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 Technology & Development Center |
Techniques and Equipment for Wilderness Travel with Stock
America’s wilderness trails are busier than ever before. When wilderness use becomes concentrated, soil, vegetation, and water have little chance to recover from the impacts of people and stock. Often, the result is bare ground, trampled roots, and polluted waters.
Concentrated traffic can affect soil,
vegetation, and water.
Wilderness travelers can help maintain and restore the beauty and solitude of wilderness by keeping groups small, traveling less-used trails, avoiding wet areas, following appropriate camp etiquette, using lightweight and compact equipment, and adopting "Leave No Trace" and "Pack-It-In—Pack-It-Out" philosophies.
Signs alert users to be sensitive
to environmental needs.
For years backpackers have taken advantage of lightweight equipment to practice low-impact camping. New materials have made the same advantages available to those who travel with stock.
This publication consolidates information on techniques, equipment, specifications and commercial sources. It is intended for those who use horses, mules and llamas in wilderness. This guide complements a 13-minute color video, "Techniques and Equipment for Wilderness Horse Travel", originally produced on film by the Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC). While some of the information in this video may be dated, copies are available on loan without charge from MTDC. Although directed at wilderness stock users, the techniques and equipment also apply to non-wilderness recreationists.
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