* This article deals with mature subject matter.
The mountains are an incredible escape from our busy lives, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful retreat. But as more people hit the trails, it’s important to keep our mountain adventures respectful and responsible. We have recently seen several posts on social media about mountain registries (boxes at mountain summits) and the contents found within these mountain registries containing inappropriate objects. What do you think about inappropriate objects in the mountains and how does it make you feel? Did you know this is happening?
Here are a few things you definitely don’t want to find in the mountains.
1. Sex toys in mountain registry boxes
Yup, you read that right and believe it or not, that’s actually happening. It’s become a hot topic in community/outdoors forums and social media lately. Someone has been leaving sex toys in mountain registries, and the reactions are all over the map. Some people think it’s a bizarre prank and find it amusing, while others are calling it completely inappropriate. It’s definitely stirring up a lot of discussion about what’s acceptable in our beautiful outdoor spaces. We don’t know why this is happening and maybe the person/people doing it don’t understand the long-term effects this creates. Normalizing sexual behaviour in remote and sacred locations comes with consequences.
At Uplift Adventures, we categorically oppose this behaviour. We believe in maintaining the respect and integrity of our natural spaces, and such actions undermine the spirit of adventure and respect we strive to promote. The presence of sex toys in mountain registry boxes raises several serious concerns:
- Indigenous lands: The areas we hike in are traditional lands of Indigenous Peoples. These lands are not just geographical locations but hold deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. Leaving inappropriate items like sex toys in these sacred spaces is a profound disrespect to the Indigenous communities who have longstanding connections to these areas. It disregards their cultural heritage and fails to acknowledge the spiritual importance they attach to the land. Mountain summits and high places are historically and currently used by Indigenous Peoples as spiritual and ceremonial locations.
- Safety concerns: The backcountry can be a place of healing and adventure, but it’s also a space where safety and comfort are paramount. Some people, especially women, who venture into the backcountry may have past traumas or safety concerns. Finding inappropriate items can be triggering and make these beautiful spaces feel less safe, deterring them from exploring or enjoying the outdoors.
- Image of the Canadian Rockies: The Canadian Rockies are world-renowned for their breathtaking beauty and pristine nature. Finding sex toys in these areas can come across as incredibly trashy and project a negative image to visitors. It risks tarnishing the reputation of one of Canada’s most treasured landscapes and shows a lack of respect for both the environment and the broader community.
- Inappropriate for children: Many families take to the mountains for quality time together, and many children are introduced to nature and outdoor activities in these spaces. Finding inappropriate items like sex toys can be confusing, distressing, and completely out of place for young minds learning to appreciate and respect nature. The backcountry should be a family-friendly environment where children can explore safely and without the added stress of encountering items that are not suitable for their age.
What can you do? Remove these items from registries and report it to the appropriate government official. Rumours reveal that over 200 mountain summits have inappropriate items.
2. Old furniture
It’s hard to believe, but some people have been known to leave old furniture like armchairs and couches in the mountains. These items might have been discarded with good intentions, but they don’t belong in the great outdoors. Not only do they look out of place, but they also can cause environmental issues like habitat disruption and ruin the experience for other hikers who come to enjoy the natural scenery.
3. Litter and trash
This one goes without saying, but you’d be surprised how much junk and garbage is left behind in the mountains. Broken gear, non-biodegradable wipes, cans and bottles, and single-use plastics like water bottles and snack wrappers are just some of the common trash items we’ve seen on trips in the backcountry.
These items have no place in the backcountry and there’s no excuse for leaving them there. These items can end up as litter, polluting the pristine environment and posing hazards to wildlife. Animals might ingest or become entangled in plastic waste, leading to serious health problems or even death.
Also, plastic waste can take hundreds of years to decompose, impacting the landscape long after your visit. Instead, opt for reusable containers and bags, and make sure to pack out everything you bring in. This simple step helps keep the backcountry clean and safe for all who visit.
4. Your doo-doo
When you’re out in the backcountry, it’s important to handle bathroom business properly to help keep the environment clean and safe, prevent contamination of water sources, keep wildlife away from human waste, and ensure that everyone can enjoy the outdoors without stumbling upon unpleasant surprises.
Want to learn about Leave No Trace principles when it comes to “number two”? Our blog post dives into the “doos” and don’ts of outdoor bathroom etiquette.
Keep it classy: No room for trashy acts
So, here’s the deal: we want to see people fall in love with nature and the outdoors, we want people to feel safe and to respect the places they travel to. We hope this article helps to share a deeper understanding of the impacts these items leave behind. While the initial discovery of a sex toy may be humourous, these items have a deeper impact and do not belong in the mountains. We take great pride in the mountains and our natural places, and garbage and human waste both interfere with the environment and people’s experience. Our beautiful trails and parks – and everyone who goes out into the backcountry – deserve respect.