The Unbitten Path: Your Definitive Guide to Avoiding Bites While Hiking

The call of the wild is an irresistible siren for many, a chance to reconnect with nature, breathe crisp air, and challenge oneself amidst breathtaking landscapes. Yet, for all its allure, the wilderness harbors its own inhabitants, some of which possess the ability to turn a rejuvenating hike into an itchy, painful, or even dangerous ordeal: biting creatures. From the microscopic mite to the formidable snake, these encounters can range from a minor nuisance to a serious health concern, capable of transmitting diseases, triggering allergic reactions, or simply inflicting discomfort that mars the entire experience.

This comprehensive guide is your essential companion to navigating the trails unbitten. We’ll delve deep into the world of biting creatures you might encounter, equipping you with the knowledge and actionable strategies to minimize your risk, enhance your enjoyment, and ensure your health remains paramount throughout your outdoor adventures. This isn’t just a list of tips; it’s a meticulously crafted blueprint for proactive prevention, allowing you to stride confidently through nature, knowing you’ve taken every conceivable step to protect yourself.

Understanding the Enemy: Common Biting Threats on the Trail

Before we can effectively defend ourselves, we must first understand who or what we’re up against. The array of biting creatures encountered while hiking is diverse, each with its own preferred habitats, activity patterns, and biting mechanisms. Knowing these specifics is the foundation of effective prevention.

Insects: The Persistent, Pervasive Pests

Insects are arguably the most ubiquitous biting threat on the trail, often small but collectively capable of inflicting significant discomfort.

• Mosquitoes (Culicidae): The undisputed champions of annoyance, mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, especially in humid, stagnant environments. Their bites, while often just itchy welts, are notorious for transmitting serious diseases like Dengue Fever, Malaria, Zika Virus, and West Nile Virus, depending on your geographic location. A female mosquito needs blood for egg production, and she’ll find it by detecting carbon dioxide, body heat, and certain chemicals on your skin.
  • Actionable Insight: Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors and strong scents. Opt for light-colored clothing and avoid heavily fragranced personal care products when hiking in mosquito-prone areas.
• Ticks (Ixodidae): These arachnids (not insects, but often grouped with them for practical purposes) are stealthy and insidious. Ticks don’t fly or jump; they “quest,” waiting on vegetation for a host to brush by. They then latch on, often seeking warm, hidden areas of the body (groin, armpits, scalp). Their bites are usually painless, making them difficult to detect until they’ve been feeding for some time. Ticks are primary vectors for Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Anaplasmosis, and Powassan virus, among others.
  • Actionable Insight: Ticks are more prevalent in wooded, grassy, and bushy areas. Staying on marked trails and avoiding direct contact with dense vegetation reduces your exposure.
• Black Flies (Simuliidae): Also known as “gnats” or “buffalo gnats,” black flies are small, dark, and possess a distinctive hum. Unlike mosquitoes, they bite with a cutting-sucking mouthpart, creating a small, painful wound that often bleeds. Their bites can cause localized swelling, itching, and sometimes a persistent sensation similar to a splinter. They are typically found near flowing water and are most active during the day, particularly in spring and early summer.
  • Actionable Insight: Black flies are poor fliers in windy conditions. Choosing trails with open, breezy sections can offer some relief.
• Horse Flies and Deer Flies (Tabanidae): These large, robust flies deliver a painful bite, often feeling like a sharp pinch. They are strong fliers and are attracted to movement and CO2. Their bites can cause significant welts and are more common in humid, wooded areas, especially near water.
  • Actionable Insight: Their size makes them easier to spot. If one is buzzing around, swift, decisive swatting can sometimes deter them.
• Chiggers (Trombiculidae): These microscopic mites are barely visible to the naked eye. They don’t burrow into the skin but rather inject digestive enzymes that break down skin cells, which they then consume. The resulting itchy, red welts often appear hours after exposure, usually in clusters around tight clothing areas (waistline, sock lines). While intensely irritating, they are not known to transmit diseases to humans.
  • Actionable Insight: Chiggers thrive in tall grass, weeds, and brush. Staying on clear paths and minimizing contact with such vegetation is crucial.
• Ants (Formicidae): While many ant species are harmless, some, like fire ants, deliver a painful sting that can result in itchy, puss-filled pustules. They are often found in mounds and can be aggressive if their nest is disturbed.
  • Actionable Insight: Be observant of your surroundings, especially when taking breaks or stepping off the trail. Scan the ground for ant mounds before sitting or resting.

