Backpacking Archives - Nat's Adventure Travels

Moderate

We attribute the level MODERATE to a hike taking place on a maintained or unmaintained trail with rocks – loose at times – roots and/or muddy parts and short steep or narrow sections to pay attention to.

This hike will have enough elevation gain and loss for you to get a good sweat but also some great views.

You will be carrying a moderately light day pack with 1-1.5L of water so about 6-9 kg / 12-20 lbs.

The MODERATE level is perfect for anyone with some hikes under their belts, wanting to challenge themselves a little and eventually progress to the Difficult Level.

Distance: 10-15 km
Elevation Gain/loss: 200 – 800 m
Terrain: hilly with short steep and/or narrow sections
Duration: 4-7 hr
Experience required: preferably some
Fitness Level Required: You exercise 2 or 3 times a week with a focus being fit. You could hike up to 6 hours a day at a moderate pace, including 1.5 to 3 hours of hilly and at times steep mountainous terrain (for multiple days)

Difficult

We attribute the level DIFFICULT to a longer day hike, to an alpine hike in a remote area or a backpacking trip with overnight camping.

This type of hike will take place on a maintained or unmaintained trail with rocks – loose at times – roots and/or muddy parts and short steep or narrow sections.

You will be carrying a heavier backpack with 1.5L+ of water plus overnight camping gear and food on a backpacking trip so about 10-15 kg / 20-30+ lbs.

The DIFFICULT level is perfect for anyone with quite a few hikes under their belts, wanting to get out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves supported by a professional guide.

Distance per day: 12-24 km
Elevation Gain/loss: 250 – 1250 m
Terrain: definitely hilly with longer sections of steady elevation gain then loss, some loose rocks, roots and narrow /steep sections.
Duration: 7 + hr/day
Experience required: some Moderate hikes in hilly, rocky, rooty terrain while carrying a progressively heavier backpack.
Fitness Level Required: You exercise 2 or 3 times a week with a focus being fit. You could hike up to 6 hours a day at a moderate pace, including 1.5 to 3 hours of hilly and at times steep mountainous terrain (for multiple days)
Fitness Level Preferred for better trip enjoyment: You exercise 3 or 4 times a week and are very fit. You could hike up 8-10 hours a day at a good pace, including 2+hours of hilly and at time steep mountainous terrain (for multiple days).

Easy

We attribute the level EASY to a hike taking place on a well-maintained trail with some rocks or roots to pay attention to. This hike will have some elevation gain & loss and you will be carrying a light day pack. The EASY level is perfect for beginners, for someone wanting to refresh their hiking skills or to get fit without choosing a harder level.

Distance: 5-10 km
Elevation Gain/loss: 100 – 300 m
Terrain: flat to hilly
Duration: 4 hr or less
Experience required: None
Fitness Level Required: You exercise weekly and are reasonably fit. You could hike at a comfortable pace for 3 to 4 hours including hiking through some hilly terrain.