Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Sometimes we’ll veer off a path, especially when traveling in the backcountry. In this case, it’s important to find durable surfaces that are able to recover from use. Most of the time, trails have already been established to best direct traffic flow. When camping, be conscious of the surface of an environment if pitching a tent. This can prevent damage from occurring in sensitive areas

Packing a stove for your camping trip has become a fast, easy, and sustainable way to cook when camping. It has minimal impact and leaves no guesswork as to the availability of firewood. If you are considering building a fire, be sure to first check the fire danger in the area and if there is sufficient wood for gathering. Use existing fire rings if there is one. Keep the fire small and let the wood burn entirely to ash. Extinguish fires with water, not dirt, and avoid rock outcrops where black scars can remain for years.

Dispose of Waste Properly

This doesn’t mean just throwing away your trash. In order to ensure the long-term sustainability of lands, especially in Utah, proper disposal of human waste is vital. Many campgrounds enforce packing out waste as well. Respecting this practice can help avoid pollution of water sources, prevent the spread of disease, and maximize the rate of decomposition. 

Emergency Preparedness

Different conditions require different emergency preparations. Make sure you have the right supplies for winter versus summer. Carrying enough water in arid conditions is a must, as is bringing enough layers in the winter. Basic first aid supplies are vital as you never know how long it will take for help to arrive. Knowledge of the geography of the area you are traveling in is the best thing you can do to prepare. Things like flash floods can be devastating to those unaware of the risks.