ETHOS OF A FOREST ROAMER

Every time I am out hiking, I practice 'Leave No Trace'.

I stick to the following code of ethics:

• I prepare my hiking adventures and make myself more knowledgeable about the place I want to visit. I pack everything I personally will need. When it comes to comfort, clime and conditions I make smart decisions.

• I stay away from sensitive areas, use established trails and leave the vegetation on either side of the path unscathed.

• If I find a great spot, I stay for a while and enjoy what nature has to offer. I will leave the place as undisturbed as I have found it or how it should be.

• I choose my tent site well, minimize my impact and keep it small. A good tent site is found and not made. When I leave an established campsite, bivouac or trekking site, I make sure that it is clean and appealing for the other campers who follow.

• I control my fire and look after my backpacking stove.

• I keep all waters clean and don't pollute rivers, streams, lakes, the ocean or someones drinking water.

• I use the forest squat toilet the proper way.

• I respect all human and nonhuman earth-dwellers.

• I value the silence and keep my noise down.

• I pack out all my own trash. If I can carry the chocolate bar in, I can carry the empty wrapper out. I even try to pick up litter left by strangers.

• I don't displace, disfigure or destroy what I find. I don't pick wild flowers or carve my initals into trees or rocks. I don't stack rocks or spray paint cliffs.

• I don't collect any or very seldom natural souvenirs. Everytime I pick up a shell, a cool rock or gnarly twisted branch, I will ask myself: Do you really need that on your shelf at home?

You read all this and want to join the heldenstuff pack now?
Hike out into the forest, put your hand on a spruce tree and take this vow: I respect this space and solemnly swear, to leave these woods a better place!

Please send me an email if you do have a question:
team ⓐ heldenstuff . de
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