Back to Glossary
camping
Pack It In, Pack It Out
What is Pack It In, Pack It Out?
Pack It In, Pack It Out is a fundamental outdoor ethics principle that requires campers and hikers to carry out all trash, food waste, and belongings they bring into natural areas. This Leave No Trace practice helps preserve wilderness areas by preventing litter accumulation and protecting wildlife from harmful human waste. The principle extends beyond obvious trash to include items like food scraps, toilet paper, and even organic waste like apple cores or banana peels, which can disrupt local ecosystems and attract animals.