Arachnids: Spiders and Scorpions – Less Common, More Concern

While not as pervasive as insects, arachnids present a more serious, albeit less frequent, biting threat.

• Spiders (Araneae): Most spiders are harmless to humans, and many don’t even have fangs strong enough to penetrate skin. However, a few species, such as the Black Widow and Brown Recluse, possess venom that can cause significant medical issues. Black Widow bites are neurotoxic, leading to muscle pain, cramps, and nausea, while Brown Recluse bites are cytotoxic, potentially causing tissue necrosis. These spiders are generally reclusive and bite only when threatened or accidentally compressed.
  • Actionable Insight: Always check your boots, clothing, and sleeping bags before putting them on, especially if left outside overnight. Avoid reaching into dark, hidden crevices without visual inspection.
• Scorpions (Scorpiones): Scorpions are more common in arid and semi-arid regions. Their stings, delivered by a telson at the end of their tail, can be quite painful, often compared to a bee sting. While most scorpion stings are not life-threatening, some species, particularly the Arizona Bark Scorpion, possess potent neurotoxic venom that requires immediate medical attention. Scorpions are nocturnal and often hide under rocks, logs, or in cracks during the day.
  • Actionable Insight: If camping, shake out your sleeping bag, shoes, and clothing before use. Wear gloves when moving rocks or logs.

Reptiles: Snakes – The Unwelcome Surprise

Snake bites are relatively rare, but their potential severity warrants significant attention.

• Snakes (Serpentes): Not all snakes are venomous, but distinguishing between venomous and non-venomous species can be challenging for the untrained eye. Venomous snakes like rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths (water moccasins), and coral snakes are the primary concern. They typically bite defensively when surprised, threatened, or stepped on. Snake bites can cause tissue damage, systemic effects, and, in severe cases, be life-threatening.
  • Actionable Insight: Stay on marked trails and be mindful of where you step, especially in rocky areas, tall grass, or near logs where snakes might bask or hide. Never reach into areas you cannot see.

Proactive Prevention: Your Shield Against Bites

The most effective strategy against bites is prevention. This involves a multi-faceted approach, combining meticulous planning, appropriate gear, and mindful behavior on the trail.

Gear Up Smart: Your First Line of Defense

Your choice of clothing and equipment plays a crucial role in deterring biting creatures.

