Hiking Dictionary - Hiking Terms and Definitions

A quick revision!

These are the Hiking Definitions, Terms, Slangs and other words which are currently used by the professional hikers. If you get to know any hiking terms, definitions or slangs which we missed, Please mention it in comment section and we will update it in our article with credits. So, let’s get started!

3 LAYER SYSTEM :

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.

ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS (AMS)

A potentially deadly condition that could occur at higher altitudes. Read our section on Acute Mountain Sickness for details.

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ALTITUDE ACCLIMATIZATION

Is the proces that allows your time to adjust to the lower oxygen content and pressure changes that are present at higher altitudes. It is necessary to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness. For more information read our section on Altitude Acclimatization.

ALTITUDE-ASPECT RATIO DIAGRAM

A diagram that you can draw using a map that will indicate the elevation and milestones of your intended course. For more information, read our Analyzing Hiking Terrain Conditions section.

APPROACH SHOES

Are lightweight Hiking Boots often used for lighter terrain conditions. For more information, read our section on Hiking Boot Types.

AVALANCHE

A fall or slide of a large mass of snow down a mountainside.This is one of the most fatal natural hazards in mountain activities. For more information, read our section on Avalanche Awareness.

BLISTERS

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. For more information, read our section on Blisters.

CAIRN

A pile of rocks marking the direction of the trail. Important to pay attention to, particularly on mountains.

CANYONEERING

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.

COASTEERING

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 Coasteering.

COMPASS

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. For information, read our section on Compass Navigation.

CONDITIONING TIGHTS

Are a special type of tights that support key muscle groups and help prevent lactic acid buildup. For more information, read our Hiking Pant Types section.

CROSS HIKERS

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.

DAY PACKS

Are smaller Backpacks which are ideal for day–long hikes. For more information, read our section on Backpack Types.

DEHYDRATED FOODS

Are the ideal Outdoor Food as they are lightweight, have low volume, and very nutritious. For more information, read our section on Hiking Provisions.

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DENIER (D)

Measures the weight of fabric in grams per 1000–meter length. For instance, 60d signifies a weight of 60 grams per 1000 meters of the thread used in the fabric. Denier is important in many outdoor clothing, tents fabrics, etc.

DOWN

Down (i.e. Geese Down) is often used for insulation in Sleeping Bags and even Outdoor Clothing. Down traps air, is highly compressible, and lightweight. For more information, read our section on Sleeping Bags – Materials.

ELONGATION

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. For more information, read our section on Common Feet Conditions.

EXPEDITION PACKS

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.

HIKING SOCKS

Hiking Socks use special combinations of fabrics and construction to ensure the maximum protection during Hiking. For more information, read our section on Hiking Socks.

HYDRATION PACKS

Are small backpacks consisting of a bladder and a drinking tube that make drinking easier while continuing your outdoor activity. For more information, read our section on Backpack Types.

LACING & LACES

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

LATERAL RIGIDITY

Is the stifness of your Hiking Boots in the lateral direction. Your boots should provide enough lateral rigidity to keep your ankles from twisting. For more information, read our section on Hiking Boot Characteristics.

LONGITUDINAL RIGIDITY

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. For more information, read our section on Hiking Boot Characteristics.

MAGNETIC DECLINATION

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

MAP

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. For more information, read our section on Hiking Maps.

MIDSIZE PACKS

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

MOUNTAINEERING

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. For more information, visit our Mountaineering website.

MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS

These are the heaviest Hiking Boot Class D. They are used for Mountaineering and support the connection of Crampons. For more information, read our section on Hiking Boot Types.

NORTH STAR / POLE STAR

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.

OFF-TRAIL BOOTS

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

POUNDS PER INCH (PSI)

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

PRONATION

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. For more information, read our section on Common Feet Conditions in Hiking and Walking.

SLEEPING BAGS

Are used for outdoor sleeping. Most Outdoor Sleeping Bags are the mummy type, totally enclosing the human body including the head. For more information, read our section on Sleeping Bags.

SLEEPING PADS

Are used for outdoor sleeping and are typically lightweight and small in volume when packed. For more information, read our section on Sleeping Pads.

SOUTHERN CROSS

A constellation of stars that can be used in the Southern Hemisphere to find the Southern Direction. For more information, read our section on Finding North Outdoors.

SPLASH COVER

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

SUPINATION

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. For more information, read our section on Common Feet Conditions in Hiking and Walking.

THERMAL EQUILIBRIUM

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.

THERMAL UNDERWEAR

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.

TONGUES

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.

TRAIL RUNNING SHOES

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.

WAIST PACKS / HIP PACKS / FANNY PACKS / LUMBAR PACKS

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

WALKING SPEED

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

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