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Weather

51 terms

Browse definitions, examples, and related concepts for 51 weather terms commonly used in camping and backpacking.

Key Terms at a Glance

Term Definition
bad weather day A day with poor or dangerous weather conditions.
brain The detachable top compartment of a backpack, often used to store small items...
even terrain Land that is level and consistent, with few irregularities or obstacles.
glaciated terrain An area of land that has been shaped and affected by glaciers.
heat strain Physical stress and discomfort caused by prolonged exposure to high...
hiking weather The meteorological conditions considered ideal or acceptable for hiking.
rainfly A waterproof cover designed to fit over the top of a tent, providing...
rain gear Clothing and equipment designed to protect the wearer from rain and wet...

all-terrain vehicle (ATV)

noun

A small, durable vehicle designed for exploring off-road locations—and accessing remote camping destinations. Unlike...

bad weather day

noun

A day with poor or dangerous weather conditions.

block release window

noun

A type of booking window in which a block of reservation dates open up at a set time and date. Month-long blocks...

booking window

noun

A booking window indicates when dates become available for reservation. Common booking windows include Rolling...

brain

noun

The detachable top compartment of a backpack, often used to store small items for easy access.

even terrain

noun

Land that is level and consistent, with few irregularities or obstacles.

foul-weather gear

noun

A type of protective garment designed to keep the wearer (often hikers) warm and dry during bad weather conditions.

frostbite

noun

A medical condition caused by the freezing of skin and tissue. This injury occurs when exposure to extreme cold...

glaciated terrain

noun

An area of land that has been shaped and affected by glaciers.

heat strain

noun

Physical stress and discomfort caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

hiking weather

noun

The meteorological conditions considered ideal or acceptable for hiking.

monsoon

noun

A seasonal wind shift over a region that can cause heavy rainfall (summer) or dry spells (winter). This term is often...

moraine

noun

An accumulation of rocks and dirt carried by a glacier and left in its wake.

rain fly

noun

The waterproof outer wall of a double-walled tent used to keep moisture out of the tent. Or a stand-alone piece of...

rainfly

noun

A waterproof cover designed to fit over the top of a tent, providing protection from rain and additional insulation.

rain gear

noun

Clothing and equipment designed to protect the wearer from rain and wet conditions during outdoor activities.

rain poncho

noun

A hooded water-repelling outerwear garment. A rain poncho’s open bottom creates ample ventilation and allows the...

rain-proof pants

noun

Pants made from waterproof or water-resistant materials, used to keep the wearer dry in rainy weather.

rain shadow

noun

An area on the leeward region of a mountain that’s dry because it is sheltered from rain-bearing winds. (The mountain...

reservation window policy

noun

Rules specifying how far in advance a reservation can be made.

rolling booking window

noun

A type of booking window that allows you to book any date from today to a set day in the future. Most rolling windows...

snow accumulation

noun

The amount of snow that has built up over time.

snowbird

noun

A term used to describe an RVer who travels south in the winter to escape chilly northern climates.

snowboarding

noun

The sport or activity of descending a snow-covered slope on a snowboard.

snow climbing

noun

The act of ascending steep, snow-covered terrain, often using specialized equipment such as ice axes and crampons.

snow compaction

noun

The process of compressing snow underfoot or with equipment, which can help create a stable surface for walking or...

snow conditions

noun

The state or quality of the snow, including factors like temperature, moisture content, and compactness.

snow consolidation

noun

The process of snow becoming denser and more compact over time.

snow cover

noun

A layer of snow on the ground.

snow descent

noun

The act of descending a snowy slope, often using specific techniques or equipment.

snowfield

noun

A large, flat area of snow, typically found at high elevations or in polar regions.

snowpack

noun

A seasonal accumulation of snow on the ground, often measured in terms of depth, density, and stability.

snow plunging

verb

The technique of forcefully driving a foot into deep, soft snow to create a stable step, often used while hiking or...

snowshoeing

noun

The act of walking or hiking on snow using snowshoes.

snowshoes

noun

Footwear attachments designed to distribute a person’s weight over a larger surface area, allowing them to walk on...

snow stake

noun

A type of tent stake made for use with a 4-season tent in the snow. These stakes are wider than standard tent stakes.

snow travel

noun

The act of traveling across snow-covered terrain, often using specialized equipment.

storm day

noun

A day during a hiking or outdoor trip when severe weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or high winds, impacts...

storm-flap

noun

A panel of material designed to protect a jacket’s opening from rain.

stormproof

adjective

Designed to withstand severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or strong winds, often used to describe...

temperate rainforest

noun

Forests in the temperate zone that receive heavy rain. Rainforests are characterized by mild temperatures, abundant...

temperature

noun

A measure of how hot or cold something is.

temperature rating

noun

A standardized indication of how cold a temperature (Fahrenheit) a sleeping bag can be comfortably slept in. European...

weather

noun

The atmospheric conditions at a specific time and place, including temperature, precipitation, wind, and humidity.

weather conditions

noun

The state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, including factors such as temperature, humidity, and wind.

weatherproof

adjective

Resistant to the effects of weather, such as rain, wind, or sun, typically applied to clothing or gear.

weather resistance

noun

The ability of a material or structure to withstand damage or degradation from weather conditions.

weather window

noun

A period of favorable weather conditions.

windproof

adjective

Describing clothing or gear designed to protect against the wind.

windthrow

noun

A natural phenomenon where trees are uprooted or broken off by strong winds.

windward

noun

The side of an object, landmass, or feature that is facing the wind.
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