1. Long-Sleeved Shirts and Long Pants: This is perhaps the simplest yet most effective physical barrier. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics (synthetics often wick moisture better than cotton) that cover as much skin as possible. Tuck your pants into your socks or boots to create a sealed barrier, especially in tick-prone areas.
   • Concrete Example: Instead of shorts and a t-shirt, choose a lightweight, quick-dry hiking shirt with roll-up sleeves and zip-off hiking pants. When in dense brush, keep sleeves down and pants zipped, tucking them firmly into your socks.
2. Light-Colored Clothing: Many biting insects, especially mosquitoes, are attracted to dark colors. Light-colored clothing reflects heat and makes it easier to spot ticks and other crawling insects before they have a chance to bite.
   • Concrete Example: Choose khaki, light gray, or white hiking apparel over navy blue, black, or forest green, particularly for your outer layers.
3. Hats with Brims: A wide-brimmed hat offers protection from the sun and can help deter insects from landing on your head and neck. Some hats also come with integrated mosquito netting for added protection in heavily infested areas.
   • Concrete Example: A wide-brimmed sun hat, like a boonie hat, provides excellent coverage. For extreme conditions, consider a hat with a fine mesh net that tucks into your collar.
4. Appropriate Footwear: Closed-toe hiking boots or sturdy shoes are essential. They protect your feet from thorns, sharp rocks, and, importantly, provide a barrier against ground-dwelling insects and snakes.
   • Concrete Example: Sturdy, ankle-high hiking boots made of leather or durable synthetics offer superior protection compared to low-cut trail shoes or sandals.
5. Insect Repellent – Your Invisible Armor: This is perhaps the most critical item in your bite prevention arsenal. Different repellents work against different creatures, so understanding your options is key.
   • DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide): The gold standard for insect repellency, DEET is highly effective against mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, fleas, and many biting flies. Concentrations vary, but for prolonged exposure or high insect populations, 20-30% DEET is generally recommended for adults. Higher concentrations last longer but do not offer greater protection.
     • Concrete Example: Apply a DEET-based repellent (e.g., Sawyer Picaridin or Repel 100 with 98.11% DEET for extreme conditions, applied sparingly) to exposed skin. Reapply according to product instructions, typically every 4-8 hours. Avoid applying to cuts, wounds, or eyes.
   • Picaridin (KBR 3023): An effective alternative to DEET, Picaridin is often preferred for its less greasy feel and lack of plastic-damaging properties. It’s effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. Concentrations of 20% offer comparable protection to 30% DEET.
     • Concrete Example: Use a 20% Picaridin spray or lotion (e.g., Sawyer Picaridin Lotion) on exposed skin. It’s generally safe for children and less irritating than DEET for some individuals.
   • Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) / PMD (Para-Menthane-3,8-diol): A plant-based repellent derived from the lemon eucalyptus tree, OLE is effective against mosquitoes and some ticks. It’s a good natural alternative but typically requires more frequent application than DEET or Picaridin.
     • Concrete Example: For a more natural approach, apply an OLE-based spray (e.g., Repel Lemon Eucalyptus) to skin and clothing, reapplying every 2-3 hours. Not recommended for children under three years old.
   • Permethrin-Treated Clothing: Permethrin is an insecticide, not a repellent for skin. When applied to clothing, tents, and gear, it kills ticks and mosquitoes on contact. The treatment lasts through multiple washes and offers long-lasting protection. Never apply permethrin directly to skin.
     • Concrete Example: Purchase pre-treated clothing (e.g., Insect Shield clothing) or treat your own hiking clothes (pants, shirts, socks, hats) with a permethrin spray product (e.g., Sawyer Permethrin Insect Repellent) at least 24 hours before your hike, allowing it to dry completely. This creates an invisible, odorless barrier that actively repels and kills insects.

Trail Smarts: Navigating with Awareness

Your behavior and awareness on the trail are just as important as your gear.

1. Stay on Marked Trails: Venturing off-trail significantly increases your chances of encountering ticks, chiggers, and snakes that hide in tall grass, dense undergrowth, and rocky crevices.
   • Concrete Example: Even if a shortcut seems appealing, resist the urge to blaze your own path through dense foliage. Stick to the established, well-trodden route.
2. Be Observant of Your Surroundings: Constantly scan the ground ahead for snakes, especially in rocky or grassy areas. Look for ant mounds before sitting down.
   • Concrete Example: Before taking a break and sitting on a log, examine it carefully for spiders, ants, or other potential inhabitants. When stepping over a fallen log, look on the other side before placing your foot down.
3. Avoid Disturbing Wildlife: Never intentionally approach or provoke any animal. This includes trying to “pet” a snake, poke a scorpion, or disturb a wasp nest. Most bites occur when creatures feel threatened.
   • Concrete Example: If you encounter a snake, give it a wide berth. If it’s on the trail, wait patiently for it to move, or find a safe, wide detour. Never attempt to move it yourself.
4. Choose Campsites Wisely: If backpacking, select a campsite that is open, dry, and away from stagnant water, dense brush, and large rock piles (potential snake or scorpion habitats).
   • Concrete Example: Opt for a campsite on a slightly elevated, clear patch of ground, away from marshy areas where mosquitoes breed, and at least 50 feet from dense underbrush.
5. Secure Food and Trash: Food odors can attract insects and larger animals. Store all food in bear-resistant containers or hung from trees, and pack out all trash.
   • Concrete Example: Use a bear canister for food storage, even in areas without bears, to keep food smells contained and prevent rodents and insects from being attracted to your campsite.
6. Check Yourself Regularly for Ticks: This is paramount, especially after hiking through tick-prone areas. Perform a thorough tick check at least once during your hike (during a break) and immediately upon returning home. Pay close attention to warm, hidden areas: armpits, groin, behind ears, scalp, belly button, and behind knees.
   • Concrete Example: After completing a section of trail, find a well-lit spot. Remove your backpack and systematically check your clothing and exposed skin. Once home, shower and perform another head-to-toe check, using a mirror for hard-to-see areas.

