The Leave No Trace principles are essential guidelines for anyone who loves exploring the great outdoors. They help ensure that our natural spaces remain beautiful and accessible for future generations.
They are designed to promote responsible outdoor ethics and minimise our impact on the environment. These principles help outdoor enthusiasts like myself enjoy nature while preserving its beauty. By following these guidelines, we can ensure that our favourite trails, parks, and wilderness areas remain pristine and welcoming for everyone. Whether you’re planning a hike, camping trip, or simply enjoying a day outdoors, these principles serve as a reminder to tread lightly and respect the natural world around us. It won’t be here forever.
The seven Leave No Trace principles are well-known and established, yet they are not fixed. Leave No Trace actively reviews and updates these principles, conducting research to incorporate the latest insights from biologists, land managers, and experts in outdoor education. This ongoing evaluation ensures that the principles remain relevant and effective, adapting to new environmental challenges and conditions. By staying informed, Leave No Trace fosters responsible outdoor practices that protect our natural spaces and enhance the enjoyment of the outdoors for everyone.
Why are the Leave No Trace Principles important?
Leave No Trace is vital for several important reasons. First and foremost, it protects our natural environments from the harmful effects of human activities, helping to keep ecosystems healthy and thriving. Practising Leave No Trace also fosters a sense of responsibility and stewardship among individuals. When we make a conscious effort to minimise our impact, we not only set a positive example for others but also develop a deeper appreciation for nature. This mindset encourages a strong connection to the outdoors and reminds us that our actions can have lasting consequences.
As outdoor recreation continues to grow, the need for sustainable practices becomes increasingly important. The Leave No Trace principles help manage the rising number of visitors to popular areas, ensuring these spaces remain accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Ultimately, embracing Leave No Trace is about preserving the natural world for future generations, cultivating respect for nature, and enhancing our outdoor experiences. By making mindful choices, we can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while protecting it for those who follow in our footsteps.
1. Plan Ahead And Prepare
When outdoorsy folk plan enthusiasts plan ahead and prepare, they enhance their chances of having a safe and enjoyable experience while also protecting the environment. Careful planning allows individuals to achieve their trip goals, whether it’s hiking, camping, or exploring new areas. Conversely, poor preparation can lead to difficulties that diminish enjoyment and may inadvertently harm natural and cultural resources. By anticipating their needs and familiarising themselves with the area, visitors can safeguard the environment while fully enjoying their outdoor adventures.
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Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit.
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Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
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Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
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Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into smaller groups.
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Repackage food to minimise waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of rock cairns, flagging, or marking paint.
2.Travel And Camp On Durable Surfaces
By using durable surfaces like gravel, rock, dry grass, we can minimise soil erosion and protect delicate vegetation. This practice not only helps maintain the integrity of ecosystems but also reduces our impact on wildlife habitats. When camping, choosing durable sites prevents the creation of new disturbances and helps keep our natural spaces intact. By respecting these surfaces, we contribute to the preservation of the beauty and health of the environment for future generations.
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Durable surfaces include established trails, campsites, rock, gravel, and dry grasses or snow.
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Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
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Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
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Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
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Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Concentrate use on existing trails
3. Dispose Of Waste Properly
The waste generated by humans can have significant negative impacts if not managed correctly. It’s essential to anticipate the types of waste you’ll produce and understand the proper disposal techniques for each type in the area you’re visiting. Leave No Trace urges you to be mindful of the effects their actions have on the environment, as improper waste disposal can harm water sources, wildlife, and the experiences of other visitors. By taking responsibility for waste management, we can help protect these precious natural areas for everyone to enjoy.
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Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Small trowels are an excellent choice.
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To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
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Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled food. Pack out all rubbish, leftover food, and litter. Burning rubbish is never recommended.
- Bury toilet paper deep in a cathole or pack the toilet paper out along with hygiene products.
4. Leave What You Find
The items we encounter in nature play important roles in their ecosystems or contribute to the story of the landscape. By leaving these natural elements in place, we help preserve their significance. Allow others the opportunity to experience a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artefacts, and other intriguing objects as you find them. This respect for the environment maintains its beauty.
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Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
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Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
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Preserve the past: observe cultural or historic structures and artefacts, but do not touch them.
