate of other visitors. This means yielding to others on the trail, letting people with horses pass, and keeping noise levels down.

You should also be respectful of other people's camping space. Don't pitch your tent too close to someone else's tent, and avoid making loud noises late at night.

Additional tips for practicing Leave No Trace:

Learn how to use a portable water filter or purifier. This will help you avoid contaminating water sources.

Pack food in bear-resistant containers. This will help prevent bears from getting into your food and becoming a nuisance.

Use a headlamp or flashlight instead of a lantern. This will help preserve your night vision and reduce light pollution.

Travel in small groups. This will help minimize your impact on the environment.

By following the Leave No Trace principles, we can all help to protect and preserve our outdoor spaces for generations to come.

In addition to the Leave No Trace principles, here are some other tips for responsible outdoor practices:

Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the weather, trail conditions, and wildlife.

Be prepared for emergencies. Pack a first-aid kit and know how to use it.

Be respectful of the environment. Leave no trace of your visit.

Be a good role model. Teach others about the Leave No Trace principles.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience in the outdoors.

When it comes to outdoor skills the more you bring along, the less you have to carry. Skills don't break and they're never left behind. They don’t leak, they don't tear, and they don’t get wet!