I started out as a Leave No Trace Trainer back in 2006. In 2019, I got certified as a Leave No Trace Master Educator (now called a Level 2 Instructor). In this post I’ll help you understand the basics of Leave No Trace including:

• What is Leave No Trace? What does it mean?
• Why is Leave No Trace important?
• The 7 principles of Leave No Trace and how to implement them

What is Leave No Trace?

After noticing increased impacts like trash and campfire scars on heavily used trails in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, the US Forest Service developed the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace in the 1960s. Since then, Leave No Trace (often shortened to LNT) has become a registered non-profit with chapters around the world.

The idea behind the principles is to leave nature as unchanged by our presence as possible, so that future generations can enjoy it too. In essence, the purpose of Leave No Trace is to keep the wilderness wild.

I’ve heard people dismiss the idea of Leave No Trace as pointless since it’s impossible not to leave tiny traces wherever we go. However, those people are missing the point – we are looking for progress, not perfection. The principles of Leave No Trace guide us to leave as little impact as we can.

Why is Leave No Trace Important?

As more and more people chose to hike and camp and camp in wilderness areas, lessening our impact is becoming more important. In many areas some trails are getting loved to death by large crowds, garbage and environmental damage. This was especially true during the pandemic.

I firmly believe that nature is for everyone. Both experienced outdoors-people and newbies deserve to experience the outdoors.

But in order for that to happen, we all need to learn a bit more about how to be responsible hikers and campers. Remember that we were all beginners once.

My Introduction to Leave No Trace

On one of my first backpacking trips I washed the crusty noodles out of my pot… into a tiny alpine stream. I was surprised when they just sank to the bottom instead of magically flowing away (like they would in my sink at home).

I knew I was doing it wrong… but I didn’t know what else to do.  It was an important moment for me. I realized that I didn’t know what I didn’t know.. and that I needed to learn more about how to treat the wilderness. I did some research and learned about the Leave No Trace principles.

Maybe you’ve had a similar a-ha moment. Did you see trash in a campsite? Were you concerned about overcrowding in a National Park? Did you come across unburied human poop?

We all start somewhere in our Leave No Trace journey. It’s ok to admit you didn’t know. But we can all take a bit of time to learn how to do better next time.

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

It’s important to know the seven principles of Leave No Trace. When I teach people about LNT, I find that the info sinks in better if they know the “why” and “how” behind each principle.

Remember that the 7 principles of Leave No Trace are not rules – they are guidelines that we can look to when we make decisions about how to behave outdoors.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

What Does Plan Ahead and Prepare Include: Research trail info, weather forecasts, park rules, and trail conditions before your hike.

Why: When you do some research before your hike, you are more likely to have a fun and SAFE hike. You will also minimize damage to nature.

How:

• Check the weather forecast and trail conditions to make sure you have the right gear and you are up to the challenges of the trail. (Read my guide to best weather apps for hikers.)
• Check local regulations to find out about closures, permits, fire regulations or other policies.
• Bring a first aid kit and the 10 essentials in case not everything goes according to plan.
• Avoid getting lost: bring a map and compass, a GPS and a trail description to stay on track.
• Repackage food to create less waste on the trail.

READ NEXT: 16 Things to do Before a Hike

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

What Does Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Mean? Hike and camp on durable surfaces like rocks, gravel, and snow.

Why: Some surface like alpine meadows, marshes and bogs are just too fragile to withstand much impact. The vegetation in those areas can take years to grow, and then be destroyed by a few boot-prints.

How:

• Stay on the trail to prevent trampling vegetation. Walk through mud, not around it to avoid widening the trail. Don’t cut corners on switchbacks since that causes erosion.
• In areas with no trails, spread out your tracks to spread out the impact and avoid creating a new trail.
• Camp in a designated campsites or ones that have been used before. Remember the best campsites are found, not made. (You don’t need to dig trenches or cut trees.)
• If there are no designated or previously used campsites, camp on gravel, bare dirt, snow or dry grass to minimize your impact.
• Try to camp at least 200ft/70 m from water sources. The plants by lakes and streams very fragile. Animals need to access water to drink and your presence may scare them off or cause conflict.

Dispose of Waste Properly

What Does Dispose of Waste Properly Mean? Pack out all garbage and food scraps. Learn how to poop and wash the Leave No Trace way.

Why: Animals who learn to eat people food or human waste may stop eating their natural food or may attack people. It can also make wildlife sick. Garbage, poop and soap can pollute water, making it unsafe to drink or killing plants and fish. Plus garbage and poop on the trails looks disgusting!

How:

• Pack out your trash, including fruit peels and eggshells. They can take months to biodegrade and in the meantime they attract animals. I like to say “It it doesn’t grow there, it doesn’t go there.”
• Never burn your trash in a campfire. Some materials don’t burn very well so you might leave a mess.
• Wash dishes and yourself in biodegradable soap using your largest pot as a sink. Strain out any large particles then dump your dirty dishwater 200ft/70m from a water source. (Just because soap is biodegradable doesn’t mean it’s good for fish or plants so it shouldn’t go directly into the water source.) Try going without soap – sometimes a wet cloth or a scrubber is all you need.
• When possible, use an outhouse or pit toilet.
• If you have to poop and there is no outhouse, pick a spot 200ft/70m away from trails, campsites and water sources. (This keeps water sources clean so people won’t get sick.) Use a small trowel, a tent peg or a stick to dig a hole 6″/15cm deep, then bury your poop.
• Pack out your menstrual supplies. Learn more about how to camp and hike with your period.
• Pack out your dog’s poop in a plastic bag or bury in it just like you would human poop. Wild animals like to eat dog poop but it is full of bacteria and parasites that they aren’t used to. (Get more Leave No Trace tips for hiking with dogs.)
• Bring a ziploc bag to pack out your used toilet paper. If you packing it out grosses you out, be sure to bury it with your poop.  Another alternative is to use natural TP like moss, leaves, rocks or snow. (Snow is particularly refreshing!)

Leave What You Find

What Does Leave What You Find Mean? Leave natural and historical items like flowers, rocks, pictographs, artefacts, etc. where you find them. Don’t move them or bring them home with you.

Why: Leaving the trail the way you found it lets others enjoy it too. It also keeps ecosystems intact.

How:

• Leave flowers, rocks and historical artifacts where nature put them. Take a photo and then leave them for others to enjoy. If we all picked a flower or brought home a rock, there wouldn’t be any left.
• Good campsites are found, not made. Avoid building structures, cutting trees or digging trenches.
• Graffiti is never acceptable. 
• Don’t build extra inukshuks, rock stacks or cairns unless they are necessary as trail markers. Building rock stacks can confuse hikers who might they are trail markers. (Did you know many insects and animals live under rocks? When you move them you destroy their homes.)

Minimize Campfire Impacts

What Does Minimize Campfire Impacts Mean? Plan to cook over a stove, not a fire. If you do build a campfire, learn how to minimize your impact.

Why: Campfires can have negative impacts. They damage the soil and can lead to excessive firewood harvesting in sensitive areas. Plus forest fires are pretty terrible.

