Glossary C

Articles containing information regarding Glossary C

• Cache (water or food cache)

  A cache in thru-hiking is a pre-positioned supply of water, food, or other consumables that a hiker leaves or arranges in advance along a route. Caching is used to extend range in dry or remote sections but must be planned and managed carefully to avoid litter and environmental impact.

• Camp etiquette

  Camp etiquette refers to the informal norms and expectations that govern behavior in and around shared or adjacent campsites. It aims to balance individual comfort with respect for other hikers, local communities, and the environment.

• Camp hygiene

  Camp hygiene is the collection of routines and practices that help maintain personal cleanliness and basic sanitation during overnight trips. It supports comfort and can reduce some health risks, while operating within the constraints of limited water and facilities.

• Camp kitchen

  A camp kitchen is the informal term for the gear, layout, and routines used to store, prepare, and eat food in a backcountry setting. It can range from a simple stove and pot to more elaborate setups in group or front-country contexts.

• Camp pad / sleeping pad

  A camp pad or sleeping pad is an insulating and cushioning layer placed between a sleeper and the ground. It reduces heat loss to the surface below and improves comfort during rest.

• Camp shoes

  Camp shoes are lightweight footwear carried in addition to primary hiking shoes or boots, used around camp, in towns, or during short off-trail tasks. They prioritize comfort, ventilation, and ease of use over trail performance.

• Campcraft

  Campcraft refers to the collection of practical skills used to select campsites, set up shelters, manage cooking and storage, and maintain a functional camp with minimal impact. It develops over time through repeated practice and observation.

• Canned heat / solid fuel

  Canned heat and solid fuel refer to compact fuel sources that burn in a contained or semi-contained form, often used with compatible stove systems for simple meal and water heating. They are chosen for their simplicity and ease of storage, subject to local fire regulations.

• Canyon section

  A canyon section is a portion of trail or route that follows or crosses a canyon, gorge, or narrow valley. These segments have distinct considerations related to water, shade, temperature, and potential flash flood risk.

• Car shuttle

  A car shuttle is a logistical arrangement in which vehicles are positioned at different trailheads or access points to support one-way hikes or section travel. It is commonly used on point-to-point routes or where public transit options are limited.

• Cat hole

  A cat hole is a hand-dug hole used for the burial of human waste in areas where this disposal method is permitted. It is a long-standing backcountry practice guided by regional regulations and current low-impact recommendations.

• Cell coverage gap

  A cell coverage gap is a stretch of trail or region where mobile phone service is weak, intermittent, or absent. These gaps are common on many long-distance routes and influence communication and navigation planning.

• Cervical collar (pack fit hot-spot zone)

  The cervical collar, in pack fit discussions, refers to the area around the base of the neck and upper shoulders where poorly adjusted straps or load lifters can create pressure and discomfort. It is a common hot-spot zone addressed through pack adjustment.

• Chafing

  Chafing is skin irritation caused by repeated friction, often worsened by moisture, heat, and salt. It is common in long-distance hiking and can significantly affect comfort if not managed.

• Checkpoint / control point

  A checkpoint or control point is a designated location along a route where hikers or participants check in, record progress, or receive services. These points are more common on organized events than on informal thru hikes but may appear in certain trail systems.

• Closed-cell foam pad

  A closed-cell foam pad is a sleeping pad made from dense foam with sealed cells that do not absorb water. These pads are known for durability, reliability, and simplicity, with moderate insulation and cushioning.

• Cloud inversion

  A cloud inversion is a weather phenomenon in which clouds form in lower valleys while higher ridges and peaks remain clear and often sunny above. Hikers may experience this as looking down on a sea of clouds from elevated terrain.

• Col / pass / saddle

  Col, pass, and saddle are terms for low points along a ridge or between peaks where a trail often crosses from one drainage or valley to another. These features are common navigation and route-planning landmarks in mountainous areas.

• Cold soak

  Cold soak is a no-cook food preparation method that uses ambient-temperature water and time to rehydrate meals, instead of heat. It allows hikers to forgo stoves and fuel in suitable conditions.

• Cold-weather layering system

  A cold-weather layering system is an integrated set of clothing layers designed to manage warmth, moisture, and wind protection in low-temperature conditions. It allows hikers to add or remove layers as conditions and activity levels change.

• Comfort rating (sleeping bag)

  The comfort rating of a sleeping bag is a temperature value intended to represent conditions under which an average sleeper is expected to feel reasonably comfortable. It is part of standardized or manufacturer-provided temperature rating systems.

• Compression sack

  A compression sack is a stuff sack with straps or mechanical systems that reduce the volume of soft items such as sleeping bags or clothing by compressing them. It is used to improve pack organization where appropriate.

• Consumable weight

  Consumable weight is the portion of pack weight made up of items that are gradually used up over time, such as food, water, and fuel. It contrasts with base weight, which excludes these items.

• Contour interval

  Contour interval is the vertical distance in elevation between adjacent contour lines on a topographic map. It determines how finely elevation changes are represented.

• Contour line

  A contour line is a line on a topographic map that connects points of equal elevation. It visually represents the shape of the terrain and allows users to interpret landforms and changes in slope.

• Creek crossing

  A creek crossing is the act of fording or traversing a small stream or watercourse encountered along a hiking route. It requires evaluating water depth, current strength, footing, and safety conditions.

• Cumulative elevation gain

  Cumulative elevation gain is the total amount of uphill climbing completed over a route, including all individual ascents. It reflects the overall climbing effort rather than the net change in elevation.