# |
|
|
121.5/243mhz EPIRB |
|
Older analogue EPIRB operating on these frequencies. More information: EPIRBs |
3-pin binding |
|
A type of ski binding with a metal plate which clamps down over the toe of the ski boot, and three pins which slot into holes in the sole of the boot. Probably the simplest and most easily-repaired type of binding |
406mhz EPIRB |
|
A new-generation digital EPIRB. More information: EPIRBs
|
A |
|
|
AAS |
|
Adventure Activity Standards, a Victorian Government-funded project to regulate the conduct of outdoor activities |
accessory cord |
|
From the world of rock-climbing, a 2-5mm cord which is not intended to have a person on it, but which might be used to haul gear, etc. Very useful as general-purpose cord |
AGD66 |
|
Australian Geodetic Datum 1966; a map datum or co-ordtinate system used in topographic maps prior to the mid-1990s. See also: GDA94 |
aiming off |
|
A navigation technique used when navigating to a point such as hut which is on a linear feature like a track or river. You deliberately aim several degrees to the left or right of a feature, knowing that you will hit the track or river. Because you know which way you aimed off, you now know which direction to turn in order to get to the hut, when you reach the track
|
altimeter |
|
Device which measures distance above sea level. Can be used as a navigation tool by comparing the elevation the altimeter says you are at, with the contour lines on your map
|
anarchy run |
|
The act of running in an uncontrolled fashion down a very steep slope, in the hope that you won't fall over and kill yourself |
antechinus |
|
A small marsupial animal often found in alpine areas and protected by law, which may inhabit huts and attempt to steal your food. More information: wildlife |
attack point |
|
In navigation, an obvious feature such as knoll or river junction which can be used to navigate to a less-obvious feature, such as a hut. You can navigate to the attack point, and then have a much shorter distance (which you can navigate more accurately) to get to your hard-to-find destination
|
avalanche beacon |
|
Electronic beacon which skiers in avalanche-prone areas wear. It transmits an electronic signal, so that if the wearer is buried by an avalanche the remaining party members can switch their beacons to 'receive' and use them as direction-finders to find and dig out the buried skier. My view is that if you need an avalanche beacon, the terrain is probably too dangerous to ski anyway. However, they seem to be widely used in the US and Canada, where there are far more avalanches than here. Needs to be used in conjunction with an avalanche probe and snow shovel
Avalanche prediction and rescue are specialist areas beyond our expertise; seek professional guidance if you think this applies to you.
|
avalanche probe |
|
An extendable probe used to find buried skiers after an avalanche. Needs to be used in conjunction with an avalanche beacon and snow shovel
|
B |
|
|
backbearing |
|
Navigation technique for determining your position by taking compass bearings to identifiable features you can both see on a map and on the ground. You take a bearing to an identifiable feature, and then draw a line on the map which passes through the feature along the bearing you just took. Repeat the procedure with another identifiable feature (preferably at 90 degrees to the first) and where the two lines on the map cross is your position. The technique takes skill and practice to get right |
backcountry snowboarder |
|
A snowboarder who travels outside ski resort boundaries, often on snowshoes, in search of untouched slopes to board |
bezel |
|
The outside of the capsule of your compass |
billy-grips |
|
Pot-lifters |
bite valve |
|
Valve on the end of a drinking tube which allows water to flow when bitten |
bivouac |
|
An improvised shelter (often described in terms of an emergency) made of branches, logs, sticks, leaves, and/or snow |
bivvy bag |
|
Short for bivouac bag. A waterproof bag, often breatheable, which covers your head and sleeping bag while sleeping out. Although lighter than a tent, it provides less shelter |
bladder |
|
Flexible water bottle, often with a drinking tube and bite valve attached |
BMLC |
|
Bushwalking and Mountaincraft Leadership Certificate |
BMTAB |
|
Bushwalking and Mountaincraft Training Advisory Board |
boardwalk |
|
Track where the surface has been covered with wood. This may be in the form of a deck raised above ground level, or where boards or split logs have been placed directly on the ground across the track |
boilerplate ice |
|
A slippery surface of hard, thick ice which is very dangerous to ski on |
bowline |
|
A knot which can be used to secure a rope around your waist |
BSAR |
|
Bushwalkers' Search and Rescue. The volunteer search-and-rescue section of the Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs (VicWalk) |
buttongrass |
|
