Shelter

43 terms

Browse definitions, examples, and related concepts for 43 shelter terms commonly used in camping and backpacking.

Key Terms at a Glance

Term Definition
a-frame tent A style of tent that has an “A” like shape. This style of tent is an older...
bothy A simple, often remote shelter in the United Kingdom, available for public...
cabin A small, simple shelter or dwelling, often found in wilderness areas and used...
canopy tent A tent with a roof and open sides, used to provide shade or shelter from rain.
ground tent A traditional tent that is set up on the ground, providing shelter for campers.
lean-to A simple shelter with an angled roof, often found in wilderness areas and...
mid tent A single-pole tent design with a central supporting pole and a pyramid-like...
mountain bothy A simple, often rustic shelter found in remote mountain areas, available for...

a-frame tent

noun

A style of tent that has an “A” like shape. This style of tent is an older variety. It is typically inexpensive but...

bivy sack

noun

A thin, lightweight sack that covers one person in a sleeping bag. Climbers and ultralight backpackers sleep in bivy...

bivy shelter

noun

An alternate version of a bivy sack that somewhat resembles a one-person tent. This newer approach uses poles/hoops...

bothy

noun

A simple, often remote shelter in the United Kingdom, available for public use by hikers and outdoor enthusiasts,...

cabin

noun

A small, simple shelter or dwelling, often found in wilderness areas and used by hikers.

camper cabin

noun

A small permanent rustic enclosure designed for camping with basic amenities. Most camper cabins are simple...

canopy tent

noun

A tent with a roof and open sides, used to provide shade or shelter from rain.

dome tent

noun

A style of tent that has a dome-like shape (this can be square, rectangular, or irregular). Most modern camping tents...

double-wall tent

noun

A style of tent utilizes two key fabric areas to create a larger enclosure that stays dry. The inner portion (made...

family tent

noun

A type of tent that is large enough to accommodate an entire family.

four-season tent

noun

 tent designed for year-round use. Sturdy construction helps these tents withstand varied weather conditions....

freestanding tent

noun

A style of tent that stands on its own and does not require stakes or guylines for support.

ground tent

noun

A traditional tent that is set up on the ground, providing shelter for campers.

group tent site

noun

A type of campsite with an area separate from the parking apron that accommodates two or more tents.

lean-to

noun

A simple shelter with an angled roof, often found in wilderness areas and used by hikers for overnight stays.

lean-to shelter

noun

A simple structure comprised of a roof, three sides, and one open side.

marquee

noun

A large tent used for dining or meeting.

mid tent

noun

A single-pole tent design with a central supporting pole and a pyramid-like shape, often used in lightweight...

modified dome tent

noun

A style of tent that crosses elements of a dome tent with a cabin tent. These tents are easy to set up and come in a...

mountain bothy

noun

A simple, often rustic shelter found in remote mountain areas, available for hikers and climbers to use for free on a...

picnic shelter

noun

A covered area (not fully enclosed) with picnic tables and benches for visitors to eat a meal.

pyramid tent

noun

A tent with a single central support and a pyramid shape, providing a lightweight and simple shelter option.

roof top tent

noun

A kind of tent mounted to a roof rack, on top of a vehicle. These tents collapse during travel and are then expanded...

shelter

noun

A structure along hiking trails providing temporary protection from the elements or a place to sleep, typically found...

shelterwood cutting

noun

A forest management technique aimed at securing natural tree production by selectively thinning trees within a...

single-wall tent

noun

A style of tent that utilizes a single fabric layer. These tents tend to be lighter than their double-walled brethren...

tarp

noun

A sheet of waterproof material with grommets on reinforced edges. One can use a tarp to create shelter from the...

tent

noun

A collapsible structure made for temporary shelter. Tent enclosures are typically made of nylon or canvas. These are...

tent body

noun

The main fabric portion of a tent that provides shelter from the elements, typically made from lightweight,...

tent camping

noun

A type of camping in which a tent is used for shelter. Tent camping is affordable and can be done in various...

tent footprint

noun

A groundsheet placed under a tent to protect the tent floor from abrasion and moisture.

tent pad

noun

A (hopefully) level surface designed to pitch a tent on. A tent pad might be built out of sand, gravel, or mulch.

tent peg

noun

A spike that holds a tent to the ground. Most pegs are made from metal, plastic, composite, or wood, and pegs have a...

tent pegs

noun

Stakes used to anchor a tent to the ground, providing stability and tension for the tent’s structure.

tent pins

noun

Another term for tent pegs or stakes, used to anchor a tent to the ground.

tent pole

noun

An aluminum or fiberglass rod that attaches to a tent enclosure (using clips or pole tunnels). The tent poles give...

tent site

noun

A campsite with a tent pad. These sites are not suitable for RVs. Walk-in sites are always tent sites.

tent stake

noun

A spike that holds a tent to the ground. Most pegs are made from metal, plastic, composite, or wood, and pegs have a...

tent trailer

noun

A trailer that can be converted into a tent for camping, providing a more comfortable and secure shelter.

three-season tent

noun

A tent that’s intended for use in spring, summer, and fall.

tunnel tent

noun

A style of tent that is long and rounded. These tents are formed by poles that curve from one side of the tent to the...

ultralight tent

noun

A tent that uses a design and materials that prioritize weight reduction. Ultralight tents typically house 1 or 2...

yurt

noun

A round portable tent structure with a wooden frame used for shelter from the outdoors. Traditionally used by nomadic...