 Hike Jasper Alberta Glossary A-K
3 LAYER SYSTEM
Is the generally accepted best way of dressing up for outdoor activities. The three layers are the Base Layer, the Insulation Layer, and the Outer Shell which all have their specific functions to ensure maximum protection against cold temperatures, moisture, and outside influences. For more information, read our section on the Three Layer System.
ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS (AMS)
A potentially deadly condition that could occur at higher altitudes. Read our section on Acute Mountain Sickness for details.
ALTITUDE ACCLIMATIZATION
Is the proces that allows your time to adjust to the lower oxygen content and pressure changes that are present at higher altitudes. It is necessary to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness. For more information read our section on Altitude Acclimatization.
ALTITUDE-ASPECT RATIO DIAGRAM
A diagram that you can draw using a map that will indicate the elevation and milestones of your intended course. For more information, read our Analyzing Hiking Terrain Conditions section.
APPROACH SHOES
Are lightweight Hiking Boots often used for lighter terrain conditions. For more information, read our section on Hiking Boot Types.
AVALANCHE
A fall or slide of a large mass of snow down a mountainside. This is one of the most fatal natural hazards in mountain activities. For more information, read our section on Avalanche Awareness.
BLISTERS
Blisters are a local swelling of the skin that contain watery fluid and are caused by irritation. In Hiking, Foot Blisters are most common due to the added stress and heat caused by walking with larger loads on tougher and heavier boots. For more information, read our section on Blisters.
CANYONEERING
A variation on Hiking where the chosen terrains are canyons, cliffs, and rivers. This discipline requires more technical skills such as rock climbing, rapelling, and water crossings. For more information, read our Canyoneering section.
CHEST STRAP / STERNUM STRAP
Is a strap that can be connected across your chest using a clip-lock. By connecting and tightening the strap, you prevent your backpack from pulling your shoulders back. For more information, read our section on Backpack Features.
COASTEERING
A Hiking Discipline where the chosen terrain is the coast line and all its obstacles like beaches, dunes, rocks, estuaries, and lagoons. For information, read our section on Coasteering.
COMPASS
A compass is a device consisting of a sensitive needle pointing to the magnetic North of our planet. It has a base plate and a rotatable housing that enable you to navigate. For information, read our section on Compass Navigation.
CONDITIONING TIGHTS
Are a special type of tights that support key muscle groups and help prevent lactic acid buildup. For more information, read our Hiking Pant Types section.
CROSS HIKERS
Are medium weight Hiking Boots that fall under the B-Class of Hiking Boots. They can be used for moderately difficult terrain and medium weight Hiking. For more information, read our section on Hiking Boot Types.
DAY PACKS
Are smaller Backpacks which are ideal for day-long hikes. For more information, read our section on Backpack Types.
DEHYDRATED FOODS
Are the ideal Outdoor Food as they are lightweight, have low volume, and very nutritious. For more information, read our section on Hiking Provisions.
DENIER (D)
Measures the weight of fabric in grams per 1000-meter length. For instance, 60d signifies a weight of 60 grams per 1000 meters of the thread used in the fabric. Denier is important in many outdoor clothing, tents fabrics, etc.
DOWN
Down (i.e. Geese Down) is often used for insulation in Sleeping Bags and even Outdoor Clothing. Down traps air, is highly compressible, and lightweight. For more information, read our section on Sleeping Bags Materials.
ELONGATION
A walking condition where your foot is too flexible in the arch and will bend under heavier loads, causing the length of your foot to increase too much. For more information, read our section on Common Feet Conditions.
EXPEDITION PACKS
Are the largest Backpacks meant for multiple day hikes or for those that need to carry a lot of equipment. They typically have a size of 60+ liters. For more information, read our section on Backpack Types.
FROM THE SKIN OUT (FSO) WEIGHT
The weight of everything you carry outside of your skin. This includes your backpack, your socks, boots, etc. For information, read our section on Minimzing your Pack Weight.
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)
Is a system that uses orbiting satellites to pinpoint your location on the globe. By using a GPS Device, you can contact these satellites and navigate outdoors. For more information, read our section on GPS Navigation.
HIKING OR WALKING RHYTHM
This is the rhythm you choose in your Hiking. Having a good Hiking Rhythm improves your overall performance and enables you to cover greater distances without getting over exerted. For more information, read our section on Hiking Rhythm.
HIKING SOCKS
Hiking Socks use special combinations of fabrics and construction to ensure the maximum protection during Hiking. For more information, read our section on Hiking Socks.
HIP BELT
Is a large and broad strap that is used to move most of the load of a backpack to your hip bones. For information, read our section on Backpack Features.
HYDRATION PACKS
Are small backpacks consisting of a bladder and a drinking tube that make drinking easier while continuing your outdoor activity. For more information, read our section on Backpack Types.
INSULATION LAYER
The Insulation Layer is the second layer of clothing worn on top of the Base Layer. The purpose of the insulation layer is to retain body heat and the best way to do so is by creating a layer of still or dead air around your body. This still air will seriously decrease the heat exchange between your body and the outside world. For more information, read our section on Three Layer System. |