Spiky moss-like plant which grows in cooler damp areas. It is highly sensitive to damage and should never, ever be walked on
|
C |
|
|
cable binding |
|
A type of free-heel ski binding (similar to a 3-pin binding) in which a stiff cable passes around the back of the ski boot |
camp cord |
|
Very light 1-3mm braided cord, very suitable for use as guyropes and other applications around campsites. Also known as hootchie cord |
candle lantern |
|
A small lightweight lantern which contains a long-burning candle; some people use them in tents, but we do not. More information: lighting |
capsule |
|
The part of an orienteering compass which contains the needle and rotates |
carabiner (also karabiner) |
|
Metal clip used for securing climbing ropes |
carbon monoxide |
|
Colourless, odourless, poisonous gas emitted by fuel stoves. Only ever use fuel stoves in a well-ventilated area |
carpet |
|
A type of ski lift similar to a travelator which consists of a furry or textured moving belt which skiers use to ascend short distances (~50m), usually on beginner slopes |
catching feature |
|
Navigation term used to describe a linear feature such as a track or river which runs across your line of travel and behind your objective. Therefore, if you miss your objective, you will run into the catching feature and not walk off into the distance |
CAV |
|
Camping Association of Victoria. An industry association representing campsite managers |
CB radio |
|
Citizen's Band radio; a walkie-talkie. More information: UHF radios |
CDMA |
|
CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) mobile phones have longer range than digital mobiles in remote areas. More information: mobile phones |
celestial south |
|
You can navigate at night (although not well) by using the Southern Cross and Pointers to find celestial and true south |
cinnamon fungus |
|
A fungus, also known as phytophthora or root rot, which attacks the roots of native plants, causing them to die. It is spread by infected dirt, for example on bushwalkers' boots. More information: cinnamon fungus |
closed-cell foam |
|
Foam rubber used for insulation or as a sleeping mat. Differs from an inflatable mat such as a Thermarest |
compression bag/compression strap |
|
A nylon bag with straps on the outside which is used to squeeze the excess air out of bulky goods such as sleeping bags. A compression strap is a webbing strap which performs the same purpose |
Condy's crystals |
|
Also known as potassium permanganate, or permanganate of potash. A purple crystal which has several uses:
-diluted strongly, it can purify water,
-you can soak your feet in it to harden the skin, or
-when mixed 9:1 with sugar it is alleged to make a good fire-starter. It's poisonous (classified S6 in Australia) so read the directions and don't stuff around with it. We have no idea who or what Condy was. More information: footcare, fire lighting |
contouring |
|
The technique of walking along around a hill (along contour lines) instead of over the top |
cord grip |
|
Also known as a barrel lock, this is a small spring-loaded clip which stops drawcords from coming undone |
cordura |
|
Synthetic material often used on backpacks, gaiters, and other applications requiring heavy-duty fabrics |
cornice |
|
A snow formation where an overhang develops on the lee side of a steep ridge where snow blows over the top of the ridge. Mt Feathertop often develops a cornice in winter. Cornices are very dangerous because they are prone to collapse under the weight of a person walking on top of them; you should avoid walking anywhere near the edge of such a ridge |
corn snow |
|
Snow consisting of large ice particles formed by continued freeze-thaw-refreeze cycles |
COSPAS-SARSAT |
|
The official technical name for the system that receives signals from satellite distress beacons. For the propellorheads amongst you, COSPAS is Russian for 'Space System for the Search of Vessels in Distress', SARSAT is an English acronym for 'Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking'. More information: EPIRBs |
cryptosporidium |
|
Nasty organism which causes problems similar to Giardia. More information: minor hazards |
cushion-plant |
|
A very fragile moss-like semi-alpine plant. Avoid stepping on this plant |
cyalume |
|
The chemical used in chemical lights or glow-sticks. More information: lighting
|
D |
|
|
daisychain |
|
A series of loops sewn end-to-end into a backpack to enable gear to be attached |
datum |
|
Technically, the point from which co-ordinates on a map begin, but the term can also refer to the entire co-ordinate system. There are two map datums commonly used in Australia: the Australian Geodetic Datum 1966 (AGD66), which is found on older maps, and the newer Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 (GDA94) which has superceded it |
declination |
|
|
dilly-bag |
|
A cloth bag with a drawstring, often used for crockery |
