Reaching the summit of a mountain.

To climb down from the side of a mountain. Bailing out is not always possible if you are cliffed out.

Coalescing alluvial fans form a smooth slope at the base of a mountain. When you hike across them, bajadas aren't as smooth as they look.

When a trail in the winter has been "broken out." you can hike without crampons or snowshoes.

A design style used in tents in which the waterproof floor of the tent is stitched with short "walls" to prevent water from entering in high winds or in the event that your rain fly doesn't reach the bottom of your tent.

A specific direction, typically with an assigned degree, usually used when navigating with a compass.

Usually used with a Hydration Bladder, the bite valve is a small valve at the end of the hose that allows water to flow when flexed in a certain direction. It is thus named because it is intended to be bitten in order to let liquid flow.

To encamp for the night, usually under little or no shelter.

Short for bivouac. Refers to a small, one-person shelter that is lightweight, waterproof, and durable. Usually single walled and used when solo hiking/camping.

A mark, usually on a tree, designed to indicate the direction of a trail. Most often the blaze is painted using a bright color.

Blisters are a local swelling of the skin that contain watery fluid and are caused by irritation. In Hiking, Foot Blisters are most common due to the added stress and heat caused by walking with larger loads on tougher and heavier boots.

When the trail divides into two or more trails which come together again after a short distance.

A trail in winter snow that has been well packed due to the snowshoe use.

Travelling through forest or woods with no established trails or markings, usually by following a compass or topographic map.

To slide down the rocks, as on a slide in a children's playground. Control your speed and avoid sliding into or over cactus.

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The stone piles often erected along a trail above tree line, to serve as an indicator of trail direction.

The Crater Formed When A Volcano Collapses Into Its Magma Chamber.

A Variation On Hiking Where The Chosen Terrains Are Canyons, Cliffs, And Rivers. This Discipline Requires More Technical Skills Such As Rock Climbing, Rappelling, And Water Crossings. For More Information, Read Our Canyoneering Section.

Fast Moving Water That Descends Rapidly, But Does Not Leave The Ground. If It Did, It Would Be Called A Waterfall.

A Small Tree Of The Acacia Family, Acacia Greggii, Armed With Sharp Little Thorns Which Snag.

Is A Strap That Can Be Connected Across Your Chest Using A Clip-lock. By Connecting And Tightening The Strap, You Prevent Your Backpack From Pulling Your Shoulders Back.

You Want To Climb Down The Mountain, But Find Yourself On The Top Of A Cliff. So You Have To Bail Out Somewhere Else.

Usually Refers To A Sleeping Pad That Is Constructed So That Air Cannot Get Into Or Escape The Pores Of The Material From Which The Pad Is Manufactured.

A Hiking Discipline Where The Chosen Terrain Is The Coast Line And All Its Obstacles Like Beaches, Dunes, Rocks, Estuaries, And Lagoons. For Information, Read Our Section On Coastering.

Usually Means That The Nylon This Product Is Made Of Has Been Treated With A Chemical That Makes It Waterproof, Windproof, Or Both.

A Pass Between Two Mountain Peaks Or A Gap In A Ridge, Usually Saddle Shaped.

A Compass Is A Device Consisting Of A Sensitive Needle Pointing To The Magnetic North Of Our Planet. It Has A Base Plate And A Rotatable Housing That Enable You To Navigate.

Are Special Types Of Tights That Support Key Muscle Groups And Help Prevent Lactic Acid Buildup. For More Information, Read Our Hiking Pant Types Section.

To Make Your Way Around A Peak Instead Of Climbing It. Following The Natural Elevation Line Around.

A high point along a trail.

Are Medium Weight Hiking Boots That Fall Under The B-Class Of Hiking Boots. They Can Be Used For Moderately Difficult Terrain And Medium Weight Hiking. For More Information, Read Our Section On Hiking Boot Types.