How:

• Always bring a stove instead of planning to cook on a fire. It’s quicker, more fuel efficient and has less impact on the wilderness.
• Consider having a campfire-free night by using a small lantern instead.
• Check regulations before you go to find out if fires are allowed. Many areas have fire bans in place during dry spells or to protect sensitive ecosystems like the alpine or grasslands where fires are not appropriate due to fragile soils, short growing seasons for plants, the ease of wildfire spreading and/or a lack of firewood.
• If you do make a fire, use an existing fire ring and avoid building new ones.
• Keep your fire small.
• Use dead wood that is already on the ground to avoid harming trees. (It burns better too.) Choose small sticks that you can break up with your hands.
• Put your fire out completely when you are done.

Respect Wildlife

What Does Respect Wildlife Mean? Give animals some space, and make sure your dog does too. Don’t let animals have human food.

Why:  The wilderness is the animals’ home and it deserves respect. They need enough space to maintain their natural behaviour and may attack if provoked. Dogs love the outdoors too but their prey-drive means they may harass wildlife.

How:

• Never feed animals. Your human food isn’t healthy for them and if they develop a taste for human food, they may lose their ability to find food naturally. Some cute animals like squirrels and whiskey jacks have learned to beg for food. Don’t give in!
• Don’t let animals have access to your food. Never leave food unattended. When camping safely store your food for the night inside a food locker or bear canister or learn how to properly hang it in a tree.
• Observe animals from a respectful distance. Use binoculars or the zoom lens on your camera to get a better look.
• Keep your dog on a leash and under control so they don’t chase or bother wildlife. You might think that it’s not a big deal for your dog to chase a squirrel… but if they chase a bear both you and your dog might think it’s a big deal! Research local rules before you go to find out if dogs are allowed and if leashes are required. (Get more tips for Leaving No Trace with your dog.)

READ NEXT: Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

What Be Considerate of Other Visitors Mean? Keep the experience of other visitors in mind so that your actions don’t negatively impact someone else’s experience. Learn and follow trail and camp etiquette.

Why: We all need to share trails and campsites in order to let everyone experience the wilderness. Some people go hiking for fitness, others to socialize and others hike to spend time in nature. Respect the way that other people wish to experience the wilderness and try not to let your experience negatively impact theirs.

How:

• Yield to other users on the trail. Step off the trail to take breaks so you aren’t in someone’s way.
• Give other groups space at viewpoints or in camp. If there’s a popular photo spot, snap a few pics, then move aside so someone else can have their turn.
• Keep your voice low and avoid yelling. Keep your group together to avoid shouting back and forth. (You’re safer that way too.)
• Leave the music at home (or wear headphones if your life requires your own personal soundtrack). Most hikers and campers want to hear the sounds of nature, not music.
• Keep your group small to create less impact, take up less space and make less noise. A good guideline is no more than 8-10 people.

READ NEXT: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowded Hiking Trails

Final Thoughts

This is just a broad overview of how to Leave No Trace when hiking and camping. If you are interested in learning more about Leave No Trace you can visit leavenotrace.ca or lnt.org. On those sites you can also find listings for Leave No Trace awareness course providers in your area.

Keep Leave No Trace in mind when hiking and camp so we can all keep the wilderness wild.

READ NEXT:

• How to Leave No Trace With Dogs
• 16 Things to do Before a Hike
• Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers
• Tips for Safe Hiking in Wildfire Season
• The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

The post How to Leave No Trace (And Why it’s Important!) appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

But it definitely could. No one expects to get lost, get stuck hiking in the dark or hurt themselves, but they do. (It even happens to super-prepared people.) So what can you do?

Thankfully, it’s fairly simple: you can bring a few pieces of gear that will help you survive if you get into trouble. Most of these items are ones you are likely carrying anyway, and they all fit into a small day pack.

This list of crucial gear is often called The 10 Essentials since there are ten items – or at least 10 categories of gear. (More on that later.)

In this post I’ve got a quick overview of the 10 essentials… plus one more thing that I think is definitely required (my 11th essential). I’ve also included a complete list of the ultralight and compact gear I carry as part of my 10 essentials. 

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support! -Taryn

What are the 10 Essentials?

The 10 essentials are a list of important gear for emergency situations. The list comes from the 1974 edition of the classic (and still best) outdoor how-to manual: Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills. While it is designed for mountaineers, it’s still a helpful resource for hikers – I refer to mine every once in awhile to refresh.

The list of essentials started out as simple gear list, but over time it has evolved into a set of systems that encompass types of gear. For example it used to break out map and compass separately, but now they are grouped together as navigation.

While the original 10 essentials list is still the most common (and the one I use) you can also find other lists of essentials from groups like Scouts or hiking clubs. And as you’ll see, my list actually includes 11 items since I think that including a communication device is really important.

Leave a Trip Plan

The 10 essentials should come with you on every trip, but that shouldn’t be the only pre-hike preparation you do. One of the most important safety measures you can take when hiking is to leave a trip plan with a friend or family member. That way if you get lost or injured, search and rescue knows where to look for you.

Adventure Smart has a great online trip planning template you can use. Planning ahead and preparing is one of the seven principles of Leave No Trace, so it’s an important way to ensure we keep the wilderness wild.

Check out my full checklist of things to do before every hike.

The 10 Essentials

1. Navigation

A trail description from a guide book or website is great, but that won’t help you when you take a wrong turn, lose the trail or get lost in a maze of unmarked junctions.

I’m old school, so I always carry a paper map. If possible, I like to carry a trail map that shows all of the trails in the area. That way I can adjust my route on the fly if I need to. Government issue topographic maps are great, but they don’t always have all the trails.

Although I rarely use it, I also have a compass stashed in my pack. Get some practice using it and make sure you adjust the declination.

If you want to learn how to navigate with a map and compass (or if you have no idea what I meant by declination in that last sentence), consider taking a course. I also find this book about Wilderness Navigation really helpful for learning map and compass navigation.

I used to use a handheld Garmin eTrex stand-alone GPS unit for navigation. However, these days I use the Gaia GPS app on my phone for navigation. It does everything the old stand-alone units did and is easier to use.

The only thing to keep in mind with using your phone for navigation is battery life. Carry an external battery (I like the Anker ones), shut down any apps you aren’t using, turn down screen brightness and put your phone in airplane mode to save as much battery life as possible.

2. Sun Protection

Getting a sunburn can be really debilitating. The sun is harsher in the mountains, especially when you add in the reflection off snow.

The original 1974 list of the 10 essentials included an entry for sunscreen and sunglasses, but the modern version groups those together along with things like long sleeves and hats to form the sun protection system.

That makes a lot of sense to me because in the last few years I’ve stopped wearing as much sunscreen and switched to sun hoodies instead. I sweat a lot so I find it a challenge to keep reapplying sunscreen. When I wear a sun hoodie, I just have to reapply to my face and hands.

I keep a small stick of Sun Bum sunscreen in my pack. It comes in a stick form that you can just rub directly on your face so your hands don’t get greasy. 

I have really sun sensitive eyes so I wear sunglasses on every hike. Polarized lenses are awesome, since they produce colours that are truer to nature and they work much better at cutting glare on water. I wear Goodr sunglasses since they are a great price for polarized sunglasses and don’t slip down my nose. (Also – fun colours!)