down |
|
Duck feathers, used as filling in sleeping bags |
drinking-tube |
|
A flexible tube which allows water to be drunk from a water bladder |
duckboards |
|
Raised platform of boards which are used as a walkway to protect the track surface, especially in muddy or swampy areas
|
E |
|
|
Easton aluminium |
|
A brand of aluminium tent poles known for their strength and durability |
elastoplast |
|
Cloth-backed adhesive tape used to dress wounds or prevent blisters. More information: footcare |
Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) |
|
The technical name for an EPIRB when it's carried in an aircraft. More information: EPIRBs |
Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) |
|
A satellite distress beacon. Technically, it's only an EPIRB if it's mounted on a boat, but this is the acronym in most common use to describe this technology. More information: EPIRBs |
Esbit stove |
|
A small folding metal solid-fuel stove; the name is generically applied to many such stoves. More information: stoves |
eye socket |
|
A part of your body, the diameter of which should always be smaller than the diameter of the top of your trekking or ski pole
|
F |
|
|
falling leaf |
|
Basic snowboard technique where the boarder zig-zags from side to side down a resort slope without actually completing a full turn. The same edge of the board is always facing downhill |
Federation |
|
|
figure-eight knot |
|
A knot which forms a large, chunky stopper to prevent ropes or cords from running through an eyelet, or to create a loop |
footprint |
|
A groundsheet designed to go perfectly underneath a particular model of tent to protect the underside from sticks, rocks, dirt, etc |
freeze-dried meal |
|
Ultra-lightweight meal in a packet which reconstitutes itself with the addition of water. More information: ingredients |
Friar's Balsam |
|
A liquid which helps heal the skin under broken blisters. More information: footcare |
fuel stove |
|
A stove which burns flammable liquid or blocks of solid fuel, as opposed to wood. More information: stoves |
fuel stove-only area |
|
An area in which campfires are not permitted, and you are required to cook on a stove which burns liquid or solid fuel |
FVWC |
|
Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs. See also: VicWalk
|
G |
|
|
gaiter tan |
|
The characteristic tan just above and below the knees when you've been wearing gaiters on a hot day |
GDA94 |
|
Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994; a map datum or co-ordtinate system used in topographic maps since the mid-1990s, and the system currently in use. It is effectively the same as the WGS84 datum used in the Global Positioning System. More information: GPS |
Giardia |
|
An organism which causes potentially severe gastro-intestinal problems, for example vomiting and diarrhoea, when ingested. It is spread by poor hygiene practices. To avoid it, treat all water (by boiling, filtering, or chemical treatment) before drinking. More information: minor hazards |
Gore-tex |
|
A breatheable fabric used for weatherproof jackets and overtrousers |
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) |
|
General Packet Radio Service; the mobile internet technology that lets you receive (for example) weather forecasts on a mobile phone. More information: mobile phones |
Global Positioning System (GPS) |
|
A satellite navigation system. More information: GPS |
grid-magnetic angle |
|
|
groundsheet |
|
A large piece of nylon or plastic for sitting on, or to protect the underside of a tent. Can also be strung up from a tree as a shelter
|
H |
|
|
handrail |
|
Navigation term referring to a linear feature such as a ridge-line or river which runs parallel to your intended course, which you can follow at a specified distance |
head torch |
|
A torch which attaches to your head, freeing up both hands for other tasks. More information: lighting |
herringbone |
|
Technique of placing your cross-country skis at 90° to each other in order to ascend a slope |
hyperthermia |
|
Serious medical condition when the core body temperature becomes too high. Sometimes referred to as heat exhaustion |
hypothermia |
|
Serious medical condition when the core body temperature becomes too low. Sometimes referred to as exposure. More information: staying warm
|
I |
|
|
igloo |
|
Above-ground shelter made from blocks of snow. Very time-consuming to construct |
inflatable mat |
|
Sleeping mat containing open-cell foam which can be ‘pressurised’ by blowing into a valve. Thermarest is a well-known brand |
integral pitch |
|
Where the inner of a tent is semi-permanently attached to the fly with velcro, so that both parts can be pitched together. This is supposed to avoid exposing the tent inner to the weather if you have to pitch or strike the tent in the wet. More information: tents |
iodine |
|
A chemical available in tablet form which purifies water. See also: puritabs
