Glossary P

Articles containing information regarding Glossary P

• Pack Cover

  A pack cover is a fitted, waterproof or water-resistant protective layer placed over a backpack to help shield it from rain, snow, and moisture.

• Pack Liner

  A pack liner is a waterproof internal barrier used to protect gear inside a backpack from moisture, typically made from durable plastic or specialized waterproof fabric.

• Pack Volume (Liters)

  Pack volume refers to the total carrying capacity of a backpack, measured in liters, including the main compartment and secondary pockets depending on manufacturer standards.

• Pack Weight

  Pack weight refers to the total weight of a hiker’s backpack including base weight, consumables, water, and food at any given time.

• Pancake Rocks / Slab Sections

  Pancake rocks or slab sections refer to smooth, flat, layered rock formations that form natural walkways or steep angled surfaces on trails.

• PCT (Pacific Crest Trail)

  The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a long-distance hiking trail spanning approximately 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington.

• PCT Bear Hang (General Method Name)

  The PCT bear hang is a widely used food-hanging method designed to suspend food bags at heights that discourage wildlife access, using a single rope tossed over a branch.

• Pepper Spray (Wildlife Deterrent Where Legal)

  Pepper spray used as wildlife deterrent is a legally regulated defensive tool intended to repel aggressive animals such as bears when used responsibly.

• Perimeter Trail

  A perimeter trail is a hiking route that encircles a geographic area, such as a park, lake, mountain, or region.

• Permit Quota

  A permit quota limits the number of hikers allowed to access a trail, campsite, or region within a given time period to manage environmental impact and visitor safety.

• Personal Locator Beacon

  A personal locator beacon (PLB) is an emergency communication device that transmits a distress signal via satellite to alert rescue authorities in life-threatening situations.

• Philmont-Style Gear Load (Legacy Term)

  A Philmont-style gear load is a legacy term referring to traditional backpacking setups emphasizing durable, heavier equipment historically used in youth backpacking programs.

• Phone-as-GPS

  Phone-as-GPS refers to using a smartphone loaded with offline maps and GPX data as a primary navigation tool during hiking.

• Pit Toilet / Privy

  A pit toilet, or privy, is a basic sanitation facility consisting of a hole in the ground covered by a small structure for privacy and hygiene.

• Platform Campsite

  A platform campsite is a designated camping area featuring a raised wooden or synthetic platform used as a tent pitching surface.

• Plunge-Stepping (Snowy Descent Technique)

  Plunge-stepping is a controlled snow descent technique where hikers use firm, deliberate steps to descend steep snow slopes safely.

• Pole-Supported Shelter

  A pole-supported shelter is a tent or tarp structure requiring trekking poles or dedicated poles for setup and stability.

• Postholing

  Postholing occurs when a hiker’s foot sinks deeply into soft snow, creating deep holes and making travel slow and physically taxing.

• Pot Cozy

  A pot cozy is an insulated sleeve used to retain heat in a cooking pot, allowing food to continue cooking off-stove and reducing fuel consumption.

• Potable Water

  Potable water is water that is safe for human consumption, either through natural purity or after adequate treatment.

• Powerline Road Walk

  A powerline road walk refers to hiking along maintenance roads or utility corridors that follow overhead powerlines.

• PUDs (Pointless Ups and Downs)

  PUDs, or Pointless Ups and Downs, refer to trail segments with frequent small ascents and descents that add cumulative elevation change without providing scenic or functional benefits.

• Puffy Jacket

  A puffy jacket is an insulated outer layer filled with down or synthetic fibers, used to retain body heat during cold conditions.