hikeSafe HIKER RESPONSIBILTY CODE
You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:
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With knowledge and gear.
Become self-reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather, and your equipment before you start.
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To leave your plans.
Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you will return, and your emergency plans.
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To stay together.
When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.​​
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To turn back.
Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.
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For emergencies.
Even if you are headed out for only an hour, an injury, severe weather, or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.
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To share the hiker code with others.
The hikeSafe Hiker Responsibility Code was developed and is endorsed by the White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire Fish and Game. For more information, visit https://hikesafe.com
© 2020 New Hampshire Fish & Game
THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES
OF LEAVE NO TRACE™
• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors
© 1999 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor
Ethics: www.LNT.org.
TEN ESSENTIALS
The Classic List
1. Map
2. Compass
3. Warm Clothes
4. Extra Food/Water
5. Flashlight
6. Matches
7. First Aid Kit
8. Whistle
9. Rain Gear
10. Pocket Knife
The Ten Essentials list was developed by The Mountaineers and appeared in the in 1974, in the third edition of “Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills.”
For more information and to view the updated Systems list, visit https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/what-are-the-ten-essentials
