Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
RESPONSIBLE HIKING
RUBBISH
Carry out all your rubbish, and make an effort to carry out rubbish left by others. Never
bury your rubbish. Sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms and toilet paper should be car-
ried out despite the inconvenience, as they burn and decompose poorly.
HUMAN-WASTE DISPOSAL
Contamination of water sources by human faeces can lead to the transmission of all sorts
of nasties. Where there is a toilet, please use it. Where there is no toilet, bury your waste.
Dig a small hole 15cm (6in) deep and at least 100m (320ft) from any watercourse. Cover
the waste with soil and a rock. In snow, dig down to the soil.
WASHING
Don't use detergents or toothpaste in or near watercourses, even if they are biodegrad-
able. For personal washing, use biodegradable soap and a water container (or even a
lightweight, portable basin) at least 50m (160ft) away from the watercourse. Wash cook-
ing utensils at a similar distance using a scourer, sand or snow instead of detergent.
EROSION
Hillsides and mountain slopes, especially at high altitudes, are prone to erosion. Stick to
existing trails and avoid short cuts.
FIRES & LOW-IMPACT COOKING
Don't depend on open fires for cooking or warmth. The cutting of wood for fires in popu-
lar trekking areas can cause rapid deforestation. Cook on a light-weight kerosene, alcohol
or Shellite (white gas) stove and avoid those powered by disposable butane gas canisters.
EQUIPMENT
Hikers should be well equipped and prepared for snow in the mountains, even in summer.
Prolonged bad weather in the northwest isn't uncommon - Sarek and Sylarna are the
most notorious areas. In summer you'll need good boots, waterproof jacket and trousers,
several layers of warm clothing (including spare dry clothes), warm hat, sun hat, mos-
quito repellent (a mosquito head-net is also highly advisable), water bottle, maps, com-
pass and sleeping bag. Basic supplies are often available at huts, and most lodges serve
