Backcountry Etiquette
Stay on the Trail
In addition to keeping backcountry explorers “found,” the trails serve another purpose: conservation. Many backcountry areas are official provincial or national parks, areas of wilderness that have been set aside for the sole purpose of preserving a natural environment. Vegetation is easily destroyed by walking over it, especially while wearing heavy hiking boots. The trail is meant to absorb the damage that humans cause by walking, blazing only a thin trail of destruction through the expansive wilderness.
No-trace Camping
No-trace camping is becoming canon law where camping is concerned, especially as more and more of us take to the backcountry. The principle is simple: when you leave a site, make sure it looks as if you were never there.
Use the fire pit provided, if one already exists. If there is no fire pit, don't create one. Dispose of all waste either by incinerating it in a hot fire or packing it away in a garbage bag for disposal at the trail head. Pitch your tent in the same spot others have erected theirs. Instead of dumping unwanted food into the lake (where it will most likely stay forever), simply eat it or burn it. Wash dishes in a wash basin and dispose of the wash water away from the site and far from your water source.
The point of no-trace camping is to minimize the impact to the land so that the site looks just as pristine for the next visitors as it did for you.
Litter: Out of Sight, Out of Mind?
The backcountry is less traveled than any urban area, but that doesn't mean there is no one to offend by discarding candy bar wrappers or unwanted gear. It may seem easy to appeal to the old adage “out of sight, out of mind” when in such a remote place, but remember that once the litter is out of your sight, it inevitably mars someone else's. While already carrying several pounds of equipment, packing out a few more ounces of litter will hardly add to the load.
“Don't feed the animals”
Your food should go one of two places: into you or into the garbage. Making your food available to the local wildlife by tossing it into the bushes is only asking for trouble. Once the larger scavengers realize your presence promises food, you're fun is over. Raccoons are especially nasty creatures once they make it their goal to relieve you of your sustenance. Bears are even less welcome.
Seal all food, food garbage, and anything even remotely edible (such as toothpaste and soap) in a pack or heavy bag and hang it from a sturdy tree limb at least ten feet off the ground and at least four feet away from the tree trunk. Keep all dishes clean and put away. Don't give the locals any reason to explore your site and you'll have a peaceful night of restful sleep.