I also wear a baseball cap with my sun hoodie to shade my face. My favourite baseball cap is the Ciele GoCap. It’s designed for trail runners so it doesn’t absorb sweat and dries quickly. It’s also super light.

Before I switched to sun hoodies I sometimes wore the Sunday Afternoons Ultra-Adventure sun hat to shade my face and neck. It has a wide brim in the front and neck flap in in the back, which I love since hats with a wide brim all the way around bump into the top of my multi-day pack.

3. Insulation (Extra Clothing)

Even if the sun is shining in the city, it’s often cold and rainy (or even snowy) on the trail. I won’t go on a hike without a lightweight rain jacket in my pack, just in case. I often stuff my Mountain Hardwear Minimizer Rain Jacket into the corner of my pack. It’s Gore-Tex Paclite but it folds down to the size of a big orange.

If the forecast calls for cold or wet weather, I might also bring a pair of waterproof breathable rain pants. I also bring a layer like a fleece jacket or thermal shirt for extra warmth. 

Since they are the farthest from your heart, your extremities (that’s your hands, feet and head) will usually get cold first. I always have a warm hat or a wool buff in my pack. I pack a pair of lightweight fleece gloves too.

A spare pair of socks is also awesome. You can change your socks if they get wet from rain or sweat, which helps to prevent blisters. Plus they double as mittens in an emergency.

4. Illumination (Headlamp or Flashlight)

One of the easiest ways to get lost or injured is to end up hiking after dark. Most of us don’t mean to finish the trail in the dark, but stuff happens. You hike slower than you thought, the trail is harder than your thought, or you just spent waaaay too much time at the summit admiring the view.

Pack a headlamp or flashlight (also known as torch if you’re British) just-in-case situations I carry the Petzl Bindi because it’s so tiny. But it isn’t that bright so winter trips or time where I know I’ll be out later, I use the Fenix HM50R, which is still quite compact but is really bright.

Don’t rely on your phone for light. Using your phone as a flashlight drains your battery really quickly which can leave you without a light AND without a way to call for help.

Make sure you pack spare batteries for your light too. Both of my headlamps are USB rechargable so I don’t have to worry about carrying AAs. Instead I just carry an Anker power bank to act as a spare battery for my headlamp, phone, any other USB rechargeable devices I am carrying. Just make sure you remember to pack the right cables!

5. First-Aid Supplies

You never plan for things to go wrong. But they do. I always carry a small first aid kit on every hike. I have a lightweight kit from Adventure Medical Kits that comes with the basics. But you can always put together a kit yourself at the drug store.

Whichever route you choose, make sure you know what’s in your kit and how to use it. And ensure the kit includes everything you think you’ll need, including pain killers and other medications that sometimes aren’t included.

I always keep my kit in a waterproof bag so it can’t get wrecked. (A cheap Ziploc freezer bag works great.) If you use up some first aid supplies, remember to replace them before your next trip.

The contents of each person’s preferred first aid kit varies. The most common injuries for hikers are small cuts, blisters, and muscle pain, so make sure you have supplies to deal with those issues.

My kit contains bandaids and adhesive bandages in a few different sizes, medical tape, ibuprofen, antihistamines, antiseptic wipes, moleskin, blister dressings and some safety pins. 

6. Fire

In an emergency, the ability to start a fire could be the difference between life and death. The warmth of a fire can save you from hypothermia and the smoke can be used to signal for help.

I always carry a simple Bic lighter or some stormproof matches in my bag. But it wasn’t until I took a wilderness survival course that I realized how difficult it is to start a fire in the woods. Most things are pretty wet and don’t burn well!

There are lots of commercial fire starters on the market, but one of the key things I learned in my course was how to make my own. They are super easy to make and cheap too: just cotton balls with some vaseline rubbed into them. I store them in a tiny Ziploc bag.

7. Repair Kit and Tools

In an emergency, you need something to cut with. That might be cutting twigs for kindling to start your fire, cutting a branch to act as a splint, cutting up bandages, or maybe just opening a stubborn package of trail mix.

I carry a small multi-tool that includes pliers and scissors as well as a small knife. Mine is the Leatherman Squirt, which is discontinued, but the Gerber Dime is similar.

I also carry other repair supplies to fix broken gear including as Gear Aid Tenacious Tape (better than duct tape), zip ties, and a tent pole repair splint.

8. Nutrition (Extra Food)

Hiking is hard work, so you probably bring some water and snacks or a lunch on most hikes, right? But it’s also a good idea to bring a little bit extra in case you are out longer than you planned. Or in case things go really wrong and you need to spend a the night while waiting for help.

In addition to lunch, I always have a couple extra energy bars or gels stashed in my pack. These days Gu energy chews are my favourite. They taste and look like gummy candy, but have the same electrolytes and carbs as energy gels.

Remember to check the expiry dates on snacks that have been in your bag for awhile so they don’t go bad on you.

9. Hydration (Extra Water)

I bring a reusable water bottle or hydration pack on every hike. I also carry a few water purification tablets with my emergency supplies. That way if I run out of water, I can treat stream water that I find along the way.

On longer hikes in hot weather I carry my Katadyn BeFree filter. It’s lightweight and compact. And the filter bag gives me an extra litre of water carrying capacity. Before my hike, I check maps and trail reports to make sure I can fill up on water along the way.

10. Emergency Shelter

If you get lost or injured (or your hiking partner gets hurt), you might need to spend the night on the trail waiting for help. A simple and lightweight emergency shelter can make all the difference.

The easiest form of shelter you can carry is a really big garbage bag. You can cut a hole in it and wear it as a jacket. And if you bring a bright orange garbage bag, you can use it to signal for help too.

Mylar space blankets are also a good option. They are very light, compact and inexpensive. But they are also really flimsy.

I carry a more durable (but still really light) SOL emergency blanket that comes in a waterproof pouch and has survival instructions printed right on the blanket. SOL also makes an emergency bivy bag (basically a mylar sleeping bag).

I also carry a short length of cord (actually a tent guyline) to help with shelter construction in an emergency. I can use the cord to rig up a tarp shelter with the emergency blanket.

11. Communication

It kind of bugs me that communication is not one of the 10 essentials. It’s important to be able to call for help in an emergency.

You are probably already carrying a cell phone, so you can definitely use that to call for help (if you have enough battery left – bring a power bank!) However, there is no cell reception on many hikes, especially in valleys or dense forest. (While newer iPhones have satellite messaging included, most people are still hiking with older phones without this technology.)

You should make sure you have a second method of communication as well.

I attach a small and loud whistle to the shoulder strap of every backpack I own. The sound of a whistle carries much better than the human voice, and you can keep blowing a whistle much longer than you can keep yelling. I use the Fox 40 whistle which is loud and has no moving parts that can break.

If you have the budget, consider investing in a satellite messenger device like the Garmin inReach Mini2. Since I often hike solo or in remote areas, having a device like this gives me and my family a lot of peace of mind.

The InReach lets you push a button in an emergency to summon first responders. Or you can send messages to friends or family, just to let them know you’ll be late. It’s not cheap and requires an annual subscription, but I think it’s worth it.

My Lightweight and Compact 10 Essentials Kit

Carrying the 10 essentials doesn’t have to be bulky, heavy or difficult. I carry most of my essentials in a single Ziploc freezer bag that I keep in my hiking day pack so I’m always ready to go. It takes up a small corner of my pack and I don’t even notice it’s there until I need something out of it.

