Proper Hiking Etiquette
Good manners can go a long way. No matter if you are on the trail or on a city sidewalk, knowing how to behave appropriately around others can help make everyone’s experience a more positive one. Whether you’re someone who is just getting started with hiking or a seasoned backpacker, it is always a good idea to brush up on proper hiking etiquette.
Below are a few basic rules of thumb for being a well-mannered backpacker or hiker.
Right of Ways
Much like there are rules of the road for driving, there are rules of the trail for trekking. It’s always important to know who has the right of way. This is not just for the sake of proper hiking etiquette, but for safety, too!
If you’re on a trail where there is signage specifying right of way guidelines, follow those. If not, below are some common rules of thumb.
Uphill Vs. Downhill Right of Way
When people cross paths on a hilly part of the trail, the people who are moving uphill have the right of way. The hikers on their way down will need to step to the side to let them pass. One reason for this is that people walking uphill have a narrower field of vision. Their focus is on the area immediately in front of them. Meanwhile people hiking downhill have a broader field of vision.
Also, it can be really frustrating to have to halt your momentum to let someone pass when you are huffing it up an incline.
If you’re trying to pass someone going the same direction as you on a hill, wait for a wide section of the trail, then kindly warn them that you are going to pass.
Hikers Vs. Bikers Right of Way
Technically, bikers are supposed to yield to hikers on the trail. However, many hikers may agree that for proper hiking etiquette, you should yield to bikers.
The reason being that it is far easier for hikers to move out of the way than it is for bikers. Especially on hills.
Most bikers will give a warning shout when they are coming up on a hiker. Experienced bikers will let you know how many more are in their party behind them. Take a step to the side and let them pass, then carry on your merry way.
Hikers Vs. Horses Right of Way
Depending on the trail you are hiking on, you may come across people with their pack stock. Knowing proper hiking etiquette and right of way rules around horses is incredibly important for your safety and the safety of the people accompanying the animals.
Hikers should always yield to horses. When you cross paths with them on the trail, you should move to the downhill side of the trail slowly and quietly.
Horses can get scared easily and can become dangerous when frightened. It is important to remain calm and use a relaxed tone of voice when encountering unfamiliar horses on the trail. If you are approaching the animals from behind, calmly alert them and their handlers of your presence.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
It may sound simple, but being alert and aware of your surroundings can go a long way when it comes to being a well-mannered hiker.
We’ve all experienced instances out in public where someone is blocking your path and inconveniencing you without noticing. Try your best to not be that person on the trail.
When you’re taking a break for a snack or water, take one at a wider part of the trail and move toward the edge to keep from blocking the path. For backpackers who need relief from their pack during the break, make sure your gear isn’t blocking the trail as well. If you are a slow walker, listen out for faster trekkers who may be coming up behind you.
When people are cognizant of the other hikers they are sharing the trail with, treks are a lot more enjoyable. This is especially important during peak trail times.
Music and Other Racket
There are many benefits to hiking that pulls people out into the woods every day. One thing that many people treasure the most out of the forest is the peace and quiet they experience there. If you want to exhibit proper hiking etiquette, you shouldn’t disturb this peace.
A common pet peeve among people who spend a lot of time in the backcountry is people playing music loudly. Sound can carry great distances,, especially in certain landscapes. That loud music can disturb hikers from far away.
When you’re hiking, resist the urge to play music out loud. If you must, play it quietly so that others cannot hear it. While your favorite musical artist may energize you to get those next miles in, it can really bother the people around you. Not to mention the wildlife. Keep in mind that some of the critters who live in the forest around you rely on sound to communicate.
The same goes for your voice. You can certainly use your outside voice, but be respectful. Try to reserve screams for emergencies only. Hearing a scream in the forest can alert other hikers that someone may be in distress and you don’t want to send false alarms.
Photo by nika tchokhonelidze on Unsplash
Control Your Pet
It’s always fun to bring your best friend out on the trail with you. If you do choose to bring your dog out for a hike (or other pets, if fitting), make sure they are always under your control or leashed.
This is important for the safety of your dog and the comfort of other hikers.
Some people don’t like pets. While us at Hinterback are thrilled to meet any pooch we come across on the trail, not every hiker feels the same way. Teach your four-legged friends to keep their distance from strangers. If they’re not trained well enough to do so, it might not be time for them to explore the trails with you.
Also be sure to only take them to trails where dogs are allowed and always clean up after them when they do their business.
Be Friendly and Warn Others of Hazards
Some people are more talkative than others, but it can be a good idea to say a quick “hello” to the people you come across on the trail.
Chatting with fellow hikers presents the opportunity to warn each other about trail conditions and hazards that might lie ahead. For example, if you take a second to talk to someone as you pass by, they might share with you that they saw a bear a couple miles ahead. This allows you to prepare yourself for potentially encountering a bear and to get your bear spray ready.
Talking to people on the trail can also be a good safety measure for solo backpackers. Having a short conversation with someone allows them to remember your face better than they would if you simply passed each other by. If you were to get lost, that short conversation could give clues as to where and when you were most recently seen.
As always, use your judgement and trust your gut when encountering people on the trail. While a vast majority of people you come across on the trail will be friendly, nature-loving hikers like you, there may be some unsavory individuals as well. Bring some form of protection when hiking alone.
Give Space to Other Backpackers
Your manners shouldn’t end once you complete your miles for the day. When you’re backpacking, continue to be respectful from your campsite.
Some forests have designated campsite. Others allow you to wilderness camp. Either way, make sure you are giving your fellow backpackers plenty of space and privacy.
If you are choosing your own site, opt for locations out of view of other campsites. When you are assigned a location, set up your site to maximize space and coverage between one another.
At camp, people would like some privacy for changing, relaxing, checking for ticks, and tending to any blisters or injuries they may have obtained on the trail. They’ll also want space to set up chairs, hammocks, or anything else they have to lounge on. Being on top of one another can make it difficult to unwind after a long day.
Also be sure to store your food properly, especially when camping near other backpackers. All it takes is one easy meal to attract a bunch of critters to an area. Neglecting to store your food can cause an issue not only for the campers at the site while your there, but future backpackers spending the night in the area.
Read more about storing your food at camp here!
Leave No Trace
Proper hiking etiquette includes being good to the land you are hiking on. This means following the “leave no trace” principles any time you are in the forest.
These principles are good rules of thumb for limiting your impact on the area. You can obey these rules by staying on marked trails and established campsites to keep from harming vegetation. Picking up after yourself, including trash, toilet tissue, pet waste, and food is also important.
Leaving a trace doesn’t always mean leaving something behind. It also means taking something with you. Don’t take any souvenirs from the forest except pictures and memories.
Conclusion
Being a well-mannered hiker or backpacker can be easy once you know the rules of thumb. Simply being a kind and respectful person goes a long way when it comes to proper hiking etiquette. If we all follow these guidelines, we can keep the trails an enjoyable and relaxing place for all of us to enjoy.
Photo by David Schultz on Unsplash
