Do you know these backpacking/camping terms?

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By: Heather Cahill

5 Min Quiz

Image: Shutterstock

About This Quiz

There are many terms used to describe things that are specific to the backpacking and camping world. Think you know your backpacking/camping lingo? Take the quiz to find out!

Which term is used to indicate the beginning of a trail?

The word is used to indicate the beginning of a trail. Someone might say, "We're approaching the trailhead."

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Which term refers to something that starts a fire?

Kindling is material such as lint, or dry tree bark, used when starting a fire. Kindling can be quite helpful in many cases.

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Which term means "helmet"?

"Brain Bucket" is a fun word that just means "helmet." Always make sure to wear your brain bucket!

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Which term is used for where campers start a fire?

Fires are started in the pits so that they do not spread. Campers use them for warmth and cooking.

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Which term refers to the joint of two trails?

"Junction" in the world of backpacking and camping typically refers to two trails that join together.

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Which term is used to refer to trails that aren't maintained?

Backcountry is used to refer to trails that aren't maintained. Some backpackers and campers enjoy going to the backcountry for an adventure.

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Which term refers to something that can be experienced when a backpacker climbs too high?

Altitude sickness usually comes happens when a backpacker climbs too high. There are many symptoms, but when the person returns to a lower altitude, it will go away.

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Which term refers to clothing worn underneath outerwear?

The base layer is worn underneath outerwear, and it is meant to stay dry. It also allows the backpacker to peel off any outer layers that are making them too warm.

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Which term refers to trails fit for anyone who has a disability?

"Accessible" is used to refer to trails that are well suited for anyone who has a disability.

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Which term refers to a plan for backpackers or campers?

An itinerary is used for planning out the trip. It can keep the participants on track.

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Which term refers to someone who helps out their fellow backpackers or campers?

"Trail Angels" refers to anyone who will willingly helps out backpackers or campers who may need it.

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Which term refers to something heavy?

"Hump" is used to refer to hikers who are carrying heavy backpacks. Sometimes hikers wind up carrying their backpacks pretty far.

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Which term refers to a storage of supplies?

Chaches are typically found along trails and they have supplies for people who need them. Supplies typically include food and water.

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Which term is used for hiking off of the trails?

"Freehiking is walking off any trails and taking your own route to go wherever you want to go.

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Which term refers to somone who goes backpacking or camping alone?

Anyone who goes backpacking or camping alone is soloing. It can be dangerous.

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Which term refers to drinking water when you stumble across it on your hike?

"Camel up" refers to drinking water when you stumble upon it on a hike. It allows the backpacker or camper to complete their route without bringing water with them.

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Which term refers to camping without a tent?

This is when someone goes camping without bringing a tent. It can also refer to the way other elements of camping are done, such as cooking.

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Which term is used for the leader in a group of backpackers?

The leader of a group of backpackers is known as the point. The rest of the group follows them.

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Which term means "marsh"?

Fen is a marsh or swamp. Typically they are filled with water and are classified as a wetland.

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Which term refers to trees falling due to a strong wind?

The term is "widow maker." In strong, windy conditions, trees may fall. This is a danger to backpackers and campers as they can easily injure them.

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Which term is used to refer to people who aim to hike to the highest points?

Peak baggers typically go by a list of peaks they try to reach. These can be lists that can include groups of peaks, such as the highest peaks in a certain region.

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Which term refers to the most difficult part of a hike?

"Crux" is used to describe the hardest or most difficult part during a hike. Someone could say, "This is the crux of the climb!"

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Which term refers to people who ask other park visitors for food?

Yogi-ing is when someone asks other visitors for food. Yogi-ing should typically be used in emergencies.

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Which term refers to the clothing that is worn over boots to keep out water?

Gaiters are worn over your boots to keep out water and other elements. They are a good piece of clothing to use to keep your feet dry.

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Which term refers to something that is worn to gain traction?

Crampons go on your boots and have pins that stick into surfaces like snow and ice. They stop people from slipping or falling on slippery surfaces.

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Which term is used for a structure that can keep you dry?

A "lean-to" is a structure that backpackers or campers can find shelter under when they need it. It can shelter people from rain, snow and more.

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Which term refers to repairs to gear?

"MacGyver" means to make repairs to any gear or equipment that needs it during a trip.

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Which term is used for something that can keep you warm?

Coats are usually filled with "down" that can keep backpackers and campers very warm in cold conditions, as long as it stays dry.

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Which term is used for something that is used to keep a certain animal away?

A bear box is typically hung from a rope away from where campers are sleeping. It is used to keep bears from coming to the camp where the campers are staying.

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Which term refers to the last person in a group hike?

The sweep stays at the back of the group and makes sure that everyone is OK. If a hiker needs help, the sweep is there to make sure they get it.

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Which term refers to a hill?

A knob is a hill that is rounded. A famous knob is the McAfee Knob which is found along the Appalachian Trail.

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Which term refers to someone who finishes a hike and hikes back to where they started?

"Yo-yo" is someone who finishes a hike and then goes back to where they started. This is like the action of a real Yo-yo!

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Which term refers to the dead end of a trail?

"Craps out" is when a trail comes to a dead end, or becomes less prominent.

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Which term is an acronym that means cleaning up after yourself?

LNT stands for "leave no trace." Backpackers, campers, or anyone in the woods should always make sure to clean up after themselves and that the woods are left as they were found.

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Which term is an acronym that means going up, and then going back down?

PUDS stands for "pointless ups and downs." It is used to describe trails that do just that.

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