A Glossary Of Outdoor Terms & Acronyms

When looking for the right outdoor gear, clothes or equipment, it can sometimes be confusing to understand what all the different terms, acronyms and expressions mean. At NORDISK PREPPER, we want to make it easier for you to get on with your adventures rather than be bogged down in misunderstandings. So, we have listed many of the words and expressions that often appear and hope these shine a light on what was an area of darkness before. 

The list is in alphabetical order and will be updated as we get input from our community on what is missing or improvements to our explanations.

Acrylic

A synthetic plastic material known for its softness, warmth, and durability with wool-like qualities.

Accessories

Not to be forgotten, on any trip there is always a need for a good pair of hiking socks or a hat to either keep the warmth in or shade you from the sun.

Base layer

The first layer of clothing worn next to the skin, providing warmth and moisture management, typically made of natural fibres like everybody’s favourite merino wool or can be synthetic fabrics as well. Normally items like underwear, thermals, vests and long sleeve t-shirts.

Bench

A narrow, level strip of land between steeper slopes.

The Big three

Typically the three biggest investments that you’ll make in your equipment, could be a sleeping bag, tent, and backpack.

Billy

A lightweight metal pot used for boiling water over a campfire, also known as a billycan.

Bivouac

Sleeping outside without a tent, either with just a sleeping bag or temporary shelter.

Bivy Sack

A lightweight sack used for sleeping or temporary shelter.

Black Water

Wastewater from toilets.

Bouldering

Rock climbing on boulders or small rock walls without ropes.

Bonk

To hit a your physcial limit due to exhaustion or low blood sugar.

Bothy

A small basic hut or shelter available for free use.

Buff

A stretchy fabric tube used as a neck warmer, headband, or hat.

Cairn

Piles of small stones marking a trail, especially in alpine environments.

Carabiner

A metal shackle with a spring-loaded gate used for attaching gear for example to your rucksack or ropes to rocks.

Cellulose

Organic material produced by the cell walls of trees and plants, used in various products such as paper, insulation, and textiles.

Cliff Out

Reaching a point where further progress is blocked by a cliff or other obstacle.

Col

The lowest point on a mountain ridge between two peaks.

Crag

The area at the base of climbing routes or boulders.

Crux

The hardest part of a trail or route.

Deadman Anchor

A method of securing a tent in sand or snow using a buried object.

DEET

A chemical insect repellent effective against bugs but with some health and material risks that you need to be aware of when using it.

Dry Bag

A waterproof sack with a roll-top closure, stuffed with different items that you need t keep safe and dry.

Duffel Bag

Normally a large cylindrical bag with a top closure, typically made of canvas or other durable materials, used for carrying clothing, gear, and other essentials, with sturdy handles and shoulder straps for easy carrying.

DWR

Durable Water Repellent, a surface treatment on fabric to make it water-resistant.

Elevenses or think of Fika

A short snack break around 11 a.m.

False Peak

A point mistaken for the summit but not the highest point.

Fell Walking

Hiking on hills and mountains in Northern England.

Fleece

Soft polyester fabric providing insulation.

Footprint (tent)

The ground area covered by a tent.

G-1000®

This is Fjällräven’s proprietary material consisting of polyester and cotton, often waxed for enhanced weather resistance i.e. rain.

Gaiters

Fabric covers worn over your boots to keep your trousers dry and clothing protected from collecting debris as you walk along a trail or grassy area.

Glamping

Luxury camping with accommodations like yurts or cabins instead of your normal “run of the mill” tent.

Glissade

Sliding down snow using an ice axe for control.

GORP

Means “good ol’ raisins and peanuts” or in other words a “Trail mix”, often consisting of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and candy to keep you going when you are outdoors and looking for a healthy snack.

Gore-tex

Waterproof breathable membrane used in outdoor gear.

Grey Water

Wastewater from sinks, showers, baths, washing machines or dishwashers, it is generally safer to handle and easier to treat and reuse for non-potable uses.

Groundsheet

Waterproof layer under a tent or sleeping bag.

Guyline

Ropes attached to tents for stability.

Kindling

Small wooden sticks used for starting a campfire.

LNT

“Leave No Trace” are the outdoor ethics to minimise human impact on the environment.

Merino wool

Soft, moisture-wicking wool from merino sheep, great as a material for keeping you warm in winter and allowing your skin to breath when it starts to get warmer.

Mid-layer

Insulating layer between base layer and outer layer such as a lighter jacket, sweater or fleece.

Out-and-back

A hike that follows the same route to a destination and back.

Point-to-point

A hike starting and ending at different trailheads.

Puffa

Insulated jacket for warmth, often filled with down or synthetic material.

Polyamide (PA)

Synthetic plastic material known as Nylon, used in various products for its elasticity and durability.

Polyester (PET)

Synthetic plastic material known for its transparency, heat resistance, and toughness, commonly used in clothing, packaging, and ropes.

Polyethylene (PE)

Common plastic material used in packaging, bags, and bottles, known for its low weight and resistance to moisture.

Polycarbonate (PC)

Synthetic plastic material highly resistant to shock and impact, often used in transparent packaging.

Polypropylene (PP)

Synthetic plastic material known for its low weight, high wear resistance, and resistance to high temperatures, used in food containers, ropes, and lifelines.

Polystyrene (PS)

Synthetic plastic material used in insulation and packaging, known as styrofoam in expanded form.

Polyurethane (PU)

Synthetic plastic material known for its elasticity and waterproof properties, used in textiles and coatings.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Synthetic plastic material used for waterproofing and packaging, known for its resistance to moisture.

Rainfly

Waterproof fabric covering a tent.

Rambling

British term for hiking in less hilly terrain.

Rucksack

Another term for backpack.

Scrambling

Movement between hiking and roped climbing in steep terrain.

Scree

Loose rocks forming a slope or field.

Shoulder Season

Period before or after prime outdoor activity seasons.

Softshell

Breathable, water-resistant outer layer jacket.

Spur

Offshoot trail leading to a feature like an overlook.

Switchback

Trail segment with a 180° turn for climbing elevation.

Tarn

Small mountain lake, often formed in a cirque.

Tarp

Large sheet of waterproof material used for temporary shelter.

Technical

Requiring advanced skill or knowledge for outdoor activities.

Three-season

An item of equipment or clothing uitable for outdoor use except in winter, normally two seasons aim for spring and autumn and three seasons refers to spring, summer, autumn. Four seasons is intended for year-round use. 

Tinder

Combustible material used for starting a campfire.

Trailhead

Starting point of a trail.

Trail Mix

Snack mix commonly eaten on hikes.

Wag Bag

Portable bag for placing human waste.

Waterproof

Impervious to water, often with a special coating.

Water-resistant

Resistant to water but not fully waterproof.

Windproof

Fabric resistant to wind penetration.

Wool

Natural material valued for its temperature-regulating properties, often used in clothing for outdoor activities.

Vibram

Manufacturer of quality outer soles found on high-quality shoes and boots.

YKK

Manufacturer of quality zippers often found on high-quality clothing and bags.

I know that we have not covered every word, term or expression – so let us know how we can improve our glossary.