3-season tent
A lightweight tent designed for spring, summer, and fall conditions.
Footprint
A groundsheet placed under the tent to protect its floor from abrasion and moisture.
R-value
A measure of insulation; higher R-value sleeping pads insulate better from cold ground.
Bear canister
A hard-sided container used to store food and scented items to deter bears.
Leave No Trace
Outdoor ethics promoting minimal impact practices across seven principles.
Backpacking stove
A compact fuel-powered stove used for boiling water and cooking in the backcountry.
Base layer
Moisture-wicking clothing worn next to skin to manage sweat and temperature.
Mid layer
Insulating layer such as fleece or puffer worn over base layer.
Outer shell
Waterproof and windproof layer protecting against rain and wind.
Bivvy
Emergency shelter or lightweight bag offering protection in unexpected situations.
Trailhead
The starting point of a hiking trail, often with signage and parking.
Hydrostatic head
Waterproof rating of fabric; higher values resist water penetration better.
Vestibule
Covered area outside a tent door for gear storage and cooking in rain (with care).
Guyline
Cord used to secure tents and tarps to stakes for stability in wind.
Dark Sky Reserve
Designated area with minimal light pollution ideal for stargazing.
Dispersed camping
Camping outside developed sites, typically on public lands with no amenities.
Greywater
Wastewater from washing that should be disposed of away from water sources.
Thermal rating
Temperature range at which sleeping bags provide adequate warmth.
Ultralight
Backpacking style focused on reducing weight via minimal, high-performance gear.
Navigation
Finding and following a route using map, compass, and GPS apps.
Car camping
Camping at sites accessible by vehicle, allowing more gear and comfort.
Daypack
Small backpack for carrying essentials on short hikes.
Dehydrated meals
Lightweight meals that require only boiling water to prepare.
Four-season tent
Tent designed for winter use, with stronger poles and less mesh.
Camp kitchen
Cooking setup including stove, cookware, utensils, and cleanup tools.
Bear hang
Method of hanging food from a tree to keep it away from wildlife.
Fire ring
Designated area for campfires, often made of stones or metal ring.
Potable water
Safe drinking water available at campgrounds or treated in the field.
Trail register
Logbook at trailheads where hikers record trips for safety.
Topo map
Topographic map showing elevation contours for navigation.
Waypoint
Marked location used in GPS navigation for planning routes.
Switchback
Zig-zag trail sections that reduce slope for easier ascent/descent.
Pack weight
Total weight of gear carried, often tracked to optimize comfort.
Base weight
Pack weight excluding consumables like food, water, and fuel.
Consumables
Items used up during trips such as food, water, batteries, fuel.
Bear spray
Pepper spray designed to deter aggressive bears in emergencies.
Water purification
Process of treating water via filter, tablets, or boiling.
Dry sack
Waterproof bag for keeping gear dry in rain or water crossings.
Compression sack
Bag used to reduce sleeping bag or clothing volume.
Camp chair
Portable seat for comfort around camp, often folding and lightweight.
Headlamp
Hands-free light source worn on the head for nighttime tasks.
Bug net
Mesh barrier to protect against insects while sleeping or sitting.
Trail etiquette
Respectful behaviors on trails, including yielding and minimizing impact.
First-aid kit
Compact medical kit for treating common outdoor injuries.
Hypothermia
Dangerous drop in body temperature due to cold exposure.
Heatstroke
Serious overheating of the body due to high temperatures and exertion.
Blister care
Treatment and prevention of foot blisters during hikes.
Bear box
Metal container provided at sites for secure food storage.
Campsite
Designated area to pitch tents, cook, and stay overnight.
Campground
Developed area with multiple campsites and amenities.
Hammock camping
Sleeping in a hammock with tarp and insulation instead of a tent.
Campfire ban
Temporary restriction on open fires due to dry conditions.
Trailhead parking
Parking area at the start of a trail for hikers and campers.
Stargazing
Observing stars in low light pollution areas, often at camp.
Bear-proof container
Certified storage vessel to resist bears, required in some parks.
Pack liner
Waterproof liner used inside a backpack for protection.
Rainfly
Outer tent layer that provides waterproof protection.
Stake
Peg used to anchor tents and tarps to the ground.
Guyout point
Attachment point on tents/tarps for guylines to improve stability.
Out-and-back
Trail route where hikers return along the same path.
Loop trail
Trail that forms a loop, ending at the starting point.
Resupply
Refilling food and fuel on longer trips at towns or caches.
Camp hygiene
Practices to stay clean and safe, including handwashing and waste disposal.
Cathole
Small hole dug to bury human waste following Leave No Trace.
Bear country
Areas where bears are present; strict food storage rules apply.
Trail mileage
Distance covered on hikes, tracked for planning and safety.
Elevation gain
Total vertical ascent over a hiking route.
Wild camping
Camping outside designated sites, with minimal facilities.
Backcountry permit
Authorization required for camping in remote park areas.
Camp cooking
Preparing meals at camp using stoves or fires.
Camp cleanup
Post-meal process including washing and proper greywater disposal.