SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hike-pack-it-out

What does pack it in, pack it out mean?

Carry out all trash and leftovers you bring.

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  1. Carry out all trash and food wrappers ✔
  2. Bury all trash in a cat hole
  3. Leave trash for the rangers

Why: Trash harms wildlife and spoils the trail for others. Leave No Trace says to pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.

Huh, didn't know that: That banana peel counts too: if you packed it in, pack it back out.

The dad joke
Why did the granola bar wrapper break up with the hiker? It said you never pick me up.
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References

Answer: Carry out all trash and food wrappers. Trash harms wildlife and spoils the trail for others. Leave No Trace says to pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.

  1. NPS: Leave No Trace Seven Principles www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm
    Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. American Hiking Society: Hiking Etiquette americanhiking.org/resources/hiking-etiquette
    not even biodegradable items such as banana peels.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

Outdoors & CampingWhich group first came up with the Ten Essentials packing system for hikers?Outdoors & CampingWhy does the Park Service recommend a headlamp over a regular flashlight for hiking?Outdoors & CampingHow much extra food does the Park Service suggest packing as one of the Ten Essentials?

That's stuff everyone should know.