Practicing the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace backpacking is just about the most important skill any backcountry traveler can master. This video teaches crucial Leave No Trace skills that will help you to reduce your impact on the wild and leave pristine wilderness areas for years to come. Please, always practice Leave No Trace backpacking, it's best for all of us. See my full Essential Trail Skills Series here - www.cleverhiker.com/essential-trail-skills In this video we'll fully explain the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace and why they're so important: 1) Plan Ahead and Prepare - This is probably the most crucial step in the process. Knowing what to expect on your backcountry trips is absolutely critical to limiting your impact on your environment. Are there fire regulations? Where can you camp? Are dogs allowed? Do you need permits? What will the weather be like? What equipment should you bring? How difficult will the terrain be? Is their snow on the trail? All this knowledge and more is absolutely critical. 2) Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces - Even your footsteps will leave an impact on the environment. Trampling fragile ecosystems can damage them for many years. 3) Dispose of Waste Properly - If you pack it in, pack it out! There's no reason to leave any waste in the wilderness, except for human waste, and even that should be disposed of properly. 4) Leave What You Find - The entire point of Leave No Trace backpacking is making it seem as though you were never there. So resist the urge to take home a souvenir or leave your mark. 5) Minimize Campfire Impacts - Fires can leave a huge impact on the environment that will take many years to recover. Always practice proper Leave No Trace fire standards. 6) Respect Wildlife - Don't feed wild animals and don't stress them out either. Respect wildlife and keep your distance. 7) Be Considerate Of Other Visitors - Treat other visitors the same way you'd like to be treated. Give them space and treat them with respect and everyone will be better off.

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