A Protozoan Of The Genus Cryptosporidium That Is An Intestinal Parasite In Humans And Other Vertebrates And Sometimes Causes Diarrhea That Is Especially Severe In Immune-compromised Individuals. Much Like Guardia Causes Serious Intestinal Issues And Is Caused By Neglecting To Treat Drinking Water.

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Used when following maps with a compass or GPS, declination is the difference between true North and magnetic North.

A tent that has been designed with some sort of geodesic design, taking advantage of the structural strength and volume. Basically this means the tent will look something like the "Epcot Center."

An Extra Collar Of Insulation Positioned At The Top Of A Sleeping Bag That Prevents Cold Breezes From Traveling Down Into The Bag.

An Elongated Hill Or Ridge Of Glacial Drift.

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A Walking Condition Where Your Foot Is Too Flexible In The Arch And Will Bend Under Heavier Loads, Causing The Length Of Your Foot To Increase Too Much.

Are The Largest Backpacks Meant For Multiple Day Hikes Or For Those That Need To Carry A Lot Of Equipment. They Typically Have A Size Of 60+ Liters.

A Route Where The Hike Leader Has Never Been Before.

A Piece Of Fabric (usually Nylon) That Allows A Person To Over-stuff Their Pack Beyond The Top Of The Primary Fabric.

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A peak that appears to be a summit, but is rather a crest on the way to a further summit.

A narrow gorge, usually with a stream flowing through it. Acts as a chute to carry water quickly down-slope.

Forest Protection Area. Formerly Called RUAs. An Area Where Camping, Camp Fires, And Travel Are Restricted To Allow The Area To Recover From Overuse.

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A nylon, cloth or sometimes leather covering that extends from the soles on ones boots to anywhere from the ankle to the knee, designed to prevent debris from entering the boot.

Usually a small cloth sheet that hangs from a tent ceiling that allows you to store a few items within easy reach. Handy for things like your headlamp, a book, toilet paper, snacks, etc.

Any of various flagellated, usually non pathogenic protozoa of the genus Giardia that may be parasitic in the intestines of vertebrates including humans and most domestic animals. In other words, a bug that lives in the water of streams and rivers that infests your intestines making your life REALLY uncomfortable. Not usually fatal, but sometime you might wish it were.

Is a system that uses orbiting satellites to pinpoint your location on the globe. By using a GPS Device, you can contact these satellites and navigate outdoors.

A product of the W. L. Gore Company, Gore Tex® is a waterproofing material and method that is used on a variety of nylon products.

A small hole, usually reinforced with a non-corrosive material. Can be found in tents, on backpacks, clothing, etc.

Webster's says it best; A triangular insert, as in the seam of a garment, for added strength or expansion.

Stabilizing cord or string used to secure a rain fly on a tent.

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This is the rhythm you choose in your Hiking. Having a good Hiking Rhythm improves your overall performance and enables you to cover greater distances without getting over exerted. For more information, read our section on Hiking Rhythm.

Hiking Socks use special combination of fabrics and construction to ensure the maximum protection during Hiking and wicking of perspiration.

Is a large and broad strap that is used to move most of the load of a backpack to your hip bones. For information, read our section on Backpack Features.

The generic term for Velcro

A large section of rock in between faults but not containing faults.

Another term for a false peak or a peak on the way to a summit.

A pliable container that usually has a tube and valve attached from which one can drink. Backpackers have taken to them because they are flexible (they pack down well) and they have a tube, so you don't need to take water out of your pack to drink, you simply suck on the hose. Platypus and Camelbackâ??s are the two most popular brands.

Are small backpacks consisting of a bladder and a drinking tube that make drinking easier while continuing your outdoor activity.

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The "padding" in a boot on which your foot rests. Provides cushioning and moisture absorption.

The Insulation Layer is the second layer of clothing worn on top of the Base Layer. The purpose of the insulation layer is to retain body heat and the best way to do so is by creating a layer of still or dead air around your body. This still air will seriously decrease the heat exchange between your body and the outside world.

