Unwritten Rules of Backpacking

[threepointrest]

Hey, all!

I'm currently writing up an article (probably for a humor site) about The (x) Unwritten Rules of Backpacking
X meaning I don't have a set number yet.

What are some of the unspoken laws you've adopted?
Some examples might me:
-Do not act cheery before breakfast
-If you cannot shampoo, never remove your hat
-Don't mess with cairns

And so on and so forth.

Thank you!

[Seatbelt]

stay off whiteblaze in winter time....ooops just blew that one!

[Odd Man Out]

How about this: You should always tell people to "hike your own hike" - immediately before you tell them all the things they should and should not be doing.

But I suppose the obvious observation is that once you write it down, it isn't an unwritten rule any more. So in that spirit I offer the following: The ULTIMATE unwritten rule of hiking in not written in this box below:

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[DocMahns]

Don't be the creepy guy/girl

[DocMahns]

also, don't eat the charms

[Feral Bill]

Don't highgrade the gorp.

[chall]

When hiking with a group of people, move to the back when you have to fart. No one wants to eat your fart.

[kayak karl]

Don't be the creepy guy/girl

Don't be the creepiest guy/girl

[MDSection12]

Don't shine your headlamp in my face.

[Old Grouse]

Wait... I'm still trying to memorize the written rules!

[4eyedbuzzard]

Wait... I'm still trying to memorize the written rules!

How about, "Objects on maps are father away than they appear."

[hoppy from GA]

Never do anything that requires you to say "Watch this".

[Sarcasm the elf]

Don't base your expectations of the trail on the things that you read on the internet. (Seriously)

Almost everyone you meet on the trail is friendly, or at least polite. You'll meet a lot of great people out there.

[Coffee]

It is not necessary to spend $2,000+ on lightweight gear, but depending on the person, having money to spend can make hiking faster and/or more pleasant.

[Old Hiker]

How about this: You should always tell people to "hike your own hike" - immediately before you tell them all the things they should and should not be doing.

Nope, nope, nope. You ALWAYS tell them what they should or shouldn't be doing, THEN tell them, "but Hike Your Own Hike". Bless your heart.

How about, "Objects on maps are father away than they appear."

Doesn't that depend on how far away you hold the map, since your glasses fell off and cracked on the up/down slope?

[Coffee]

Saying HYOH usually, but not always, implies disagreement or disapproval regarding how someone is packing or hiking.

Strangely enough, I have NEVER been told HYOH on the trail and I have never said it to anyone! It seems more common on the internet than in real life.

[Dogwood]

Not laws or rules but as this question applies to me, not what I expect from others:

1) Don't fight the hike. Let it unfold. Hike contently - good to always be appreciative - rain, mud, snow, heat, COLD, blazing sun, long water hauls, long ascents, steep rocky descents, blowdowns, Rocksylvania, etc included. All these situations, that some label as trials and tribulations, are opportunities for me to improve. Anytime I start to bitch I remind myself how fortune and blessed I am to be hiking, experiencing somethings that most folks don't even know exist.

2) Lose the ego. Backpacking does not have to be approached as a competitive Olympic Gold Medal sport. I will not likely have my face plastered on a box of Wheaties for long distance hiking.

3) Do not expect anyone else to fund my hikes unless I'm offering something of fair value in return.

4) Be conscious of how my behavior affects others

5) Be aware not EVERYONE wants to hear my unsolicited opinions, talk about gear, or hear about how light wt my kit is.

[HooKooDooKu]

Don't walk thru a creek upstream of where someone is trying to collect water.

Don't stand between another camper and the camp fire.

Rest before you're tired, drink before you're thirsty, eat before the bears steal your food.

[Drybones]

also, don't eat the charms

Dont squeeze the Charmin.

[Mags]

To go lightweight, pack boxed wine.