Backpack: The main bag used to carry gear, typically with a frame and multiple compartments.

Tent: A portable shelter that provides protection from the elements during camping.

Sleeping Bag: An insulated bag used for warmth during sleep.

Sleeping Pad: A cushioned mat placed under the sleeping bag for comfort and insulation.

Stove: A portable cooking device for preparing meals in the backcountry.

Trekking Poles: Poles used to assist with balance and reduce strain on knees during hikes.

Bear Canister: A secure container to store food and scented items, designed to prevent bears and other wildlife from accessing them.

Hydration Bladder: A water storage pouch with a tube for easy access while hiking.

Water Filter: A device to purify water from natural sources to make it safe for drinking.

Multitool: A compact tool that combines several functions, such as knives, pliers, and screwdrivers.

Dry Bag: A waterproof bag used to protect gear from moisture.

Headlamp: A light worn on the head to illuminate the path during low-light conditions.

Thru-Hiking: Completing an entire long-distance trail in one trip, such as the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail.

Section Hiking: Completing parts of a long-distance trail over multiple trips rather than all at once.

Base Camping: Setting up a campsite and then taking day hikes or exploring the area without having to carry all your gear.

Ultralight Backpacking: A minimalist approach to backpacking, focusing on carrying as little weight as possible.

Bear Hang: A method of suspending food and scented items in a tree to keep them away from animals.

LNT (Leave No Trace): A set of guidelines for minimizing human impact on the environment, such as packing out all waste and staying on designated trails.

Stealth Camping: Camping in an unobtrusive spot away from established campsites, often used to minimize impact or avoid detection.

Bushwhacking: Traveling off-trail through dense vegetation, often requiring the use of a map and compass for navigation.

Route Finding: The process of navigating difficult terrain or trails where the path may not be well-marked.

Resupply: Restocking food and gear at designated points along a long trail, usually during a thru-hike.

Zero Day: A rest day during a backpacking trip where no hiking is done.

Trail Magic: Acts of kindness by strangers (often referred to as "trail angels") who provide food, water, or other support to backpackers.

Switchback: A zig-zagging trail on a steep slope that makes the ascent or descent easier.

Blaze: A painted mark or sign on trees or rocks that indicates the trail path.

Cairn: A stack of rocks used as a trail marker.

Trailhead: The starting point of a trail.

Water Source: A natural spot, such as a stream, river, or lake, where hikers can collect water.

Ridgeline: The highest part of a mountain or hill range, often following a trail.

Scree: Loose, small rocks on a slope that can be challenging to walk on.

Bivouac (Bivy): A temporary, minimalist shelter, often just a bivy sack or tarp.

Alpine Zone: The high-altitude area of a mountain above the tree line, often characterized by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation.

Hypothermia: A dangerous drop in body temperature caused by prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions.

Dehydration: A condition caused by excessive loss of water from the body, leading to fatigue, dizziness, and other health issues.

Bear Bag: A bag used to store food, hung from a tree to keep it away from bears.

Firestarter: A tool or material, like waterproof matches or a flint striker, used to ignite a fire.

Snake Bite Kit: A first-aid kit specifically designed for treating snake bites in the wilderness.

Emergency Beacon (PLB or SPOT): A device used to signal for help in case of an emergency, often in areas without cell service.

Hiker Midnight: An informal term for going to sleep early due to exhaustion from the day's hike.

Trail Name: A nickname often given to backpackers during a long hike, used instead of their real name.

Gram Weenie: A backpacker obsessed with reducing pack weight to the absolute minimum, often weighing each piece of gear.

Hiker Trash: A term of endearment used by long-distance hikers to refer to themselves or others after becoming unkempt and dirty on the trail.

Cowboy Camping: Sleeping outside without a tent or shelter, just under the stars.

Blue Blaze: A side trail or alternate route that often leads to scenic spots or shortcuts.

Yellow Blaze: A term for hitchhiking along a trail instead of walking.

Postholing: Sinking deep into snow while hiking, often exhausting and time-consuming.

Nero: A day where only a few miles are hiked, short for "near-zero day."

Respect Other Hikers: Keep noise to a minimum, especially around campsites, and respect the personal space of others on the trail.

Wait Your Turn: Give right of way to uphill hikers and don’t crowd narrow sections of the trail. Always let faster hikers pass.

Leave No Trace (LNT): Pack out all trash, including food scraps and biodegradable waste. Never leave toilet paper or other waste behind.

Don’t Cut Switchbacks: Stay on the established trail, even if the switchbacks seem long. Cutting across damages vegetation and causes erosion.

Minimize Campfire Impact: Use established fire rings or portable stoves, and only make fires if they're allowed. Fully extinguish fires before leaving.

Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and never feed them. Store food securely to avoid attracting animals to campsites.

Keep Water Sources Clean: Don’t wash dishes, clothes, or yourself directly in water sources. Carry water away from streams or lakes for washing.

Respect Quiet Hours: Many campgrounds or backcountry areas have quiet hours—generally from dusk until dawn. Be considerate of those seeking rest.

Don’t Dominate Campsites: If you’re staying in a popular area, share large campsites with others. Don’t take up more space than you need.

Pack Efficiently: Carry only what you need to minimize pack weight, and secure all gear to avoid littering the trail accidentally.