Читать книгу Backpacking Arizona. From Deep Canyons to Sky Islands онлайн

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Desert scenery along the Tonto Plateau

Many hikers, including some backpackers, enjoy experiencing the wilderness with their four-footed companions. I like dogs, but please remember that not every backpacker does, and no one appreciates having their backcountry experience marred by dogs that bark or run up to them in an intimidating way. Also, dogs are a menacing presence to most wildlife, and certain predators will attempt to entice your dog away from you. Dogs are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry of most national parks. In national forests, dogs must be kept under control at all times, either by voice command or leash. If your dog runs up to other backpackers, chases wildlife, and does not come instantly at your command, it is not under control and must be on a leash or left at home.

Camping causes the most damage to the backcountry, but good equipment and technique can alleviate nearly all impact. The use of high-quality shelters (tarps, bivi sacks, or tents), sleeping bags, and sleeping pads completely eliminate the need to “improve” a site for comfort, warmth, or safety. The worst campsite “improvement” is a campfire ring. Campfire scars, often full of unburnable trash, mar far too many beautiful places. Never build campfires, except in an emergency. If you have a lightweight, warm sleeping bag and jacket, you’ll stay warmer than you would huddling around a campfire. You’ll also get to enjoy the wider worlds of night sounds, smells, and sky instead of a small circle of smoky light.