Backpacking offers freedom to the forest traveler. You have no worries, other than your own. You become part of a scenic landscape and survive in a primitive environment with few modem conveniences. Self-sufficient, yes, but with this freedom goes an individual responsibility to care for the environment and respect the rights of those you meet along the way and those who follow you.

Backpacking is not limited to supermen and superwomen. However, it does require physical stamina and a genuine liking for the isolation in the remote country. Overnight backpacking trips should be undertaken only by those who have hiked easier mountain or forest trails and are familiar with backpacking techniques.

Treading Lightly

For thousands of years our wildlands have existed in a complex ecological interrelationship. This interrelationship can be easily upset or even destroyed. Once damaged, some plants and soils may not recover in our lifetime. Today, nature is struggling in many backcountry areas to cope with results of unacceptable backpacking, overnight camping techniques, and heavy use.

Unappreciative or uninformed backpackers who have no enthusiasm for preserving the land are now in the minority. Even so, many backcountry areas are "camped out". Firewood is scarce or nonexistent. Unnatural fire, blackened rocks, and fire scars dot the landscape, and small green trees and ground cover are gone. In many areas, even the streams are no longer safe for drinking. Several groups of people camping around the same lake lower the quality of the "backcountry experience" through noise and visual pollution.

Laws and regulations are being enforced to correct and eliminate these situations, but cooperation, proper attitudes, and voluntary actions of visitors are better ways to preserve the land.

The concept of taking only pictures and leaving only footprints evolves from backpacker awareness.

Special Regulations

Permits

Permits are required in many areas of the backcountry. Permits are available at no cost and can be obtained from the local offices of the land managing agency. The permit must be obtained in advance and must be in your possession during your visit.

Group Size

In many backcountry areas the maximum number of people in a group is restricted. Large groups are destructive. Check to determine allowable group size.

Trail Courtesy

When hiking it's quite possible you may encounter trail riders along with pack stock. Since stock are easily spooked from unseen sources, it is best to make your presence known. When stock approaches, step off on the lower side of the trail while the stock passes. Be courteous in sharing the trail with others.

Fishing and Hunting

Write in advance of your backpacking trip for fishing and hunting rules and permits.

Fishing and hunting are authorized under State regulations. Check with the local Ranger before entering areas to fish or hunt because regulations vary.

In every jurisdiction, the "plinking" gun used to destroy chipmunks, song birds, and other wildlife is held in contempt, and it is usually illegal.

Pets

Regulations differ on taking pets into the backcountry so check with the local Ranger regarding restrictions. Remember: dogs and cats are predators by nature and will instinctively chase forest birds and animals; horses and dogs don't mix, so physical restraint of the dog is necessary; and bears and dogs don't mix.

You know your pet but other persons do not. Many areas have leash restrictions, especially on or within specified distances (usually 300 feet) of well-traveled trails or in heavily used areas. Show respect for other persons and wildlife by keeping your pet under physical restraint or better yet, you might consider leaving your pet at home.

Awareness and Techniques

Backpacker awareness means understanding how you fit into the backcountry scene and not leaving evidence of your visit. If such awareness were practiced, all visitors would have the same opportunity to experience the natural scene.

This awareness is intended to create backpacker recognition of the fragility of backcountry areas and a personal commitment to the care and wise use of this land.

If we could look back at the Rockies, the Southwest, or the lake States in 1830, we would see a land devoid of cities, roads, and vehicles, inhabited only by Indians and mountain men. When he traveled the backcountry the mountain man's priorities were: adventure, monetary gain, and personal survival. Today's visitors to the backcountry seek solitude, primitive recreation, and natural scenery.

Yesterday's mountain man left no sign of his presence in hostile Indian country. Today, backpackers should leave no signs of their presence so that the next person can enjoy a natural scene and the solitude it portrays. You must tread lightly so nature can endure and replenish.

Trip Planning

The first step of awareness and backpacking technique is planning your trip. As one of numerous visitors in the backcountry, plan your trip carefully to protect yourself as well as the environment.

For a carefully planned trip, consider:

• maps to plan access, takeoff and retum points, route of travel, approximate camping areas, and points of attraction to visit;
• proper lightweight equipment to safely cope with the elements and your recreational pursuits;
• food for the entire trip, packed in lightweight containers such as plastic bags;
• number of persons in the party and their abilities; and
• regulations and restrictions that may be applicable.

Experience will help you refine planning skills, equipment, and techniques. However, evenings at home with how-to-do-it books, practice in putting up tents or shelters from ground cloths, and trying out dehydrated foods or home recipes will spark the imagination and eliminate some mistakes.

What Do You Need For:

Camping:

Pack a tent or tarp for a shelter, sleeping bag, foam pad, light-weight stove, cooking utensils, dishes and cutlery, and a small flashlight with extra batteries and bulb. Food should include snacks for the trail.

Clothing:

Bring slacks or jeans, 2 pairs, long-sleeved cotton shirts, at least 2 wool shirts or a sweater, parka or windbreaker, wool socks, 2 changes, underwear, camp shoes and socks, rain gear (rain shirt, poncho or nylon rain-coat), and handkerchiefs.

First Aid Kit (you can make your own):

Bring adhesive bandages, compresses, 4-inch elastic bandages, triangular bandage, antiseptic, aspirin, eye wash, adhesive tape, insect repellent, sunscreen lotion, mole-skin for blisters, tweezers, and chapped-lip medication.