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Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
5. Minimise Campfire Impact
Once essential for cooking and warmth, campfires are rich in history and tradition, and many campers can’t imagine a trip without one. Building a campfire is an important skill for outdoor enthusiasts. However, the natural beauty of many areas has suffered from the overuse of fires and the rising demand for firewood. Additionally, human activity is a significant factor in the occurrence of wildfires, which pose a constant threat to outdoor spaces.
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Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
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Campfires can cause lasting impacts on the environment. Use a lightweight stove for cooking.
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Use established fire pits where fires are permitted.
- Keep fires small. Use only sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Avoid making a fire by taking a small compact stove on your trips.
6. Respect Wildlife
When you're in an outdoor space, you are entering the natural habitat of many wild animals, and it’s important to minimise your impact on them. Human activities can lead to negative interactions with wildlife, which may result in aggressive behaviour, declines in ecosystem health, and even the relocation of animals. These consequences can be avoided if visitors approach wildlife with respect and care. By observing animals from a distance, not feeding them, and following local guidelines, we can help protect these creatures and their habitats, ensuring a healthier ecosystem for all.
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Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
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Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviours, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
7. Be Considerate To Others
One of the key aspects of outdoor ethics is maintaining courtesy toward others, which enhances everyone’s experience in nature. Excessive noise, uncontrolled pets, and damage to the surroundings can diminish the natural beauty and tranquillity of outdoor spaces. By being considerate of fellow visitors, we create an environment where everyone can enjoy nature, regardless of how they engage with it. Simple gestures, like keeping noise levels down and respecting shared spaces, go a long way in ensuring that all can appreciate the great outdoors.
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Respect others and protect the quality of their experience.
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Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
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Greet riders and ask which side of the trail to move to when encountering pack stock.
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Take breaks and camp away from trails and others.
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Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
Essential Gear for Embracing Leave No Trace
We have carefully selected our favourite pieces of gear that not only enhance your outdoor experience but also promote the Leave No Trace Principles. These essential items are designed to help you enjoy nature while minimising your impact on the environment. Each piece of gear reflects a commitment to sustainability and responsible outdoor practices, ensuring that we preserve the beauty of our natural spaces for future generations.
TheTentLabs Deuce #2 Ultralight Trowel
Weighing in at only 17g, the Deuce #2 is easy to carry, making it ideal for those who need to minimise pack weight. Crafted from high-strength aluminium, it is designed to withstand tough conditions while remaining rust-resistant. This trowel offers dual functionality, serving not only for digging cat holes for waste disposal—aligning perfectly with Leave No Trace principles—but also for other tasks like breaking up soil or moving small rocks. Its ergonomic shape ensures a comfortable grip, allowing for efficient digging, while the compact size makes it easy to stow away in any gear setup without taking up too much space.
Common Gear Travel Bidet
The Common Gear Travel Bidet is a convenient and practical solution for maintaining personal hygiene while traveling. Its compact and portable design allows it to easily fit into a travel bag or backpack, making it an essential accessory for campers, hikers, and travellers. It allows for controlled water flow, providing a refreshing experience without the need for toilet paper. Constructed from durable, eco-friendly materials, this bidet is designed to easily screw onto most 28mm disposable water bottles.
Sea To Summit Wilderness Wash
The Sea To Summit Wilderness Wash is a versatile, eco-friendly soap designed for the trail. It serves multiple purposes, making it ideal for washing dishes, cleaning gear, and personal hygiene while camping. With a biodegradable formula made from natural ingredients, this soap is safe for use in nature, aligning perfectly with environmentally conscious practices. Its concentrated solution means that a little goes a long way, allowing you to pack less while still enjoying effective cleaning power. The lightweight and compact packaging makes it easy to carry in your backpack or camping kit without taking up much space. Used in accordance with Leave No Trace principles.
The Kula Cloth Antimicrobial Pee Cloth
The Kula Cloth Antimicrobial Pee Cloth is an innovative and eco-friendly solution for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a sustainable alternative to toilet paper. Designed specifically for women, this reusable cloth provides a cleaner and more hygienic experience in the great outdoors. Its antimicrobial properties help reduce odour and keep the cloth fresh between uses. Featuring a two-sided design, one side is soft for comfort while the other is more absorbent, ensuring effective cleaning. Compact and lightweight, the Kula Cloth is easy to pack and carry, making it a convenient addition to any hiking or camping gear. The Kula Cloth Antimicrobial Pee Cloth is a practical choice for those who want to stay clean and environmentally conscious.