Over the years I’ve refined the gear I use as part of my 10 essentials to make them lighter and smaller, but you can cobble together a 10 essentials kit with budget items and things you probably already own.

Here’s my complete 10 essentials kit:

• Navigation: Paper trail maps, Suunto compass, Gaia GPS app, and Anker power bank
• Sun Protection: Sun Bum sunscreen, Goodr sunglasses, Ciele GoCap, and a sun hoodie
• Insulation: Mountain Hardwear Minimizer Jacket, MEC Hydrofoil Stretch Rain Pants, fleece jacket, Merino Wool Buff, thin fleece gloves, merino wool socks
• Illumination: Petzl Bindi with Anker power bank
• First Aid Kit: Adventure Medical Kits ultralight first aid kit with bandaids and adhesive bandages in a few different sizes, medical tape, ibuprofen, antihistamines, antiseptic wipes, moleskin or other blister dressings and some safety pins. 
• Fire Starter: stormproof matches, plus vaseline soaked cotton balls
• Repair and tools: Multi-tool with scissors, Gear Aid Tenacious Tape, zip ties, and a tent pole repair splint.
• Nutrition: Gu energy chews
• Hydration: hydration bladder, water purification tablets and Katadyn BeFree filter
• Emergency Shelter: SOL emergency blanket
• Communication: Fox 40 whistle, cell phone, Garmin inReach mini2

Final Thoughts

I keep my essentials together in a small stuff sack or a ziploc bag so they are easy to transfer from one backpack to another. That way I don’t end up out on the trail without the gear I need in an emergency.

What’s in your kit? Do you always carry the 10 essentials? Tell me in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• 16 Things to do Before a Hike
• Backpacking for Beginners: Tips for Getting Started
• How to Leave No Trace (And Why it’s Important!)
• Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers
• How to Find Trail Conditions
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking

The post The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I wish I had one easy answer for you. Wouldn’t it be great to say, “Oh, you just check this magic website called…”. I’m sorry, it doesn’t exist. Instead, you have to check in a bunch of places.

I’ve got tips for where to find trail conditions for hikes all over Canada and the United States. I’ve also got some general tips on how to prepare for a hike.

In this post you’ll find:

• How to find trail conditions: eight places to check
• Why is checking trail conditions important? What will happen if you don’t?
• What should you do if you can’t find up-to-date trail conditions? Should you hike anyway?

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

How to Find Trail Conditions

Check Park Websites

Many, national, state, provincial and regional park websites have a trail conditions section written by a park ranger. Some parks may update their conditions less frequently than others, but it’s often worth looking anyway.

Look up which park the trail you plan to hike is in, then head to the park website. Finding the trail conditions section can be tricky on some parks’ websites. Look for a pinned advisory at the top of the page or click through to the “hiking” or “planning your trip” sections.

If you can’t find the info you want on their website, some parks (especially National Parks) have visitor centers or ranger stations you can call or visit before your hike.

Read Trail Reviews on AllTrails

By far the most popular hiking app in North America is AllTrails. Lots of people use it to find nearby hikes, but you can also use it to leave reviews for hikes. If you scroll through the recent comments, you can often find valuable trail conditions info.

However, keep in mind that, unlike park ranger-generated trail conditions reports, regular people with a variety of hiking experience levels write AllTrails reviews. That means that you should take these reviews with a grain of salt. Some reviews might overstate the hazards while others might downplay them.

Check Instagram

You might be using Instagram to find hiking inspo. But I also find Instagram really helpful for checking trail conditions since it is so visual. Use the in-app search function to find the area you want to hike and be sure to check both the location tag and hashtag feeds. Choose “more recent” rather than “most popular”.

Be sure to check the date the photo was posted AND the caption to make sure you are looking at a current photo, not a throwback shot. And keep in mind that most people post photos of the beautiful parts of the hike, not the hard stuff or the ugly stuff, so you likely aren’t getting the full picture.

The Instagram community is quite friendly so if you see a recent photo from an area you want to hike, go ahead and ask for more info about trail conditions in a comment. You might get the best info that way, and make a new online friend.

Scroll Through Facebook Groups and Subreddits

These days there is a regional Facebook group or Subreddit for hiking pretty much everywhere. To find a local one in your area, search “[name of your city/region] hiking” on Facebook or Reddit. (On Facebook you will also want to filter by groups.)

Backcountry skiing or mountaineering groups can be helpful too since they often share the same approach trails as hikers. Some bucket list trails or national parks also have their own Facebook groups or sub-Reddits.

Before you add a post to the group asking for trail conditions, scroll through the most recent posts or use the search bar to see if someone else has already added info about the trail you are looking for.

Just like with Instagram or All Trails, keep in mind that the responses you get about trail conditions will come from people with various levels of experience and risk tolerance.

Check Web Cams

Webcams can be really helpful to judge current snow conditions, especially in the spring and fall when snow cover can be hard to predict. Very few trails have live webcams, but you can often find webcams close to trails. The most useful webcams are ones at roughly the same elevation as the trail you plan to hike.

Ski area and highway webcams can be a great resource. Google ski areas near where you want to hike or visit state or provincial highways websites to find them.

Look at Recent Aerial Photos on Copernicus Browser

One of my favourite ways to check snow cover is to check Copernicus Browser. It provides up-to-date satellite images from around the world. (FYI: This site used to be known as Sentinel Hub Playground.)

But keep in mind that when the snow is melting, the forests can often look green in the photos but there is snow hiding under the branches! Be sure to look for clearings, roads, and lakes to see if there is snow there.

The interface for Copernicus Browser is not intuitive. But if all you want to do is navigate to a named place and look at a recent satellite photo, it’s pretty easy to use.

You can scroll around to find the location you want or use the search bar to find named locations. You can also use the calendar to see when the most recent satellite photo was taken. Or you can adjust the date to find satellite photos from dates in the past. The calendar also shows which dates have photos with clear skies and which ones are obscured by clouds.

Look Up Smoke and Fire Info on FireSmoke

Unfortunately, in many places, summer is forest fire season for hikers. Even if no fires are burning near your hiking destination, winds can push smoke for hundreds of kilometres, making for an unpleasant hike or dangerous air quality.

I like to check the smoke forecast map on FireSmoke before my trip so I know what to expect. It uses an easy-to-understand animation that overlays the boundaries of nearby fires on a map along with a projection of where the smoke will blow. Colours show you how “bad” the air quality will be. You can also toggle between an hourly forecast, daily average, and daily maximum.

I’ve got a whole guide to safe hiking in wildfire season with more tips.

Check the Avalanche Forecast

Snow + slopes = avalanches. Hikers and snowshoers need to know the avalanche forecast to stay safe. In the United States, use Avalanche.org. In Canada, check the forecast on Avalanche.ca.

Posted forecasts will give you an idea of the snow conditions as well as what types of terrain are the most susceptible to avalanches.

There are no avalanche forecasts in the spring and early summer, but there can still be lots of snow in the mountains. You need to know how to recognize and avoid avalanche terrain when you hike. That means avoiding travelling on or below steep, snow-covered slopes. I like to use the slope angle overlay on Gaia GPS to help identify slopes that could slide.

