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Hiking
101
Text about definitions and such...
Terminology
Gear Terminology
Hiker - anyone takes part in the
activity of hiking
Day Hiker - a hiker that does not intend on
spending the night on the trail
Day Hike - a hike where the
hiker does not intend on spending the night on the trail
Section Hiker - one who has hiked or is hiking
sections of a long distance trail through various length trips
Section Hike - a hike along a long distance
trail that does not cover the entire length of the long distance
trail. Section hikes typically refer to a hike that is
done with the goal of completing a long distance trail in
sections instead of one trip. Thru
Hiker - one who has hiked or is hiking a long distance
trail in one trip Thru Hike -
a hike where the hiker intends on doing the entire length of a
long distance trail Mail Drop
- a resupply package or resupplying technique where a package of
hiking supplies such as food and gear are shipped to specific
points such as hiker friendly post offices and outfitters along
a long distance trail. Technique used by many thru hikers
to resupply during their thru hike.
Hostel - a simple
establishment that is catered to hikers. Typically
provides food and shelter at a minimal cost. Mostly used
by thru hikers and section hikers.
Shuttle - an official or unofficial service where
hikers are transported to desired locations. Typically
used for end to end/point to point hikes.
Slack Packing - long distance hiking that uses
the assistance of a third party to transport gear from one point
to another Slack Packer - a
long distance hiker that uses the assistance of a third party to
transport their gear from one point to another. Typically
refers to a thru hiker that is only carrying gear and supplies
for one day with the intention of being assisted by a third
party and a specified rendezvous point.
Backcountry - term used to refer to locations
away from civilization. Similar to wilderness.
Trail Name - an alias name that hikers use when
on the trail. Trail names are typically given, not chosen
from one hiker to another and reflect an identifiable
characteristic, attitude, hobby, hiking style, etc.
Shelter - a man made structure built a short
intervals along long distance trails to use as an alternative to
tent camping. Shelters are typically built to be one day's
hike apart. Cowboy Camping -
camping without a tent or hammock. Also known as sleeping
under the stars. Hammock Hanger
- one who camps using a hammock system
White Blaze - a 2 inch wide by 6 inch tall rectangle of
white paint used to mark the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to
Maine Blue Blaze - a 2 inch
wide by 6 inch tall rectangle of blue paint used to mark side
trails to the Appalachian Trail. These trails typically
lead to water, shelters and road access points or bypass
sections of the AT. Spur Trail
- a short trail off of a longer trail that leads to point of
interest such as summits and waterfalls
Loop Trail or Hike - a trail or hike that
starts and ends at the same point End
To End/Point to Point Trail or Hike - a trail that does
not start and end at the same point
Ultralight - term used in describing hiking gear that
is purchased, made or modified with the intent of carrying the
minimal amount of weight Bear Cables -
Gear Text
about gear and what to take for day trips and overnight trips
(make a spreadsheet for these lists) External
Frame Pack Internal Frame Pack
Day Pack -
Hydration Pack - a pack with
a pocket for carrying a hydration bladder. Typically, this
term refers to hydration packs that are used as day packs.
Also known as a Camelbak. Pack Cover
- an elastic, waterproof cover used to cover one's pack and
minimize the effects of wet weather Mummy
Bag - a sleeping bag with a mummy-like shape.
Mummy bags are typically used for overnight hiking with the
intent of reducing weight and increasing heat due to a reduction
in space within the bag. Bivouac
- a structure used like a small single person tent. Also
known as bivy, this piece of gear is popular with ultralight
hiking. Rain Fly - detachable,
outer tent covering sed as a deterrent for wet weather.
Rain flies are often used as the stand alone shelter for
ultralight hiking and hiking in good weather.
Ground Cover - sheet of water resistant
material used between tents and the ground or sleeping pads and
the ground Wind Screen -
small, circular device used to block the wind from camping
stoves Bear Bag - bag or
container of food hung from bear cables or a tree with the
intent of removing odors from the camping area. Bear bags
should be hung at least 50 yards from the cooking and camping
locations. Spork - fork and
spoon combo used by many hikers instead of carry separate
instruments Headlamp -
fluorescent and/or incandescent flashlight attached to a strap
or elastic band that is sits on one's head during use
Seattle Sombrero - term sometimes used to refer
to a sombrero like camping hat. Term made popular by the
hat so branded by Outdoor Research
Gaiters - sleeve like gear used to cover up the lower
legs to protect from water, thorns and/or snakes. Gaiters
come in two sizes - ankle and knee. Gaiters are typically
looped over the arch of the shoe with a velcro strip up the side
with a clasp at the top. Camp Shoes
- lightweight shoes used while in camp instead of boots.
Crocs, Chacos and flip flops are very popular for this.
Tinder - small, dry wood and wood-like
substances used to start a fire
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