As any other activity, hiking has its own set of words and expressions that are commonly used within the community. You might not understand a phrase such as How often did you zero when thru-hiking the PCT? if you’re not familiar with the vocabulary, so here’s a little introduction to some hiking lingo, in no particular order.
Thru-hiking
I won’t spend much time explaining the difference between walking, hiking and backpacking here, since there are no definitions that are set in the stone anyway, but will only mention thru-hiking. It too has a somewhat variable meaning depending on whom you ask, but it’s generally acknowledged as hiking a trail from beginning to end in a single season.
Hiking a whole trail in sections over a few years is therefore not thru-hiking, nor is skipping parts of it or going from one point to another by any means of transportation other than on foot, for whatever reason.
Speaking of a specific trail, a thru-hiker is thus, quite obviously, someone who is hiking (or has hiked) it from beginning to end according to that definition.
Leaving the trail to go to town to resupply or take a zero (see below) is perfectly acceptable, of course, as long as you start again on the trail where you left it off.
Hiking your hike
Whether you’re going for a day hike or a 3-months thru-hike, the best advice you can get is: hike your hike.
Do not try to keep pace with others if you’re not fit enough, or if you just want to go slower to take pictures, sit down and enjoy the view or want to look at the flowers alongside the trail. Or go crazy fast if you want to push yourself to the limit.
It’s your experience, do it the way you want it. Hike your hike.
To take a zero
To take a zero, or to zero, is taking a break from hiking. A zero day is therefore a day off. The idea is not to stay as still as a yogi for the whole day, but simply not to hike, i.e. to put 0 miles (or km) towards your destination. If you really want (or need) some more rest, no problem, take 2 or 3 zeros in a row, but be careful not to fall into a vortex (see below).
Postholing
When you hike on hardened snow and your feet suddenly go through the surface on a softer patch, plunging into the lower, softer snow, you posthole. If you’re lucky, you’ll be snow deep only to your ankles; if you’re not, to your waist. Postholing can make for a very slow, difficult and downright miserable advance.
Trail angels & trail magic
Trail angels are people, often but not always hikers themselves, who help the hiking community as best as they can. You’ll meet them at trailheads and trail junctions, campsites or in trail towns, where they’ll do their magic: some will hand you water or fresh fruit, others will cook pancakes or burgers for everyone at the campsite or even host you in their nearby homes (return drive included) where you’ll enjoy a comfy bed, hot shower and a homemade meal.
In some locations along very famous trails, you’ll find stashes of gallons of water, some beer and power bars. You’ll probably never meet those angels, but trail magic will be invaluable during a long, exhausting thru-hike.
Hikers are a friendly bunch and trails angels are no exception. They are always more than happy to learn about your experiences on the trail, share theirs and sometimes give you a little advice (or warning) about a section they are familiar with.
If you didn’t believe in magic beforehand, trail angels will make your think twice 😉
Hikers’ midnight
Hiking for days or weeks is exhausting and hikers tend to fall asleep very early. Hikers’ midnight is 9:00 P.M., which is not a minute too early when you’ve hiked dozens of miles/km on rough terrain under a scorching sun.
Hiker box
On some trails, such as the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) on the United States’ West coast, you can find hiker boxes in some locations, either on the side of the trail or in a close-by town where hikers resupply and take zeros. In those boxes, you can sometimes find some food, such as power bars) or even gear that other hikers don’t want or need anymore.
When there is one, always check the hiker box before going to a store to resupply.
Falling into a vortex
A vortex is a whirling mass or place drawing in everything in its vicinity, from which you can’t escape.
In hiking, and especially long-distance hiking, getting caught into a vortex can be easy at times, especially after a few particularly miserable days on the trail. A vortex can be a little town off-trail where you plan to resupply and take a zero, then decide to take another one (the bed is so comfy), then another one (the hot shower is so relaxing), then another one (the food is so plentiful and delicious), then another one (ah, the sweet pshh sound of a beer bottle being opened), and so on…
Getting back on the trail sometimes requires a good amount of willpower!
Trailhead
A trailhead is the point where a trail begins or ends. Depending on the trail, trailheads may contain rest rooms, maps, sign posts and distribution centers for informational brochures about the trail and its features, and parking areas for vehicles and trailers.
Very long trails (thousands of miles or kilometers) are usually made up of shorter trails, and in that case you could go through multiple trailheads along the way, but generally speaking you’ll only see two of them, at the beginning and end of your hike, provided you hike the whole trail.
Not to be confused with trail junctions, which are simply where different trails cross each other.
