Guide to Outdoor Etiquette
Disclaimer: the views and opinions expressed by our etiquette expert do not reflect the views of S+B staff. In fact, in most cases, we probably would advise doing the opposite of what is recommended here.
I recently borrowed a friend’s camping gear and haven’t returned it yet, because what if I decide to go camping again? How long is it acceptable to borrow a friend’s outdoor gear before having to give it back?
“A friend in need is a pest,” says Bobby Heenan. Camping equipment is expensive, and borrowing some gear before you go invest in a bunch of new gear is a good idea. Sounds fiscally responsible (Congress should take note). However, you should return the gear promptly. The fact you still have it is a problem. Return it clean and in good working order. They should have their own gear should they want to use it without asking you for it back.
If I go to a campground and all the spots are full, is it rude to ask another camper to share their spot with me?
DON’T BE THAT PERSON! I think you move on to another location and let the person who got there in a timely fashion enjoy their weekend. Don’t put them in a position to have to be the jerk. If they wanted to go camping with you, they would have invited you. How would you feel if you got the perfect spot you had been daydreaming about all week at work, and some yahoo comes up and wants to share it? “Rude” may be a little harsh, but don’t be that person.
I have a favorite trail that I hike often. Almost every time, I notice other hikers not following the trail. I think there aren’t enough cairns, and it can be easy for first timers to lose their way. Am I allowed to build new cairns, or is that against trail etiquette?
We discussed cairns before in this article, but I dodged any real answer, which is also my approach to any question from my wife. Here, I will take a stand. Sure, put a few small cairns up near where people tread off the trail. However, be careful not to turn the trail into the Vegas strip of cairns.
What should I put in my survival kit on my very first backpacking trip? Do I need a kit for hiking?
There are lots of things for a good survival kit, and what goes into it really can be tailored to the type of trip/geography you will be experiencing. Here are a few recommendations: multi-tool, water purification tablets, rope/cord, fire starting material (i.e. matches and drier lint — make sure they stay dry), fishing line/hook, space blanket, first aid kit, etc. The kit can be as big or as small as you would like and depends on a lot of variables.
You will probably have some of those things in your pack anyway. Best advice for a survival kit is prevention. Tell someone where you will be and when to expect you back. If possible, have check points to establish a timeline in case something goes wrong. Time is always of the essence. As for the hiking side of the question, probably not. Again, depends on how you define “hike.” A jaunt up Serpents Trail and you will probably be alright. A “hike” covering the distance of the Colorado Trail ... definitely.
Should I say something to a person who is letting their dog go to the bathroom without cleaning up after it?
Ugh, I witnessed this today at Connected Lakes State Park. I said nothing, mostly due to the size of the person who appeared to own the dog. Instead, I surreptitiously followed them home and later bagged the evidence and left it at their front door, burning. Obviously, that is not true because I am afraid of my shadow, but I would have loved to say something. I guess you can use your own judgement as to whether you say something or not.
Originally published in the Fall 2019 issue of Spoke+Blossom