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Stuff Every Trail Scout Should Know: the Study Guide

Practice facts for the Hiking merit badge. Not an official Scouting America credential. Grab a snack: this guide is the friendly version, with the answers explained and a groan-worthy joke waiting at the end of most cards.

Knowing Trail Scout saves you money, time and the occasional embarrassment.

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Chapter 1: Slope Safety

What is a day hike?

Short answer: A hike that can be completed in a single day

A day hike is short enough to finish within one day, so you return without camping overnight.

Groan of the day: That hike really went the extra mile.

Sources: Hiking

Why should hikers avoid feeding wild animals?

Short answer: Animals may become a danger when used to human food

Animals fed by people can become habituated and dangerous, sometimes needing relocation or worse.

Groan of the day: A fed bear is a fed-up bear.

Sources: Hiking

What is bushwhacking?

Short answer: Hiking through dense vegetation off trail

Bushwhacking means pushing through dense forest or undergrowth where no clear trail exists.

Groan of the day: Bushwhacking: nature's obstacle course.

Sources: Hiking

What does the term thru-hiking describe?

Short answer: Hiking a long trail end to end continuously

Thru-hiking means walking an established long-distance trail continuously in one direction.

Groan of the day: Thru-hikers go the whole way, no shortcuts.

Sources: Hiking

Why is hypothermia a danger even in mild weather?

Short answer: Ordinary rain or mist has a strong cooling effect

Rain or mist can cool a hiker quickly, so hypothermia is not limited to freezing temperatures.

Groan of the day: Chilly rain is no joke, so pack that extra layer.

Sources: Hiking

What is tramping in New Zealand?

Short answer: A long, vigorous walk or hike

In New Zealand, a long vigorous walk or hike is called tramping, especially overnight trips.

Groan of the day: Tramping: hiking with a Kiwi accent.

Sources: Hiking

What is trekking usually used to describe?

Short answer: Multi-day hiking in mountainous regions

Trekking describes multi-day hiking in mountainous regions, often with camping or huts.

Groan of the day: Trekking: a hike with a sequel.

Sources: Hiking

What hazard does lightning pose to hikers?

Short answer: It is especially a threat on high ground

Lightning is a threat especially on high ground, so avoid exposed high places in storms.

Groan of the day: When thunder roars, head indoors, or at least downhill.

Sources: Hiking

What is scrambling in hiking?

Short answer: Using hands and feet on rough terrain

Scrambling involves using hands and feet on rough terrain, sometimes with ropes or other gear.

Groan of the day: Scrambling: hiking with a side of climbing.

Sources: Hiking

What are snowshoes useful for?

Short answer: Hiking in deep snow

Snowshoes and poles help hikers move through deep snow more easily.

Groan of the day: Snowshoes: big feet for big snow.

Sources: Hiking

What is the Appalachian Trail known as?

Short answer: America's first National Scenic Trail

Benton MacKaye conceived the idea of America's first National Scenic Trail, the Appalachian Trail.

Groan of the day: The Appalachian Trail is a scenic route.

Sources: Hiking

The cheat sheet

The whole guide on one screen. Screenshot it, print it, stick it on the fridge.

  • A day hike is short enough to finish within one day, so you return without camping overnight.
  • Custom gives uphill hikers the right of way on steep trails, so downhill hikers step aside.
  • Animals fed by people can become habituated and dangerous, sometimes needing relocation or worse.
  • Bushwhacking means pushing through dense forest or undergrowth where no clear trail exists.
  • Thru-hiking means walking an established long-distance trail continuously in one direction.
  • Rain or mist can cool a hiker quickly, so hypothermia is not limited to freezing temperatures.
  • Altitude sickness usually appears above about 2,500 metres, though some people feel it lower.
  • The Mountaineers recommend a compass among the Ten Essentials for navigation and safety.
  • Noise warns bears of your presence so they are not startled, reducing dangerous encounters.
  • The Leave No Trace idea is to leave only footprints and take only photos, keeping nature unchanged.
  • In New Zealand, a long vigorous walk or hike is called tramping, especially overnight trips.
  • Trekking describes multi-day hiking in mountainous regions, often with camping or huts.

Pop quiz

Think of your answer first, then peek.

  1. What is a day hike?
    • A hike that can be completed in a single day
    • A hike that lasts overnight
    • A hike only on city sidewalks
    Show the answer

    A hike that can be completed in a single day. A day hike is short enough to finish within one day, so you return without camping overnight.

  2. What is tramping in New Zealand?
    • A way to pack a backpack
    • A long, vigorous walk or hike
    • A type of dance
    Show the answer

    A long, vigorous walk or hike. In New Zealand, a long vigorous walk or hike is called tramping, especially overnight trips.

  3. When is waterproof footwear most useful?
    • On hot dry days
    • Only in winter
    • In wet conditions like stream crossings and rain
    Show the answer

    In wet conditions like stream crossings and rain. Waterproof membranes keep feet dry in wet conditions, though they breathe less on hot days.

  4. What should a written hike plan include?
    • Map routes, clothing and equipment list, and trail lunch items
    • Only the weather
    • Only the hike date
    Show the answer

    Map routes, clothing and equipment list, and trail lunch items. A hike plan should list routes, clothing and gear, and lunch items, and be shared for approval.

  5. What does the term fell walking describe in Northern England?
    • Forest walks
    • Hill or mountain walks
    • Beach walks
    Show the answer

    Hill or mountain walks. Fell walking describes hill or mountain walks, since fell is the common word for those features there.

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