Glossary

Appalachian Trail: one of the 3 major US long-distance trails, crossing the eastern United States.

A fixed metal locker found at some campsites that protects food from bears and other animals.

A rigid, portable and bear-resistant container used to store food and scented items.

A fallen tree across the trail that hikers must go around or climb over.

Footprints left by other hikers, especially useful when navigating through snow.

A tortilla filled with eggs and often potatoes, cheese or meat. A classic in trail towns.

A dense group of hikers moving at a similar pace, sometimes filling campsites and resupply stops.

A permit generally required to use a stove or build a fire outside developed campgrounds, subject to local restrictions.

Continental Divide Trail: one of the 3 major US long-distance trails, connecting Mexico and Canada along the Continental Divide.

Sleeping directly under the stars without pitching a tent.

A sock brand, often using merino wool, popular among thru-hikers for comfort and durability.

A navigation app combining GPS maps, elevation profiles, water sources, campsites and recent user comments.

Changing starting point or direction to avoid a difficult section, then returning later to hike the missing miles.

A food bag suspended from a tree to make it difficult for animals to reach.

Someone traveling on foot. In this journal, the term mainly refers to people hiking the PCT for several days or months.

A box where hikers leave unwanted food or gear for others to take for free.

A common way to travel between the trail or a trailhead and a nearby town.

A very strong medical adhesive tape mainly used to prevent or protect blisters and friction areas.

Abbreviations for northbound and southbound: hiking north or south.

Pacific Crest Trail: the long-distance trail connecting Mexico and Canada that is followed in this journal.

A shrub or vine native to the western United States that contains urushiol, an oil that can cause an itchy and blistering skin reaction.

A park or forest employee responsible for visitors, protecting the area, enforcing regulations and sometimes rescues.

Restocking food and consumables, either bought in town or collected from a package sent ahead.

A prepared supply box mailed to a post office, business or accommodation farther along the trail.

A brand of tall, light and durable bottles popular with hikers because their threads fit several common water filters.

A lightweight, breathable long-sleeved top with a hood designed for sun protection.

Hiking an entire long-distance trail within a single season or continuous journey.

Trail-running shoe brands known for models that give the toes more room.

Someone who voluntarily helps hikers with transportation, water, food, accommodation or another form of trail magic.

An energy-dense snack usually made with nuts, dried fruit, seeds and sometimes chocolate or candy.

A paper logbook placed at certain points where hikers record their name, date and sometimes a message.

A nickname received or chosen on trail, often inspired by a story or distinctive trait.

An official access point or start of a trail, often near a road or parking area.

Short for trail family: a group of hikers who meet on trail and travel together for part of the journey.

The achievement of completing the 3 major US long-distance trails: the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide Trail.

An approach that minimizes pack weight without compromising safety, favoring light and versatile gear.

A supply of water left on trail by volunteers. Useful in the desert but too uncertain to be the only water plan.

A small device that makes water from springs and rivers safer by removing bacteria and protozoa.

A zero is a day with no miles hiked. A nero, short for near zero, is a very short hiking day mainly used for rest or resupply.