Why is Checking Trail Conditions Important?

There’s nothing worse than getting halfway up a mountain to be stopped by snow. Or getting eaten alive by bugs because you didn’t bring bug spray and a long-sleeved shirt.

If you research the trail conditions ahead of time you have a higher chance of having fun since you’ll be able to pick an appropriate destination for your abilities, the weather and the current trail conditions. You’ll also bring the right gear and give yourself enough time to complete your hike.

More importantly, you’ll have a much higher chance of staying safe and avoiding getting lost. The first principle of Leave No Trace is to plan ahead and prepare, and checking trail conditions is an important part of that. Search and Rescue gets called out nearly every weekend for someone who didn’t check trail conditions. Don’t let it be you.

What Should You Do if You Can’t Find Up-to-Date Trail Conditions?

If you can’t find up-to-date trail conditions you have two choices: 1) Pick a different hike, or 2) Go anyway but bring lots of extra gear. Consider bringing gear for safe snow travel, such as an ice axe, trekking poles, microspikes, or snowshoes. Bring extra clothing for cold and wet conditions. Pack extra food and water in case it takes longer than you think.

Once you are on the trail (or even on the access road to the trail), be prepared to turn around if you face conditions that you aren’t prepared for. Flooded trails, slippery snow, washed-out bridges, blowdown trees obscuring the path and undrivable access roads are all good reasons to consider turning around.

It’s also a good idea to have a backup hike in the same area so you can do another nearby hike if the one you picked doesn’t work out.

Final Thoughts

I’ve definitely had some mishaps when I failed to check trail conditions. I remember one early summer hike when I didn’t check trail conditions and ended up post-holing into knee-deep snow for hours…. while wearing shorts. My shins got so cut up and my feet were soaked. Lesson learned: check the trail conditions!

What’s your favourite place to find good info on trail conditions? Tell me in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• 16 Things to Do Before a Hike
• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike
• How to Leave No Trace (And Why it’s Important!)
• The Best Weather Apps for Hiking
• Tips for Safe Hiking in Wildfire Season

The post How to Find Trail Conditions appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Over the years I’ve developed a bit of a routine before each hike. Keeping this simple checklist in mind makes sure that I stay safe on the trails. AND it also makes sure that I have fun since I’m much less likely to get so tired that I don’t enjoy it or end up soaking wet in a rainstorm. Read on for my recommendations for things to do before a hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Find Some Hiking Buddies

In general, hiking in a group is better. For starters, it’s more fun. But safety is the real reason it’s better to hike with friends. You can help each other if someone gets hurt. And it’s less likely you’ll have a negative animal encounter since wildlife tends to stay away from groups. (Read more about bear safety if you’re worried.)

In general, the ideal group size is four. That way if someone gets hurt, one person can stay with them while the other two go for help.

But when hiking, it’s not really “the more, the merrier”. Large groups are difficult to keep together on the trail, can be loud and disruptive to other hikers, and have a greater impact on the environment. Leave No Trace and many land management agencies recommend 10 or 12 people as the maximum group size.

While groups are ideal, hiking alone can have its own rewards. I do hike by myself sometimes, but I’m really careful and only do it on easier hikes. Here are my thoughts and tips on hiking alone.

Research Trail Options

Do some research and pick a trail to hike. This means more than scrolling through Instagram and picking somewhere that looks epic. Look at trail websites, blogs and park websites. Pick up a guidebook.

Find out some key pieces of info about the hike: How hard is it? How far is it? How much elevation gain is there? Make sure you choose a hike that is within the abilities of you and your group. If you’re just starting out, pick easier hikes, then work up to harder ones.

Make Sure You Have Enough Time

Accidents happen when you’re rushing or trying to hike at night. Make sure you have enough time to complete your hike.

Research how long it usually takes people to hike, then add in a bit more time as a buffer. Don’t forget to look up how long it will take you to drive there. And check what time the sun sets. You don’t want to be caught out after dark.

Read Up on Local Regulations

In many places, rules and regulations are in place to protect the natural environment and make sure all users have a positive experience. Check park websites to find out if you need a reservation, permit or park pass. (For example, in Vancouver, some trails require day passes.) Find out if any areas are closed and if dogs or campfires are allowed.

Check Trail Conditions

There’s nothing worse than getting halfway up a mountain to be stopped by snow. If you research the trail conditions ahead of time you have a higher chance of having fun. More importantly, you’ll have a much higher chance of staying safe and avoid getting lost. The first principle of Leave No Trace is plan ahead and prepare, and checking trail conditions is an important part of that.

These days, there are a LOT of places to check trail conditions. Try Instagram, hiking groups, and park websites. I’ve got a whole post about How to Find Trail Conditions with more info.

Get the Weather and Avalanche Forecasts

Find out if it’s going to rain or snow and how cold it’s going to be. Then pack clothes to match the weather. If you are going hiking in the mountains, keep in mind that the weather in the city isn’t the same.

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

If you hike in winter, make sure you check the avalanche forecast on avalanche.ca (Canada) or avalanche.org (USA). If you don’t have avalanche training, you should probably stay out of avalanche terrain if the forecast is anything except low.

Dress for the Conditions

In general, it’s a good idea to wear moisture-wicking and quick-drying clothing when hiking. This means choosing polyester, nylon or merino wool clothing and avoiding cotton, which soaks up moisture. Dress in layers so you can add or remove clothing as the temperature changes. (Read more about what to wear hiking.)

Even if you’ve checked the forecast, the weather can change fast. It’s a good idea to have an extra warm layer and a rain jacket in your pack just in case.

Take Care of Your Feet 

The secret to happy hiking is happy feet. Wear hiking boots or trail runners that fit you and grip the trail. Prevent blisters by wearing wool-blend socks or pre-taping problem areas. And don’t forget to cut your toenails. (For a whole list of anti-blister techniques, check out my Blister Prevention Tips.)

Pack the 10 Essentials

Bring a backpack to carry your gear. Make sure you pack the 10 Essentials. These are 10 safety items that you should always have with you on every hike:

• headlamp,
• food and water,
• warm clothing,
• map or other navigation aid,
• fire starter,
• first aid kit,
• emergency shelter,
• sun protection,
• knife,
• communication device

Read my post about the 10 Essentials for full details.

Avoid Getting Lost

Make sure you stay on track by bringing a trail map and a copy of the trail description. If you choose to bring electronic copies on your phone, make sure you have a USB power bank as backup. A GPS or GPS app is also a good idea. 

Pack Snacks… Lots of Snacks

Hiking makes you hungry. Make sure you pack enough food for your trip. It’s a good idea to bring more food than you think you’ll need.

I always keep a few extra bars in my backpack. That way I have emergency food if the hike takes longer than we thought, if someone gets injured and we need to wait for help or if a friend forgets their snacks.

It’s also a great idea to leave some snacks in the car. Nothing tastes better after a long day on the trail than some nice salty potato chips!

Bring a Garbage Bag

Plan ahead to reduce waste. Bring a garbage bag to carry out everything you brought with you. That includes organic waste like apple cores and banana peels. (Read more about organic waste in my post about Why it’s Important to Leave No Trace.)

