How's Your Camping Etiquette - Answers & Scoring

Genteel or a Heel?

Answer Key

1. B, to prevent erosion

2. B

3. C

4. C

5. C. DEET and sunblock pollute rivers.

6. C, except when on high-volume rivers (1,000-plus cfs) and you can’t leave the river corridor

7. One point for each: A (This crust of moss and lichen prevents erosion and promotes plant growth. When trampled, it can take 250 years to recover.); B (high rockfall hazard); D (These snow pellets can act like ball bearings underfoot and destabilize snow slopes.); E (The cornice might collapse.); and G (duh)

8. A

9. C, to avoid falling in a crevasse while doing your business

10. C

11. B. This food, while biodegradable, is unnatural for wildlife; it can harm them or make them dependent.

12. B.

13. B and C (one point for each)

14. B

15. B and C (one point for each)

16. B. Both yield to horses.

17. B

18. C

19. B

20. C

21. C. Or call land managers.

22. B. See #5.

23. A. Spray it through pursed lips

24. C

25. B

Scoring Give yourself one point for each correct answer.

» 0 to 5 You have trouble finding hiking partners, don’t you? Please go to backpacker.com/camp_etiquette for remedial lessons.

» 6 to 10 We’re laughing with you, not at you. Really.

» 11 to 20 Good showing. There’s room for improvement, but we’re only human.

» 21 to 30 You’re welcome to join our hikes anytime.

» 31 A freakishly perfect score. Relax, would you? It’s the woods!