48 hiking terms explained, including cairn, blaze, switchback, thru-hike and trail magic, each with a short definition.
Hiking terminology is mostly practical: it names the ground under your boots, the marks that keep you on route, and the gear that decides how the day ends. The words related to hiking below cover the everyday ones, and the hiking glossary that follows adds the words associated with hiking that only turn up on longer trails, the trekking vocabulary of zero days, trail angels and thru-hikes.
Must-Know Hiking Terms, Phrases and Slang:
- Blaze
- Bushwhack
- Cairn
- Descent
- Elevation
- Gaiters
- Hydration pack
- Incline
- Trailhead
- Loop
- Marker
- Out-and-back
- Peak
- Ridge
- Scramble
- Switchback
- Thru-hike
- Topo
- Traverse
- Ultralight
- Vista
- Waypoint
- YDS (Yosemite Decimal System)
- Zero day
- Alpine
- Base layer
- Compass
- Day hike
- Footpath
- Gore-Tex
Hiking Glossary: Every Term A to Z
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Alpine | The zone above the treeline, thin on vegetation and hard on weather. Conditions change faster up there than anywhere else on a route. |
| Ascent | The climbing part of a walk, and the total height gained over it. |
| Backpacking | Hiking with everything you need to sleep out carried on your back, over one night or many. |
| Base Layer | The layer worn next to the skin, chosen to move sweat away rather than to keep you warm on its own. |
| Blaze | A painted mark or plate on a tree, post or rock showing the line of the trail. |
| Bushwhack | To travel off trail through undergrowth where no path exists. Slow, scratchy, and occasionally the only way through. |
| Cairn | A stack of stones marking the route where paint would not survive, common above the treeline. |
| Compass | The magnetic needle instrument used with a map to hold a bearing when the trail or the visibility runs out. |
| Cowboy camping | Sleeping outside with no tent or tarp, just a bag under the sky. Fine until the weather changes. |
| Day Hike | A walk done and finished within one day, so no sleeping gear is carried. |
| Descent | The downhill part of a walk. Harder on knees than the climb and where most tired mistakes happen. |
| Elevation | Height above sea level. Trail descriptions quote it for the summit, for the trailhead, or for both. |
| Elevation gain | The total height climbed over a route, adding up every rise. A better measure of effort than distance alone. |
| False summit | A high point that looks like the top until you reach it and see the real one beyond. |
| Footpath | A way made for walking, from a surfaced boardwalk to a thin line worn through grass. |
| Gaiters | Covers over the boot top and lower leg that keep scree, snow and water out of the boot. |
| Gore-Tex | A waterproof, breathable membrane used in jackets, boots and gloves. A brand name that became the general word. |
| Hiker | Anyone walking a trail for its own sake. Trekker, walker and, in Britain, hillwalker all mean much the same. |
| Hydration pack | A pack with a water bladder inside and a drinking tube over the shoulder, so you drink without stopping. |
| Incline | The steepness of the ground. Sustained incline, not distance, is what usually decides how long a route takes. |
| Leave No Trace | The set of habits that keep a trail usable: pack out waste, stay on the path, leave what you find, camp on durable ground. |
| Loop | A route that returns to its start without retracing the outward leg. |
| Marker | Any deliberate sign on a route, blaze, post, symbol or cairn, put there to keep walkers on line. |
| Nero | A near zero, a day on a long trail with only a few miles walked, usually built around a resupply stop. |
| Out-and-back | A route walked out to a point and then back the same way. |
| Peak | The high point of a hill or mountain, and often the goal of the day. |
| Peak bagging | Working through a defined list of summits, such as the Munros or the state high points. |
| Ridge | A long, narrow crest linking high ground. Exposed, scenic, and the first place the wind finds you. |
| Scramble | Ground steep enough to need hands as well as feet, but short of roped climbing. |
| Scree | Loose broken rock on a slope. It slides underfoot going up and can be ridden carefully coming down. |
| Section hike | Walking a long trail in separate stretches over months or years instead of in one push. |
| Slackpacking | Walking a stretch of trail with a light daypack while somebody else moves the heavy gear to the next stop. |
| Summit | The highest point of a mountain, and the verb for reaching it. |
| Switchback | A zigzag in the path that eases a steep slope and keeps the trail from washing out. |
| Thru-hike | Walking a long distance trail end to end in a single continuous trip, such as the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail. |
| Topo | Short for a topographic map, the kind that shows relief with contour lines. |
| Trail angel | Somebody who helps long distance hikers without being asked or paid, with a lift, a meal or a bed. |
| Trail magic | Unexpected help or supplies found on a long trail, most often a cooler of drinks left at a road crossing. |
| Trail name | The nickname a long distance hiker picks up on trail and answers to for the rest of the walk. |
| Trailhead | Where a trail begins, usually with parking, a sign and an information board. |
| Traverse | To cross a slope sideways rather than climbing or descending it, and the section of route where you do. |
| Treeline | The altitude above which trees stop growing. Above it there is no shelter and no shade. |
| Trekking poles | Paired adjustable poles that share load with the arms and steady the walker, most useful on descents. |
| Ultralight | A style of backpacking built on carrying the least weight that is still safe, counted in ounces or grams. |
| Vista | A wide open view from a high point on the route. |
| Waypoint | A saved point on a map or GPS track, marking a turn, a water source or somewhere worth finding again. |
| YDS (Yosemite Decimal System) | The American scale for the difficulty of walking and climbing terrain, from class 1 walking through class 4 scrambling to roped climbing at class 5. |
| Zero Day | A rest day on a long trail with no miles walked at all. |
#1 Blaze
A marking, often a painted or affixed patch, on trees or rocks along a trail that indicates the path of the trail. Blazes are essential for navigation, helping hikers follow the trail’s route without getting lost.
