We share the comparative Expedition Scales so you can take them into account when evaluating your next trip.
Fitness Requirement in the mountains or kayak trip refers to the physical demand and fitness level you need to be safe and enjoying the trip.
Scale
Very Low
Trek: Between 2 to 5 km per day with little up/down hill.
Kayak: Flat Water with little wind.
Low
Trek: Between 5 to 10 km per day with low altitude gain (Between 100 to 400 metres).
Kayak: Mild wind and intermediate day.
Mid
Trek: Between 10 to 15 km per day with moderate altitude gain (400 to 600 metres).
Kayak: Water with moderate winds and full days.
High
Trek: Over 15 km Hike with big altittude gain (600 to 900 metres).
Kayak: High Winds. some current and long days.
Very High
Only for experts. Long days, lots of altittude gain, white water.
The Degree of technical difficulty in the mountains responds to differents factors such as weather exposure, terrain difficulty, objective dangers, difficulty to secure yourself, duration of the days, time of the year, between others.
Scale
Easy
No Technical Difficulty.
Easy Terrain for short periods of time.
Normal
Some Technical Difficulty but not much.
You need to be able to walk fluidly but on easy terrain.
Intermediate
Mid Technical Difficulty with either longer days, higher altittudes, water or terrain more complex.
Hard
Requires excellent Technical Skills.
Very Hard
Only for activity experts.
Backpack weight during departure.
Scale
No Backpack
Light
5 – 7 Kg
Mid Weight
8 – 11 Kg
Heavy
12 – 15 Kg
Very Heavy
15 – 20 Kg
Experience Required.
Scale
Not Required
Does not required previous experience.
Recommended
Does not required previous experience but better if you have it.
We recommend you have some.
Required
Required previous experience.