{"id":13757,"date":"2025-08-14T04:01:32","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T04:01:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bluesboots.com\/?page_id=13757"},"modified":"2025-08-14T16:16:04","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T16:16:04","slug":"hiking-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bluesboots.com\/?page_id=13757","title":{"rendered":"Hiking Basics 101"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-accent-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-b5b255eaacc790049b4f740f181862d1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>How To Be A Decent and Thoughtful Human Being on the Trail<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019ve been hiking, backpacking, and snowshoeing for years, and I\u2019ve seen some atrocious things done by the hands of humans. This page is about how to be a decent and respectful human when out on the trail. This applies whether you are brand new to hiking (think of it as Hiking 101) or if you\u2019ve been enjoying the great outdoors for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ll cover Leave No Trace, Trail Etiquette, the 10 Essentials, and a few other bits about how to be a polite and ethical person. Whether this is new to you or a refresher \u2013 please PLEASE share with anyone who spends time on our public lands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>THE SHORT VERSION<\/strong>: (but please take time to read through it all)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>Leave No Trace:<\/u><\/strong><br>Plan and prepare<br>Travel on durable surfaces<br>DISPOSE OF TRASH AND WASTE<br>Leave what you find\u201d<br>Minimize campfire impacts<br>Respect wildlife<br>Be considerate<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>Ten Essentials:<\/u><\/strong><br>Navigation<br>Sun Protection<br>Insulation<br>Light \/ Illumination<br>First Aid Kit<br>Fire<br>Tools<br>Water<br>Food<br>Emergency Shelter<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Trail Etiquette<\/span><\/strong><br>Know who has the right of way and respect that<br>No music on speakers<br>Be a Good Person<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"is-style-rounded wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bluesboots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/GrandValleyOlympics-8.jpg?resize=676%2C381&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13230\" style=\"width:527px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bluesboots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/GrandValleyOlympics-8-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C577&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bluesboots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/GrandValleyOlympics-8-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bluesboots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/GrandValleyOlympics-8-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bluesboots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/GrandValleyOlympics-8-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C865&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bluesboots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/GrandValleyOlympics-8-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1153&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bluesboots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/GrandValleyOlympics-8-scaled.jpg?resize=676%2C381&amp;ssl=1 676w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bluesboots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/GrandValleyOlympics-8-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>THE LONG VERSION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>Leave No Trace<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">From the National Park Service, Leave No Trace means \u201cminimize your impact on the environment and other people while enjoying outdoor activities.\u201d <a href=\"http:\/\/www.LNT.org\">www.LNT.org<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The 7 Leave No Trace principles are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Plan and prepare <\/strong>\u2013 Know where you\u2019re going, have the correct permits or passes (if required), know rules about dogs if your puppy will be with you. Have the 10 Essentials (see below). This also includes checking weather. Mother Nature doesn\u2019t care if you get rained on.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Travel on durable surfaces <\/strong>\u2013 Don\u2019t cut switchbacks, stay on trail, don\u2019t trample through wildflowers or plants, respect trail closures<strong>.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>DISPOSE OF TRASH AND WASTE <\/strong>&#8211;&nbsp; Please, PLEASE don\u2019t litter. If you bring it with you, take it home with you. It\u2019s that simple. This includes all trash, food, etc. Yes, it means ALLLLL OF IT, including dog poo, banana peels, cigarette butts, and toilet paper (yes, pack out your toilet paper! More on that below).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Leave what you find <\/strong>\u2013 Please don\u2019t bring home cones, rocks, or other cool things you find while outside. They belong where nature put them. Take photos instead. Be especially careful to not touch, move, or remove anything of cultural significance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Minimize campfire impacts <\/strong>\u2013 Obey all burn bans when camping, always. If you don\u2019t know about current restrictions, find out. We have so much trouble with wildfires in much of the United States, don\u2019t be the moron who starts another one.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Respect wildlife \u2013 <\/strong>Take photos, but respect that wild animals are\u2026 WILD!&nbsp; Do not get too close, respect distance, and don\u2019t be one of the people who thinks it\u2019s fun to \u201cpet the big furry cow\u201d and get gored by a bison. Also, please DO NOT ever feed wildlife, even the cute little chipmunks who beg. Human food is horrible for them. Don\u2019t do it. I\u2019m going to add to this concept \u2013 Please also respect plants and trees. They deserve to be treated respectfully as well, not trampled on.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Be considerate of others. <\/strong>Often you are not the only person on the trail. Observe Trail Etiquette (below), nod, say hello, and remember that you don\u2019t get the entire trail to yourself. Be kind, please.