Trail Etiquette
What do you do with used TP and feminine supplies
Pack it out
Name 3 things you learn about your hike by looking at the topo map ahead of time
Elevation (and elevation changes), terrain features like peaks, ridges and lakes, location of trails and water sources, mileage, vegetation, location of buildings/ranger stations, route options
Name two fabrics that are excellent for wicking away moisture
Wool, polypropylene, capilene, silk, polyester fleece
Is your lunch the same as emergency food?
No! Once you eat your lunch you’ll have no emergency food. Always take power bar or something extra.
How do you best avoid snakebites?
Watch where you put your feet, don’t be tempted to catch snakes
How deep should you bury human waste and what tool should you use?
6 - 8 inches, trowel
When the contour lines on a topo get close together, the terrain is:
Steep
What are the advantages of hiking boots over athletic shoes?
Better durability, support, traction and protection from rocky surfaces
What are the advantages and disadvantages of hydration packs (e.g., CamelBaks, Platypus)
Advantages: easy and quick to drink water while you hike; easier to stay hydrated.
Disadvantages: they can leak; you can’t tell how much water you’re drinking; you can’t add
Gatorade or other powdered drinks to your water.
How do you avoid poison oak if you don't know what it looks like?
Don’t touch any plants with leaves of three. Also, learn to identify poison oak!
Going poo must be done ______ feet from open water?
150-200 feet
Topo maps are oriented to
True north/ North
What is the point of wearing a liner sock under a heavier hiking sock?
It provides friction between the two socks, reducing the chance of blisters
What are nice features in a good daypack?
Comfortable, padded straps made of durable material, water resistant, multiple zippered
compartments, loops on the outside to hang things on.
If you find a tick attached, what do you do?
Remove by gently pulling straight out with tweezers right from the head. Any resulting skin aggravation should be looked at by a doctor, even if it occurs a couple weeks later.
When you meet horses coming toward you, how do you handle the “right of way?”
Move far enough off the trail to let the horses pass and secure your safety, but still maintain visual contact so you don’t spook the horse.
Your compass points to: (2 words)
Magnetic North
What is “layering?”
Layering is a system of dressing in which you wear multiple layers of clothing so that you can
add layers when it gets colder and take off layers when it gets warmer.
Which of the 10 Essentials help you Find Your Way?
Map, compass, flashlight
What are three ways to prevent blisters?
Well-fitting boots, non-cotton socks, liners, pre-treat w/ duct tape, break in boots
What are three things you can do to protect trails from erosion?
What are three things you can do to protect trails from erosion?
A. Don’t cut switchbacks; stay on the trail; don’t walk side by side
Is cotton a good choice of fabric for hiking? Why?
No, because when it gets wet is sucks the heat out of your body.
Which of the 10 Essentials help protect you from the elements?
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lipblock), cold protection (layered clothes)
List at least two ways to prevent heat illness.
Hydrate, dress appropriately, rest frequently and avoid the heat of the day.