Bikepacking is about embarking on adventures, using bicycles to explore less-traveled paths and remote places. With this privilege comes the responsibility of minimizing our impact on the environment and the communities we encounter. We should all respect the land we traverse, its historical and original stewards, the communities we pass through, the diverse wildlife and flora we encounter, and, crucially, for one another.

Beneath are the seven LNT principles customized for bikepackers, applicable to our daily rides and bikepacking journeys, whether near or far. Rather than strict rules, these are a blend of common sense, prevailing backcountry wisdom, and ways to work together to build a better community.

1. Plan & Prepare: While planning and preparation may seem like a given, delving into specific details is crucial. Proper preparation ensures a smoother trip and facilitates adherence to the remaining principles. Adequate preparation entails conducting personal research beyond route guides and gaining insights into the areas you’ll be riding. Even for routes near home, acquaint yourself with local regulations, restrictions, and the terrain you’ll traverse. Each route is unique and requires distinct considerations.

2. Travel & Camp Gently: Every rider should aspire to travel in a manner that leaves minimal impact on the land, avoids creating visible scars, and refrains from causing lasting harm to the terrain or endangering future access. Straying off-trail or traversing sensitive landscapes can significantly affect local flora and fauna. Sometimes, simple acts like cutting corners or wild camping can result in enduring damage.

3. Consider Waste & Dispose of It Properly: There’s little more disheartening than cycling along a trail littered with wrappers and garbage. Not only is litter unsightly, but it can also pose a threat to wildlife, eventually contaminating soil and water sources. Even under ideal conditions, most waste takes years to decompose. So, think twice before discarding small wrappers or burying toilet paper.

4. Leave It as You Found It, or Better: This principle is rooted in common sense: safeguard the past and preserve the natural state of the landscape. Your presence on private or public property should leave no discernible trace. Although one person’s impact might seem minor, remember that countless others may follow. Strive to leave every place in better condition than you found it, leaving a positive impact and inspiring others to do the same. Starting a local cleanup initiative in your local wildlands would be even better.

5. Rethink Campfires: While campfires offer warmth and ambiance, they are seldom necessary. Open fires can lead to overuse and, if not controlled, significant environmental damage. Gathering firewood from the forest can harm ecosystems, particularly in areas frequented by campers or possessing delicate ecosystems. If you must have a fire, do so only in designated fire rings and with an ample supply of firewood. Never cut down trees for firewood; gather small sticks and deadfall instead. Ensure the fire is entirely extinguished before departing, leaving no smoke or hot spots. Opt for a lightweight stove for cooking and use a lantern or headlamp for illumination.

6. Respect Animals & Plants: While immersed in nature, remember you are a guest in someone else’s home. We are visitors, and the land we traverse is the natural habitat of countless creatures and plants that have inhabited these spaces long before us. The more mindful we are of this fact, the less we disrupt their habitats, routines, and overall well-being. Equally important is knowing how to handle encounters with wildlife, store food properly, and ensure safety when camping in these environments.

7. Be Considerate of Others: While bikepacking is gaining popularity, many trail users remain unfamiliar with our activities. This presents an opportunity for bikepackers to set a positive example as responsible, friendly, courteous, and sustainable community members. By doing so, we can promote access and create a positive experience for everyone we encounter along the way.

In the spirit of the seven LNT principles, let’s embark on our bikepacking journeys with a deep sense of responsibility and appreciation for the land, communities, and fellow travelers we encounter.

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