Famous trail names & abbreviations
Lastly, trails, particularly the most famous ones are often referred to by an abbreviation rather than their full names.
Those are of course too numerous to list, but as examples, the two most famous trails in the United States are the Appalachian Trail (on the East coast) and the Pacific Crest Trail (on the West coast). They are abbreviated AT and PCT, respectively, and PCTers, for instance, are the hikers who are (thru-)hiking, or have hiked, the PCT.
In France and other European countries, some well-known trails don’t have proper, long names but are referred to by their number, preceded by GR (Grande Randonnée in French, or “long hike”). The GR20, for instance, is a very popular one, roughly crossing the island of Corsica from North to South.
Layering
Layering is the practice of wearing multiple layers of clothing to stay warm and comfortable in varying weather conditions. The idea behind layering is to provide insulation, moisture management, and ventilation, depending on the activity and the environment.
There are typically three layers of clothing in a layering system:
- Base layer: The base layer is the layer that is in direct contact with your skin. It should be made of moisture-wicking material, such as synthetic fibers or merino wool, to help keep you dry and comfortable. The base layer helps to regulate body temperature by drawing moisture away from the skin.
- Mid layer: The mid layer is the insulation layer, and it provides warmth by trapping body heat. This layer can be made of fleece, down, or synthetic insulation, depending on the weather and the level of insulation needed.
- Outer layer: The outer layer is the protective layer, and it protects against the elements such as wind, rain, and snow. This layer should be waterproof and breathable, to keep you dry and comfortable.
By adding or removing layers as needed, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts can adjust their body temperature and comfort level to suit the activity and the weather. It’s important to remember that layering works best when each layer fits properly and allows for proper ventilation.
Base weight
The base weight is the weight of your backpack, minus consumables such as food, water, and fuel. Consumables are items that you use up or replace during the course of a trip, and they can vary widely depending on the length and location of the trip.
Base weight is an important consideration for hikers and backpackers, as it can affect the overall comfort and efficiency of the trip. A heavier base weight can make a trip more physically demanding and tiring, while a lighter base weight can allow for greater agility and speed.
Boot-pack
A boot-pack is a path that has been compacted by the boots of previous hikers, often found on steep or snowy terrain. Boot-packing is the process of creating a boot-pack by walking single file up a steep or snowy slope, using the footsteps of the person in front as a guide.
Boot-packing can be an efficient and effective way to ascend steep or snowy terrain, especially when there is no established trail or when the snow is too deep to walk through without sinking, but it also can be physically demanding, as it requires extra effort to lift your feet and place them in the footsteps of the person in front of you.
When boot-packing, it’s important to maintain a steady pace and to keep a safe distance from the person in front of you to avoid slipping or tripping, to watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion, and to take breaks as needed.
Boot-packing can be an enjoyable and rewarding way to explore the backcountry, but it’s important to be prepared and to take proper precautions.
To break trail
To break trail refers to the process of being the first person in a group to hike through an area, breaking a path through the snow or vegetation.
Breaking trail can be physically demanding, as it requires extra effort to clear a path through unbroken snow or dense vegetation. It can also be more challenging to navigate, as there may be no established trail to follow.
However, breaking trail can also be rewarding, as it allows hikers to explore new areas and see them in a pristine state.
When breaking trail, it’s important to be mindful of Leave No Trace principles and avoid disturbing the natural environment.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace is a set of principles for minimizing the impact of outdoor recreation on the environment. The principles were developed by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible outdoor recreation. The seven Leave No Trace principles are:
- Plan ahead and prepare: This includes researching the area you’ll be visiting, understanding the Leave No Trace principles, and packing the appropriate gear and supplies.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces: This means staying on established trails and campsites, and avoiding areas with sensitive vegetation.
- Dispose of waste properly: Pack out all of your trash, including food waste and packaging. When camping, use a bear bag or bear canister to store scented items.
- Leave what you find: Don’t disturb natural features or artifacts, and leave plants and animals as you found them.
- Minimize campfire impact: If you do have a campfire, use a designated fire ring or pit, and follow local regulations. Avoid building new fires, and make sure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving.
- Respect wildlife: Keep a safe distance from wildlife, and don’t feed or harass them.
- Be considerate of other visitors: Keep noise levels down, respect the privacy of other hikers and campers, and follow local regulations.
By following the Leave No Trace principles, hikers and backpackers can help protect the natural environment and preserve it for hikers that will follow in your footsteps, as well as future generations.
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