Stop Being Told What to Do: The Concerned Hiker's Code of Ethics

🎯 Why I Decided to Stop Being Told What to Do in the Mountains

You know what? After 15 years of hiking Quebec trails and beyond, I'm fed up with being told how to hike "the right way." Everywhere you look, there's a hiker's code of ethics that covers just about everything you can imagine: where to walk, what to wear, how to breathe... OK, I'm exaggerating about the breathing, but you get the idea! The problem is we end up forgetting why we go to the mountains in the first place. We get so preoccupied with rules that we forget to enjoy the present moment. But careful — I'm not saying we should throw everything out the window and do whatever we want. There's a difference between ignoring stupid rules and putting your safety at risk. In this article, I'll share my personal vision of what hiking ethics really means. Not the dusty textbook version, but the one that comes from field experience and common sense.

🚫 The Ridiculous Rules They Impose on Us (and Why I Stopped Believing Them)

Let me tell you about some gems I've heard over the years. One day, on Mont Yamaska, a guy lectured me because my shoelaces were the wrong color. Apparently, it "disturbed the visual harmony of the landscape." Seriously?

The Perfect Equipment Myth

They make us believe we absolutely need:

Boots that cost at least $400

A backpack with 47 specialized pockets

Ultra-light carbon fiber poles

A jacket that costs more than your rent

The truth? I've met experienced hikers with equipment from the 80s, and they were more comfortable than many people with the latest gear.

The Trail Police

You know the type: those people who walk around with an invisible code of ethics and feel obligated to correct everyone. They'll tell you:

"You're walking too fast, you're not enjoying nature"

"You take too many photos, you're not in the present moment"

"You're listening to music? That's disrespectful to wildlife"

🎒 My Personal Code of Ethics: Simple, Effective, Experience-Based

After all these years on the trail, here are the only rules that really matter to me:

Rule #1: Respect Nature (For Real, Not for Show)

Yes, you need to respect the environment. But not because a book tells you to — because it's logical. If you leave your trash lying around, you ruin the experience for others and harm the ecosystem. Period.

What Really Matters	What's Just Theater
Pick up your trash	Having the right eco-friendly gear
Stay on marked trails	Wearing "natural" colors
Don't disturb wildlife	Walking in absolute silence
Respect other users	Following hiking trends

Rule #2: Your Safety is YOUR Business

I'm not going to tell you what to wear or how to prepare. You're old enough to know if you're cold, thirsty, or have sore feet. However, if you get lost or injured, own your choices.

Rule #3: Enjoy it YOUR Way

Some people like walking meditation, others prefer listening to music or chatting with friends. There's no single right way to experience the mountains.

🤔 How to Develop YOUR Own Hiker's Code of Ethics

Instead of blindly following what others tell you, why not develop your own approach? Here's how I did it.

Start with Your Personal Values

What really matters to you? For me, it's:

Freedom of movement

Environmental respect (because I want to go back)

Reasonable safety (I'm not suicidal, but I'm not paranoid either)

Fun above all

Learn from Your Mistakes (Not Others')

I once went hiking with just one water bottle for an 8-hour outing. I got thirsty. Now I bring more water. Simple as that. I didn't need an expert to give me a lecture on hydration.

"Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes." — And in the mountains, it's even more true!

Adapt to Conditions

A rigid code of ethics doesn't work. What's right on Mont Arthabaska in July might not be appropriate in Charlevoix in February.

🌲 The Real Non-Negotiable Rules (According to Me)

Okay, I'm not completely anarchist either. There are still a few things I don't compromise on:

The "Leave No Trace" Rule (Realistic Version)

Pick up your trash (and ideally others' if you can)

Stay on marked trails (especially in fragile areas)

Don't feed animals (even if the squirrel is cute)

Respect fire restrictions

Respect for Others (Without Exaggerating)

We all share the same trails. That means:

Yielding the right of way when it makes sense

Not monopolizing viewpoints for your 47 selfies

Keeping your dog under control

Avoiding loud music in a meditation group

Basic Safety

I'm not the type to leave with a GPS, distress beacon, and Plan B for every meter of trail. But there's a minimum:

Tell someone your itinerary

Have water and food

Know your physical limits

Have a plan if weather turns bad

🎯 Why This Approach Works Better

Since I stopped worrying about all the official codes of ethics, my relationship with the mountains has completely changed. And I'm not the only one.

You Develop Your Judgment

When you stop following rules blindly, you start thinking. You observe, experiment, adjust. That's how you get really good at something.

You Have More Fun

No more stress about "am I doing this right?" You focus on what matters: enjoying your time in nature.

You Become More Authentic

Instead of trying to look like the image of the "perfect hiker," you develop your own style. And trust me, it's much more interesting. For more personalized preparation advice, I recommend reading our guide on essential questions to ask yourself before leaving. And if you want outing ideas to test your new approach, Parc National du Mont Saint-Bruno is perfect for experimenting.

🏔️ My Conclusion After 15 Years on the Trail

Listen, I'm not saying all codes of ethics are useless. Some basic principles are important for protecting our natural spaces and ensuring everyone's safety. But there's a difference between sensible rules and the outdoor police who want to dictate every aspect of your experience. Here's what I've learned from all these years: • Trust yourself — Your instinct and experience are often worth more than unsolicited advice • Respect the essentials — Nature, others, and your own safety • Ignore the rest — Aesthetic rules, trends, and others' judgments • Learn through experience — Your mistakes will teach you more than any manual • Keep fun at the center — If you're not having fun anymore, you're doing something wrong The mountains were here long before us, and they'll be here long after. They don't need us to worship them with complicated rituals. They just need us to respect them and enjoy what they offer us. So next time a self-proclaimed expert tries to tell you how to hike, smile politely and continue on your way. You have the right to experience the mountains your way, as long as you don't harm anyone and take responsibility for your choices. Now go outside and create your own code of ethics — one that truly reflects who you are.