Glossary W

Articles containing information regarding Glossary W

• Waist Belt / Hip Belt

  A waist belt or hip belt is the padded strap system on a backpack designed to transfer weight from the shoulders to the hips. It enhances load-bearing efficiency and comfort during long-distance travel.

• Walk-Up Permit

  A walk-up permit is a same-day or first-come, first-served permit issued by land agencies for backcountry travel, camping, or trail access when advance reservations are limited or unavailable.

• Wander Line (Unofficial Footpath)

  A wander line is an informal, unmaintained footpath created through repeated travel rather than official trail construction. These routes emerge gradually in popular or scenic areas.

• Warm Weather Kit

  A warm weather kit is a gear configuration tailored for hot climates or summer conditions. It emphasizes ventilation, sun protection, and lightweight clothing.

• Water Cache

  A water cache is a supply of water intentionally stored along a trail for later retrieval. Caches are common in remote desert environments with few natural water sources.

• Water Carry

  Water carry refers to the amount of water a hiker transports between sources. It varies based on distance, terrain, temperature, and source reliability.

• Water Filter

  A water filter is a device that removes bacteria, protozoa, and particulate matter from natural water sources. It improves drinking safety during backcountry travel.

• Water Source Reliability

  Water source reliability refers to the likelihood that a stream, spring, or pond contains usable water at a given time. It depends on season, elevation, snowpack, drought, and recent weather.

• Water Treatment

  Water treatment encompasses methods used to make natural water safe to drink by neutralizing or removing harmful microorganisms. These include filtration, chemical treatment, boiling, and UV purification.

• Wayfinding

  Wayfinding is the process of orienting oneself and navigating through terrain using signs, natural features, maps, and intuition. It includes both on-trail and off-trail navigation.

• Waypoint

  A waypoint is a marked location stored on a GPS device or digital map, used to identify important trail features, junctions, or resources.

• Weather Window

  A weather window is a short period of stable or favorable weather that allows hikers to safely complete a route or pass. It often determines the timing of high-elevation or exposed sections.

• White Blaze (AT Marker)

  A white blaze is the primary trail marker used to designate the Appalachian Trail (AT). These painted rectangles appear on trees, rocks, and posts and guide hikers along the route.

• Wind Chill

  Wind chill is the perceived decrease in temperature caused by wind accelerating heat loss from exposed skin. It is a key factor in assessing cold-weather comfort and safety.

• Wind Shirt

  A wind shirt is an ultralight, highly breathable jacket designed to block wind while offering minimal insulation. It is commonly used by long-distance hikers and high-output travelers.

• Wind Slab (Snow Term)

  A wind slab is a dense, cohesive layer of snow deposited or compacted by strong winds. It creates variable travel conditions and may contribute to avalanche hazards.

• Winter Conditions (On Three-Season Trail)

  Winter conditions on a three-season trail refer to snow, ice, cold temperatures, and reduced daylight encountered on routes not designed or maintained for winter travel.

• Worn Weight

  Worn weight refers to the clothing, footwear, and accessories a hiker wears on their body rather than carries in their backpack. It influences comfort, mobility, and overall energy expenditure.