|
J |
|
|
japara |
|
Waterproof material used for jackets. Can be either oiled or ‘dry’, but neither is breatheable
|
K |
|
|
|
|
|
L |
|
|
lat/longs |
|
Latitude/longitudes; a method of expressing locations by calculating the angle around from the Greenwich Meridian and up or down from the equator. May be expressed in either degree/minutes/seconds (eg: 144 degrees, 17", 4' East, thirty-seven degrees, 5", 42' South) or in decimal degrees (eg: 144.34, -37.49). See also: military grid reference |
layering |
|
The technique of dressing in many layers of thin clothing, which traps warm air between the layers. Usually consists of thermals, fleece, and Goretex. More information: staying warm |
LED torch |
|
A torch which uses light-emitting diodes instead of a traditional incandescent bulb. More information: lighting
|
M |
|
|
magnetic declination |
|
The phenomenon of the earth's magnetic field not being in the same place as true north or grid north; thus, to convert a bearing taken from a magnetic compass, to a bearing able to be used on a map grid (or vice versa), you need to correct for magnetic declination. The exact amount of correction needed is usually found on the margin of your map |
metal-edged skis |
|
Skis with steel edges which bite into the snow, giving more control in icy conditions |
mil |
|
Unit of angle, like a degree. However, whereas there are 360° in a circle, there are 6400 mils. Of military derivation, this unit is not much used in Australia |
military grid reference |
|
One name given to the system of co-ordinates where the east-west reference or value is given before the north-south reference (as opposed to the latitude/longitude system). For example, the full grid reference for Tidal River would be 55HDS4127379469. See also: lat/longs |
MIOX (MIxed OXide) |
|
A recent method of water purification which passes an electric current through slightly salty water to create a strong slurry of mixed oxides (whatever they are). When added to contaminated water, this is supposed to kill bugs. The MSR advertising line for their MIOX product is: 'kill organisms you can't pronounce using technology you don't understand'. We have yet to see this system used in practice, and some people we have spoken to are sceptical about it |
mountain pygmy-possum |
|
A species of tiny possum, critically endangered, which is found near Mt Loch and Mt Hotham. It is protected by law, and it may inhabit huts and attempt to steal your food. More information: wildlife |
MSR |
|
Mountain Safety Research; a US company that produces stoves, tents, snowshoes, and a wide variety of other outdoor products. The term MSR may be applied specifically to their snowshoes. I have found their products to be tough and reliable, over 10+ years
|
N |
|
|
Naismith's rule |
|
Rule which states that, for the average walker carrying a medium pack, you should allow one hour for every:
- 5km of easy walking,
- 3km of easy scrambling, and
- 1.5km of rough terrain, sand, soft snow, thick bush;
plus another hour for every:
- 500m of climbing,
- 1000m of descending.
For very fit or experienced walkers you can reduce the total time by one-third |
Nalgene |
|
Brand of plastic containers with tough construction and leakproof lids |
Navstar |
|
Term associated with GPS; NAVigation by Satellite Tracking And Ranging. More information: GPS |
NNN (New Nordic Norm) binding |
|
A type of ski binding which has a small horizontal bar mounted in the toe of the ski boot, which fits into a socket on the ski
|
O |
|
|
orienteering |
|
The sport of navigating to various checkpoints in a bushland setting to collect points; typically, checkpoints further from the start location have more points. See also: rogaining |
ORC |
|
Outdoor Recreation Centre. An association of various Victorian outdoor organisations such as the Camping Association of Victoria, Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, etc
|
P |
|
|
pack-hauling |
|
The technique of attaching packs to a rope and physically hauling them up a slope which is too steep or treacherous for them to be carried up on your back |
Parks Victoria |
|
The Victorian State Government agency responsible for State and National Parks |
pattern-based skis |
|
Cross-country skis which have a pattern or scales carved into the base, to allow the user to climb hills. See also: skins |
permanganate of potash |
|
|
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) |
|
The technical name for an EPIRB when carried on the person. More information: EPIRBs |
phytophthora |
|
A fungus, also known as cinnamon fungus or root rot, which attacks the roots of native plants, causing them to die. It is spread by infected dirt, for example on bushwalkers' boots. More information: cinnamon fungus |
pole repair sleeve |
|
A small tube of aluminium which can be used to repair a broken tent pole by sliding it over the break |
polypropylene |
|
