Slang Used in Hiking
Hiking is no different from any other subculture in that learning the language might be difficult. Understanding the lingo used in hiking is crucial for anyone looking to socialise in any trail group. A thru-hiker is a person who finishes a long-distance trail—such as the Appalachian Trail—in a single, uninterrupted trip. Flip-flopping is a non-traditional thru-hiking strategy that entails dividing your trek into two sizable portions at the halfway point and then reconnecting them.
Purist
Sandbagger
a word for a hiker who attempts to forge ahead on a long-distance trek or bypass secondary trails. These hikers usually disregard blazes, which are trail markers.
Bonk: When you run out of energy, strength, and desire to go on your walk; this is typically brought on by a deficiency in calories and electrolytes. Also called a coffee bonk. Also see boink.
Yo-Yo
A diet that fluctuates between weight gain and loss is known as a yo-yo diet. Both your body and your self-esteem may suffer as a result.
Yo-yoing is also the practice of finishing a thru-hike and then hiking the opposite direction back. It is highly uncommon to act in this way. Most hikers simply spend one day in town, zeroing in.
False Peak
a location on a mountain that appears to be the summit, but when you get there, you discover that a much higher peak is just next to it. The greatest nightmare of a hiker.
Also see saddle, pass, notch, and col.
A box where hikers deposit food, equipment, and supplies they no longer need can be found in most trail towns. Another name for a lean-to.
Hot Spot
A "hot spot" is a section of trail where a hiker needs footing protection in order to proceed safely. See also post hole, footing.
Traction devices such as crampons or microspikes that slide over boots are marketed under the name Yaktrax. They are used by hikers on slippery or snowy pathways to prevent slipping and falling.
the months that fall between the busiest hiking seasons in the summer and the winter. another name for the frontcountry.
Trail Angel
a somebody who goes above and above to assist a hiker—offering to drive them into town or sharing water from their cache, for example. Hikers refer to these individuals as Trail Angels.
An artificial pile of rocks used as a trail marking is called a cairn. It is frequently observed on mountain tops above the treeline.
Tramily
an association of hikers who form friendships and view themselves as a trail family. Members of Tramily are incredibly supportive of one another and frequently lend a hand.
A THRU-HIKER is a person who runs a long-distance path from start to finish in a single run or less than a year.
SLACK PACKING: The practice of a hiker sending their provisions and food to a trail town in advance to avoid carrying them. This is especially helpful for thru-hikers who have difficult parts to bypass.
Treeline
The term "treeline" describes the mountaintop line beyond which no trees are found. It also refers to a cliff's edge or glacier.
The brand of slip-on traction gear for hiking in solid snow is called Yaktrax. They make a suitable substitute for crampons or microspikes.
A ditty bag is a tiny stuff sack used to store small personal items like matches, chapstick, and keys. It is frequently discovered in a hiker's rucksack.
Trailhead
a spacious frontcountry area where a trail heads out. can also be used to describe an out-and-back walk or a trekking route.
a rock pile that serves as a trailhead. Occasionally observed above the tree line.
the process of periodically gathering supplies and food while hiking a long distance. Resupply packages left at home or at trailheads by friends can fall under this category. Also called a cache.