You can also use your garbage bag to pick up any trash you find. It’s great to leave the trail better than you found it!

Fill Up a Water Bottle

Bring a water bottle or hydration reservoir. Dehydration is no joke. In general, about 2L of water is a good amount for a day hike. HOWEVER, if the hike is hard or it’s hot out, you’ll need much more.

Find out if there are creeks along the way, then bring a filter or water treatment tablets. Giardia (a.k.a. beaver fever) is also no joke. 

Check Your Gear

Make sure your gear works and you know how to use it. You don’t want to figure out how to use your GPS for the first time at the trailhead. Double-check the contents of your first aid kit before each hike. I always find something I’ve run out of like bandaids or painkillers.

And make sure your batteries are charged. Phone battery, GPS battery, headlamp battery, camera battery… we carry so many electronics these days! Make sure you aren’t forgetting anything: use my simple backpacking gear checklist.

Be Prepared to go to the Bathroom

Everybody pees and poops, but none of us talk about it. Find out if there are toilets on the trail and try to go to the bathroom before your hike. I always pack toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a small trowel in my pack just in case. (For more info on going to the bathroom outside, check out my post about Leave No Trace.)

Leave a Trip Plan

This is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do before going on a hike. Tell a friend where you are going and when you expect to be back. That way, someone will know to look for you if you get lost or injured. Adventure Smart has a great trip planning app and online form.

So there’s my list of things you should do before a hike. It may sound like a lot, but honestly, I find the pre-trip research fun. I also keep my daypack partially packed with most of the 10 essentials and my bathroom kit so it doesn’t take me long to get ready. How many of these steps are you already doing before each hike? Tell me in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike
• How to Avoid Bees and Wasps While Hiking
• Backpacking for Beginners: Tips for Getting Started
• How to Leave No Trace (And Why it’s Important!)
• How to Leave No Trace With Dogs
• Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers
• Coastal Hiking Tips: Advice for Beach Backpacking
• Hiking Solo: My Tips
• How to Find Trail Conditions
• How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking
• 15 Ways to Avoid Crowded Hiking Trails
• 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking

The post 16 Things to do Before a Hike appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

But you know who is qualified? My friend Amanda. (In fact she’s super-qualified!) She and her dog Frank have hiked and backpacked more miles together than any other human-dog duo I’ve ever heard of. They’ve summited over 50 peaks in BC’s Coast Mountains and last year they thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail southbound. (Amanda’s thru-hiker trail name is “Naps”). You can follow along with their adventures on Amanda’s Instagram, @tidelinetoalpine and website, tidelinetoalpine.com. She put together a great overview of the 7 principles of Leave No Trace as they relate to dogs. Plus she added more key guideline to ensure you and your dog have a great trip. Keep reading to learn how to Leave No Trace with dogs. Thanks Amanda! -Taryn

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support! -Taryn

With the popularity of outdoor adventures skyrocketing, more and more people are bringing their 4-legged companions with them into wild spaces. Hiking and camping with your dog can make for a great experience. But it can also have a negative impact on those around you and the places you visit.

The more we allow our pets to have a negative impact, the more restrictions we will face as dog owners and the less fun everyone will have on the trails. That includes dog owners and our canine companions. As people who adventure with dogs, it’s important that we are exemplary members of the outdoor community so we can protect wild spaces.

But we also want to make sure that we prevent further restrictions on bringing dogs with us on our hikes. This begins with having a well trained pup and understanding how to apply Leave No Trace with dogs. By being a responsible pet owner and following the Leave No Trace principles, bringing a dog into the wild doesn’t need to have any more impact than humans.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

On any adventure it is important to plan and prepare. But with a dog there are few extra factors to research and consider before heading out. Ignorance is not a excuse for ignoring the rules. Here are some examples of factors to consider when planning and preparing for trip with your dog:

• Check the dog regulations for the area you are headed to (e.g. park, campground, national forest, etc.). Do they allow dogs? What are the leash rules? Often, you are required to use a leash no longer than 6ft. Are there seasonal wildlife closures you need to be aware of? All the relevant information pertaining to is usually online so you can check ahead of time.
• Is your dog prepared for the terrain and trail conditions? Can they handle the distance? Are their paws conditioned for rough surfaces? How does your dog react to wild animals?
• What are the local hazards to your dog such as predators, dangerous terrain or diseases? Is it hunting season where you are going?
• Is your dog prepared for the temperatures you might encounter? Will it be too hot to leave them in a vehicle if you need to? Are they prepared for cold nights at elevation? Can you carry enough water and food for them?

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

A dog walking off-trail does not do as much damage as humans with boots on. But it is still important to keep them on the trail with you. On the trail, dogs will be less likely to get hurt. You can also do a better job keeping them under your control. It’s also easier to ensure you follow other LNT principles such as properly disposing of their waste.

It may not seem like a big deal to allow your dog to run off trail, but they can disturb the nests of ground birds, spread diseases, and trample vegetation or cryptobiotic soils. Digging holes can increase erosion and prevent new plants from establishing themselves. The extent of the potential damage can vary from environment to environment and have negative impacts you may not be aware of. 

Choose well established camps with open spaces to allow your dog an area to run where they wont trample vegetation. Camp at least 200ft from water sources because we all know dogs will mark around camp.

Dispose of Waste Properly

It doesn’t matter whether it’s human waste or dog waste – you need to pack it out or bury it. If you bury it, dig a cat-hole at least 6 inches/15cm deep and 200ft/60m from water. In busier places you may be required to pack out all waste. I use a smell-proof container such as a PooVault to help put bagged dog waste in my pack or carry it on the outside without the odour following me all day.  If you are burying your dog’s waste make sure your pup is worm-free and not carrying other transmittable diseases or parasites that could negatively effect local wildlife. 

Leave What You Find

This Leave No Trace principle applies to your canine too! Your dog may not be removing natural resources or artefacts, but they can transport insects and seeds in their fur. Inspecting them for ticks or other pests is not only in their best interest but can also help prevent spread to other areas. Keeping their coat clean can also help spread seeds of potentially invasive species if you are frequently travelling between different ecosystems such a wilderness, farmland and urban areas.

Minimize Campfire Impacts

This is one LNT principle that doesn’t really apply to dogs, unless you have a unruly dog that likes to drag burning stick out of the fire, in which case you could start a forest fire. I would definitely advise against allowing such behaviour. Plan ahead with the appropriate gear in order to stay warm and avoid building fires as much as possible.

Respect Wildlife

Dogs can dramatically impact an environment by harassing wildlife.  Keeping them on a leash or under voice command is important to prevent these types of disturbances. If you are hiking or camping in a place where leashes are not required, it is important that your dog has good recall and won’t wander off. Dogs that take themselves for adventures are more likely to sustain a injury, bother wildlife or bring wildlife (including bears) back to camp.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

One of the biggest reasons for dogs not being allowed in many places is irresponsible owners who allow their dogs to negatively impact other users. People go out in nature for a variety of reasons, usually including peace and tranquility. Your dog should never be allowed to run up to people and jump on them, treat other dogs poorly, or otherwise cause a disturbance by barking incessantly or begging for food from other hikers. Take extra care to ensure your dog does not spook horses. Some people may be afraid of your dog no matter how nice they are, and others may even have allergies. Even if your dog is allowed off-leash, respect people or other dogs who may not wants your pet in their space.