A synthetic material often used for thermal underwear |
poma |
|
A type of ski lift which consists of a saucer-sized disc attached to a short pole, on the end of a retractable reel of cord attached to a cable. A skier places it between their legs and can be towed up a slope |
potassium permanganate |
|
|
prismatic compass |
|
A compass in which the user looks through a prism to sight on an object in the distance, at the same time as viewing the compass bearing. The 1942-vintage Mark 3 compass (pictured) is an example of this. More information: navigation |
Puritabs |
|
Chlorine-based tablets used to purify water. Unfortunately, they are thought to not be effective against the Giardia organism. See also: iodine
|
Q |
|
|
quicklink |
|
Similar to a carabiner, but with a gate which slides shut and screws down, rather than a hinged, swinging gate
|
R |
|
|
resection |
|
Term for taking a backbearing or triangulation, widely used in the defence forces (although there may be some subtle differences between these three techniques which are lost on me) |
rip-off |
|
The prices for anything associated with a downhill ski resort |
ripstop nylon |
|
Nylon fabric which contains a grid of tougher fibres which are meant to stop a rip or tear, or to stop an existing tear from becoming bigger |
rogaining |
|
Competitive sport similar to orienteering, but usually undertaken at running pace |
rucksack |
|
A large backpack. More information: packs
|
S |
|
|
SARSAT |
|
Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking; technical name for one of the components of the EPIRB system. More information: EPIRBs |
sastrugi |
|
A raised wave of snow or ice found in polar regions |
scales |
|
A fishscale-like pattern carved into the base of a cross-country ski, to allow the user to climb hills |
scoparia |
|
A tough and spiky alpine plant which forms a formidable barrier to walkers; often the cause of much swearing. More information: minor hazards |
scree |
|
Piled-up small rocks sometimes found at the base of cliffs, escarpments, or bluffs |
screeing |
|
The practice, fraught with danger, of attempting to ski down a scree slope on one's feet while upright |
shock cord |
|
Cord with an elasticised core and woven or braided sheath, which is stretchy. It has many applications which require elasticised cord, including netting or strapping on backpacks, gaiter straps, drawstrings, and so on |
Sigg water bottle |
|
A brand of aluminiuim water bottle. Although less durable than Nalgene water bottles, they undoubtedly have vastly more character when older and somewhat dented |
sighting compass |
|
Similar in concept to a prismatic compass, but which allows sighting without the prism. The Silva Type 26 (pictured) is an example of this. More information: navigation |
ski leash |
|
A small back-up cable or cord which attaches your ski to your boot by means other than the binding, so that if they detach the ski does not run away down the slope |
skins |
|
A furry or hairy skin which attaches to the underside of a cross-country ski which has no pattern or scales. See also: pattern-based skis |
sleeping bag liner |
|
A bag which goes inside your sleeping bag, either to keep the sleeping bag clean, or for warmth. I find that a silk liner makes my sleeping bag slightly warmer |
snow cave |
|
A cave dug into the side of a snow drift to serve as a shelter. More information: alpine safety |
snow saw |
|
A saw with a long, thin blade (you could use a hacksaw blade) used to cut blocks of snow for constructing an igloo or other snow shelter |
snow peg |
|
A broad, curved tent peg which grips snow better than a traditional wire peg. More information: alpine gear |
snow pole |
|
A pole, usually treated pine, which marks a ski trail in winter |
snow shovel |
|
A shovel that has a wide blade with a lip, which efficiently lifts large amounts of snow at once |
snow trench |
|
A snow shelter constructed by digging a trench into the snow and covering it with either blocks of consolidated snow, or with a tarp/groundsheet. More often used as an emergency shelter |
SOLAS |
|
Safety Of Life At Sea convention; marine-quality reflective tape which complies with SOLAS standards is very, very reflective |
solid fuel |
|
Solid fuel usually refers to blocks of solid chemical fuel for stoves, such as trioxane, hexamine, or Esbit blocks. The term can also include wood. More information: stoves |
space blanket |
|
A very thin silvery reflective sheet which traps and reflects body heat. Use to treat hypothermia victims. |
speaker/mike |
|
A combination microphone and speaker used for UHF radios. Particularly useful where using UHF radios in poor weather, as it is possible to have the radio safe and warm inside clothing or a pouch, with only the speaker/mike exposed to the weather. More information: UHF radios |
Spectra |
|
Rope used for climbing and sailing which has a woven sheath and a Kevlar core |
