Glossary M

Articles containing information regarding Glossary M

• Mail Drop

  A mail drop is a resupply method in which hikers ship food, gear, or personal items to a predetermined location on the trail. These packages are retrieved during town stops or at backcountry facilities with mail services.

• Map and Compass

  Map and compass navigation is the traditional method of orienting oneself using a topographic map and magnetic compass. It serves as a foundational skill for safe travel in areas where electronic devices may fail.

• Margin of Safety

  The margin of safety refers to the buffer of time, energy, resources, and environmental awareness that hikers maintain to avoid unnecessary risk. It reflects conservative decision-making and contingency planning.

• Microclimate

  A microclimate is a small-scale climate zone that differs from the surrounding regional conditions. Terrain, vegetation, elevation, and water sources contribute to these localized variations.

• Microspikes / Trail Traction Devices

  Microspikes are lightweight traction devices worn over footwear to improve grip on snow, ice, or frozen ground. They provide stability during shoulder seasons and early-morning travel.

• Midlayer

  A midlayer is an insulating garment worn between the base layer and outer shell. It traps body heat to maintain warmth during cold or variable conditions.

• Mileage Buffer Day

  A mileage buffer day is an extra day built into a hiking itinerary to accommodate delays, weather disruptions, or lower-than-expected mileage. It increases schedule flexibility.

• Mileage Cap

  A mileage cap is a self-imposed or group-defined maximum number of miles for a single day of hiking. It helps manage fatigue, reduce injury risk, and maintain consistency.

• Mileage Creep (Over-Ambitious Days)

  Mileage creep describes the gradual tendency for planned daily mileage to increase beyond the original itinerary. This can occur due to optimism, peer influence, or early-trip enthusiasm.

• Mileage Log

  A mileage log is a personal or shared record of daily distance traveled during a hike. It helps track progress, plan resupply intervals, and evaluate pacing.

• Monsoon Season

  Monsoon season refers to a period of heavy, sustained rainfall influenced by seasonal wind patterns. In some mountainous or desert regions, these storms create hazardous flash flood and lightning conditions.

• Moraine / Glacial Debris

  A moraine is an accumulation of debris deposited by a glacier, consisting of rocks, soil, and sediment. Moraines form distinct terrain features that influence hiking routes and navigation.

• Morning Start Window

  The morning start window refers to the typical timeframe in which hikers begin their day. It aligns with daylight availability, temperature considerations, and personal or group routines.

• Mud Season

  Mud season is a period in spring when melting snow and thawing ground create saturated, muddy trail conditions. It affects trail accessibility, travel speed, and land management policies.

• Multi-Day Resupply Interval

  A multi-day resupply interval is the period between consecutive resupply stops on a long-distance hike. It determines how much food and fuel a hiker must carry.

• Multi-Use Gear

  Multi-use gear refers to items that serve more than one function, allowing hikers to reduce pack weight and simplify equipment systems. It is a cornerstone principle of ultralight and minimalist hiking styles.