A

Absorbent Fabric material such as 100% cotton which holds moisture will produce a cooling effect as it dries slowly; especially desirable during hot summer months.

Acrylic Fiber any of the group of synthetic fibers which absorbs moisture from the skin to allow evaporation outside the fabric; is referred to as a wickable fabric.

A-Frame Tent a variation of the classic pup tent which can be packed, carried and pitched quite easily; design allows wind to be shed better than others.

Alcohol Stove a type of camp stove using denatured alcohol; not noted for producing high heat, but is the safest type.

Alpine Camping mountain camping at upper elevations in which altitude sickness may affect some individuals; a change of 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) to 6,000 feet (1,829 meters) would be noticeable, but most do not notice any real effects until above 10,000 feet (3,048 meters).

Altitude Sickness can occur with a noticeable change in elevation usually above 10,000 feet (3,048 meters); may produce vague, flu-like symptoms of fatigue, headache, mild nausea and possibly insomnia.

Appalachian Trail a hiking (and camping) trail extending through the Appalachian Mountains from central Maine to north Georgia in the U.S.; 2,050 miles (3,299 kilometers) long.

AT abbreviation for the Appalachian Trail.

Aurora Borealis the “northern lights”; a radiant emission from the upper atmosphere that occurs sporadically over the middle and high latitudes of both hemispheres in the form of luminous bands, streamers. or the like, caused by the bombardment of the atmosphere with charged solar particles that are being guided along the earth’s magnetic lines of force.

Awning a fabric stretched over the entranceway to a tent which forms a protective roof.

B

Back Country a sparsely populated rural region remote from a settled area.

Backpacking to carry ALL camping gear including food and water in a backpack to the campsite destination.

Bald mountain with an open, grassy summit that is void of trees, usually caused by grazing.

Base Camp headquarters/home base from which daily and/or overnight excursions are made.

Beach Camping site selection should be between the highest winter storm tide level and the current high tide level--an area where the least amount of vegetation is impacted.

Bearing orientation to degrees on a compass.

Bedroll bedding rolled for portability and used especially for sleeping out-of-doors.

Biodegradable capable of being broken down especially into innocuous products by the action of living organisms.

Bivy (Bivouac) Bag combines a sleeping bag with the shelter of a tent.

BLM abbreviation for federal Bureau of Land Management (U.S.).

Bowline the knot of choice when a loop is desired at the end of the line; easy to untie and will not slip; good for tent stakes and hanging items with handles.

Bug Chaser a commercial wristband product containing the insect repellent Limonene (FDA approved as a flavoring substance).

Butane Stove a camp stove that utilizes butane; will not operate below freezing.

C

Cabin Dome Tent a cross between two common tent shapes (the cabin and the dome); incorporates the advantages of both.

Cabin Tent also called a wall tent is the style of choice especially for families looking for a lot of storage space and personal comfort over long periods of time; largest (most headroom and interior volume) and heaviest tent type with high, straight walls requiring more support poles and tie lines than others; can be a problem in a high wind condition; vertical walls make it spacious enough for bunk cots and even a removable room divider.

Camp Robber any animal that frequents a camp and is skilled at stealing food; birds (especially crows, jays and ravens) and raccoons are the most common.

Candle Lantern a small lantern in which the light is provided by burning lamp oil or a candle; is used inside tents but extreme caution must be exercised.

Capilene Fabric any group of the synthetic fibers which absorbs moisture from the skin to allow evaporation outside the fabric; is referred to as a wickable fabric.

Cat Hole the most basic of outdoor toilets in which the one-use hole is immediately filled- in with soil and other forest floor material.

Charcoal-Starting Chimney Can a homemade device utilizing a large can with both lids removed and with scalloped bottom edges to allow for air flow; crumbled newspaper is placed in the bottom and charcoal briquettes on top; once briquettes are going, can is removed.

Chickee an elevated platform on which a freestanding tent can be set up.

