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7 Easy Ways to Leave No Trace on the Trail

7 Easy Ways to Leave No Trace on the Trail

Nicole Barnes |


When we venture into the great outdoors, we're not just visitors; we're stewards of nature. Leave No Trace (LNT) principles serve as our guide, reminding us of our responsibility to preserve and protect the environment while enjoying its wonders. Whether hiking through dense forests, camping under starlit skies, or kayaking along tranquil waters, adhering to these principles ensures that our impact remains minimal and nature stays wild for future explorers. Let's delve into each of the seven principles and explore actionable steps we can take to uphold them:

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  • Research the area's regulations and guidelines before embarking on your adventure.
  • Pack essential gear and supplies, including maps, navigation tools, and extra clothing. 
  • Familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace principles and educate your fellow adventurers.

Include the Brunton ECOmpass in your pack to ensure you can find your way no matter where you are. Made from recycled materials and built to last, this compass is crafted in the heart of the American West. 

  1. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces:
  • Stick to established trails and campsites to minimize damage to fragile ecosystems.
  • Spread out tents and camping equipment to avoid concentrated impact on vegetation.
  • Utilize durable surfaces like rocks, gravel, or dry grass for activities and rest.

Carry a light-weight and super sleek towel for a softer sit. The Trek Light towels are made from recycled plastic, dry fast and are no larger than a water bottle when all rolled up and ready to go. 

  1. Dispose of Waste Properly:
  • Pack out all trash, including food scraps, toilet paper, and hygiene products.
  • Use biodegradable soap and dispose of wastewater at least 200 feet away from water sources.
  • Follow "pack it in, pack it out" principles, leaving no trace of your presence behind.

One of our more popular items, the Kula Cloth is the perfect companion for ladies on the trail. Created with antimicrobial, fast-drying fabric, the Kula Cloth can be used in place of toilet paper (for pee only!) for when you’ve got to take a bathroom break. Snap it on to your pack and snap closed so it doesn’t touch your pack or get dirty on the trail. 

  1. Leave What You Find:
  • Resist the temptation to collect souvenirs or disturb natural artifacts - no rock cairns please! 
  • Leave rocks, plants, and wildlife as you found them, preserving the ecosystem's balance.
  • Take only photographs and memories, allowing others to enjoy nature's beauty.

The BioLite charger is a pack essential for photographers, allowing you to recharge your phone, cameras or other gear efficiently right from the trail. 

  1. Minimize Campfire Impacts:
  • Use existing fire rings whenever possible and keep fires small.
  • Only burn untreated wood and ensure fires are completely extinguished before leaving.
  • Consider alternatives like portable stoves to minimize the ecological impact of campfires.

If you’re in a sensitive environment or under a burn ban, the Soto stove and cookset has got you covered! Ultra light-weight and designed for the backcountry, you can always start the trail days with coffee when this essential is in your pack. 

  1. Respect Wildlife:
  • Observe animals from a distance and don’t approach them
  • Store food securely and do not feed wildlife
  • Keep pets under control and on a leash to avoid conflicts with wildlife.

There’s no better companion than a pup at camp, but be sure they stay close when necessary with this 4 or 6 ft leash made from recycled climbing rope. In an array of vibrant colors, these pup accessories can help you respect wildlife in style.  

  1. Be Considerate of Other Visitors:
  • Respect quiet hours and minimize noise pollution to preserve the tranquility of nature.
  • Yield to other hikers and maintain a courteous demeanor on trails and at campsites.
  • Share knowledge and resources with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, fostering a community of responsible recreationists.

Using the BioLite headlamp helps prevent light pollution at night. With a brilliant beam directed only where you look, your campmates can enjoy the stars without glaring lanterns or bright light disruption. 

By embracing the seven principles of Leave No Trace, we ensure the preservation of our natural spaces and enrich our own outdoor experiences. Every step we take to minimize our human impact contributes to the conservation of our planet's precious ecosystems, allowing future generations to enjoy the splendor of the wilderness. As we embark on our adventures, let's remember that by leaving no trace, we leave a legacy of respect, stewardship, and appreciation for the great outdoors. Happy trails!