Hiking Merit Links

Note: I have collected this information here for my own benefit, but anyone else who chances upon this and finds it useful is welcome to reuse it.

Hiking Merit Requirements

1. Describe the safety rules for open-road and wilderness hiking.

2. Describe the safety rules for night hiking.

3. Describe the rules of hiking courtesy towards others on trail.

4. Describe the principles of “leave-no-trace” hiking.

5. Describe two different backpack styles and their merits. State your preference and explain why.

6. Prepare a clothing list for warm weather hiking, cold weather hiking, and wet weather hiking.

7. Describe proper foot care to prevent and to treat blisters.

8. Describe how to avoid becoming lost; describe what to do when lost.

9. Plan a 10-mile hike.

10. Go on 4 5-mile hikes, 3 10-mile hikes, and one 15-mile hike. One must include nighttime hiking.

Useful Internet Links

• Boy Scout Hiking Exam: http://www.geocities.com/havliceks/Hiking061.html

• Boy Scout Wilderness Survival Exam: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/havlicek/Wilderness_Survival117.html

• Trail safety:

  • http://www.ctwoodlands.org/blue%20trails/safety.html

  • http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dlf/publands/hikesafe.htm

  • http://www.riveroflifefarm.com/hiking/hiking-safety-rules.html

• Hiking courtesy: http://www.mountsnow-vt.com/packages/hikingcourtesy.htm

• Leave-no-trace hiking: http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Falls/9200/leave_no_trace.html

• Foot care for blisters: http://www.hikethewild.com/article1021.html