Level 1 - Light

• Activity:  2-5 hours of physical activity each day; easy to moderate walking, hiking, or trekking; other activities (kayaking, climbing) are suitable for the novice

• Distances:  Hike 1-5 miles most days

• Terrain:  Flat or rolling terrain with little to some uneven footing; may have occasional steeper ascents/descents

• Elevation gain:  Gentle elevation gains and losses under 1,000’ per day

• Altitude:  Under 10,000’ 

• Backpack Weight:  Day packs or lighter packs

• Level 1 adventures may allow for you to opt-out of some activities on the itinerary

Level 2 - Moderate

• Activity:  2-6 hours each day; moderate walking, hiking or trekking

• Distances:  Hike 3-10 miles most days

• Terrain:  Varied terrain with some uneven footing on trails; may be some steep sections and exposed areas

• Elevation gain:  Gains and losses up to 1,500 feet per day

• Altitude:  Up to 10,000’

• Backpack weight: (Varies by type adventure) Day packs; backpack up to 30-40 lbs

• Nights may be spent in tents

Level 3 – Moderate to Vigorous

• Activity:  5-8 hours per day; moderate to strenuous hiking and trekking

• Distances:  Hike up to 12 miles most days

• Terrain:  uneven trails; rolling or mountainous terrain with some steep ascents/ descents; may be rocky and steep in places

• Elevation gain:  Gains and losses up to 3,000 feet per day 

• Altitude:  Elevations may be above 10,000’

• Backpack weight:  Depending on the adventure, you may be required to carry a heavier backpack (up to 40-50 lbs)

• Nights are spent in tents or hut

Level 4 - Vigorous

• Activity:  5-8 hours most days; challenging, strenuous trekking

• Distances:  Hike up to 12 miles most days

• Terrain:  uneven trails; mountainous terrain with steep ascents/descents; exposed areas

• Elevation gain:  gains and losses of 3,000+ feet

• Altitude:  may be above 10,000’

• Backpack weight:  May be required to carry heavier packs (up to 35-45 lbs)

• Nights are spent in tents or huts

• Level 4 adventures require good aerobic and endurance conditioning and/or strength training prior to departure

• Previous experience may be required

Level 5 – Strenuous

• Activity:  5-10+ hours; strenuous trekking or climbing

• Distances:  Hike up to 12+ miles per day

• Terrain:  Participants should be prepared to hike over mountainous steep, rocky, and  exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents on uneven trails

• Elevation gain:  consistent elevation gains and/or losses of up to 5,000’ per day 

• Altitude:  may be above 10,000’+

• Backpack weight:  Depending on the adventure, may be required to carry heavier packs (up to 40-50+ lbs)

• Nights are spent in tents

• Technical skills required

• Level 5 adventures require a high degree of fitness and additional strength, conditioning, and endurance training prior to departure

• Previous experience required

• Physician’s release required