Chigger an extremely small insect which burrows under the skin and creates raised itchy welts especially around areas where clothes are snug.

“Circle Plan” Camping exploration within a chosen radius from home base camping.

Citronella a non-chemical insect repellent, made from a plant commonly called lemongrass; available as candles and in oil form for lamps; also, as an ingredient in insect repellents applied directly to the skin; effectiveness varies.

Closed-Cell Foam Sleep Pad a “rigid” foam of dense material that cushions well and does not absorb water.

Clove Hitch the knot of choice for securing an item quickly especially when tension or weight is present; good for hanging food bags and is easy to undo.

CNF abbreviation for Cherokee National Forest (U.S.); 626,417 acres--camping permitted.

Coleman Fuel product name for white gas, a highly flammable, unleaded fuel.

Compass an instrument for determining directions, as by means of a freely rotating magnetized needle that indicates magnetic north.

Counterbalance food-hanging system in which two bags of edibles of equal weight are tied together and hung over a tree branch well off the ground.

Cross Bearings two compass readings using landmarks 90 degrees apart which when applied to a map/chart will give your location.

Cyalume Light Stick a small hand-held device which when activated produces a low level light; the light produced from a chemical reaction is short lived.

D

Deciduous trees and shrubs that shed their leaves annually.

Declination difference between true and magnetic north on a compass.

DEET N,N,diethyl-m-toluamide--an insect repellent ingredient most effective on the worst bugs; can produce side effects; may damage varnish and polyester fabric.

Denatured Alcohol required to light a kerosene lantern and is needed for alcohol stoves; poisonous--not for human consumption.

Desert Camping site selection needs to be on the highest ground well away from any low lying sand gullies; if possible, find or make shade.

DNR abbreviation for Department of Natural Resources (U.S.).

Dome Tent a self-supported, freestanding tent resembling an Eskimo Igloo which can easily be set up on a wooden platform or rocky ground; most stable type of tent which is able to shed wind gusts well with its hexagonal geodesic shape; more usable floor space and headroom than in the A-frame type of tent.

Down material containing actual bird feathers or a synthetic replication which serves as the lightest weight, most durable, most efficient and most comfortable insulation; is useless when it gets wet--looses its warm insulation quality and does not dry quickly.

Dry Ice frozen carbon dioxide (best for keeping meat over an extended camping period); avoid direct contact with skin and storage materials; when using, wrap in multiple newspaper layers.

Dual-Fuel Stove a camp stove utilizing a propane/butane blend or stove fuel/unleaded gas; will operate below freezing.

Duffel a soft, durable lightweight carry-bag.

Duranon Repellent contains permethrin--an insect repellent in a water-based solution; EPA approved for use on clothing and tent fabric; an application is effective for approximately two weeks.

Dutch Oven a large, heavy-duty cookpot used to roast meat, make stews and/or bake; hot coals positioned on top as well as the bottom create a fairly uniform interior temperature in the pot/oven.

E

Ehrlichiosis a bacterial related disease caused from a tick bite in which the symptoms are non-specific (can resemble the flu in some); it is believed to be found wherever the deer tick (Lyme disease)lives and is curable with the administration of tetracycline.

EMS abbreviation for Emergency Medical Services (U.S.) : i.e., 911.

Encephalitis also known as sleeping sickness is caused by mosquito bites; an inflammation of the substance of the brain caused by a virus and characterized by apathy and abnormal sleepiness.

Endangered Specie threatened with extinction.

Evergreen trees and shrubs having green leaves throughout the entire year.

F

Fire Pit a protected area in which the campsite fire takes place.

Firestick fire starting “sticks”.

Flame Tamer a slotted metal ring that diffuses the flame of a camp stove; used for simmering.

Fleece the coat of wool that covers a sheep or similar animal; material which provides warmth without absorbing moisture and is more comfortable than wool.

