Glossary G

Articles containing information regarding Glossary G

• Gaiters

  Gaiters are protective fabric coverings worn over the upper portion of footwear and lower legs to keep debris, mud, snow, and moisture out of shoes or boots during hiking and backpacking.

• Gear Closet

  A gear closet refers to the dedicated space where hikers store their outdoor equipment, clothing, and accessories when not in use.

• Gear Failure

  Gear failure describes the malfunction or breakdown of equipment during a hike, potentially affecting safety, comfort, or the ability to continue along a route.

• Gear Lists

  Gear lists are itemized inventories of equipment a hiker plans to bring on a trip, often organized by category such as shelter, sleep system, clothing, kitchen, and electronics.

• Gear Loft

  A gear loft is a lightweight mesh or fabric shelf that attaches to the interior of a tent to store small items off the floor.

• Gear Repair Tape

  Gear repair tape is a durable, adhesive-backed material used to patch tears, holes, or worn areas on outdoor gear such as tents, jackets, sleeping pads, and backpacks.

• Gear Shake-Down

  A gear shake-down is the process of testing, evaluating, and reducing equipment before undertaking a long-distance hike or expedition.

• Gear Swap Box / Hiker Box

  A gear swap box, commonly called a hiker box, is a shared container at trail towns, hostels, or lodges where hikers leave unwanted gear or consumables and take items left by others.

• Glacier Lilies / Early-Season Flora Indicator

  Glacier lilies and similar early-season wildflowers serve as natural indicators of recent snowmelt and early-season trail conditions.

• GPS Receiver

  A GPS receiver is a device that uses satellite signals to determine geographic location, elevation, and movement data during outdoor travel.

• GPX Track

  A GPX track is a digital file format used to store geographic data such as waypoints, routes, and recorded tracks for navigation and trip planning.

• Green Tunnel

  The green tunnel is an informal term describing a wooded trail corridor where dense tree canopy and vegetation create an enclosed, shaded environment.

• Groundsheet

  A groundsheet is a protective layer placed beneath a shelter floor to reduce abrasion, moisture transfer, and long-term wear.

• Group Campsite

  A group campsite is a designated area intended to accommodate larger parties of hikers, often with expanded space, additional food storage infrastructure, or higher-impact surfaces.

• Guidebook

  A guidebook is a printed or digital reference providing detailed information about a trail, including maps, elevation profiles, points of interest, logistics, and historical context.

• Gut-Hook Style Navigation App (Generic)

  A gut-hook style navigation app refers generically to a smartphone-based long-distance hiking navigation tool that provides GPS-based mapping, user comments, and waypoint information, without referencing any specific brand.