CLOSE ENCOUNTERS Of the animal (or pest) kind 1. SNAKES: Snakes lie in wait along trails for small rodents or other prey. We are not prey. If you make a moderate amount of noise as you hike through questionable areas, snakes will detect the vibrations and back-off. Carry a snake bite kit and wear gaiters! 2. BEARS: Black bear are prevalent in the eastern mountains. Brown bear are likely to be encountered in the Rockies. Black bear are easily intimidated by a whistle or a growl. Brown bear are not. If approached by a bear, DO NOT RUN AWAY. Be still or play dead. 3. MICE: Mice are the most common pest to be found backpacking and they will find your stash of food. If you don't hang your pack, leave your pack pockets unzipped at night, so you won't have holes gnawed in your pack. 4. TICKS: Check for ticks every night. They can be a problem. Team up. Check eachother's hair and back.

Fundamentals of Backpacking

BACKPACKING TECHNIQUES

How to Set Up Your Campsite

Most backpackers divide their camps into sleeping areas and kitchen/community areas.

Your sleeping area: (1) Set up your tent in a sheltered area whenever possible, hidden from wind, rain and other camp- sites. Point the low end of your tent into the wind when you can to decrease noise and the chance of a blow-down. (2) Place your tent on a smooth, level surface for more comfort- able sleeping. If you have to sleep on a slight incline point your head uphill. (3) Look for a tent site that's slightly higher than the surrounding terrain so you won't get flooded if it rains heavily. Look for ground that drains well. Never dig a trench around your tent to protect yourself from run-off. (4) Put your tent far enough away from the community area that you won't be disturbed if you go to bed first.

Your kitchen area: Food odors can attract a wide variety of creatures to your campsite. To avoid problems with animals, set up your camp kitchen at least 200 feet from your sleeping area. This will keep enticing food odors far from your tent. Avoid run-ins with animals by cooking, cleaning and storing your food properly.

Bear bags: Store your food, cooking utensils, pots and pans in a bear bag hoisted at least twelve feet off the ground, and far away from your sleeping area.

More Backpacking Techniques

How to Pack Your Pack

Purify Your Water

Map and Compass