Post-Hike Vigilance: What to Do After the Trail

Your bite prevention efforts don’t end when you step off the trail. Post-hike vigilance is crucial for detecting any missed bites and taking appropriate action.

The Thorough Tick Check: Your Final Defense

This deserves its own dedicated section due to the insidious nature of ticks and the diseases they carry.

1. Immediate Shower: As soon as you get home, take a shower. This can help wash off any unattached ticks and provides an opportunity for a thorough body check.
   • Concrete Example: Head directly to the bathroom upon returning from your hike. While showering, systematically wash your entire body, paying attention to hidden folds of skin.
2. Full Body Inspection: Stand in front of a full-length mirror and use a hand mirror to check hard-to-see areas. Pay close attention to:
   • Hair and scalp (especially behind ears and along the hairline)

   • In and around the ears

   • Inside the belly button

   • Under the arms

   • Around the waist

   • Between the legs/groin area

   • Back of the knees

   • Anywhere else clothing was tight.

   • Concrete Example: Start by checking your scalp and working downwards. Use your fingertips to feel for any small bumps or attached ticks. For your back, use a hand mirror to check your reflection in the full-length mirror.

3. Check Your Gear: Don’t forget your backpack, clothing, and even your pets. Ticks can hitch a ride on these items and then transfer to you later.

   • Concrete Example: Before bringing your backpack indoors, give it a good shake. Place your hiking clothes directly into the washing machine on a hot cycle. If you hiked with a pet, thoroughly check them for ticks before allowing them indoors.

What to Do If You Find a Tick: Proper Removal

If you find an attached tick, prompt and proper removal is key to minimizing the risk of disease transmission.

1. Use Fine-Tipped Tweezers: Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Avoid crushing the tick’s body.
   • Concrete Example: Always carry a small pair of fine-tipped tweezers in your first aid kit. Don’t use your fingers, blunt tweezers, or try old wives’ tales like burning the tick or applying petroleum jelly – these can cause the tick to regurgitate its stomach contents into your bloodstream, increasing disease risk.
2. Pull Upward with Steady, Even Pressure: Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.
   • Concrete Example: Apply gentle, continuous upward pressure until the tick releases its grip. It might take a few seconds of steady pulling.
3. Clean the Area: After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
   • Concrete Example: After the tick is removed, douse the area with an antiseptic wipe or wash thoroughly with soap and water to prevent secondary infection.
4. Monitor the Bite Area: Keep an eye on the bite area for several weeks for any signs of rash (especially the “bull’s-eye” rash characteristic of Lyme disease), fever, fatigue, or body aches. If any symptoms develop, contact your doctor immediately and inform them of the tick bite.
   • Concrete Example: Make a note in your phone or a calendar of the date and location of the bite. Check the area daily for the next 3-4 weeks. If you see a spreading red rash or experience flu-like symptoms, call your doctor the same day.

Handling Bites and Stings: First Aid and Beyond

Despite your best efforts, bites can still happen. Knowing how to react calmly and effectively can mitigate discomfort and potential health risks.

Insect Bites (Mosquitoes, Black Flies, Chiggers, etc.):

1. Clean the Area: Wash the bite with soap and water to prevent infection.
   • Concrete Example: Immediately upon noticing a bite, cleanse the area with a wet wipe or water from your bottle.
2. Reduce Swelling and Itching: Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion can alleviate itching. Oral antihistamines (like diphenhydramine) can also help with generalized itching and allergic reactions.
   • Concrete Example: If you have an ice pack in your cooler or a cold stream nearby, apply cold to the bite. Alternatively, rub on a small amount of hydrocortisone cream from your first aid kit.
3. Avoid Scratching: Scratching can break the skin, leading to secondary infections.
   • Concrete Example: If the itching is intense, try gently tapping the area or applying pressure instead of scratching.