#2 Bushwhack
Off-trail navigation through dense forest or underbrush, where no clear path exists. Bushwhacking requires a strong sense of direction and is more demanding, as hikers make their way through untouched wilderness.
#3 Cairn
A human-made pile of stones often found on trails. Cairns serve as navigational aids in landscapes where the trail isn’t obvious, guiding hikers in the right direction, especially in alpine or barren terrain.
#4 Descent
The act of moving downward from a higher point, such as coming down a mountain or hill. Descent can be challenging and requires careful footing, especially on steep or rugged trails.
#5 Elevation
The height above sea level at which a particular point on the landscape sits, typically used in the context of reaching the top of a mountain peak or plateau. Higher elevations can mean thinner air and more challenging hiking conditions.
#6 Gaiters
Protective garments worn over the lower part of the pants and shoes. Gaiters prevent debris, snow, and water from entering a hiker’s footwear, offering an extra layer of protection against the elements.
#7 Hydration pack
A type of backpack designed specifically for easy drinking while on the move, featuring a built-in reservoir or bladder that holds water. A tube connected to the bladder allows the hiker to drink hands-free without removing the pack, promoting better hydration during long treks.
#8 Incline
Refers to the upward slope or gradient of a trail in hiking. The incline can vary from gentle slopes to steep ascents, affecting the difficulty level and physical exertion required from hikers. Managing inclines often requires good pacing and stamina.
#9 Trailhead
The starting point of a hiking trail, often marked with signs or information boards. Trailheads serve as gateways to the wilderness, where adventurers begin and end their outdoor journeys.
#10 Loop
A type of hiking trail that forms a circle, allowing hikers to return to their starting point without retracing their steps. Loop hikes provide a variety of scenery and are popular for their convenience.
#11 Marker
Markers are visual cues, such as painted blazes, symbols, or signs along a trail, designed to help hikers follow the intended path. They are crucial for navigation, especially in remote or less-traveled areas.
#12 Out-and-back
An out-and-back hike refers to a trail that leads to a destination, then requires hikers to return the same way they came. It’s ideal for seeing a specific landmark without completing a loop.
#13 Peak
The summit or highest point of a mountain or hill. Reaching a peak is often the goal of a hike, offering panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment to those who make it to the top.
#14 Ridge
A long, narrow elevation of land, often with steep slopes, that connects peaks. Hikers may walk along ridges to experience dramatic landscapes and potentially challenging terrain.
#15 Scramble
A scrambling section of a hike involves using both hands and feet to climb over rocks and rough terrain, often without technical climbing equipment. It’s a step up from regular hiking, requiring balance, careful foot placement and the free use of both hands.
#16 Switchback
In hiking, a switchback is a zigzagging path that makes steep terrain more manageable by reducing the incline of each segment. This technique allows hikers to ascend or descend hills and mountains more easily, preventing overly steep climbs and minimizing trail erosion by distributing wear evenly across a broader area.
#17 Thru-hike
An end-to-end long-distance trail hike, often taking several months, completed in a single trip, such as the Appalachian or Pacific Crest Trail. This demanding adventure tests endurance and commitment to trekking.
