Terminology

What is Slackpacking?
Learn about the key differences between backpacking and slackpacking right here.

DWR
What does DWR mean? Here's how it applies to hiking and backpacking gear.

Waterproof Breathable
What does it mean when a piece of outdoor gear is both waterproof and breathable? Here's the answer.

Breathability
An explanation of what breathability means in the context of hiking, how it's measured, and why it matters.

Through-Hiking
Do you dream of becoming a thru-hiker? Here's what it means, plus a list of worthy thru-hikes in the United States.

Weatherproof
A weatherproof outer layer is your best defense against the elements -- but what, exactly, does that mean?

What Does Exposure Mean for Hikers?
What does it mean if a hike is exposed?

All About Waterproof Hiking Gear
The term waterproof isn't quite as self-explanatory as it seems -- read up on the catches that apply when you talk about waterproof hiking gear.

What is Section Hiking?
If you're not a through-hiker and not a slackpacker... maybe you're a section hiker.

What is Postholing?
Postholing is a miserable way to spend a hike. It happens particularly frequently in spring.

What is Bushwhacking?
One of the most miserable ways to spend a summer hike, that's what bushwhacking is.

Please Explain Dayhiking
Get a clearer understanding of this classic term for a short hike.

What is Screeing?
This fun, but dangerous way of descending a scree slope probably isn't worth the thrill.