5 Things You Should Never Do On The Trail

Hiking and camping can be so much fun, or it can be a nightmare if you are not prepared. From Leave No Trace to who has the right of way, today I am breaking down the 5 Things You Should Never Do On The Trail. 

Bonus Tip: Leave Rock Cairns alone. They are used as trail markers, and many people rely on them. Don't add or take away from them. LET THEM BE. 

Don't Travel Alone. 

Many people swear by solo hiking, and I know I would enjoy the time to myself as well. However, it can be very dangerous, and lonely (especially at night). When you are going on more than just a day hike alone, your chances of getting injured are greatly increased. If you fall and break your leg, and you are out of cell range what are you going to do? 

Bringing your best friends, or significant other along is a great bonding experience, and there is nothing better than roasting marshmallows around the campfire with the people you love. If you insist on going alone, let someone reliable know exactly where you are going, and have scheduled check-in times. That way if you get hurt or lost, help can arrive much faster. 

Uphill Hikers Have The Right Of Way 

It takes a lot more energy to hike on an incline than it does to descend. Therefore, hikers going up should always be given the right of way. Step to the side and wait for them to pass, or if they stop to take a break, you can make your way through. You would want someone to show you the same respect, so do that for them. 

Leave No Trace

This one seems pretty simple, although I often go to campsites and find litter everywhere. Its not good for the environment, or the wildlife, so always bring a resealable bag to put all of your trash in. Plastic bags and containers can take a thousand years to fully breakdown. Protect the environment you love retreating to, so that it will be here in a thousand years. 
Using Biodegradable products is also a good way to reduce your impact.  

Don't Turn Into Paul Bunyan

Seriously, don't be this guy. 

I know you need fire wood, you're getting hungry, and the sun will be going down soon. However, you don't need to take out your ax, and start chopping trees down. Finding wood that is already dead takes a lot less energy, and prevents you from killing the trees. 

Start by scavenging your campsite, all those sticks and limbs you moved to set up your tent are the perfect start. If you are going camping in a National Forest, you need to check the rules for gathering, and burning wood. Some places won't allow you to take wood, even when its dead. The last thing you want is to get fined for trying to keep warm, or cook food. 

Don't Build A Bonfire 

There is a stock image I have in my head of a group of friends all laughing around a fire, a huge campfire that is. This is a terrible idea, and can lead to a lot of problems. Not only will you burn through all of your wood before morning, but the likelihood of starting a brush fire is much greater. Build your fire small, so it is manageable, and easy to cook with. Start by building a fire pit, I usually find the best rocks and build a ring, a couple layers high. You'll want to keep a bucket of water close by in case it does get out of hand, and to also to put the fire out fully when you are finished. NEVER leave a fire unattended, and make sure that it is completely out before you leave the site. All it takes is a few gusts of wind, and some dry leaves to start a forest fire. You don't want to be that person.