Bee and Wasp Stings:

1. Remove Stinger (if present): Bees leave their stinger behind. Scrape it off with a credit card or fingernail. Do not squeeze it with tweezers, as this can inject more venom. Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets do not leave stingers.
   • Concrete Example: If stung by a bee, quickly use the edge of your ID card to flick the stinger out.
2. Clean the Area: Wash with soap and water.
   • Concrete Example: Use a pre-moistened alcohol pad or soap and water to clean the sting site.
3. Apply Cold Pack: Reduce swelling and pain.
   • Concrete Example: Apply an ice pack or a cold compress to the sting to minimize swelling.
4. Pain Relief: Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
   • Concrete Example: If the pain is significant, take two ibuprofen tablets from your first aid kit.
5. Monitor for Allergic Reaction: Watch for signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): difficulty breathing, swelling of the face/throat/tongue, dizziness, rapid pulse, hives spreading over the body. If these occur, use an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) if available and seek immediate medical attention.
   • Concrete Example: If you or a hiking companion have a known severe allergy to stings, ensure they carry two EpiPens and know how to use them. Immediately after administering the EpiPen, call emergency services.

Spider Bites (Suspected Venomous):

1. Clean the Area: Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water.
   • Concrete Example: As soon as you suspect a spider bite, wash the area with soap and water from your hydration pack.
2. Apply Cold Pack: Helps reduce swelling and pain.
   • Concrete Example: If possible, apply a cold compress to the bite site.
3. Elevate the Extremity (if possible): If the bite is on an arm or leg, elevate it to help reduce swelling.
   • Concrete Example: If bitten on the hand, keep your hand elevated above your heart.
4. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: For suspected venomous spider bites (e.g., Black Widow, Brown Recluse), seek medical attention promptly. Try to safely capture the spider for identification if possible, but only if it doesn’t put you at further risk.
   • Concrete Example: If you suspect a Black Widow bite (marked by two small puncture marks and immediate pain that spreads), call for emergency evacuation or head to the nearest medical facility immediately.

Scorpion Stings:

1. Clean the Area: Wash with soap and water.
   • Concrete Example: Thoroughly clean the sting site with an antiseptic wipe.
2. Apply Cold Pack: Helps with pain and swelling.
   • Concrete Example: Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the sting to alleviate discomfort.
3. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help.
   • Concrete Example: Take ibuprofen for pain relief.
4. Seek Medical Attention for Severe Stings: While most scorpion stings are not life-threatening, stings from certain species (like the Arizona Bark Scorpion) can be serious, especially for children, the elderly, or those with underlying health conditions. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms are severe (muscle spasms, difficulty breathing, convulsions) or if the sting victim is a child or elderly.
   • Concrete Example: If a child is stung by a scorpion, or if anyone experiences widespread numbness, difficulty swallowing, or convulsions, call emergency services without delay.

Snake Bites (Suspected Venomous):

This is a medical emergency. Time is critical.

1. Stay Calm and Immobilize: Remain as calm as possible. Move away from the snake. Keep the bitten limb still and lower than the heart if possible.
   • Concrete Example: If bitten on the leg, sit down immediately and avoid moving the leg. Don’t try to run to safety.
2. Remove Constrictive Clothing/Jewelry: Swelling can occur rapidly.
   • Concrete Example: Quickly remove rings, watches, or tight clothing from the bitten limb before swelling makes it impossible.
3. Do NOT Cut, Suck, or Apply a Tourniquet: These actions are harmful and ineffective. They can worsen tissue damage or spread venom.
   • Concrete Example: Ignore any movie scenarios involving cutting or sucking the venom. These methods are dangerous and don’t work.
4. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Call emergency services (local equivalent of 911/115/112) or head to the nearest hospital as quickly and safely as possible.
   • Concrete Example: Activate your emergency beacon or satellite phone if you have one, or call for help on your cell phone. Clearly state your location and that you suspect a venomous snakebite.
5. Note Snake Appearance (if safe to do so): A description of the snake can help medical professionals with treatment, but do NOT attempt to capture or kill the snake.
   • Concrete Example: If it’s safe to do so from a distance, quickly observe the snake’s color, pattern, and head shape (triangular heads often indicate venomous snakes, but not always). Do not get closer for a better look.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Preparedness and Awareness

True preparedness extends beyond just personal gear and immediate reactions. It involves understanding broader environmental factors and continuous learning.