sphagnum moss |
|
Bouncy sponge-like moss which grows in moist areas. Walking on this moss should be avoided |
sternum strap |
|
Chest strap on a backpack. More information: packs |
STLC |
|
Ski Touring Leadership Certificate |
strobe light |
|
A high-intensity flashing light used for attracting attention. May be used in conjunction with an EPIRB
|
T |
|
|
T-Bar |
|
A type of ski lift which consists of an inverted T-shaped bar attached to a retractable reel attached to a cable. It can be used to tow one or two skiers or snowboarders up a slope |
TFB |
|
Total Fire Ban; a day on which open fires and stoves are illegal |
Thermarest |
|
Well-known brand of self-inflating sleeping mat |
Thinsulate |
|
A synthetic thermal material which is sometimes used in things like gloves and beanies as a liner for more traditional materials such as wool. More information: staying warm |
Toblerone |
|
Our chocolate bar of choice for mountain activities |
tobogganning |
|
A safe activity for the kiddies where they slide down a snow-covered slope on a moulded plastic toboggan. However, any attempt to tobaggan on a snow shovel with the handle between your legs is incredibly dangerous and you're likely to die or be seriously injured. So don't do it |
track |
|
The Australian term for a foot path, pad, or trail. May be referred to as a trail when used in a ski-touring context |
trail |
|
Term used to describe a track or foot path, especially when used in a ski-touring context |
Trangia |
|
A very well-known brand of methylated-spirits stove. More information: stoves |
trekking pole |
|
A funky walking stick, often made of aluminium, with a wrist strap, and adjustable in length |
triangulation |
|
Another name for taking a backbearing |
trig point |
| Contraction of 'trigonometric station'. A feature which marks a point of known location, generally a mountaintop, to assist in surveying. In Victoria they are usually a large black metal marker on top of a tripod (see photo). They are useful to outdoors people because they can be used to take accurate backbearings. They sometimes appear on maps as a triangle with a dot in the centre |
triglide |
|
A three-armed plastic buckle component which grips webbing and can be used to create a loop. More information: repair materials |
trowel |
|
A small shovel, often brightly-coloured, used for digging toilet holes |
tube tape |
|
A webbing-like tape which forms a hollow tube. I use tube tape to protect shock cord on the straps of my gaiters
|
U |
|
|
UHF radio |
|
Ultra-High Frequency radio or walkie-talkie, used for short-range communications. More information: UHF radios
|
V |
|
|
vestibule |
|
The lobby area of a tent outside the inner but still underneath the fly. Often used for storing packs overnight. More information: tents |
VicWalk |
|
The Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs; the peak body in Victoria representing bushwalking clubs |
VNPA |
|
Victorian National Parks Association. An advocacy group for State and National parks, which also has an active bushwalking group
|
W |
|
|
water filter/water pump |
|
A pump which passes contaminated water through a filter to remove bacteria, viruses, and impurities |
wax |
|
Special wax can be applied to the base of a cross-country ski to tune its climbing performance |
weatherproof (or wind and waterproof) matches |
|
Matches dipped in ridiculous amounts of phosphorus (about 20mm worth) and then coated with wax, so that they light even if wet and burn fiercely even in high wind. More information: fire lighting |
webbing |
|
Seatbelt-like material used for pack straps |
WGS84 |
|
World Geodetic System 1984; the map datum used in the Global Positioning System (GPS). More information: GPS |
whip |
|
The party member designated to walk or ski at the rear of the party and keep stragglers in line |
white spirit/white gas |
|
Another name for Shellite. More information: stoves |
white-out cord |
|
A brightly-coloured 50m builder's cord which can be used to assist finding the next snow pole in very poor visibility |
wind chill |
|
The phenomenon whereby increasing wind speed causes the apparent temperature to drop. More information: staying warm |
wire saw |
|
Flexible wire which has abrasive nodules on it and can be used to saw smallish pieces of wood
|
X |
|
|
XC |
|
Cross-country (skis) |
XCD |
|
Cross-country downhill; a cross-country ski which is supposed to also perform well on downhill runs
|
Y |
|
|
Yowie |
|
A distinctive brand of Australian-made snowshoe
|
Z |
|
|
zone |
|
In co-ordinate systems, a slice of the earth's surface between two lines running from the north pole to the south pole. Western Victoria is in zone 54, and eastern victoria is in zone 55 (your map will specify which near the projection and datum information). It may be useful to know this is reporting your position to someone a very long way away. More information: GPS coordinates
|