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">This article from Washington State Parks is a great resource for anyone, not just those in Washington State: <a href=\"https:\/\/parks.wa.gov\/about\/news-center\/field-guide-blog\/what-leave-no-trace-and-why-we-should-all-do-it\">https:\/\/parks.wa.gov\/about\/news-center\/field-guide-blog\/what-leave-no-trace-and-why-we-should-all-do-it<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#8217;t be this person:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"is-style-default wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1441\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bluesboots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250809_125533-scaled.jpg?fit=676%2C381&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13764\" style=\"width:557px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bluesboots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250809_125533-scaled.jpg?w=2560&amp;ssl=1 2560w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bluesboots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250809_125533-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bluesboots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250809_125533-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C577&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bluesboots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250809_125533-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bluesboots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250809_125533-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C865&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bluesboots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250809_125533-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1153&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bluesboots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250809_125533-scaled.jpg?resize=676%2C381&amp;ssl=1 676w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bluesboots.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250809_125533-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>Trail Etiquette<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hikers v. Hikers <\/strong>\u2013 Hikers going <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">UP<\/span> hill have right of way. That means those going downhill yield. (Trail runners, please take note of this!! More below.) If you\u2019re going up hill and you\u2019d like to stop for a breather or a sip of water, step aside and let the downhill person know they\u2019re free to pass you (please don&#8217;t squash plants). If you come up behind someone going slower, a simple \u201cHello\u201d or \u201cOn your left\u201d will suffice to announce yourself. Try to not step off trail if possible. If someone stops to let you pass by, it costs nothing at all to smile and say \u201cThank You.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hikers, Bikers, and Horses <\/strong>\u2013 Be aware of what use the trail that you are on is intended for. Is it hiking only, or is it a shared-used trail with mountain bikers as well? Generally bikers are expected to yield to hikers, but if you\u2019re hiking and someone is going fast on a bike, be a good person and step out of their way (try as best as possible to not squash plants as you do so). Some trails also include horses. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Always <\/span>yield to horses, step downhill from them if possible, and talk gently so they know you\u2019re there and aren\u2019t spooked. No sudden movements please. Either way, having an awareness of what\u2019s going on around you on trails is a good idea. Look at \u201cMusic\u201d below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Music <\/strong>\u2013 Many people go outside to enjoy peace and quiet. They do not want to hear your music. If you insist on music, there are amazing things called earbuds or headphones, use those instead. A note of caution about music in your ears: When outdoors it\u2019s always best to have an awareness of your surroundings, especially in bear or bison territory. How about tuning into the beautiful sounds of nature instead? Try it, you might like it. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The same goes for loud voices. There is no reason to yell and shout on the trail. Not everyone wants to hear what you did last night. Remember that song from \u2018Til Tuesday called \u201cVoices Carry\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Large Groups <\/strong>&#8211; It&#8217;s great that you want to spend time with friends and family in the great outdoors, hooray for no-screen time!  But please remember that large groups often mean loud voices, not paying attention to your surroundings, and hogging the entire trail. Please be thoughtful of others who are also out trying to enjoy the outdoors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scents <\/strong>\u2013 Many people do not enjoy the smell of cigarettes or marijuana. It\u2019s not fun having to walk through a cloud of it in a parking lot, it\u2019s also not pleasant to smell it in the great outdoors. In fact, some people are actually allergic to it (me).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Be a Good Person <\/strong>\u2013 Just think of how you would like to be treated by others, and do that. Be Good. Do good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>Be Prepared \u2013 10 Essentials<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">I can\u2019t count how many times I\u2019ve seen people totally unprepared out on trails. I\u2019ve had to filter water for unprepared people who were dehydrated several times as well. Use common sense and don\u2019t be a Search and Rescue event! Also, appropriate footwear, please.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The Ten Essentials should always be carried when hiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Navigation<\/strong>: map, compass, GPS system. Know how to read a paper map (apparently this is becoming a lost art). GPS systems on a cell phone or smart watch are great, but remember that batteries die, and technology can sometimes glitch.  Research ahead of time from home so you have an idea of where you\u2019ll be going. The NPS websites for each national park always have trail maps that you can look at online. Most state parks do as well. (I use GaiaGPS and love it, but I don&#8217;t rely on it 100%. Tip &#8211; If you use a GPS system on your phone, set your phone to airplane mode when on the trail, it will extend battery life a lot.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Sun Protection <\/strong>\u2013 sunglasses, hat, sunscreen. For those who can\u2019t or don\u2019t use sunscreen, there is some great sun-protective clothing available.