Hike Your Dog’s Hike (HYDH)

Having reviewed how the 7 principles of Leave No Trace can be applied to your dog, there is one more guideline that I would like to add. I believe it everyone who brings dogs into the outdoors should follow this guideline.

You’ve likely heard the phrase ‘Hike Your Own Hike’, but when you hike with a dog it’s not about you at all. Instead, the best mindset is ‘Hike Your Dog’s Hike’. HYDH means that with every decision you make, take your dog’s needs into account before your own. If you push a dog that beyond its limits, or it is not having its needs met, the dog will be more likely to get injured, cause a disturbance, or make it harder for you to practice Leave No Trace.

It is important for generations of dog people to ensure that we are responsible and thoughtful when hiking and camping with our dogs. That way we can avoid further restrictions to access and freedoms on public lands. As a self-regulating community of outdoor enthusiasts, it’s important for us to speak out if we see people doing irresponsible things or not practicing LNT. Help mentor those new to adventuring with a dog and teach them how to practice LNT. Leave No Trace is not a strict set of rules. Instead we should see it as guidelines that if we ALL follow will allow us to preserve and enjoy nature for generations to come.

Safe trails & happy tails!

-Amanda

READ NEXT:

• How to Leave No Trace (And Why it’s Important!)
• Backpacking Hygiene the Leave No Trace Way
• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike
• 16 Things to do Before a Hike

The post How to Leave No Trace With Dogs appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Hey there: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! – Taryn

Bear Safety Tips for Hikers

• Check conditions before you go on parks websites or on trailhead signage. If there is a bear in the area (especially if it has been aggressive or has cubs) be prepared or consider hiking somewhere else.
• Watch for bear signs along the trail including scat, tracks and scratches on trees.
• Make noise by talking or singing to announce your presence as humans. The sound of bear bells does not carry as well as the human voice. Make more noise in areas where you are more likely to see or surprise a bear such as in dense brush, near berry patches or in areas with fresh bear signs.
• Avoid encountering a bear by staying on the trail, hiking during the day and leaving the area immediately if you find a dead animal.
• Hike in a small group rather than alone, as bear attacks on groups are virtually unknown.
• Keep pets on a leash. Roaming dogs can agitate bears which then might chase the dog back towards hikers. Not a fun situation for anyone!
• Take care to pack out any garbage or food as it can attract bears. This includes things like apple cores, banana peels and egg shells which give off odor could lure in bears. Remember, a fed bear is a dead bear, even if you accidentally feed it garbage.
• Carry bear spray in place you can reach it quickly (such as attached to the shoulder strap or hip belt of your pack or in an easy to grab outside pocket). Bear spray is relatively lightweight and inexpensive and has been shown to be a better way to stop a bear attack than a gun. You can also carry bear bangers or a small air horn as an additional tool to frighten off bears but they don’t replace bear spray. Find more info on how and when to use bear spray on bearsmart.com.

I recommend: I always carry bear spray if I’m hiking in bear country. I carry it in the side pocket of my pack where I can grab it easily. Buy:  MEC | REI.

Bear Safety Tips for Drive-in Campers

• Check conditions and facility information on the campground website before you go to find out if any bear precautions are recommended or required (such as the Bare Campsite Program).
• Keep a clean campsite: Cook and eat in the same area (preferably away from your tent). Make sure you clean up thoroughly when you are done including any food scraps or spills.
• Store your food (including your cooler), cooking equipment, and toiletries (including sunscreen and bug spray) in your car at night or anytime you are not in your campsite. Never store food or beverages other than water in your tent.
• Place all garbage in a bear-proof garbage can or in your car. Don’t burn garbage in your firepit as it may not burn fully and could still attract bears. Don’t leave garbage in the firepit when go home, expecting the next camper to burn it.

Bear Safety Tips for Backcountry Campers

• Check conditions and facility information on the park website and trailhead signage before you go to find out if any bear precautions are recommended or required. In particular, find out if any food storage or cooking facilities are provided.
• Pick a campsite that is not near game trails, berry patches, or animal carcasses. Avoid blocking access to water sources.
• If you stay at a backcountry campground that has a kitchen shelter, picnic tables or fire rings, use these areas for cooking and eating.
• If there is no designated cooking area, cook and eat in an area 100 meters (100 yards) away from your campsite and the campsites of others. Ideally, your campsite should be located 100m away from your cooking area, which should be located 100m away from your food storage area. Think of these three areas as forming a triangle with each side of the triangle being 100m long.

• Keep a clean cooking area. Make sure you clean up thoroughly when you are done including any food scraps or spills. Never leave garbage in campsites, firepits, cooking areas or on trails as it can attract bears. This includes biodegradable food waste like apple cores, sandwich crusts, banana peels and eggshells.
• Clean your dishes and disperse graywater widely or in a cat-hole away from your campsite and cooking area. Strain out food particles and pack them out with your garbage.
• Never store food, garbage, cooking equipment, toiletries, clothing with spilled food on it, or other scented items (including menstrual supplies) in your tent or backpack. At night or anytime you are away from camp, store these items in a bear-safe manner (see below).
• There are several ways to store food securely in a bear-safe way in the backcountry:
  1. Choose to stay in a designated backcountry campground that has a provided bear locker (a metal locker) or a bear pole (a pole with hooks on it for hanging your food bag).
  2. If a bear locker or bear pole is not available, you will need to construct a bear hang: suspending your food bag from a tree branch at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) from the hanging branch and the trunk of the tree and 4 meters (12 feet) off the ground. Plan ahead by bringing a rope, carabiner and sturdy stuff sack or dry bag to make your hang. This technique can take a lot of practice and is difficult in some areas so give yourself lots of time instead of waiting until it is dark to put up your bear hang. You can find lots of instructions for building a bear hang online.
  3. In some areas (some American National Parks) the use of bear canisters is required or recommended. These sturdy hard plastic containers require tools and/or thumbs to open and thankfully bears have neither. You fill them with your food, garbage, toiletries, etc. then store then well away from your campsite. Bear canisters are heavier, hard to pack, more expensive and bulkier than using a stuff sack and rope. But they are MUCH easier to use. If you camp often in places where bear lockers or poles are not available or above treeline (where bear hangs are impossible), consider investing in a bear canister.

I recommend: I own a Garcia bear canister, a Bear Vault bear canister and an URsack. I prefer the Bear Vault as it is the easiest to pack.

What To Do If You See A Bear

Bears are good runners, swimmers, and tree-climbers. They are definitely faster than you! They also can hear, smell and see better than you can. Thankfully they are usually afraid of you and often just want to be on their way. Here are some basic tips on what to do if you see a bear. Far more detailed tips can be found on the websites like bearsmart.com and others listed in the Further Reading section of this post.