Hiking:

Wear footwear with eyelets and lacing. Most backpackers prefer 6- to 10-inch laced boots with rubber or synthetic soles. Footwear should be "broken in" and fit comfortably over two pairs of socks, one light and one heavy. Take extra laces.

Personal Sanitation:

Carry a lightweight shovel or trowel, and toilet paper.

Comfort:

Bring dark glasses, rope (nylon cord), knife, small pliers, waterproof matches, biodegradable soap, a towel, needle, thread, and safety pins.

When to Travel

Time your trip according to climatic conditions. For example, in California's Hoover Wilderness backpacking season is about 2 months long, July and August. Even then, the hiker and camper should be prepared for all kinds of weather including rain, summer blizzards, extreme cold, and heavy winds. In the Colorado mountains, conditions are usually favorable for travel from June 15 to October 1, but in the Northern Rockies, the best time for a trip is between July 15 and September 15. If you go into the high country too early, snow may interfere with travel, streams tend to be high and difficult to cross, fishing may be poor, and meadows and trails are apt to be soft and subject to damage. July and August are subject to intense afternoon thunder and lightning storms in the alpine areas, August and early September often provide the best weather for travel in the high country, with little bother from insects.

To obtain solitude, try to plan your trip when use by others is at a minimum.

Travel Light

Experienced backpackers pride themselves on being able to travel light. Rugged, surefooted backpackers will seriously explain that they cut towels in half and saw the handles off toothbrushes to save ounces. They measure out just the right amount of food needed and put it in plastic bags, which are light. They carry scouring pads with built-in soap, to eliminate dish soap and a dishcloth.

How much should you carry? It all depends on your physical condition and experience, the terrain to be covered, the length of the trip, and the time of year. The average is 30 pounds for women (maximum 35), and 40 pounds for men (maximum 50).

When figuring weight, count all items the cup on your belt, the camera around your neck, and the keys in your pockets.

Backcountry Travel

Travel quietly in the backcountry, avoid clanging cups, yells, and screams. Noise pollution lessens the chance of seeing wildlife and is objectionable to others seeking solitude. However, in "grizzly country" noises may keep the bears away. See "Enjoy Bear Country."

Wear "earth colors" to lessen your visual impact, especially if you are traveling in a group. However, during hunting season a blaze orange hat and vest are advisable for your personal safety.

When tracking wildlife for a photograph or a closer look, stay downwind, avoid sudden motions, and never chase or charge any animal. Respect the needs of birds and animals for undisturbed territory. Some birds and small animals may be quite curious, but resist the temptation to feed them. Feeding wildlife can upset the natural balance of their food chain; your leftovers may carry bacteria harmful to them.

Stay on the designated path when hiking existing trails. Short-cutting a switchback or avoiding a muddy trail by walking in the grass causes unnecessary erosion and unsightly multiple paths. In the spring, travel across snow and rocks as much as possible; high mountain plants and soil are especially susceptible to damage during a thaw.

If you choose a route without trails, do not mark the trees, build rock piles, or leave messages in the dirt. A group should spread out rather than walk one behind the other (especially in tundra or meadow areas). Ten people tramping in a row can crush plant tissue beyond recovery and create channels for erosion.

Hike in groups of 4 to 6 people at most; four is the best number, especially during off-trail travel. In case of sickness or injury one person can stay with the victim while two people go for help. Use your judgment in breaking your group into smaller units to reduce visual impact and to increase individual enjoyment and self-reliance.

Pick up any litter along the route; have one pocket of your pack available for trash.

Avoid removing items of interest (rocks, flowers, wood or antlers). leave these in their natural state for others to see.

Allow horses plenty of room on trails. Horses may be frightened by backpack equipment. It is best to move off the trail. Everyone in your group should stand off to the same side of the trail. The downhill side of the trail is best. Avoid sudden movements as horses pass.

Help preserve America's cultural heritage by leaving archeological and historical remains undisturbed, encourage others to do the same, and report your discoveries to the local ranger.

Locating a Campsite

Check with the local ranger for suitable camping areas; then plan your trip to avoid areas that need to recover from overuse.

If other parties are close to where you want to camp, move on or choose your campsite so that terrain features insure privacy. Trees, shrubs, or small hills will reduce noise substantially. Out of respect for nearby campers keep the noise level low at your campsite.

Use an existing campsite whenever possible, in order to reduce human impact. If selecting a new campsite, choose a site on sandy terrain or the forest floor rather than the lush but delicate plant life of meadows, stream-banks, fragile alpine tundra, and other areas that can be easily trampled or scarred by a campfire.

Camp at least 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and "beauty spots" to prevent water and visual pollution.

Take a little extra time to seek out a more secluded area. It will increase your privacy and that of other visitors.

Arrange the tents throughout the campsite to avoid concentrating activities in the cooking area.

Avoid trenching around your tent, cutting live branches or pulling up plants to make a park-like campsite. If you do end up clearing the sleeping area of twigs, or pine cones, scatter these items back over the campsite before you leave.

A backcountry campsite should be reasonably organized. If you have laundry to dry or equipment to air out, try to make sure these items are not in sight of other campers or hikers.

Leave the area as you found it, or in even better condition.

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