Leave No Trace. Snugpak’s Guide to Responsible Outdoor Adventuring

We’re all for adventure here at Snugpak; the wilder, the better. Go scrambling up Ben Nevis, pitch up your tent in the Outer Hebrides or dive into the wild waters at Janet’s Foss - go crazy! But while we’re out having fun, it’s worth remembering that with every adventure comes an important responsibility: to Leave No Trace, whatever we’re up to. 

Camping, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, diving, surfing, kayaking, caving, these activities all allow us to switch off, reconnect with nature, and unleash our inner cavemen and cavewomen. But…that doesn’t mean we need to leave our manners behind while we’re at it! 

We’ve put together some top tips to ensure your adventures don’t disturb the wildlife, damage the environment, or wind up the locals. 

1. Permission & Respect for the Land

If you’re wild camping, always get permission from the landowner. This isn’t just a courtesy, it’s the law, and ignoring it could land you in some serious hot water, especially if a farmer spots you pitching up your Snugpak tent on their property. 

Avoid camping in enclosed fields or near livestock unless it’s explicitly permitted, and always leave gates as you find them: closed if they were closed, open if they were open. Simple, right? 

2. Community Matters

Rural communities are the custodians of the wild spaces they inhabit, so try to be a considerate guest. Drive carefully, avoid blocking gateways or entrances when parking, and always be friendly and respectful to the locals (especially when you’re rocking the Snugpak logo!) 

3. Responsible Dog Ownership 

Bringing your dog along? Great, just be sure to keep them under control at all times, especially in farmers’ fields where livestock is present. Also, make sure to clean up after them, even if no one is watching…It’s just good etiquette! 

4. Fire Safety

Open fires can be really risky, so it’s best to use a raised camping stove where possible. Be extra cautious in dry conditions, and never ever leave a fire unattended or improperly extinguished. 

5. Protecting Wildlife & Habitats

The wilderness is their home, not ours, so be careful not to disturb the animals, plants, or habitats around you. If you’re foraging, do so responsibly and take only what you need. 

6. Toileting

We won’t go into too much detail on this point, but try to keep things as hygienic and discreet as possible. Pick a spot well away from open water, dig a small hole, and cover it up properly. And don’t leave wads of toilet paper or wipes behind - pop them in a plastic bag and take them with you. 

7. Leave No Waste

This one is super important. Take all your rubbish with you. Better yet, if you spot any waste left by others who are less considerate than yourselves, be a legend and pick it up. Be part of the solution, not the pollution. 

8. Plan Ahead & Be Prepared

Great adventures start with good planning. Know the area, check the weather, pack the right gear, and bring plenty of food and water. The more prepared you are, the safer and more enjoyable your experience will be. 

9. Stay Connected

If you’re heading out solo, tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Carry a fully charged phone and a power bank. Bring a first aid kit, a whistle, and always have a backup plan, just in case things don’t go as expected. 

Snugpak is all about embracing the wild, but adventure has to go hand-in-hand with responsibility. By prioritising safety, respecting the environment, and following Leave No Trace principles, we can help keep the UK’s wild spaces pristine for generations to come. 

So get kitted up with Snugpak, embrace the wild, and leave nothing but footprints this summer!