Outdoor slang is more than just a quirky set of terms; it’s a reflection of the unique experiences that come with hiking and camping in nature.

Here are some of our favourites:

Bearanoia: That irrational fear of bears, where you imagine every rustle and shadow to be a bear.

Beaver Fever: Not as cute as it sounds! This is slang for giardia, a pesky parasite that loves to hitch a ride in unfiltered water. Trust us, you don’t want it.

Bonk: That dreadful moment when your blood sugar levels drop and your energy plummets, and you regret not packing enough snacks. Solution? Always bring extra trail mix!

Bonus Miles: The extra kms (miles) you end up hiking when you make a wrong turn. It’s all part of the adventure, right?

Cathole:  It’s a small hole you dig when nature calls in the backcountry. For best practices, check out Leave No Trace tips.

Cowboy Camping: Sleeping under the stars with nothing but your sleeping bag. No tent needed!

Cowboy Coffee: No filters, no frills—just brew coffee grounds in hot water and sip away. If that’s a little too rugged for you, there’s always the trusty Yeti Coffee Press.

Hiker Trash: A badge of honor for those long-distance hikers who fully embrace the grit, grime, and simplicity of life on the trail.

Post-holing: Hiking through deep, soft snow and sinking knee-deep with every step. It’s as exhausting as it sounds. Pro tip: Pack your snowshoes or gaiters.

Thunderbox: A backcountry pit toilet, essentially an outhouse without the house. Yep, it’s exactly what you’re picturing.

Trail Magic: That unexpected act of kindness from a stranger—a cold drink, a snack, or even a ride—that can turn a tough hike into a memorable day.

Type 1, 2, and 3 Fun:

• Type 1 Fun: Enjoyable the whole time—think easy hikes with killer views.
• Type 2 Fun: Not fun in the moment, but you’ll laugh about it later forgetting the misery.
• Type 3 Fun: Never fun, ever, and you’ll probably never do it again. 
  
  

Vitamin I: The unsung hero of hiking trips—Ibuprofen. Outdoor enthusiasts swear by it for keeping the aches and pains at bay.

Yard Sale: That moment when you wipe out skiing and your gear scatters across the hill like a garage sale gone wrong.

Widow Maker: Dead trees that have the potential to come crashing down at any moment. Keep an eye out when setting up camp—no one wants a tree as a tentmate.

Zero Day: A glorious rest day for thru-hikers where absolutely no hiking is involved. It’s all about recharging, relaxing, and maybe eating your weight in snacks.

With these terms in your back pocket, you’ll be more than prepared for any outdoor adventure – and you’ll sound like a pro while you’re at it. Happy Trails!