A backpack that uses supports (usually aluminum or plastic) on the inside of the pack, that is, within the fabric, to support its weight. The internal frame pack is believed to provide better stability in tight, mountaineering conditions where the pa

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Your rear end. Your butt. Your tush. If you haven't got it by now, never mind. Or it is a action word "to keister," if you donâ??t know what this means never mind.

Much like it sounds, a knob is a rounded crest, usually with some sort of views.

Trees growing in dense, twisted, spreading masses near the tree line.

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Hiking Boots use different lacing mechanisms like D-Rings, Webbing, and Eyelets to keep your Hiking Boots securely tightened. For more information, read our section on Hiking Boot Anatomy.

A loop or other feature that allows the attachment of some accessory to the exterior of a product. Usually seen on packs with few pockets to make the attachment of an external pocket, knife, sunglasses holder or other accessory possible.

Is the stiffness of your Hiking Boots in the lateral direction. Your boots should provide enough lateral rigidity to keep your ankles from twisting.

A plant community of fungus and algae, growing on the surface of the rocks. Lichens grow in many bright colors.

The "fluffiness" of a sleeping bag. Essentially, the amount of air space within the insulating material within a bag, which give that material its ability to hold heat.

Is the rigidity of your Hiking Boots in the longitudinal direction? Longitudinal Rigidity should prevent your foot from over bending when pressure is placed on either your toe or heel side.

With regard to packs, a piece of padding that fits into the small of the back for better fit against the body.

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This refers to the difference (in degrees) between true north and magnetic north.

Maps are representations of an area on a smaller scale outlining elevation, natural features, and man-made features in the landscape. In Hiking, Maps are used for orientating and navigating.

Are medium sized Backpacks that fall between the Day Pack and Expedition Pack categories. They have a volume anywhere between 35 and 70 liters.

An accumulation of boulders, stones, or other debris carried and deposited by a glacier.

Toilet Paper (In mountain economics this is equivalent to gold).

Is the art of conquering mountains regardless of the obstacles. Besides the regular Hiking Skills, mountaineers should have rock climbing, ice climbing, and other skills that allow them to handle any obstacle they may encounter.

These are the heaviest Hiking Boot Class D. They are used for Mountaineering and support the connection of Crampons.

A stove that will burn a variety of fuels including white gas, kerosene, gasoline and even jet fuel.

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A pocket placed near or just below the wearer's heart that is covered by a rain flap and is accessible without unzipping the jacket. So named because the wearer looks like Napoleon when accessing something from this pocket.

This is the term for a generic small insect that has the ability to permeate most mesh. No-See-Um mesh has pores small enough that these insects can’t get through. Against popular belief, this does not mean you cannot see through it.

A bright star that can be used in the Northern Hemisphere to find the Northern Direction. For more information, read our section on Finding North Outdoors.

Similar to a Col, a notch is a "V" shaped pass between two high points.

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Are heavyweight Hiking Boots used for rough terrains and heavy backpack loads. For more information, read our section on Hiking Boot Types.

Usually refers to a sleeping pad that is constructed so that air can get into the pores of the material from which the pad is manufactured to allow for cushioning.

A trek using a map and compass to find one's way through unfamiliar territory.

The third and final layer in the Three-Layer System is the Outer Shell which is the only layer with direct contact to the outside world. The outer shell serves three main purposes: protection from wind and outside moisture like rain and snow, getting rid of body moisture, and protection from chafing, cuts, scrapes, and other outside damage.

The "tread" of your boot; the hard rubber bottom that is cemented to the rest of the boot to give you traction.

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The weight of your backpack, excluding the hiking provisions (food/drink) you are bringing. For information, read our section on minimizing your hiking pack weight.

A piece of fabric affixed to the bottom of a sleeping bag that is designed to hold a sleeping pad, preventing it from slipping away from one's sleeping area.

A piece of fabric affixed to the bottom of a sleeping bag that is designed to hold a sleeping pad, preventing it from slipping away from one's sleeping area.