#18 Topo
Short for topographical map, a detailed and accurate graphic representation of natural and man-made features on the ground. Hikers use ‘topos’ to navigate terrain, showing elevation changes with contour lines.
#19 Traverse
To travel across or through a specific area or terrain, usually horizontally rather than ascending or descending. Traverse often refers to a challenging section that requires careful navigation and balance.
#20 Ultralight
A minimalist backpacking philosophy that emphasizes carrying the lightest and simplest gear safely possible. Ultralight hikers meticulously choose gear weighing mere ounces to reduce their packs’ overall weight.
#21 Vista
A wide-ranging view from a high point along a trail, often sought after by hikers for the panoramic scenery and photo opportunities it provides. Vistas are the breath-taking rewards for a hike’s exertion.
#22 Waypoint
A reference point in physical space used for purposes of navigation, often marking a significant point on a GPS track, such as a turn, a start or end point, or a place of interest.
#23 YDS (Yosemite Decimal System)
The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a scale used to rate the difficulty of hikes and climbs, primarily in the United States. It ranges from 1.0 (easy walk) to 5.15 (extremely difficult technical rock climb).
#24 Zero Day
A day spent without hiking, typically used as a rest day for long-distance hikers or thru-hikers to recover from the rigors of the trail. Zero days help prevent injury and mental burnout while on extended treks.
#25 Alpine
Referring to high mountain environments above the treeline, alpine areas are characterized by harsh conditions, minimal vegetation, and often snow-covered terrain. These regions require careful navigation and specialized gear.
#26 Base Layer
The clothing layer worn directly on the skin, designed to manage moisture and regulate body temperature during hikes. Base layers are often made of moisture-wicking materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics for optimal comfort.
#27 Compass
An essential navigation tool that uses the Earth’s magnetic field to point toward magnetic north, aiding hikers in wilderness travel. Modern compasses are often paired with maps to assist in route finding and orientation.
#28 Day Hike
A hike that is intended to be completed in a single day, ranging from a few hours to a full day’s walking. Day hikes don’t require overnight gear and often suit casual hikers or those with limited time.
#29 Footpath
A trail or path that is specifically designed for people to walk on, which can range from well-maintained boardwalks to narrow, natural trails. Footpaths allow hikers to traverse through natural environments with minimal impact.
#30 Gore-Tex
A waterproof, breathable fabric membrane that is commonly used in outdoor and hiking gear, including jackets, boots, and gloves. Gore-Tex keeps moisture out while allowing sweat vapor to escape, making it ideal for keeping hikers dry and comfortable in various weather conditions.
FAQ
What are hikers called?
Hikers, and in Britain walkers or hillwalkers. Trekker is used for multi-day walks. Somebody walking a long trail end to end in one trip is a thru-hiker, and one doing it in stretches is a section hiker.
What is it called when hikers make their own path off the trail?
Bushwhacking. It means pushing through undergrowth or open country where no path exists, and it is slow, hard on the legs, and hard on the ground itself, which is why marked trails exist.
What is the beginning of a hiking path called?
The trailhead. It is normally where the parking, the signboard and the route map are, and long trails give their distances from it.
What is it called when you use your hands to climb on a hike?
Scrambling. It sits between walking and roped climbing: steep enough to need hands for balance, not steep enough to need a rope. American guidebooks grade it as class 3 or class 4 on the Yosemite Decimal System.
What is a rest day on a long trail called?
A zero day, because no trail miles are walked. A short day of only a few miles, usually built around resupply in town, is a nero.
What is walking down a mountain called?
The descent, and the verb is to descend. Hikers also talk about hiking out, meaning the walk back to the trailhead once the summit is done.
They group into terrain (ridge, scree, treeline, switchback, summit, false summit), navigation (trailhead, blaze, cairn, waypoint, topo, compass) and gear (base layer, gaiters, trekking poles, hydration pack, ultralight). The glossary above lists the lot.
What are some hiking terms for beginners?
“Trailhead,” “blaze,” and “switchback” are some hiking terms beginners should start with. Understanding these will help novices navigate trails and discuss hikes more effectively.
What are some funny hiking terms?
“Bushwhack” and “scramble” are some funny hiking terms. They describe off-trail bush navigation and using hands for balance or climbing, adding a playful twist to hiking jargon.
What is a famous hiking phrase?
“The journey is the destination,” is a famous hiking phrase, emphasizing the experience of hiking itself rather than just reaching the end point, celebrating the adventure as a whole.
