Glossary

A

• Alpine Zone: An area above the tree line in mountainous regions characterized by harsh weather conditions and sparse vegetation.
• Alpenglow: A reddish glow observed on mountains at sunrise and sunset.
• Ascend: To climb upward on a trail or mountain.

B

• Backpacking: A type of hiking that involves carrying all necessary equipment and supplies in a backpack, typically for multiple days and overnight stays in the wilderness.
• Base Layer: Clothing worn directly on the skin, often designed to regulate body temperature and wick moisture away from the body.
• Bear Bag: A lightweight bag used to store food and scented items to prevent bear encounters.
• Blaze: A marked trail marker, often painted on trees or rocks.

C

• Cairn: A human-made pile or stack of stones often used as trail markers.
• Campsite: A designated area for setting up a temporary camp.
• Canopy: The uppermost layer of branches and foliage in a forest.
• Compass: A navigational instrument used to determine direction relative to the Earth's magnetic poles.

D

• Day Hike: A hike that is completed in one day, typically lasting between 2-8 hours.
• Descent: The act of moving downward on a trail.
• Duffel Bag: A cylindrical bag made of cloth or rubber, often used to carry gear.
• Dry Bag: A waterproof bag used to protect contents from moisture.

E

• Elevation Gain: The total amount of vertical ascent over a hike.
• Emergency Shelter: A temporary structure or space designed to provide protection from extreme weather conditions.

F

• Fitness: The state of physical readiness and conditioning necessary for hiking.
• Footpath: A narrow path or trail designed specifically for walking or hiking.
• Fording: The act of crossing a river or stream on foot.
• Fire Ring: A circular area cleared for building campfires.

G

• Gaiters: Protective garments worn over the shoe and lower pants leg.
• Gorge: A narrow, steep-walled valley or canyon.
• GPS (Global Positioning System) Device: A device that uses satellites to provide navigation information.

H

• Headlamp: A lightweight lamp worn on the head.
• Hunger Pang: A sharp, temporary abdominal pain caused by hunger.
• Hydration Pack: A type of gear that allows hikers to drink hands-free.
• Hypothermia: A condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.

I

• Incline: An upward slope on a trail.

J

• Junction: A point on a hiking trail where two or more paths converge or diverge.

K

• Knife-edge: A narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on either side.
• Knots: Methods of fastening ropes or cordage.

L

• Latrine: A designated area for human waste disposal in the backcountry.
• Layering: The practice of wearing multiple layers of clothing for effective temperature regulation.
• Leave No Trace: A set of principles for minimizing impact on natural areas.

M

• Map Reading: The skill of interpreting map symbols and topography to navigate trails.
• Moleskin: A soft, adhesive fabric used to prevent or treat blisters.

N

• Nalgene: A brand name for durable, wide-mouth water bottles.
• Navigation: The process of determining one's position and planning and following a route.

O

• Orienteering: The sport of navigation with a map and compass.
• Out-and-Back: A type of trail that leads to a destination and requires returning the same way.
• Overnight Hike: A hike that involves camping overnight in the wilderness.

P

• Pack Out: The practice of carrying out all trash generated during a hike.
• Peak Bagging: The activity of trying to reach the summit of peaks.
• Purifier: A device or treatment used to make water safe for drinking.

Q

• Quick-dry: Materials or fabrics designed to dry quickly.

R

• Rappelling: Descending a steep cliff or slope using a rope.
• Ridge: A long, narrow elevated feature separating valleys or drainages.

S

• Scrambling: A method of ascending steep or rocky terrain using one's hands.
• Scree: Loose, broken stones covering a slope or mountain base.
• Snowshoes: Footwear designed for walking over deep snow.
• Switchback: A path that zigzags back and forth up a steep incline.
• Shakedown: Trips and hikes to test out gear before embarking on longer treks.

T

• Talus: A sloping mass of rock debris at the base of a cliff or ridge.
• Tarn: A small mountain lake or pool, often formed by glaciers.
• Topography: The arrangement of natural and artificial surface features depicted on maps.
• Trekking Poles: Poles designed to provide stability and support on uneven terrain.
• Trailhead: The starting point of a trail.

U

• Underbrush: Dense vegetation that can make progress difficult.
• Ultralight Backpacking: A style emphasizing carrying the lightest gear possible.

V

• Ventilation: The flow of air through clothing or gear to prevent overheating.
• Vista: A wide view of an area of natural beauty from a vantage point.

W

• Waypoint: A reference point in physical space used for navigation.
• Wilderness Permit: A permit required for overnight stays in protected areas.
• Windchill: The perceived decrease in air temperature caused by wind.

X

• X-Country Hiking: Hiking across country or natural terrains without a clear trail.

Y

• Yielding: Giving way to other trail users according to trail etiquette.

Z

• Zen Navigation: Navigating by instinct and environmental cues rather than solely maps/GPS.
• Zero Day: A day spent not hiking, usually to rest or resupply on a long trip.