Fundamental Campcraft and Campsite Routines

Campcraft refers to the set of skills and routines that make nightly living outdoors smoother and more sustainable. On a thru hike, these routines are repeated hundreds of times, so small improvements in efficiency and organization can have significant cumulative effects on comfort and safety.

Site selection is an early step in campcraft. Evaluating potential locations for slope, drainage, wind exposure, overhead hazards, and proximity to water supports safe and comfortable nights. Regulations and land management guidance often influence where camping is permitted and how close to water sources one may camp, making awareness of local rules essential.

Shelter setup, cooking, and gear organization follow. Establishing a consistent order—such as pitching the shelter, arranging sleep systems, then organizing cooking and gear storage—reduces confusion when arriving tired or in deteriorating weather. Using the same general layout each night helps hikers find items by habit rather than relying on memory alone.

In areas where wildlife food conditioning is a concern, campcraft includes managing cooking and food storage away from sleeping areas as regulations and guidance recommend. Methods vary by region, and may involve specific food storage devices, designated facilities, or other approved practices.

Morning breakdown routines mirror evening setup in reverse. Folding and packing items in a consistent order helps prevent forgotten gear and reduces time spent searching for individual pieces. Some hikers establish a sequence that allows packing most gear inside the shelter before stepping into rain or cold.

Throughout these processes, low-impact practices such as staying on durable surfaces, minimizing vegetation disturbance, and packing out all waste are integral components of campcraft. Combining efficiency with care for the environment supports both individual comfort and long-term trail sustainability.

Fundamental campcraft skills are refined through repeated practice on shorter trips. As routines solidify, they free mental bandwidth on a thru hike for navigation, observation, and enjoyment, rather than constant improvisation of basic tasks.