A person who strives to continuously hike the summits of various mountains.

A ultralight stove made out of aluminum Pepsi cans that burns denatured alchohol.

Zippers in the armpit of a jacket used for ventilation.

While hiking, punching through soft terrain, such as snow or very loose earth, usually with each step or with hiking poles.

Is used for quantifying the waterproofing of a fabric. PSI plays a big role in outdoor fabrics used in clothing, sleeping bags, tents, etc.

A powder skirt is an extension on the bottom of a shell that covers past one's buttocks to prevent power snow from getting in your pants.

A feet condition where there is a tendency to rotate your foot inward too much, thereby placing too much stress on your unsupported edge. Pronation is very common and the effect will only be enhanced by walking with a heavy backpack.

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"Quads" are slang for the Quadrangle maps that the US Geological Survey produces in topographical form. They are available in several different detail levels, including 7 1/2 and 15 minute versions.

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A waterproof covering that fits over the roof of your tent to keep rain and wind from soaking and freezing the occupants. Some tents allow for the fly to be set up without the tent body to save weight.

An Extrusive Volcanic Rock Composed Of Fine-grained Feldspar, Mica And Quartz.

Restricted Use Area - indicates that the Forest Service has put special regulations in place above the normal backcountry rules. Designed to give special protection to overused or particularly fragile areas, it normally means that camping and campfires are not allowed within this range.

When Rain Falls Upon Either Saturated Or Extremely Dense Earth And Cannot Be Absorbed, And Hence Flows Off The Area In Which It Fell.

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A curved depression between two higher points in a geography, usually shaped like a horse's saddle, hence the name.

Are open footwear that can be used for light terrain and good weather hiking. Sandals are ideal as second pair for longer Hiking trips to give your feet a rest and prevent Blisters.

Typically refers to the act of climbing over rock fields or rough terrain.

An accumulation of loose stones or rocky debris lying on a slope or at the base.

At the inlet of your Hiking Boots, there will often be padding that protect your Achilles Tendon from chafing. These lining and padding are called Scree Collars.

Applying some manner or waterproofing to the holes and thread left where a piece of gear has been stitched together.

A Sleeping Pad That Uses Open Cell Construction And Will Fill Itself With Air When Its Valve Is Opened.

In Most Hiking Related Applications, A Non-insulated, Waterproof Or Windproof Jacket That Allows For Layering By Virtue Of A Generous Cut. The Outer Lining Of A Bag, Jacket Or Other Equipment.

Are used for outdoor sleeping. Most Outdoor Sleeping Bags are the mummy type, totally enclosing the human body including the head.

Are used for outdoor sleeping and are typically lightweight and small in volume when packed.

A solid rock surface to walk on. Dry slick rock isn't slick.

A constellation of stars that can be used in the Southern Hemisphere to find the Southern Direction.

A flexible, soft, fabric collar at the opening of a pack that allows "over stuffing" by extending the top of the packs main compartment. Similar to a turtleneck collar with a drawstring at the top.

Is a waterproof shell that can be pulled over your backpack to keep it from getting wet.

A small, plastic device fitted to the end of an adjustment strap that locks into place and holds the strap by virtue of a spring. They are often found at the end of cinch straps on coats, packs, and sleeping bags.

Rigid pieces (usually long and thin) inserted vertically into the body of a pack, designed to provide support to the pack. Usually made of a lightweight material like aluminum.

Any bag designed to hold a significant amount of pliable gear which can be filled beyond normal seam capacity and has a draw sting closure. Sometimes waterproof.

Is the exact opposite of Pronation where this time, the tendency is to rotate your foot outward. Likewise, the effect of Supination will be enhanced by walking with a heavy backpack.

To be the last hiker in the group. A hike leader often sweeps when the home stretch of the hike is on trail.

Trail that travels diagonally and turns back on itself in order to allow progression up a steep section of a mountain. In experienced hikers usually try to "cut the switchbacks".

