Sport Hiking

Flip-Flop: Definition and Why Thru-Hikers Do It

A flip-flop is a thru-hiking strategy in which a hiker completes a long trail in a non-continuous direction — for example, hiking partway in one direction, then traveling ('flipping') to another point on the trail and hiking back to where they left off, ultimately covering the entire trail but not in a single continuous line. Flip-flopping helps hikers avoid bad weather, beat seasonal windows, dodge crowds, and ease pressure, while still completing the whole trail.

Zero Day: Definition and Why Thru-Hikers Take Them

A zero day (or 'zero') is a rest day on a long-distance hike during which a hiker covers zero trail miles, usually spent in a trail town to recover, resupply, and take care of logistics. A cornerstone of thru-hiking, zero days allow the body to recover from the cumulative strain of daily hiking, address injuries, do chores like laundry and shopping, and recharge mentally. A 'nearo' (near-zero) is a related day with very few miles.

Trail Angel: Who They Are and What They Do

A trail angel is a person who voluntarily helps long-distance hikers, providing acts of kindness known as trail magic — such as rides to and from town, food and drinks, a place to shower or sleep, or other support — usually expecting nothing in return. Often locals or former hikers near a long trail, trail angels are a cherished part of the thru-hiking community and culture, embodying its spirit of generosity.

Trail Magic: Definition, Examples, and Etiquette

Trail magic is unexpected kindness, generosity, or help given to hikers — especially long-distance thru-hikers — by others, often strangers. It can range from coolers of cold drinks and snacks left at a trailhead to rides into town, home-cooked meals, or a place to stay. A beloved part of trail culture, trail magic is often provided by 'trail angels,' and it embodies the community and goodwill of the long-distance hiking world.

Trail Name: Definition, How They’re Given, and Why They Matter

A trail name is a nickname adopted by a long-distance hiker in place of their real name while on the trail, a cherished tradition of thru-hiking culture. Trail names are most often bestowed by fellow hikers — frequently based on a memorable trait, habit, story, or mishap — rather than chosen by oneself. They build community and a sense of identity within the hiking world, where many hikers know each other only by their trail names.

Cat Hole: How to Dig One and Why It Matters

A cat hole is a small hole dug in the ground to bury human solid waste in the backcountry, the most widely accepted method of waste disposal where packing it out isn't required. Proper technique — digging 6–8 inches deep and at least 200 feet (about 70 steps) from water, trails, and campsites — allows the waste to decompose while minimizing contamination, odor, and the chance of others finding it.

Bear Bag: Definition, Methods, and How to Hang One

A bear bag is a method of protecting food from bears (and other animals) by suspending it in a bag from a tree branch, out of reach. Using techniques like the PCT method or counterbalance, the bag is hung high off the ground and away from the trunk. Lighter and cheaper than a bear canister, a bear bag depends on suitable trees and correct technique — and is not allowed everywhere.

Bear Canister: Definition, How It Works, and When You Need One

A bear canister is a hard-sided, lockable container designed to store food, trash, and scented items so that bears cannot open or access them. Used in backcountry areas with bear activity, it protects both campers and bears by preventing bears from obtaining human food, which makes them dangerous and often leads to their destruction. Canisters are required in many parks and wilderness areas.

Spur Trail: Definition, Purpose, and How to Navigate Them

A spur trail is a short side trail that branches off a main trail to reach a specific destination — such as a viewpoint, summit, water source, campsite, or point of interest — and typically dead-ends there, requiring you to backtrack to the main trail. Recognizing spur trails and not mistaking them for the main route is a basic navigation skill, especially at unsigned junctions.

Blowdown: Definition and How Hikers Deal With It

A blowdown is a tree, or many trees, that has fallen across a trail — typically toppled by wind, storms, snow, or disease — obstructing the path. Blowdowns range from a single log easily stepped over to extensive tangles of fallen timber that force hikers to climb over, crawl under, or detour around them. Common after storms and in less-maintained areas, blowdowns slow travel and can make route-finding tricky.