Forest Service Road an undeveloped road located within the boundary of a U.S. national forest; usually, previously having been a “logging” road.

FS abbreviation for Forest Service Road (U.S.).

Fuzz Stick a favorite fire starter made by cutting notches into a small dry stick so that the wood chips stand away, but are still attached.

G

Gaiter a wrap which prevents the entry of snow, sand, pebbles/rocks, brush fragments etc. from entering the protected area, especially the head, neck and/or shoe.

Gear Loft an area in the ceiling of some tents where gear can be stored in a hammock.

Giardiasis infection of the lower intestines caused by the amoebic cyst Giardia lamblia; condition usually occurs after drinking contaminated water; symptoms include bloating, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, diarrhea and possibly vomiting.

GPS abbreviation for Global Positioning System: satellite signals compute instant position fixes via latitude and longitude.

Grommet any of various rings or eyelet’s of metal or plastic sewn into fabric which are used as attachment points.

Ground Cloth a thick, light-weight cloth made of synthetic material, usually polyethylene (ex: painter’s dropcloth) which serves to protect the bottom of the tent from punctures, dirt and condensation; should be the same size of the tent so as to not channel rainwater underneath the tent.

Ground Pad a pad used to thermally insulate the sleeping bag from the ground; provides some cushioning.

GSMNP abbreviation for Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S.) located in southeast Tennessee and southwest North Carolina; 808 square miles (2,092 square kilometers)--camping permitted.

Guyline a rope used to give added support to a tent door awning, freestanding canopy (ex: rain fly) and/or a tent; holds them in place and prevents premature rips and puddle sags.

Guyline Slider a device used to adjust the tension of a guyline.

H

Hammock a hanging bed or couch made of canvas, knotted cord, or the like, with cords attached to supports at each end.

Head Lamp a portable flashlight which when inserted into a loop on a headband serves to free the hands.

Heat Exhaustion on a hot day, a condition resulting from overexertion characterized by excessive perspiration, extreme thirst, headache, dizziness and possibly nausea.

Heat Stroke on a hot day, a condition resulting from overexertion characterized by irregular (alternately deep and shallow) breathing, irregular pulse (alternately strong and weak), usually hot and dry skin, twitching muscles and possible disorientation; a much more severe, life-threatening condition than heat exhaustion; medical help is recommended.

Hiking Trail foot travel only permitted.

Hooded Windows provide some protection from light/gentle rains by the use of a fabric such as a rain fly that overhangs tent window openings.

Horse Trail horse and foot travel permitted only.

Hypothermia a sudden lowering of body temperature with symptoms of shivering, slow speech and loss of coordination; shock and death are prevalent.

I

Iodine Tablets used to purify water for drinking; will impart a less-than-desirable taste and is not recommended for long term use.

J

Jerry Can/Jug a narrow flat-sided, five-gallon (19 litre) container for fluids.

Jungle Hammock a self-contained, functional, elevated shelter with a fabric top, a cotton canvas floor and mesh sides usually stretched between two trees.

K

Kerosene Stove a type of camp stove which utilizes kerosene; burner tends to clog faster than other types of stoves and will operate below freezing.

Keyhole Fire a traditional cook fire which supplies the cook with a ready and controllable source of heat.

Kindling material that can be readily ignited, used in starting a fire.

L

Laundry Bag a small bag for storing used clothes; nylon mesh is preferred, especially for damp items.

Layering wearing several layers of clothing which allows quick adaptation to the environment by adding and subtracting layers; first layer is for comfort and insulation while middle layer provides the bulk insulation needed to protect against the cold; outer layer blocks wind, sheds rain and repels snow.

Lean-To a shack or shed supported at one side by trees or posts and having an inclined roof.

Load-to-Body Weight Ratio the recommended ratio for determining the maximum load a person should carry when backpacking, generally stated as a ratio of one to three (1:3);ex: a 180-pound person should carry a maximum load of 60 pounds.

