The seasons are changing, which means more people are dusting off their hiking boots and setting off for adventures in nature. Cannabis is a natural companion for explorers of the great outdoors — there's something about imbibing between breaths of fresh air that makes us feel more connected to these organic landscapes.

Before shoving off on your journey, make sure you're equipped with the knowledge you need to be both safe and considerate with your cannabis use. We surveyed a large group of hikers with an affinity for cannabis to determine what tips to keep top-of-mind while outside, so let this be your map to positive experiences in nature.

Safety and etiquette on the trail

Hiker enjoying the outdoors

Safety is paramount to having a good experience, and etiquette is paramount to others having a good experience, so be sure to practice both when you hit the trail.

  • Be respectful of other hikers. This piece of etiquette was offered by nearly every hiker interviewed — not because cannabis is something that should be kept secret, but because, as one hiker put it, "Just like cigarettes, not everyone likes it, and everyone should be able to enjoy the trail." This is especially important around crowds and children.
  • Leave no trace. This is the golden rule for all hikers — no one is an exception. It may seem like no big deal to toss an extinguished roach. ("It's okay, the crutch is hemp paper!") No. No one wants to see cannabis or cigarette butts on the trailside. Get in the habit of packing out all trash no matter how small.
  • Be conscientious of your use of heat and fire. This is particularly true in dry areas and seasons. Tossing a roach you thought was out could have devastating effects on a dry ecosystem and ruin areas that were once near and dear to many other hikers. Be smart with your use of campfires, and adhere to the conditional fire laws in your area.
  • Bring extra water. You should always bring more water than you think you'll need in the event of an emergency. As you may have noticed with the dry mouth phenomenon, cannabis dehydrates you, so be sure to pack and drink a lot of water.
  • Know your route. Some trails are obvious and easy to locate. Others are not. Being high while trying to navigate can make it even more challenging if you're not an accustomed user. Bring a topography map or a GPS system, pay close attention to natural landmarks, and track your mileage.

Best cannabis pieces to bring hiking and camping

What's your favorite piece to bring while hiking? We asked our local hikers what they preferred, and here's what we learned.

  • Joints. A classic for a reason. Roll several before hitting the trail. Shop for "dogwalkers" — mini-sized joints that are lower-profile and usually less potent. Upsides: stay lit in windy weather, easy to share, lightweight. Downsides: hard to light in wind, you'll need to pack out roaches, and a strong breeze burns them faster.
  • Vape pens. A lot of hikers love vape pens on the trail. Strain-specific cartridges, inconspicuous, lift on demand. Just make sure to charge your vape battery, and store the pen upright so it doesn't leak.
  • Pipes. Tried and true. As one Washington hiker said, "On busier trails I prefer to use a pipe. They're easier to put out when other people are passing by." Downsides: breakable, hard to light in the wind, tough to hit while walking.
  • Travel water pipes. A bubbler shines around the campfire — the water cools and filters the smoke, easier on a parched throat. Buy a cheap, small glass travel bubbler. Skip the plastic bong.
  • Edibles. There's nothing wrong with eating some edibles and staring at the fire for a few hours. The body high can soothe tired muscles and promote sleep. Downside: edibles can cause an overly intense high. Dose responsibly.

Legal considerations on public lands

There are differences in marijuana policy and tolerances depending on which area of wilderness you're visiting. Federal land like national parks can cite you for using marijuana, and technically you can still be fined for public consumption outside national parks even in legal states.

State fines tend to be significantly lower than federal ones, but it's still something to consider. Fees vary from state to state, so be sure to research your relevant laws if this is a concern.

Private campsites are different than state or federal land, and nowadays some spots advertise their 420 friendliness. Google "420 camping" in your state to see what's around.

According to federal agencies: possession or use of marijuana inside a National Park Service unit (parks, preserves, rivers and monuments) is prohibited. Possession or use of any amount of cannabis is still prohibited on all National Forest lands and at all National Forest campgrounds and facilities. Penalties include seeing a judge, a minimum $1,000 fine, and up to one year in prison.

The top camping states in the U.S. are California, Washington, Texas, Florida, and New York. The legalization states ban smoking in public, and the prohibition states ban simple possession. In California, smoking or vaping on a beach can yield a $25 fine — though parking lots are sometimes exempt under PRC §5008.

According to Washington State Parks officials: "Cannabis use is not permitted in public spaces."

In closing, living in a society means conforming to behaviors that don't hurt anyone, or generally bother them too much. That includes how you act on public lands. Smoking weed has the potential to make a cool hike even cooler. We have some great memories of joints with friends around a campfire. But just because it's cool and fun does not immunize you from the law or basic manners. Do your thing in nature — just leave no trace and don't be a jerk about it. And if you get caught, be prepared to pay the fine.