Glossary A

Articles containing information regarding Glossary A

• A-frame shelter pitch

  An A-frame shelter pitch is a setup where a tent or tarp is supported along a central ridgeline, creating a triangular cross-section that resembles a capital letter A.

• Above-treeline travel

  Above-treeline travel refers to hiking or moving in terrain that lies above the natural upper limit of continuous tree growth, typically characterized by open, exposed alpine environments.

• Abrasion

  Abrasion is the mechanical wearing or rubbing of a surface, such as skin, fabric, or gear materials, caused by repeated friction or contact.

• Abrasion-resistant fabrics

  Abrasion-resistant fabrics are textiles designed or selected to better withstand repeated friction and surface wear compared with standard materials of similar weight.

• Acclimatization

  Acclimatization is the gradual physiological and psychological adjustment that occurs when a person spends time in a new environment, such as higher altitude or a different climate.

• Active insulation

  Active insulation is a category of clothing designed to provide warmth while remaining breathable enough to be worn during continuous movement in cool or cold conditions.

• Airing out gear

  Airing out gear is the routine practice of unpacking and exposing items such as sleeping bags, clothing, or footwear to open air to reduce moisture, odors, and condensation buildup.

• Alpine start

  An alpine start is an early-morning departure, are oftenfore sunrise, planned to take advantage of cooler temperatures, firmer snow surfaces, or more stable weather patterns.

• Alpine zone

  The alpine zone is the high-elevation ecological band above continuous forest growth, typically characterized by open terrain, low-growing vegetation, and exposure to wind, sun, and rapid weather changes.

• Alternate route

  An alternate route is a variation from a primary long-distance trail corridor that hikers may choose for reasons such as scenery, conditions, logistics, or personal preference.

• Alternate terminus

  An alternate terminus is a start or end point for a long-distance hike that differs from the route’s most widely recognized official terminus, but is accepted within the hiking community for variations or specific itineraries.

• Anchor point (shelter)

  An anchor point, in shelter contexts, is a fixed or stable object or location used to secure guy lines, stakes, or other attachment points that support a tent, tarp, or similar structure.

• Aqua Mira

  Aqua Mira is a brand name commonly used in hiking discussions to refer to liquid chlorine-dioxide-based water treatment drops packaged for backcountry use.

• Aquatabs

  Aquatabs is a brand name for tablet-based chemical water treatment products that are widely used in outdoor, emergency, and travel contexts.

• Aquifer-fed water source

  An aquifer-fed water source is a spring, seep, or similar outflow where water emerges at the surface after moving subsurface through permeable rock or soil layers known as an aquifer.

• Arctic entry / vestibule

  In shelter discussions, an arctic entry or vestibule refers to an enclosed or semi-enclosed transitional space between the outside and the main living area that helps buffer wind, precipitation, and temperature differences.

• Aspect (slope aspect)

  Aspect, in terrain analysis, is the compass direction that a slope faces and is used to describe how sun exposure, snow retention, and vegetation patterns vary across landscape orientations.

• AT (Appalachian Trail)

  “AT” is the widely used abbreviation for the Appalachian Trail, a long-distance footpath in the eastern United States that runs between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine.

• Auto-belay water filter (inline)

  An auto-belay water filter, in an inline context, informally refers to a gravity- or flow-based setup where a water filter is installed in a hose so that water runs through it without continuous manual pumping or squeezing.