Hiking and Camping Dictionary: Common Outdoor Terms Explained

If you’re new to hiking and camping, outdoor language can feel like its own world. You’ll hear people talk about shells, insulation, base layers, car camping, daypacks, and bivvies like everyone should already know what they mean.

This hiking and camping dictionary breaks down common outdoor terms in plain language, so you can feel more confident before your next hike, campsite setup, or gear shopping trip.

Hiking and Camping Dictionary

Updated Regularly

A

Ascend

To hike or climb upward, especially when going up a hill, mountain, or steep section of trail.

B

Backcountry

Remote outdoor areas that are less developed and require more self-sufficiency.

Base Layer

The clothing layer worn closest to your skin. Its job is to wick sweat away from your body and help regulate temperature.

Bear Bag

A bag used to store food safely away from animals, often hung from a tree in bear country.

Bear Canister

A hard-sided container designed to keep food secure from bears and other wildlife.

Blazes

Trail markers, often painted on trees or posts, that help hikers stay on the correct path.

Bluebird Day

A beautiful, sunny day with clear skies. A favorite term among outdoor people.

Breathable

Material that allows heat and moisture to escape so you do not overheat while moving.

Bushwhacking

Traveling off-trail through dense woods or rough terrain.

Bivy

Short for bivy sack. A small, minimalist shelter for sleeping outdoors, often lighter than a tent.

C

Cairn

A stacked pile of rocks used as a trail marker, especially in open or rocky terrain.

Camp Clothes

The comfy clothing you change into once you’re done hiking and settling into camp.

Camp Shoes

Comfortable shoes or sandals worn around camp after hiking boots come off.

Camp Stove

A portable stove used for cooking outdoors.

Campsite

The area where you set up camp.

Car Camping

Camping where you drive directly to your campsite, allowing you to bring more gear and creature comforts.

D

Daypack

A small backpack used for day hikes. It usually carries essentials like water, snacks, layers, and a first aid kit.

Dehydrated Meals

Lightweight meals with water removed for easier packing, often rehydrated with hot water at camp.

Dispersed Camping

Camping outside of developed campgrounds, usually in more remote areas and often with fewer amenities.

Dry Bag

A waterproof bag used to protect clothing, electronics, or other essentials from water.

E

Elevation Gain

The total amount of uphill climbing during a hike.

F

False Summit

A point that looks like the top, but is not actually the true summit.

Fire Ring

A designated area for building a campfire.

Frontcountry

More accessible outdoor areas, often with established campgrounds, bathrooms, and parking.

Fuel Canister

The container that powers many camp stoves.

G

Gaiters

Protective coverings worn over shoes and lower legs to keep out mud, rocks, water, or snow.

Golden Hour

The soft, warm light shortly after sunrise or before sunset that makes the outdoors look especially beautiful.

H

Hammock Camping

Sleeping outdoors in a hammock setup, often with straps, a bug net, and a rain tarp.

Headlamp

A hands-free light worn on your head, especially useful around camp or on early morning and evening hikes.

Hydration Reservoir

A soft water pouch, often used in backpacks, with a hose for easy drinking while hiking.

Hiking Boots

Sturdy footwear designed for trail use, usually with ankle support and grippy soles.

I

Insulation

Your warmth layer. This could be a puffer, bubble jacket, down jacket, or synthetic insulated jacket designed to trap heat.

K

Kindling

Small, dry sticks or material used to help start a fire.

L

Lantern

A campsite light used to brighten a larger area.

Layering

The practice of wearing multiple clothing layers that can be added or removed depending on weather and activity level.

Leave No Trace

A set of outdoor ethics focused on minimizing your impact on nature. This includes packing out trash, respecting wildlife, and leaving places as you found them.

Loop Trail

A trail that starts and ends at the same point without retracing the exact same route.

M

Mess Kit

A basic set of camp cooking and eating gear, such as a bowl, cup, spoon, and pot.

Mid Layer

The layer worn over your base layer to help keep you warm. This is usually something like a fleece or lightweight insulated jacket.

Moisture-Wicking

Fabric that pulls sweat away from your skin to help keep you dry and comfortable.

N

Nalgene

A popular reusable water bottle often associated with hiking and camping.

O

Out-and-Back

A trail route where you hike to a point and then return the same way you came.

P

Potable Water

Water that is safe to drink.

R

Rainfly

The waterproof outer cover that goes over a tent to protect it from rain and wind.

S

Scramble

A section of trail that requires using your hands as well as your feet to climb over rocks or steep terrain.

Shell

Your outer protective layer. A shell is usually a rain jacket or wind jacket that helps block rain, wind, and the elements.

Sleeping Bag

An insulated zippered bag designed to keep you warm while sleeping outdoors.

Sleeping Pad

A padded layer placed under your sleeping bag to provide cushioning and insulation from the cold ground.

Summit

The top or highest point of a mountain or hill.

Switchbacks

A zigzag pattern on a steep trail designed to make climbing or descending more manageable.

T

Tarp

A lightweight shelter option that can be pitched in different ways for weather protection.

Tent Footprint

A groundsheet placed under your tent to help protect the bottom from moisture and wear.

Tent Stakes

Pins used to secure your tent to the ground.

Tinder

Very small, quick-burning material used to ignite a fire, such as dry leaves, paper, or fire starters.

Trail Runners

Lightweight athletic shoes often used for hiking, especially on easier or faster-paced trails.

Trail Snacks

Quick, portable food eaten during hikes for energy, such as nuts, fruit, bars, or jerky.

Trailhead

The point where a hiking trail begins.

Trekking Poles

Poles used while hiking to help with balance, stability, and reducing strain on knees, especially on climbs and descents.

V

Vestibule

The covered space outside the inner tent, often used for storing boots or gear.

W

Water Filter

A device used to remove bacteria, sediment, and other contaminants from natural water sources.

Water-Resistant

Offers some protection from light rain or moisture, but not enough for heavy or extended wet conditions.

Waterproof

Gear or clothing made to keep water from getting through. Common for jackets, boots, and tents.

Windproof

Designed to block wind from passing through the fabric, helping you stay warmer in breezy conditions.