Loft the thickness of an insulating layer of material such as in a sleeping bag; the thicker the loft, the more dead air between you and the environment; thus, a warmer bag.

Log Cabin Fire a fast burning fire with a high flame--not practical for slow cooking; start with a small teepee for the tinder and kindling, then position logs in the square shape of a cabin, making smaller squares with each stacked layer.

Low-Impact Camping taking into account all environmental considerations to minimize human impact on wild lands: “LEAVE NO TRACE”.

Lyme Disease an acute inflammatory disease that is caused by a spirochete (Borrelia burgdorferi) transmitted by a deer tick that is often characterized initially by a spreading red annular skin lesion at the site of infection, fever and chills which may result in joint pain, arthritis, cardiac and neurological disorders; found throughout the U.S.

M

Moleskin a heavy durable cotton fabric with a short thick velvety nap on one side used for protecting the skin in which a blistor has occurred.

Mosquito Coil a coiled, slow burning repellent, the smoke of which keeps the mosquitoes away and sometimes people.

N

National Forest pursuant to the U.S. National Forest Management Act of 1976, managed for a variety of multiple uses such as water, forage, wildlife, wood, minerals and recreation; timber production is significant in U.S. Forest Service’s management plan.

National Park pursuant to the U.S. National Park Service Organic Act of 1916, managed so as to “conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and also provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations”; preservation is principal requirement of national park management.

Natrapel a citronella-based insect repellent with aloe.

“No-see-ums” extremely small flies that create tiny bites (feels like a pin prick) on any exposed skin; they, like mosquitoes, will not be present under windy conditions.

No-Trace Camping leaving no significant evidence of having hiked or camped in an area; “pack it in, pack it out” is rallying cry.

Northern Lights see Aurora Borealis.

NPS abbreviation for National Park Service (U.S.).

Nylon a synthetic fiber (any of a class of thermoplastic polyamides) capable of extrusion when molten into fibers, sheets, etc., of extreme toughness, strength and elasticity; used especially for yarn, fabric and bristles, as for brushes.

Nylon Coil Zipper a continuous coil which will not corrode, lose teeth and/or bend; zipper type of choice for camping gear.

O

Old Growth Forest a forest that was neither logged nor impacted by human actions; original timber.

Open-Cell Foam Sleep Pad a spongy, thicker and more comfortable foam than closed-cell; can absorb water.

Orienteering a competitive sport, originating in Sweden, that tests the skills of map reading and cross-country running, in which competitors race through an unknown area to find various checkpoints by using only a compass and topographical map, the winner being the finisher with the lowest elapsed time.

Orienteering Compass an instrument which is a combination of a compass, protractor and distance scale that plots a more scientific bearing from a map.

ORV abbreviation for off road vehicle

P

Pacific Crest Trail a hiking (and camping) trail extending from California to Washington in the U.S.; 2,600 miles (4,183 kilometers).

Packtowl the brand name for a special, lightweight made-for-travel towel which absorbs more water faster than a standard towel and is quickly reusable by just wringing it out.

Permeable Nylon the most common type of breathable tent material.

Permethrin an EPA approved insect repellent in a water-based formula for use on clothing and tent fabric.

Permit temporary license to use a designated area for a specific purpose such as day-use or overnight camping; permit system serves several purposes: 1.) limits number of people using a particular area which lessens environmental impact of visitors; 2.) provides notification of appropriate regulations; and 3.) allows authorities to track visitors in case of emergency.

Point Suspension Clip small plastic clip which attaches a tent to its frame.

Polypropylene a synthetic fiber (a plastic polymer of propylene) used chiefly for molded parts, electrical insulation, packaging and fibers for wearing apparel.

Polyurethane a synthetic fiber (a thermoplastic polymer) used for padding and insulation in furniture, clothing and packaging, and in the manufacture of resins for adhesives, elastomers and fillers.

Poncho a blanketlike cloak with a hole in the center to admit the head, originating in South America, now often worn as a raincoat.