Seasonal and Regional Awareness:

Biting threats vary significantly by season and geographic region.

• Seasonality: Mosquitoes and black flies are generally more prevalent in warmer, humid months. Ticks are active whenever temperatures are above freezing, with peak activity often in spring and fall. Snakes are more active in warmer weather.
  • Concrete Example: Before planning a hike, research the typical insect and snake activity for that specific trail and time of year. If hiking in spring in a tick-heavy region, assume every patch of tall grass is a tick habitat.
• Regional Specifics: Diseases transmitted by insects (e.g., Lyme disease in North America, Dengue in Southeast Asia) are geographically specific. Venomous snake species also vary by region.
  • Concrete Example: If hiking in the American Southwest, specifically learn about identifying common venomous snakes like rattlesnakes. If traveling to a tropical region, understand the specific mosquito-borne illnesses prevalent there.

First Aid Kit Essentials:

Your hiking first aid kit should be specifically tailored to address potential bites.

• Standard Items: Antiseptic wipes, bandages, pain relievers (ibuprofen/acetaminophen), hydrocortisone cream, antihistamines.

• Bite-Specific Items: Fine-tipped tweezers, tick removal tool (e.g., Tick Twister), small vial of rubbing alcohol, sting relief wipes (containing benzocaine or lidocaine), epinephrine auto-injector (if anyone in your party has a known severe allergy).

  • Concrete Example: Ensure your first aid kit includes a dedicated tick removal tool, a small bottle of hand sanitizer, and individual packets of antiseptic wipes. Replace expired medications regularly.

Education and Training:

Knowledge is your most powerful tool.

• Basic First Aid and CPR: Knowing how to respond to medical emergencies, including allergic reactions, can be life-saving.
  • Concrete Example: Enroll in a wilderness first aid course, which often includes modules on identifying and treating bites and stings in remote environments.
• Venomous Species Identification: Learn to identify the venomous snakes, spiders, and scorpions common in your hiking area. Focus on key distinguishing features from a safe distance.
  • Concrete Example: Before hiking in an unfamiliar region, spend 15-20 minutes researching images and descriptions of local venomous snakes and spiders. Understand their typical habitats and behaviors.

Group Hiking and Communication:

Hiking with a buddy offers an added layer of safety.

• Buddy System: A hiking partner can help spot ticks on your back, assist in an emergency, or go for help if needed.
  • Concrete Example: When hiking with a friend, agree to perform mutual tick checks during breaks and at the end of the hike.
• Share Information: Inform your hiking partners about any known allergies or medical conditions.
  • Concrete Example: Before starting a hike, tell your companions, “Just so you know, I have a severe bee allergy, and my EpiPen is in the front pocket of my pack.”

Respect for the Environment:

Ultimately, avoiding bites is also about respecting the natural world and its inhabitants. We are guests in their home.

• Leave No Trace Principles: By staying on trails, packing out what you pack in, and minimizing your impact, you help preserve the delicate ecosystems and reduce unnecessary human-wildlife encounters.
  • Concrete Example: If you encounter a snake or other creature on the trail, observe it from a safe distance and allow it to move off on its own. Do not try to herd it or harm it.

The Unbitten Promise

Hiking offers unparalleled opportunities for adventure, reflection, and physical challenge. By embracing a proactive, informed, and vigilant approach to bite prevention, you transform potential anxieties into confident strides. This guide has equipped you with the definitive knowledge and actionable strategies to minimize your risk, from selecting the right gear and adopting smart trail behaviors to understanding critical post-hike checks and emergency responses. Armed with this comprehensive information, you can step onto any trail with the assurance that you’ve done everything in your power to ensure your health and enjoy the wilderness, unbitten and unburdened.