The “Pack In, Pack Out” principle is a fundamental practice in outdoor recreation and a core tenet of the larger Leave No Trace (LNT) movement. This ethical standard guides visitors to minimize the impact of their presence in natural environments, whether hiking a backcountry trail or visiting a local park. The practice is simple in concept yet extensive in application, ensuring that the beauty and biological integrity of a natural area are preserved for future visitors. This standard of environmental stewardship is necessary for the responsible enjoyment of the outdoors.
Defining the “Pack In, Pack Out” Principle
The principle dictates that everything a visitor brings into a natural area must also be carried back out. This concept of total removal applies broadly to all items, encompassing traditional garbage and materials that people might mistakenly assume will naturally disappear. The intent is to leave a campsite or trail section in the exact same condition, or better, than it was found, removing all signs of human presence.
Careful planning is necessary before a trip to reduce the amount of potential waste. Repackaging food items into reusable containers and removing excess packaging at home, for instance, significantly decreases the volume and weight of the refuse that must be carried out later. This practice is part of the larger framework of Leave No Trace, which promotes a set of outdoor ethics to maintain the undeveloped character of wildlands.
Practical Application and Waste Management
Putting the principle into practice requires specific logistical preparation to manage various categories of waste effectively. For conventional trash, a designated, sturdy bag or container is necessary to collect all food wrappers, bottles, and general debris. Food waste, which many people often disregard, must also be contained and carried out, including items like apple cores, orange peels, and nut shells, as these are considered visual and biological litter.
Managing human and pet waste is a more complex application of this ethic. While digging a “cat hole” six to eight inches deep for human solid waste is the accepted practice in most environments, in fragile alpine or arid areas, or those with very high foot traffic, land managers often require all solid human waste to be packed out entirely.
Specialized products like WAG (Waste Alleviation & Gelling) bags are designed for this purpose, containing a gelling agent to neutralize odors and safely contain the waste. For any form of waste disposal, all used toilet paper, hygiene products, and pet waste bags must be secured and packed out to prevent contamination and visual blight.
Ecological Rationale
Adhering to the principle is necessary because even seemingly harmless waste can cause specific, negative environmental consequences. Leaving food scraps, such as fruit peels or crumbs, can attract wildlife, leading to the habituation of animals that learn to associate humans with food. This altered foraging behavior can ultimately endanger the animals by exposing them to human developments or disrupting their natural diets.
Many common organic items take a surprisingly long time to decompose in a wilderness setting, especially in cold or dry climates, remaining as unsightly litter for years. Human and pet waste introduces significant contamination risks to the delicate ecosystem. Improperly disposed feces can spread pathogens like Giardia lamblia and various coliform bacteria, polluting water sources and posing a health hazard to both wildlife and other visitors. By removing all materials, the principle ensures that the natural nutrient balance remains undisturbed.