Portable Heater creates focused heat for outdoor use ranging from the smallest charcoal grill, to a fireplace “in the round”, to a portable outdoor propane heater, to a one-pot denatured alcohol burning cookstove.

Primitive Area an area designated by the United States Forestry Service (USFS) to maintain the resources desirable for outdoor recreation practiced in a semiprimitive environment; designation may be changed by the USFS pursuant to Forest Management Plans which are revised every 10 to 15 years; generally, timber harvesting, road construction/reconstruction or off-road vehicle (ORV) use is prohibited, but there are exceptions.

Privy latrine or outhouse.

Propane Stove a type of camp stove which utilizes propane gas; is very popular because it requires little maintenance and has fewer parts to replace than the liquid fuel stoves and will operate below freezing.

Q

R

Rain Bag contains dry clothes for every person in the camping party.

Rain Fly usually a nylon fabric waterproofed with either polyurethane or polyurethane and silicone coatings and suspended just above the tent roof; creates an air space which allows for accelerated moisture removal from within the tent; helps protect the tent from harmful UV rays.

Rare Specie thinly distributed over an area, or few and widely separated.

Ripstop Nylon fabric in which heavier threads are interwoven at intervals throughout the seams which helps prevent rips from occurring.

Roof Vent fine mesh netting in the top of the tent used primarily for ventilation.

S

Scenic Area a block of land designated by the United States Forestry Service (USFS) which has outstanding scenic characteristics; designation may be changed by the USFS pursuant to Forest Management Plans, which are revised every 10 to 15 years; slightly less protection than for a wilderness area, although logging is generally prohibited; “timber will not be managed” but cutting is permitted for hazard prevention, vista enhancement and pest-infested tree removal; vehicles are allowed under strict guidelines generally only on existing roads.

Sheet Bend the knot of choice when combining two lines together especially if they are of different diameters; easy to undo.

Shelter Tent a small waterproof tent formed by buttoning two shelter halves together.

Shock Cord the stretchable line within the hollow pole support pieces for tents.

Skin-So-Soft an Avon product (i.e., skin moisturizer) which has served as an effective repellent against some species of blackflies, mosquitoes and “no-see-ums”.

Sleeping Bag a warmly lined or padded body-length bag which can be rectangular, semi-rectangular, mummy or modified mummy in shape; camp bedding which is usually waterproof and with a closure in which one or two persons can sleep.

Sleep Pen for babies: blankets or duffels are arranged around a square or triangular space providing cushioning should a nighttime rollover occur.

Solar Still a setup used in survival camping to acquire ground water by means of collecting evaporating moisture: dig a hole around three feet in diameter and two to three feet deep; place a small water collection container in the bottom and cover the hole with a piece of plastic placing rocks around its perimeter and a small one in the center; as the sun’s rays heat this area, the evaporating moisture will condense on the underside of the plastic and fall to the container below.

“Space” Blanket an extremely lightweight blanket with a waterproof aluminized coating which reflects as much as 90% of one’s own body heat back to you; can be stored in a very small space and should be a mandatory piece of equipment in any firstaid/survival bag.

Specie of Special Concern uncommon to a particular region or have specific or unique habitat requirements.

SPF abbreviation for sun protection factor; higher the number, the greater the protection; used in both the sunglass and clothing industries.

Spit Cooking food, especially meat and poultry, is attached to a small diameter metal pipe (spit) and suspended above a fire and rotated slowly.

Star Fire similar to a teepee fire, but a flattened version; as the need arises for more flame/heat, wood is pushed towards the center; moderate control exists over the amount of heat needed for the type of meal cooked.

Sterno solid, “canned” fuel; alcohol based--does not produce high heat.

Storage Pocket small storage compartments available on the inside of some tents.

Storm Ring special rings which are used for securing such things as tent awnings and/or fly during bad weather conditions.