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Insulation <\/strong>\u2013 Jacket, hat, gloves, rain gear, clothing layers. Especially in mountains, weather can change quickly. Mother Nature can be unpredictable, regardless of what the weather forecast says (I have stories about this). Be prepared, even if you don\u2019t think you\u2019ll need it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Light \/ Illumination <\/strong>\u2013 Have some kind of light source with you, a small flashlight, headlamp, etc. Cell phones have flashlights, but remember that cell batteries are drained quickly using things like that. Invest in a headlamp that will last you for years and years, and let it live always in your backpack.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>First Aid Kit <\/strong>\u2013 This is not just a couple of adhesive bandages. Add in antibacterial ointment, gauze, alcohol or Betadine wipes, Benadryl, etc. Make sure things haven\u2019t expired. A clean tampon in a wrapper makes a great addition to a first aid kit, to be used as a sponge, as a semi-clean bandage or packing material, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Fire <\/strong>\u2013 No we don\u2019t want to start fires, but in an emergency it can be a life saver for a heat source, and as an emergency signal. Pack waterproof matches and fire starter in your 10-essentials kit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Tools <\/strong>&#8211;&nbsp; A multi-tool like a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman tool can save the day, always have one with you and easily accessible. These can include knives, pliers, screw drivers, etc. So many models to choose from!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Food <\/strong>\u2013 Plans or weather change, Mother Nature changes her mind, you never know when you might be out longer than expected. Always have a bit of extra food and snacks. A couple of wrapped energy or protein bars living in the bottom of your backpack is a great idea.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Water <\/strong>\u2013 This is the one that I see go wrong most often. You HAVE to stay hydrated. A single small water bottle for 3 people on a long and hot hike is just not enough. In fact, it\u2019s downright dumb. If you feel thirsty, you\u2019re already dehydrated. I have stories about this too. Consider having a Sawyer water filter or other type of filtration drops\/tablets as part of your 10 Essentials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Emergency shelter <\/strong>\u2013 There are some great space blankets available that only weigh a couple of ounces and can mean the difference between making it through an emergency or bad weather, or things ending badly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Other Bits and Pieces:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do not feed wild animals<\/strong><br>Yes, those chipmunks are cute. So are birds, deer, and other wildlife. Bears are too. They should NOT eat human food, it\u2019s horrible for their bodies, and by feeding them they get habituated to humans = food, which always has a bad ending. There\u2019s a saying with a lot of truth in it: \u201cA fed bear is a dead bear.\u201d &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>                                  <strong>Just. Don\u2019t. Do. It.<\/strong><br>                                                                                      <strong>Don\u2019t.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Trail Runners<\/strong><br>Basic trail etiquette rules state that people going uphill have right of way. That means when you\u2019re running at speed downhill, completely tuned out to what is going on around you, and you come upon backpackers carrying large backpacks heading uphill, you are meant to yield to them, instead of plowing over them and forcing them to quickly hop off the trail to avoid being run over. Perhaps consider reviewing simple trail etiquette before venturing out on a trail run again. Snarky and snide voice intended here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dogs<\/strong><br>1.  Always check to see if dogs are allowed on trails or not. In most National Parks dogs are not allowed on trails, they are allowed where cars can go, i.e. the parking lot. There are many good, solid reasons for this. I know your dog is adorable, but please follow regulations and don&#8217;t assume that your pet is the exception to this rule. I also have many stories about this, unfortunately.<br>2.  IF dogs are allowed, please have your dog(s) leashed when required. Your dog might be friendly, but you have no idea if other dogs out on the trail are friendly or reactive. Please PLEASE be a responsible human.<br>3.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">CLEAN UP YOUR DOG\u2019S POO AND DISPOSE OF IT PROPERLY<\/span>. This does not mean bagging it and leaving the bag on the side of the trail. Do you do that at home? Do you have bags of dog poo littering your yard? Be good, do good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Toilet paper<\/strong><br>It is absolutely disgusting to get to a backcountry campsite in the pristine wilderness and see toilet paper littering the landscape, or see it dotting a trail. Have an extra small baggie in your backpack, toilet paper goes into that, and follow Leave No Trace \u2013 dispose of it properly. For women: please consider investing in a Kula Cloth or other re-usable pee cloth. It will more than pay for itself in the long run, and is easy to wash at camp or toss in the laundry when you get home. You can then say that you actually practice Leave No Trace, instead of leaving your used toilet paper on the ground for other people to see. Disgusting and absolutely inexcusable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Please strive to be a decent and respectful human being, both to other people and to Mother Nature herself. Be considerate and thoughtful so that everyone can enjoy their trail time. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How To Be A Decent and Thoughtful Human Being on the Trail I\u2019ve been hiking, backpacking, and snowshoeing for years, and I\u2019ve seen some atrocious things done by the hands of humans. This page is about how to be a decent and respectful human when out on the trail. This applies whether you are brand [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-13757","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","post-preview"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Hiking Basics 101 - Blue&#039;s Boots<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/bluesboots.com\/?page_id=13757\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Hiking Basics 101 - Blue&#039;s Boots\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"How To Be A Decent and Thoughtful Human Being on the Trail I\u2019ve been hiking, backpacking, and snowshoeing for years, and I\u2019ve seen some atrocious things done by the hands of humans. 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This page is about how to be a decent and respectful human when out on the trail. 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