• Be prepared to leave the area and end your hike. If the bear acts aggressively, doesn’t leave the area or you can’t safely make a wide detour around it, save the hike for another day.
• Get your bear spray ready by taking the safety off.
• Don’t run or try to climb a tree. Instead back away slowly while speaking to the bear softly and avoiding eye contact.
• Don’t try to get closer to take photos. Give the bear space.
• Don’t play dead. Black bears eat carrion (dead animals) and that just makes you more attractive. (But note that playing dead can work in some situations during a grizzly bear attack such as a defensive attack where you surprise the bear.)
• Don’t offer the bear food in an attempt to distract it.
• If a black bear comes into your campsite, give the bear a clear escape route, then have your group stand up together and make noise by yelling or banging on things to try to scare the bear away. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work with grizzly bears so it’s probably you who will have to move.
• If the bear comes within close range, use your bear spray and aim for the bear’s eyes.

Further Reading on Bear Safety

BC Parks Bear Safety Guidelines

BearSmart.com

Parks Canada Camping in Bear Country Guidelines

WildSafe BC

More Posts About Backcountry Safety and Ethics

• How to Leave No Trace (And Why it’s Important!)
• How to Leave No Trace With Dogs
• How to Camp and Hike on Your Period
• Backcountry Hygiene the Leave No Trace Way
• Tips for Hiking Alone
• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike
• 16 Things to do Before a Hike

The post Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Dear Garibaldi Lake Hikers and Campers:

Yesterday, we killed a bear.

We have been coming up to the lake for weeks this summer. We leave trash beside the lake and on the trail. We drop food on the ground and leave it there. We cook in our campsites. We leave spills on the picnic tables. We abandon leftover food and garbage in the kitchen shelters. We sleep with food and toiletries in our tents. We leave our backpacks and snacks unattended while we take photos.

A couple weeks ago a juvenile bear wandered into the Garibaldi Lake campground. It was hungry and alone, likely spending its first season without Mom. The bear was scared of the people in the campground, but it smelled our garbage, our dropped food, our careless mess and it couldn’t resist. The rangers chased the bear away, put up signs warning there was a bear in the area and tried to talk to us about cleaning up, not cooking in our campsite, and storing our food in the shelters.

But we didn’t listen. We kept making a mess. We kept leaving our garbage on the ground and in the shelter. We kept cooking in our campsite. We kept storing food in our tents and in our backpacks.  And the bear still couldn’t resist. It was hungry and alone. And it kept coming back.

Last Saturday was a beautiful sunny summer day at Garibaldi Lake. There were hundreds of day hikers and backpackers at the campground enjoying the view, taking photos, and eating lunch. And in the afternoon, despite all those people, the bear could not resist coming through the campground to look for something to eat. The bear was no longer scared of people.

The rangers chased the bear away again but they knew it would be back. The bear had learned that we weren’t scary and that we would continue to leave food and garbage out for it. Eventually, the bear might have attacked a hiker or ripped open a tent with sleeping campers inside. The rangers knew they only had one option: The bear was sentenced to death. And on Sunday morning a BC Conservation Officer flew into the campground by helicopter.

We killed that bear. Maybe we thought we were just on a camping trip or going for a hike. But in the process, we also killed a bear.

If you don’t want to kill any more bears, please read up on bear safety.

BC Parks Bear Safety Guidelines

BearSmart.com

Parks Canada Camping in Bear Country Guidelines

I’ve also written a post that summarizes bear safety guidelines for hikers, car campers and backpackers.

In memory of this lonely and hungry little bear, please consider sharing this post with your fellow hikers using the social media share buttons below. Let’s get the word out about bear safety.

The post We Killed a Bear appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

My partner and I are planning to do the full 180km Sunshine Coast Trail in September and were hoping you had some tips in regards to hygiene…How can we cleanse without harming the water with our products/chemicals?…This is my first backpacking a trip! We hike often here in the Rockies however but have the mountains in our backyard to prepare.  Thanks a million.

Making the switch from day hiking to backpacking can be a bit intimidating as there are all kinds of new skills to learn from camp cooking to setting up a tent to staying clean. I’m glad that D. is interested in incorporating Leave No Trace practices into her new backpacking routine. Thankfully backpacking hygiene the LNT way is pretty easy to master. The first step is to lower your cleanliness standards and be prepared to be a bit dirtier and smellier than usual. Read on for the rest.

Sanitizing Your Hands

Keeping your hands clean while backpacking is super important! People get sick while camping and think it’s from contaminated or improperly treated water but sometimes its just from having fecal matter on their hands. (Sorry, gross but true!) I carry a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer gel and use it after going to the bathroom and before cooking.

Treating Water

Speaking of contaminated water, you’ll need to make sure that doesn’t happen! Unless you are drinking straight from a glacier, there is a good chance that the lake or stream has been contaminated by animals (both the ones that live there and the human variety). Always, always, always treat your water! There are lots different options from chemical drops to UV lights to filters and purifiers. You can also just boil your water. No matter what method you choose, make sure you are filtering water into clean containers that haven’t been tainted with untreated water and sanitize your hands before you handle water bottles or containers.

Cleaning Your Face and Body

After a day or two on the trail, every backpacker feels a little grimy, a little too covered in sweat, dust, sunscreen, bugspray, etc. We all deal with it in different ways. Some people (especially guys!) just tough it out until they get home, but the rest of do have options to clean up a bit. Of course prevention is the best idea: I pack a tiny travel sized tube of deodorant and apply it each morning. If I do want to wash up I pack along a small washcloth sized microfibre towel. It’s great for wiping sweat off my face on hot days or I dip it in water and give myself a sponge bath with it.  You can also carry a small packet of wet wipes and pack out the used ones with your garbage.

On longer trips you might feel that you want a full bath or to wash your hair. You can bring along some biodegradable soap (such as camp suds or Dr. Bronner’s castille soap) if you really feel like you need a wash, but even biodegradable soap isn’t safe for plants or fish so you shouldn’t wash directly in a lake or river. Instead carry water 200 feet away from the water source and give yourself a sponge bath or shower there. Be sure to scatter your wastewater widely or dig a cat hole to pour it into.  I find that kind of bath too much work so usually I just jump in the water, give myself a quick scrub with my washcloth and forgo the soap entirely. If I know I’ll be swimming/bathing I also bring a larger microfibre camp towel to dry off with.

You’ll probably also want to keep your teeth clean. I carry a travel sized toothbrush and tube of toothpaste but have friends who choose just to floss and rinse instead of bringing toothpaste. If you use toothpaste, use as little as possible, then either dig a cat hole to spit into or fill your mouth with water, then spray the mouthful of water over a wide area to disperse your waste water widely.

Make sure you store all of your toiletries (soap, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, etc.) properly at night, not in your tent or your pack. Bears and other animals are attracted to scented products so your toiletries should be stored with your food in a bear canister, bear locker or hung from a tree.

Doing the Dishes

Unless you are only eating prepackaged meals, you will need to wash dishes. Greasy meals will require biodegradable soap to clean up, but you don’t need much of it. For less greasy dishes, just skip the soap.  Use your largest pot as a sink. You can carry a small spatula like pot scraper, a dish brush or a lightweight dishcloth to make doing dishes easier, but using your fork and your hands to scrape and wipe your dishes works too. If you use uncoated stainless steel cookware you can use sand or gravel to scour out your pots and dishes (but don’t try this on anything with a non-stick coating as you’ll wreck it!). Just let your dishes air dry overnight – no need to bring a tea towel!

What other tips and tricks do you use for keeping clean while backpacking?

The post Ask Taryn: Backpacking Hygiene appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.