Travel and outdoor gear glossary

A rigid plastic used for some luggage shells.

Straps whose length can be changed to improve fit or secure a load.

A lightweight metal commonly used in outdoor poles and equipment.

Internal divisions that help an inflatable pad hold its shape and control air movement.

The directed light pattern from a headlamp, including its central reach and surrounding spill.

The amount a bag can hold, often expressed as volume in litres.

A composite reinforced with carbon fibres, used to make light, stiff equipment parts.

Luggage brought into an aircraft cabin within the airline's allowance for the booking.

A divided section of a bag used to organize its contents.

Packing organizers designed to squeeze down soft contents to reduce packed bulk.

Straps tightened over a packed load to hold it in place or reduce loose space.

Letting air out of an inflatable item for packing.

Designed to open out to a larger packing size, which may change its fit within luggage limits.

The width of the scene visible through an optical instrument at a stated distance or angle.

Luggage with a rigid outer shell.

A light worn on the head so the hands remain free.

A pack designed to carry a drinking-water reservoir and other gear.

Adding air to fill a pad or other inflatable item.

A bag used to separate worn clothing from clean items.

Conditions with limited available light, such as dawn or dusk, when optical performance becomes harder to judge.

An open-weave panel that lets air pass and makes contents easier to see.

The front lens of binoculars, which gathers light from the scene.

The dimensions of an item when put away for transport.

A zippered fabric organizer that groups clothing inside a larger bag.

A synthetic fibre used in outdoor fabrics and many other textiles.

A fitted waterproof hood that stretches over a hiking pack in wet weather, often stored in its own pocket.

Designed for its battery to be charged and used again.

Fabric reinforced with a grid of stronger threads to help limit the spread of tears.

A separate pouch used to keep footwear apart from other packed items.

A layer beneath a sleeper that provides cushioning and insulation from the ground.

A suitcase with swivelling wheels that allow it to roll in several directions.

A pull handle that extends for use and slides back into the case for storage.

A small bag used to hold personal washing and grooming items.

A tent designed to use walking poles as part of its supporting structure.

Walking poles used for support and balance on trails.

An opening and closure used to control air entering or leaving an inflatable item.

A strap around the waist that steadies a pack; a light strap need not carry load like a padded hip belt.

Water passing through or into a tent, such as during sustained rain.

Treated or constructed to shed some water, without a promise of waterproof protection.

Therm-a-Rest's valve design that supports one-way inflation and a separate release for letting air out.