Backpacking and hiking teach us a lot about ourselves and the world around us: how to live simply, embrace the unexpected, appreciate nature, and recognize that we are a part of nature, not just visitors. Backpackers and hikers are one of the groups that are most dedicated to protecting nature because they see firsthand how beautiful, yet fragile, nature is. That’s where sustainable adventuring comes in. It isn’t about having no impact, but reducing it as much as possible. It’s about making small, intentional choices that help preserve the landscapes and ecosystems we love and enjoy.
In this article, we have outlined easy, trail-tested ways you can reduce your impact while hiking and backpacking to respect and protect the natural environment.
Quick Refresher on the Leave No Trace Principles
No sustainable adventuring article would be complete without the Leave No Trace Principles. These seven simple principles offer a framework for enjoying the outdoors responsibly. At its core, LNT is about respect: for nature, wildlife, other hikers, and future generations. By practicing these principles, backpackers and hikers become stewards of the wild.
The 7 Leave No Trace Principles:
Plan Ahead and Prepare – Know the regulations, weather, and terrain. Travel in small groups to reduce impact.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces – Stick to trails, rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow. Camp at existing sites where possible.
Dispose of Waste Properly – Pack it in, pack it out. This includes food scraps, wrappers, and even biodegradable waste like fruit peels.
Leave What You Find – Don’t pick wildflowers or take “souvenirs.” Let others experience the wilderness as it is.
Minimize Campfire Impact – Use a lightweight stove instead of building fires, or only use established fire rings if allowed.
Respect Wildlife – Observe from a distance, don’t feed animals, and store food securely.
Be Considerate of Others – Yield to others on the trail, keep noise levels down, and respect solitude.
Lead by Example to Reduce Your Impact While Hiking and Backpacking, Not Judgement
One of the most powerful things you can do for the environment is to lead by example. When others see you follow LNT principles, it sticks. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. If someone sees you do something “wrong,” they are more likely to say, “Well, they did it,” or “I’m not the only one”.
You can also share your sustainability tips with friends, post about your efforts, or just talk about what’s working and what’s been difficult for you. Encouragement goes a lot further than judgment, so keep it positive and approachable. You never know who you might inspire to make a small change that adds up over time.
Quick note: If you see someone not following the LNT principles, don’t become aggressive or put yourself in a spot where an altercation might occur. The forest service would much rather you report it to them than put yourself in any situation.
5 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Impact While Hiking and Backpacking
1. Pack out your toilet paper.
Now we’ve all heard that toilet paper is biodegradable, but just because something can break down, doesn’t mean we should leave it to nature to figure it out. Animals may dig it up, water sources may get contaminated, and the visual impact can ruin the wilderness experience for others. Packing out toilet paper might feel awkward at first, but once it becomes routine, it’s one of the simplest and most respectful things you can do for the environment and your fellow hikers. We love using empty Trailtopia food pouches for ours as they seal up tightly, are durable, and don’t allow any smells to escape.
2. Yes, you need to burry your poop and sometimes pack it out.
Talking about using the bathroom, some hikers think simply adding a rock, stick, or some dirt on top will do the trick. Unfortunately, this can cause issues for wildlife and potentially contaminate water sources. LNT states to, “burry your poop in a 6-8″ deep hole at least 200 feet, 70 big steps, away from any water sources”. In more fragile areas, regulations may require you to pack out your waste, a detail you’ll find when researching or applying for a permit in that region.
3. Pick up others’ trash you see on the trail.
A lot of people think, “If it’s not my trash, why should I pick it up?” And while we can understand that mindset, it’s important to remember that no one’s perfect, not even you. Even if you’re super careful, a wrapper might blow away, lint could fall from your pocket, or you might still be learning how to better follow Leave No Trace principles. That’s why we always pick up litter when we see it. If we accidentally dropped something without realizing it, we’d hope someone else would do the same for us. It’s our way of paying it forward.
Quick tip: Always stash your trash in a zippered pocket so it can’t fall out. Again, we love using empty Trailtopia pouches as trash collectors.
4. If the trail is muddy, still walk through it.
Many of us know we should stay on the trail while hiking, but what if the trail is muddy or full of water? There are two key guidelines when it comes to muddy trails: either avoid them altogether to prevent causing damage, or if it’s a well-maintained trail, walk straight through the mud to avoid widening the path. The best way to stick to this is by wearing proper footwear, even on easier hikes, so you’re not tempted to sidestep puddles or soft spots.
5. Good tent spots are found, not made.
Instead of moving rocks, clearing plants, or digging to make a spot more “comfortable,” keep looking until you find a durable surface like gravel, sand, or established dirt. Setting up camp where you don't have to move anything helps protect fragile vegetation and keeps wild places wild. If it takes a few extra minutes to find the right spot, it’s worth it for the long-term health of the trail.
Final Thoughts on 5 Ways to Reduce Your Impact While Hiking and Backpacking
Sustainability, especially in the backcountry, isn’t about being perfect. It’s a journey of awareness, small shifts, and progress over time. Every hiker and backpacker has room to grow, and each trip offers a chance to notice more, learn more, and do a little better. Reducing our impact isn’t about strictly following rules, it’s about respecting the ecosystems that support life, the trails we love, and future adventurers who will walk them after us. Whether it’s packing out your trash, picking up a stray wrapper, or simply sharing your knowledge, your actions matter. Together, we can protect the places that bring us peace, challenge, and joy, one step at a time.
If you have any other tips, please drop them in the comments below, and if you found this article useful, share it with your adventurous friends and family!