Bushwalk Australia

You've probably read something about "Low Impact hiking/trekking/bushwalking" or "Leave no traces". Regulars on this forum certainly have, its a topic that has been discussed many times.

If not, you can read about the basic 'leave no traces" principles on the PWS site.

Do you practice any of the concepts when you walk? Use the poll to rate yourself.

Do you think it is important to use toilets? Do you carry human waste out of Alpine environments?

Most tend to be very soft markers when it comes to self assessment. I'll start the ball rolling accordingly. Still one could always improve, eg toilet holes could be deeper.

Edit: well almost the first.

There are times when as much as you would like to, you can't stick to the middle of muddy tracks, on the mt Anne circuit recently we were falling in to mud up to our waist and you can't walk through mud like that and you have to go wider while still trying to minimize any extra damage. I find it hard to believe people can say they follow all the principles all the time.

frenchy_84 wrote:There are times when as much as you would like to, you can't stick to the middle of muddy tracks, on the mt Anne circuit recently we were falling in to mud up to our waist and you can't walk through mud like that and you have to go wider while still trying to minimize any extra damage. I find it hard to believe people can say they follow all the principles all the time.

I agree with that.
I'd also like to know do people really carry their waste out of Alpine environments??

frenchy_84 wrote:
There are times when as much as you would like to, you can't stick to the middle of muddy tracks,

I knew there some advantages to off track walking.

MJD wrote:

frenchy_84 wrote:
There are times when as much as you would like to, you can't stick to the middle of muddy tracks,

I knew there some advantages to off track walking.

Definite advantages, many times now offtrack I am wondering whether a 'pad' is manmade or wombat made only for it to disappear, and often it's hard to find any trace of previous parties even when you know they have been through relatively recently.

I personally try to minimise my impact as much as possible. There are caveats though nowadays.

Many moons ago, when I had to be very wary about leaving sign or having the EPA jump onto our heads from orbit about leaving human waste (let alone the damage from high explosive and small arms ammunition we used to expend) I was taught the most effective method for carrying out one's own waste.

For those moments in life when toilets of any description simply aren't available.
A roll of gladwrap and a collection of large zip lock bags were always carried. I still do nowadays.
Step 1: find a nice private spot with a nice view that won't be inadvertantly discovered by others

Step 2: place a bolt of gladwrap onto the ground

Step 3: squat over bolt of gladwrap, enjoy view, movements and normal thoughts during such a private moment.

Step 4: roll up gladwrap and double bag with ziplock bags. Stow in "special" pouch on outside of pack.

No muss, no fuss