Backpacking Policies and Procedures

Below are program-specific policies for backpacking courses.

Off-Trail Travel

Policies

Off-trail travel is permitted only in designated areas as defined by the land management agency regulating the area. Do not travel off-trail in areas where it is forbidden or discouraged.
Follow appropriate LNT guidelines when traveling off trail.
Participants should travel within sight and voice range when traveling off-trail.
Participants should be well versed in lost and alone procedures

Guidelines

Off-trail travel when backpacking should only be attempted after a proper progression of navigation and map and compass skills. Using “handrails” or large natural features can often make off-trail travel less confusing by bounding your travel with a large drainage or ridgeline.
Make sure all participants know the reconvening point for the off-trail travel portion.
Begin off-trail travel early on longer courses and let students experience smaller segments (short bushwack to a lake) before longer segments that require more careful navigation.
Off-trail travel can be deceiving in difficulty. Make sure you are clear on possible handrails and/or bearings and you are comfortable with your map and compass skills.

Peaks and Passes

Policies

Passes should be attempted as early in the day as possible to avoid afternoon mountain storms.
Staff should assess local weather conditions and re-route/delay as conditions dictate (fog, lightning, other).
Peak ascents are optional on backpacking courses and should be presented as a “challenge by choice” activity.
Peak ascents should incorporate a safety talk prior to attempt.
Daypacks with all necessary supplies should be taken for each participant on peak attempts. As conditions warrant, bivouac gear (sleeping bags/pads/shelter) may be needed.

Guidelines

Stay to trails, if they exist, on peaks and passes.
Stay together, within eyesight/earshot, while traveling up peaks and passes.
When traveling up switchback trails hikers should not be hiking above or below each other in the line of a potential rock-fall.
Regroup at the top of a pass/peak before descent.