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		Hiking Terms you might want to know about ! \| A \| B \| C \| D \| E \| F \| G \| H \| I \| J \| K \| L \| M \| N \| O \| \| P \| Q \| R \| S \| T \| U \| V \| W \| X \| Y \| Z \| B "Bagging the peak" Reaching the summit of a mountain. Bathtub Floor 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. Bite Valve 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. Bivy 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. Bushwhacking Travelling through forest or woods with no established trails or markings, usually by following a compass or topographic map. C Closed Cell 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. Coated Nylon Usually means that the nylon this product is made of has been treated with a chemical that makes it waterproof, windproof, or both. Col A pass between two mountain peaks or a gap in a ridge, usually saddle shaped. D Declination Used when following maps with a compass or GPS, declination is the difference between true North and magnetic North. Dome Tent 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. Draft Tube An extra collar of insulation positioned at the top of a sleeping bag that prevents cold breezes from travelling down into the bag. E External Frame Pack A backpack that uses supports (usually aluminum or plastic) on the outside of the pack, that it, outside the fabric, to support it's weight. The external frame pack is believed to provide greater comfort by keeping the pack away from the body, thus allowing cooling to occur. Eyelet Usually used when discussing boots, meaning a small hole or opening sometimes surrounded by metal. In most hiking related usage, this is the hole through which your bootlaces are threaded. F False Peak A peak that appears to be a summit, but is rather a crest on the way to a further summit. Fiver A 5 minute break. Flatlander A person from one of the southern states (i.e. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, or, God forbid, New Jersey) who is unwise in the ways of the woods. Often spotted in a $40,000 SUV that they don't want to get dirty, flatlanders are normally found unprepared for their time in the woods, and can be easily distinguished by their whining and complaining about the "ungodly cold weather" anytime the temperature drops below 60oF. See also "Gaper" Footprint Besides the obvious "mark your boot leaves", a footprint is the physical space and shape a particular item takes up. Framesheet A sturdy piece of plastic or aluminum that adds rigidity to the back of a pack. Also known as the Internal Frame. Freestanding Usually refers to a tent that, when set up properly, needs no tie downs or stakes to remain upright. Fly; Rainfly A waterproof covering that fits over the roof of your tent to keep rain and wind from soaking and freezing the occupants. G Gaper An odd creature, not native to New Hampshire, usually considered a mammal, that lopes through the forest muttering unintelligible things like, "Jeez, I'm cold", "Where are we?", "I got my jeans dirty!", and "Man, this cooler is getting heavy". One of the less intelligent creatures, the Gaper typically migrates north during the warm weather months. The term is derived from the creature's habit of standing slack-jawed (mouth agape) and staring at things the locals take for granted, like trees with colored leaves. In winter, often used to describe those skiers who stop completely at the top of a steep pitch and stare blankly down the slope, often blocking the way for other, more prepared skiers travelling behind them. Gear Loft 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. Gore Tex® 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. GPS Stands for Global Positioning System. A small handheld devise that uses satellites to pinpoint one's exact location on the globe. Usually provides latitude and longitude, elevation, time, elevation change, and a variety of other information. Grommet A small hole, usually reinforced with a non-corrosive material. Can be found in tents, on backpacks, clothing, etc. Gusset A triangular insert, as in the seam of a garment, for added strength or expansion. Guy Lines Stabilizing cord or string used to secure a rain fly on a tent. H Hook and Loop The generic term for Velcro® Howk Another term for a false peak or a peak on the way to a summit. Hydration Bladder 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. Platypusâ and Camelbackâ are the two most popular brands. I Insole The "padding" in a boot on which your foot rests. Provides cushioning and moisture absorption. Internal Frame Pack 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 pack must stay close to the body. L Lash Point 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. M Multi-Fuel Stove A stove that will burn a variety of fuels including white gas, kerosene, gasoline and even jet fuel. N Napoleon Pocket 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. No-See-Um 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. Notch Similar to a col, a notch is a "V" shaped pass between two high points. O Open Cell 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. Outsole The "tread" of your boot; the hard rubber bottom that is cemented to the rest of the boot to give you traction. P Pad Sleeve 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. Pit Zips Zippers in the armpit of a jacket used for ventilation. Post Holing While hiking, punching through soft terrain, such as snow or very loose earth, usually with each step or with hiking poles. Powder Skirt Contrary to popular belief, this is not Rob whining in the snow. 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. Q Quad Quadrangle "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. R Rain Fly; Fly A waterproof covering that fits over the roof of your tent to keep rain and wind from soaking and freezing the occupants. RUA 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. S Saddle A curved depression between two higher points in a geography, usually shaped like a horse's saddle, hence the name. Scree An accumulation of loose stones or rocky debris lying on a slope or at the base Sealed Seams Applying some manner or waterproofing to the holes and thread left where a piece of gear has been stitched together. Self Inflating Pad A sleeping pad that uses open cell construction and will fill itself with air when its valve is opened. Shell 1) In most hiking related applications, a non-insulated, waterproof or windproof jacket that allows for layering by virtue of a generous cut. 2) The outer lining of a bag, jacket or other equipment. Spindrift collar A flexible, soft, fabric collar at the opening of a pack that allows "overstuffing" by extending the top of the pack's main compartment. Similar to a turtleneck collar with a drawstring at the top. Springlock 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. Stuff Sack 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. Switchback A trail that travels diagonally and turns back on itself in order to allow progression up a steep section of a mountain. T Tarn A small mountain pond or lake, often created by glacial movement. Thinsulate® 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. Topo; Topographic 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 in conjunction with the NH Dep't of Geology has surveyed the lands within NH (most of the world has been done by various agencies, 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. U Upper The real "meat" of your boot. This is the piece or pieces that surround your foot and hold the laces. V Vestibule 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 W Webbing Flat, nylon straps that are used in nearly every piece of backpacking gear. Also used for rock-climbing and a thousand other applications. Windstopper® A product of the W. L Gore™ company, Windstopper® is a brand name for a membrane that, not surprisingly, stops wind.