Outdoor Gear Glossary

Tension Band System from Vango braces the hoop pole system with webbing or cord strap that spans from the pole end to the highest point of the pole in a triangle shape. The removable strap adds stability in windy conditions.

"T" stands for Thread Count - specifically the number of warp and fill threads in a square inch. The lower numbers represent a loosely woven fabric and the higher number a tightly woven fabric. These two numbers together help indicate the strength and feel of a piece of fabric and are sometimes used in the technical descriptions of tents.

If your jacket is Thermalink compatible then you are able to zip a fleece in if required. This helps to make the jacket more versatile in a range of weather conditions and activities by making the most of the layering system (adding or removing garments to control temperature).

Thread Count is specifically the number of warp and fill threads in a square inch. The lower numbers represent a loosely woven fabric and the higher number a tightly woven fabric. These two numbers together help indicate the strength and feel of a piece of fabric and are sometimes used in the technical descriptions of tents.

The TIZIP is a spray and dust proof zipper used by Ortlieb. The TIZIP consists of a strong plastic coil zipper on a high strength fabric. Products with TIZIP zippers are suited for all fields of applications which require protection against humidity and dust on the one hand, and ask for fast access on the other hand. Sealing zippers are harder to move than conventional zippers, and need to be maintained by applying a lubricant at regular intervals.

The zipper is made from a strong, plastic coil zipper on a high strength fabric. Every coil half is safely embedded and secured in a plastic profile. When the TIZIP is closed, the sealing lips above and below the coil are compressed making a perfect seal. The unique design prevents the slider from wearing down the sealing lips when the zipper is opened or closed. Further, the plastic profiles are highly abrasion-resistant. The physical design of the TIZIP increases the seal strength when the pressure is raised or when cross tension is applied. Both actions lead to an increased mechanical pressure on the top sealing lip.

When closed, the zipper has a cross-breaking strength of minimum 300 N/cm.

Rucksack top tensioners link the shoulder harness to the main body of the backpack. When you need extra pack stability - such as when negotiating a difficult step in a rocky path - cinch in these straps to pull the load closer to your shoulders. On easy ground, loosen the straps to enhance ventilation and comfort. Packs with a custom fit back system incorporate two sets of buckles to which you can attach the tensioners. Select the higher set to lengthen the back.

The Torso Fit measuring system allows you to easily customize Lowe Alpine backpacks for a perfect fit.

The color coding on the Torso Fit System represents the color coded webbing on the Lowe Alpine APS frame packs. The chart shows the actual back lengths for each color. The measurement relates to the distance from the 7th vertebra (neck base) to the hip point (Lilac crest).

Totsec dry treatment permeates a climbing rope's fibers rather than coating them and therefore keeps the climbing rope dry.

Abrasion and impact resistant synthetic reinforcing fabric.

Trapezoid Box Baffle system is a special structural configuration to promote warmth and comfort in sleeping bags. In this system, adjacent trapezoid-shaped baffles are positioned with their parallel sides opposite one another. This configuration ensures a constant baffle volume, keeping goose down in place and preventing excessive air flow around the sleeping bag, and thus avoiding cold spots.

The North Face zip-in system is featured on many of their shell jackets. The reson for this is that layering (by adding or removing garments to control temperature) has been found to be the most effective way to stay comfortable in a range of weather conditions and activities.

Triclimate jackets offer a 3-in-1 versatility: 1. Wear the inner jacket alone; 2. Combine the inner jacket with the outer shell for greater insulation; or 3. Wear the outer shell alone.

Triplepoint is Lowe Alpine's renowned family of waterproof, breathable fabrics, and are tested by mountaineers in the world's wildest places. Independent laboratory tests show that Triplepoint fabrics breathe better in the rain, due to their water-repelling structure. Triplepoint Fabrics use multi-coating high-pressure technologies. The breathable coating is applied to special face fabrics, selected for the particular garment.

A texturised nylon used for its exceptional strength to weight ratio - used in Berghaus backpacks.

Because tunnel tent designs use less poles, they are usually lighter and so offer good space to weight ratios. They are generally pitched outer first, allowing quick provision of shelter with the inner less likely to get wet. Due to the space to weight ratios, tunnel tents are usually designed to be used as family or group tents. Also see Geodesic Tents.