Stuff Sack a bag which is used to pack an item (or items) tightly in a confined place, such as a sleeping bag.

SunShower a commercially available, portable outdoor shower kit.

Survival Kit a lifesaving kit containing a few critical items necessary for emergency surviving in the wilderness; items may include but not limited to: knife, mirror, rope, “space” blanket, waterproof matches, water purification tablets, whistle, etc.

T

Tacky Tac a commercially available, reusable putty-like substance which will hold things in place on a camp table during a windy day.

Tarp short for tarpaulin; a protective covering of canvas or other waterproof material.

Tautline Hitch the knot of choice for adjusting the tension on guylines; when the strain is released, it can be easily adjusted.

Teepee Fire same length wood pieces are stacked in the triangular shape of a teepee with tinder and kindling placed in the center; produces higher flames which are good for cookpot hanging from a tripod; also, best formation for starting a campfire.

Tent Platform wooden platform used to minimize damage to fragile alpine areas or reduce impact on a heavily used, erosion-prone area.

Threatened Specie having an uncertain chance of continued survival; specifically, likely to become an endangered species.

Tinder any dry substance that readily takes fire from a spark.

Topographic Map depicts graphic delineation in detail on features of a place or region especially in a way to show their relative positions and elevations.

Trailhead the start of a trail, usually at a road.

Trail Mix any combination of high energy food snacks such as dried fruits, nuts, seeds, etc.

Tripod Cooking the use of a cookpot or grill which is suspended above the campfire by a three-legged stand or support.

Trucker’s Hitch the knot of choice for quick-release and tie-down situations; also good for controlling tension on guylines.

TVA abbreviation for Tennessee Valley Authority (U.S.).

Twin-Track Door a fabric and screen door side-by-side.

U

Umbrella Tent a self-supporting, freestanding tent with slightly angled high side walls allowing for use of all floor space and headroom extending well beyond the center; a design between the space limiting curve of a dome tent and the wide open interior of a cabin tent; even under windy conditions, retains its shape and is easy to set up.

USFS abbreviation for United States Forest Service.

USFWS abbreviation for United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

USGS abbreviation for United States Geological Survey.

USNF abbreviation for United States National Forest.

UV Rays abbreviation for ultraviolet radiation.

V

Vestibule the spare room of a tent in which gear can be stored; mostly common in backpacking tents.

Viewshed land that comprises a view.

Virgin Forest fresh, unspoiled, not altered by human activity.

V-Shaped Tent Stakes tent and guyline stakes of choice for use in sand.

W

Water Purification Tablets or filter used for removing harmful bacteria and protozoa’s to make water safe for human consumption.

Watershed a region or area bounded peripherally by a divide and draining ultimately to a particular watercourse or body of water.

Wetland Camping usually characterized by establishing the campsite on an elevated platform called a chickee; prevalent in Florida’s Everglades National Park.

White Gas highly flammable, unleaded fuel; Coleman camp fuel used by many camping lanterns.

Wickable Fabric material such as acrylic, capilene and/or polypropylene which absorbs moisture from the skin to allow evaporation outside the fabric; ideal choice for cool/cold weather activities.

Wilderness Area highest level of protection for federal lands (U.S.); under the 1964 Wilderness Act, only Congress can change this designation; wilderness is a natural environment where “the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain--an area of undeveloped Federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvement or human habitation”; commercial and other timber harvesting, motorized vehicles, development and construction (other than trails) are prohibited; hiking, backpacking, hunting (in national forests but not national parks), fishing, horseback riding on designated trails and nature study are all allowed.

Wildlife Management Area (WMA) an area managed by professional biologists in which hunting is permitted.

Wildlife Preserve (WP) or Refuge (WR) an area managed by professional biologists in which hunting is not permitted.

Wool fine, soft curly hair that forms the fleece of sheep and certain other animals; a natural material which continues to provide warmth even after absorbing moisture from rain.

X

Y

Z