Before Setting Out
Learn how to prepare and train for your next hike, as well as hiking etiquette and trail preservation principles.
Hiking Terms 101
If you’re new to hiking you may find that seasoned hikers have a unique language of their own. From trail conditions to gear recommendations, understanding common hiking terms can help you feel more confident on the trail and communicate more effectively with fellow hikers. Here’s a breakdown of essential hiking terms to help you speak like a hiker.
"...understanding common hiking terms can help you feel more confident on the trail and communicate effectively with fellow hikers."
Common Hiking Terms
1. Trailhead
The trailhead is the starting point of a hiking trail. It often includes parking, signage, maps, and information about the trail. Trailheads are where your adventure begins!
2. Switchback
A switchback is a sharp, zigzagging turn on a trail that helps hikers ascend or descend steep terrain more gradually. Switchbacks prevent erosion and make climbing steep slopes easier.
3. Blazes
Blazes are markers, usually painted on trees, rocks, or posts, that help hikers navigate a trail. Different colors and shapes of blazes may indicate different trails or levels of difficulty. For example, white blazes typically mark the Appalachian Trail in the U.S.
4. Cairn
A cairn is a pile of rocks stacked together to mark a trail, especially in areas where traditional blazes aren’t practical (e.g., on rocky terrain or in desert landscapes). Cairns help guide hikers through unclear paths.
5. Elevation Gain
Elevation gain refers to the total amount of vertical ascent on a hike. It’s an important factor in determining a trail’s difficulty. A trail with 1,000 feet of elevation gain means you’ll be climbing that much in total over the course of the hike.
6. Scramble
To scramble is to climb steep terrain where you may need to use your hands and feet to navigate over rocks and boulders. Scrambling is often required on more technical or challenging hikes.
7. Out-and-Back
An out-and-back trail is a route where you hike to a destination and then return the same way. It’s the opposite of a loop trail, which brings you back to the starting point on a different path.
8. Loop Trail
A loop trail starts and ends at the same place but follows a circular or circuitous route. Many hikers prefer loops because they offer new scenery throughout the hike without retracing steps.
9. Trail Grade
Trail grade refers to the steepness of a trail, often expressed as a percentage. A trail with a 10% grade means it ascends 10 feet for every 100 feet traveled. The steeper the grade, the more challenging the trail.
10. Bushwhacking
Bushwhacking means hiking off-trail, usually through thick vegetation or rugged terrain. It requires navigation skills and may involve clearing a path or finding your own way through natural obstacles.
11. Leave No Trace
The Leave No Trace principle is a set of guidelines aimed at minimizing human impact on the environment. It includes practices like packing out all trash, staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife and natural habitats.
12. Trekking Poles
Trekking Poles are collapsible poles used to provide stability and support while hiking, especially on uneven or steep terrain. They reduce the strain on your knees and help maintain balance.
13. Daypack
A daypack is a small backpack designed to carry essentials for a single-day hike. It typically holds items like water, snacks, a first aid kit, and extra layers of clothing.
14. Backpacking
Backpacking refers to multi-day hiking trips where you carry everything you need, including camping gear, in a larger backpack. Backpackers typically stay overnight in tents or shelters along the trail.
15. Thru-Hike
A thru-hike is a long-distance hike where you complete an entire trail, such as the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail, in one continuous journey. Thru-hikers often spend months on the trail and require extensive preparation.
16. Section Hiking
Section hiking involves hiking parts of a long-distance trail, usually over the course of weeks, months, or even years. Unlike thru-hiking, section hikers complete trails in segments at different times.
17. Base Weight
Base weight is the total weight of your backpack and gear, excluding food, water, and other consumables. Lowering your base weight is a key strategy for making long hikes and backpacking trips more comfortable.
18. UL (Ultralight)
Ultralight hiking refers to reducing the weight of your gear as much as possible. UL hikers aim to carry the least amount of weight while maintaining safety and comfort, often using specialized lightweight gear.
19. Summit
The summit is the highest point of a mountain or hill. Reaching the summit is often the goal of a hike, especially on peak climbs.
20. Trail Magic
Trail magic refers to unexpected acts of kindness on the trail, such as free food, drinks, or assistance provided by fellow hikers or trail angels. These surprises often brighten a hiker’s day, especially on long-distance treks.
21. Trail Angel
A trail angel is someone who helps hikers, often by offering food, water, transportation, or a place to stay. Trail angels are common along long-distance trails and provide much-needed support to hikers on their journeys.
22. Zero Day
A zero day is a rest day where a hiker doesn’t log any trail miles. Thru-hikers and backpackers take zero days to recover, resupply, and recharge during long hikes.
23. HYOH (Hike Your Own Hike)
HYOH stands for “Hike Your Own Hike,” a common phrase in the hiking community that encourages people to hike at their own pace and follow their own preferences, rather than conforming to others’ expectations or schedules.
24. Postholing
Postholing occurs when a hiker’s foot sinks into deep snow, often up to the knee or deeper. It can be physically exhausting and is a common challenge on snowy or unmaintained trails.
25. Switchback Fatigue
Switchback fatigue refers to the exhaustion hikers feel from ascending multiple steep switchbacks. While switchbacks make steep climbs easier, they can also seem endless and mentally challenging.
Speak Like a Hiker!
Now that you’re familiar with these essential hiking terms, you’re ready to communicate like a seasoned hiker! Understanding these words will not only help you navigate the trails but also make it easier to connect with other hikers, whether you’re discussing your next adventure or learning about gear and techniques. So, next time you hit the trail, you can confidently speak the language of the hiking community!
Table of Contents
Plan trips
Who are we?
get in touch!
© 2024. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without written permission.