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Backpacking Trip Ratings Light, Moderate, and Strenuous ratings are assigned based on total mileage, ascent, descent, and campsite elevations. Ratings are only a general guide; please consult the trip brochure to accurately assess trip difficulty. Backpacking is, by nature, a stenuous activity--even trips rated Light can be quite demanding. Still unsure? You can contact the leader directly for more specifics about the trip or its rating. The trip leader's e-mail address should be provided at the bottom of the brochure. Of course, you can always contact us with any questions. Light trips can usually be completed by folks in good physical condition who have trained and prepared adequately, making them perfect for beginners (and indeed, we have many trips designed for the novice backpacker). Light-rated trips often include layover days to break up the trip. Example: A certain Light-rated trip starts with a six-mile hike from 8,500 feet. Because of the elevation, the next day is a layover day to relax and acclimatize. However the next day includes a hike of almost 10 miles to 10,500 feet, and then another layover day follows. In this case, the trip covers a total of almost 30 miles in under seven days, with two layover days. Moderate-rated trips will often cover upwards of 40 or 50 miles in a week, frequently in areas with uneven trails, off-trail routes, and/or more challenging terrain. Participants on these trips are expected to have backpacking experience and field-tested gear. Example: A certain trip with the Moderate rating covers 50 miles in six days. While the elevation is low, the trip has a moderate rating due to the cross-country nature of the travel, the potential for severe weather, and the lack of maintained trails. Additionally, much of the terrain will be boggy or otherwise unstable tundra, and there are several stream crossings. Our Strenuous trips are designed for experienced backpackers hoping to enjoy more of a challenge. Your pack may weigh more, the elevation changes may be extreme, and the distances may exceed 70 miles. These trips often journey off of maintained trails to remote wilderness areas. All participants are expected to be in excellent physical condition. Example: A certain trip rated Strenuous requires participants to carry a pack weighing a minimum of 60 pounds. A different trip has some 13-mile hiking days, covering a total of 65 miles during the trip. Yet another trip travels to the northern reaches of Canada's Yukon Territory, and faces stream crossings "of epic proportions." Back to top |
