Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2016 16:28:03 GMT -8
Wasn't sure where to post this question. Anyway, just getting into backpacking and I'm wondering if there's any type of etiquette when setting up your tent in an area where there are other hikers/backpackers setting up for the night? Planning on a short trip on the Appalachian Trail and I found an area while hiking a few weeks ago that seemed like it was a popular spot for setting up for the night. Just want to make sure I'm not breaking unwritten trail rules if I approach the site and people are already set-up.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Sept 18, 2016 16:57:19 GMT -8
Really depends. When there is a sort of set area, like around the AT shelters, you have to just try not to be too in-your-face. But when there is lots of dispersed camping, find someplace away from others.
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crawford
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Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.--Edison
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Post by crawford on Sept 18, 2016 17:08:45 GMT -8
If coming off the trail into an established area with a shelter, I always announce myself. "Hello in camp" will do. I also always make sure I set up away from others. Often the larger sites have several smaller camp sites around them and I'll use those.
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ladyblade
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Post by ladyblade on Sept 18, 2016 18:32:51 GMT -8
In recent years, we have had more people on the trails and less camping sites due to rivers eating them away. We have ran into situations where we have shared a single site with other hikers. It is always nice to acknowledge the other camp settlers, ask if there is preference on where to set up your tent, and to be friendly. I personally prefer to not have anyone near me as I have to go visit a tree in middle of the night and don't need to trip over anyone else to do it. But I am always welcoming and etiquette calls for you to be the same, never refuse someone needing to share your site, and to maintain social distance unless invited, informally at least, as some are out looking for solitude.
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Sept 19, 2016 4:38:01 GMT -8
Gifts of alcohol, weed, and dark chocolate tend to be well received.
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toejam
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Post by toejam on Sept 19, 2016 4:42:19 GMT -8
Through-hikers tend to camp on top of each other because their focus is getting down the trail and not solitude at camp spots. Recently I picked a quiet spot a little way off the John Muir Trail in the late afternoon. A couple showed up and dropped packs about 60' from my tent. I correctly guessed they were through-hikers, because otherwise they'd have camped further away. We had a short friendly conversation and I didn't really hear them the rest of the night.
The AT is a very social trail and people expect to have company at shelters. Don't be the jerk who builds a smokey fire and makes everyone else wish they had ear plugs.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2016 5:25:33 GMT -8
@naussdollar
Good question.
Outside of geographical locations. If others are in a camping spot already, I announce myself with a 'hello in camp'. I ask if I can spend the night if I am moving on the next morning. If I am staying for a day oe so then I look for a private camping area or switch to plan B.
If someone is there before me then, I go into a grin and take-it mode. I feel the first to arrive sets the tone or rules.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Sept 19, 2016 6:33:04 GMT -8
First, if you're traveling with a dog, take off his leash. People love dogs and your friendly pooch will create a great first impression.
Second, camp as close to others as possible, in order to minimize your footprint and lesson your environmental imprint.
If people looks suspicious, let them know loudly that you are carrying a gun, and then mumble something about "hoping you don't have any flashbacks tonight"
Finally, do your bit to chip in by dragging every dead branch you can find withing a 1/4 mile radius back to camp and building a huge bonfire. You'll let everyone know that you're a team player by doing more than your share. Once again, build the fire as close to the tents as possible to minimize the environmental impact. For the sake of safety, build a fire ring out of the biggest rocks you can lift and carry back to camp.
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Sept 19, 2016 6:38:21 GMT -8
Read the camp language. You know, like the parked car that takes up two parking spaces. Watch for view hogs and those who camp next to a water source. Lazy bones are noted for camping directly on the trail. I profile those backcountry users as slightly on the selfish side and keep hiking. I feel the first to arrive sets the tone or rules. P.S. Personally, we avoid the campfire people. Don't need our gear, or us smelling like Smokey the Bear.
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Post by cweston on Sept 19, 2016 6:56:56 GMT -8
Read the camp language. You know, like the parked car that takes up two parking spaces. Watch for view hogs and those who camp next to a water source. Lazy bones are noted for camping directly on the trail. I profile those backcountry users as slightly on the selfish side and keep hiking. I have kindof a floating scale on that. If I'm off-trail in a place where I have a fairly reasonable expectation that no other party is going to show up looking to camp, then I don't really give too much thought to principles of sharing--I'll go ahead and find that "perfect" camp without a lot of regard for others' views, etc. Camping right next to the trail is weird--I've only done it in terrible weather or if I'm very late making camp and will be gone early the next morning. If someone wants to camp right near the water supply and have other folks tromping through their camp, I figure that's mostly their problem. To me, I guess the camps I care about are in the more remote places that I have to myself. The more crowded camps where these etiquette principles become important are usually only on the first or last nights of my trips. I'm typically too tired to care on the first night...
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Sept 19, 2016 7:00:30 GMT -8
I've found the best way to come into camp is neked. You'll ensure room will be made for you and your body language is read much easier that way. You need to make a clear statement and the best way to do that is to show you are open and free.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Sept 19, 2016 7:48:51 GMT -8
Tigger and Lamebeaver, you guys are too much!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2016 8:28:01 GMT -8
Guns, weed, naked....got it.
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amaruq
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Post by amaruq on Sept 19, 2016 8:56:08 GMT -8
Guns, weed, naked....got it. Don't forget the dog.
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whistlepunk
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Post by whistlepunk on Sept 20, 2016 8:20:01 GMT -8
An accordion and a tuba propped up in your campsite with several bottles of whiskey and rifle casings scattered about tends to keep people away.
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