Are you just another hicker when it comes to understanding AT trail talk? Does a sit-down with an end-to-ender have you wondering if GAME is up, or MEGA is down?
In an attempt to locate our inner thru-hiker (and our inner canine), we thought we’d post some of our favorite Appalachian Trail terms. Here are the true definitions—followed with a canine twist!
Bear Bag
Hiker Definition: The bag used by hikers to hang their food out of reach of bears and other critters.
Dog Definition: A challenge.
Blackflies
Hiker Definition: The 40 species of tiny biting insects that breed in running water and flourish in late May and June in Maine.
Dog Definition: Human fleas.
Bivy Sack
Hiker Definition: A lightweight and waterproof bag that covers a sleeping bag. Simple, sometimes cramped shelter.
Dog Definition: First 50% for sleeping, and remaining 50% to wipe paws on.
Bog Bridge
Hiker Definition: Narrow wooden walkway placed to protect sensitive wetlands.
Dog Definition: Diving board.
Bushwhack
Hiker Definition: Hiking where there is no marked trail.
Dog Definition: Obstacle course.
Cat Hole
Hiker Definition: A small hole dug by a hiker for the deposit of human waste.
Dog Definition: Ridiculous. That’s why it was named after a cat. Cowboy Camping
Hiker Definition: Camping without any shelter—spread out the pad and bag under the stars and put your faith in the weather staying dry.
Dog Definition: Sleeping on your human’s legs instead of in a tent.
Dead Fall
Hiker Definition: Fallen dead trees across the trail.
Dog Definition: Convenient rest stop.
Dodgeways
Hiker Definition: V-shaped stiles through fences where the Trail passes through livestock enclosures.
Dog Definition: Dog door.
Duct Tape
Hiker Definition: A wide, heavy duty, and multi-purpose tape used by hikers for everything from covering blisters to repairing gear.
Dog Definition: Backpacker’s lint brush.
Gear Head
Hiker Definition: Hiker whose main focus is backpacking and outdoors gear.
Dog Definition: Dog who wears nothing but Ruff Wear.
Headlamp
Hiker Definition: A small flashlight attached to a band or strap and worn on the head.
Dog Definition: Glowing target.
Hydration System
Hiker Definition: An ‘improvement’ on drinking out of a bottle. Consists of a plastic bladder, hose, and mouth piece/valve that allows hands free drinking.
Dog Definition: Lake, river, mud puddle.
LNT
Hiker Definition: ‘Leave No Trace’, a philosophy and skill used to pass as lightly as possible when backpacking.
Dog Definition: Crumb patrol.
Skunked
Hiker Definition: Failing to get a car to stop when hitch hiking.
Dog Definition: That thing that leads to a bath of tomato juice.
Slabbing
Hiker Definition: Term referring to going around a mountain on a moderately graded footpath, as opposed to going straight up and over the mountain.
Dog Definition: Four-legged drive.
Slackpacking
Hiker Definition: Thru-hiking without a backpack. Recently called “Freedom Packing”.
Dog Definition: Attempting the AT without a Palisades Pack.
Switch Back
Hiker Definition: A turn that takes the hiker 180 degrees in the opposite direction.
Dog Definition: Squirrel.
Trail Name
Hiker Definition: A nickname adopted by or given to a hiker.
Dog Definition: “Where did you go? Fido? Fido? Where are you? I’m not playing. Get over here? What did you find? Fido?”
Trail Runners
Hiker Definition: Lightweight sneaker style hiking shoes.
Dog Definition: Grip Trex™ Boots.
Treeline
Hiker Definition: The point of elevation on a mountain above which the climate will no longer support tree growth.
Dog Definition: “Last rest stop for 2,000 feet.”
Yogi-ing
Hiker Definition: is the good-natured art of “letting” food be offered cheerfully by strangers without actually asking them directly (If you ask, it’s begging!).
Dog Definition: That thing you do where you rest your head on your human’s lap and try to blow them away with your nose breath until they feed you.
Very cute, but I think the AT dog haters are going to have a field day with this one. 😦
We hope not! Then again, they are probably not reading a blog about hiking with their dog either. 🙂
first sentence: Freudian slip? ;+)