Outdoor Gear Glossary

They help keep quickdraws and other climbing gear in convenient places on your climbing harness. Rigid gear loops with an inclined design will also help keep gear easily accessible at all times and away from your body. Flexible gear loops are sometimes used at the back of the harness to avoid creating pressure points under the weight of a backpack.

Geodesic designs use intersecting poles to create the most stable structure available for a lightweight tent. Tension is spread evenly across the inner tent providing an especially strong frame for the flysheet. Geodesic shapes provide better performance in high winds due to their aerodynamic nature. Also see tunnel tent design as an alternative, or used in combination for some family and group tents. Please see The North Face Mountain 25 geodesic tent (left) as an example.

To meet the performance needs of all types of outdoor enthusiasts, many sleeping bag manufacturers, including Cumulus and Mountain Equipment, offer the highest quality goose down for optimal performance and warmth. By using a naturally high lofting, light and resilient insulator, goose down sleeping bags are lightweight, highly compressible and incredibly warm. Due to the resilient nature of down, these sleeping bags continue to perform after repeated compressing and packing for bag longevity.

Down Sleeping Bags are usually graded by temperature and weight, but also see 'Down Fill Power' in the glossary.

Gore-Tex offers breathable comfort and durable waterproof protection for a wide range of outdoor activities, and is ideal for walking in the countryside as they help to protect you from even the most severe weather or a simple unpredictable shower. There are different types of Gore-Tex available. Thicker grades of Gore-Tex are more waterproof and more durable but they are not as lightweight, packable or breathable as thinner grades of Gore-Tex.

Gore has spent £10m developing the Gore-Tex XCR waterproof membrane. Engineered to provide extended comfort and lasting protection, even in the most rugged conditions. Extremely breathable, these garments are ideal for outdoor professionals and serious enthusiasts. Particular examples can be seen in the Gore-Tex XCR waterproof jackets range.

Gore-Tex Paclite fabric is considered by many to be the lightest, most packable waterproof outerwear available - these garments are durably waterproof, extremely breathable, and perfect for when weight and space are critical. Gore-Tex Paclite jackets and trousers are a great piece of outdoor gear for packing in your daypack.

Made of soft, warm fabric, these waterproof and breathable Softshells minimize layers for greater freedom of movement in cold, damp conditions, meaning you can get on with enjoying the things you love - walking and rambling!

Gore Windstopper Action is a three layer fabric comprising of a Polyester knitted fabric, Windstopper membrane and a polyester fleece reverse. This combination provides a stretch fabric which is completely windproof and has excellent breathability. Gore Windstopper softshells are a very popular item of outdoor clothing.

The term 'guying fillet' is usually used to refer to a half covered porch area of a tent. Guying fillet gives extra storage space for essential kit, can act as protection for a large vent and can be used as a sheltered cooking area in bad weather.