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A sloping mass of rock debris at the base of a cliff or precipice.

When a manufacturer applies a waterproof tape to the stitched seams in a tent, to keep water from permeating the holes created during stitching.

A small mountain pond or lake, often created by glacial movement.

The most prickly cactus of all, Opuntia bigelovi. Cute and furry from a distance. When the branches jump, hikers become unwilling participants in the plant's propagation scheme.

Is a state where your body is losing as much heat as it is losing. Maintaining your body's Thermal Equilibrium is the most important function of Outdoor Clothing. For more information, read our section on Outdoor Clothing Purposes.

Is the first layer in the Three Layer System and is mostly responsible for removing moisture from the skin. For more information, read our section on Three Layer System.

A thin, synthetic insulating material produced by 3M to provide superior warmth without added bulk to a variety of clothing including boots, jackets, hats, etc.

Is the generally accepted best way of dressing up for outdoor activities. The three layers are the Base Layer, the Insulation Layer, and the Outer Shell which all have their specific functions to ensure maximum protection against cold temperatures, moisture, and outside influences. For more information, read our section on the Three Layer System.

Thru-hiking's origins date back many years, when long-distance foot travel as a means of transportation began to merge with hiking for its own enjoyment and as a means of seeing the world. Usually someone who hikes long distances and connects or links up many short backpack trips into long trips.

Tongues are the flaps that cover the inlet of the upper part of your Hiking Boots. Most good Hiking Boots have gussets connecting the tongues to the upper, thus preventing debris and moisture to enter the boot. For more information, read our section on Hiking Boot Anatomy.

Topo is the abbreviated version of topographic, which means a graphic representation of something. In this case, the graphical representation of elevation within a certain area. The US Geological Survey has surveyed the lands within NH (most of the world has been done, actually) and created maps that demonstrate the contours of the land. This is helpful in planning a trip because one can identify flat spots suitable for camping, steep sections to be avoided, etc.

Any object that cause you to almost fall down was caused by the act of a Trail Ninja. Especially useful and funny when you almost go down at night while heading through the woods and you here a snap and then the cry, damn Trail Ninja.

Outdoor Footwear specifically designed for running or jogging outdoors and often mountainous terrain and trails. These can also be used for lightweight Hiking. For more information, read our section on Hiking Boot Types.

Tired enough for the hike to be over, but you have miles to go. Walk slowly, stopping to rest when necessary.

Volcanic ash that has solidified into rock.

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Ultralight backpacking is widely misinterpreted by the masses. The concept is simply "Less is More" The less you carry the farther and faster you go and surprisingly you don’t need as much stuff as you think to remain happy. Generally less than 12lbs. is the rule for an ultralighter for trips ranging from 4 days to 5 months (or more) obviously without negating safety and comfort.

The real "meat" of your boot. This is the piece or pieces that surround your foot and hold the laces.

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Webster's defines a vestibule as; A small entrance hall or passage between the outer door and the interior of a house or building (or in this case, a tent). The vestibule allows space that is outside the tent proper, but still sheltered by the rain fly, to store your dirty or wet gear.

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Are small packs with belts that are worn on the hips. The pouch and thus the weight of the waist pack are located in the curve of your spine near your center of balance. For more information, read our section on Backpack Types.

The speed with which you are hiking. This is a deciding factor in how much energy you burn versus the distance you are covering.

A stream that is usually dry.

A technique by which one diverts water from a trail by digging a trench and placing some fortification on the downhill edge, typically a tree or line of rocks.

Flat, nylon straps that are used in nearly every piece of backpacking gear. Also used for rock-climbing and a thousand other applications.

A product of the W. L Gore company, Windstopper is a brand name for a membrane that, not surprisingly, stops wind.

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The art of going through your backpack when you need to find something. Pouring out your backpack in the form of a pile or "yard sale."

To Finish a Thru Hike and upon reaching the end turn around and travel back the same way you came to your starting point.

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