Here are seven heaps easy steps to not being a trash human while thru-hiking in the USA.
For international hikers, the rules are different in the USA and are specific to different regions. Read the local rules. For instance, coming from Australia, I had never, not one single time, packed out my toilet paper. And yet, on the Pacific Crest Trail, you have to. That, my friends, is five months of wiping, bagging and packing it out.
It’s very easy to want to protect these glorious places. Here is a photo of Wrong Number, leaving no trace, with all her toilet paper and garbage tucked into her pack. 10/10.
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Before you lace up those trail runners and barrel out of town, do some homework. You’re here which is a good start. Scout out your chosen route, check if you need any permits, and know the logistics on any specific rules or restrictions. I won’t offend you by suggesting that you don’t have the appropriate gear, but you know, have the appropriate gear, like a trowel for those delightful little cat holes and various bags for all your waste, human and otherwise.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Contrary to popular belief, thru-hikers are not here to wander off the beaten path to find their own route to Canada. Stick to designated trails like lemmings and camp in established areas when you can. We want to protect those fragile ecosystems, so let’s avoid squashing the vegetation and stay on sturdy surfaces like rocks, gravel, or compacted soil.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
You pack it in, you pack it out. Simple. That means every last snickers wrapper, apple core and old Band-Aid. Oh, and did I mentioned used toilet paper? Yeah, that comes to town with you too. And when you gotta poop, be 200 feet away from any water sources and bury it deep (6-8 inches should do the trick).
4. Leave What You Find
Thru-hiking is not a scavenger hunt. Leave those rocks, plants, and shiny objects right where they belong. We want to preserve the natural order of things and keep the details intact for future adventurers. So, resist the urge to collect souvenirs and let others experience the joy of discovery too.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
If you, unlike me, can actually be bothered to make a fire after hiking 30 miles, read on. Use established fire rings and keep it small with dead branches only. When it’s time to roll into your tent, exhausted from the effort of collecting firewood, make sure there are no embers burning, douse it with water or sand. Thru-hikers have unintentionally started forest fires by not properly stifling their campfires.
6. Respect Wildlife
I know the critters can be cute, and also terrifying land based predators, but don’t touch them. And don’t let them eat your food. Keep your distance and use the bear can when you have to. It makes for a pretty sweet seat and it’s kind of great to have not squashed food sometimes. Also if you don’t know how to hang your food, either do your research, or outsource that to someone with skills. I found outdoor camp leaders and Minnesotans to be particularly helpful.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Try to play well with others. Be nice to the other hikers who are out there. Share the path like a seasoned hiker, give way if someone is faster than you, use headphones if you want to blast the beats and try to keep the noise down in the early morning or late at night at camp. Sleep is precious out there.
Now if you want more on this, go to the Pacific Crest Trail Association, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition or the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
So, hike your own hike, but also, don’t leave trash and don’t be trash.