(1) Relaxed: Adventure travel at its most relaxed pace.

• Activity: 1-3 hours most days
• Distances: walk less than 3 miles most days with a backpack weighing between 10-20 pounds
• Surfaces: flat terrain
• Elevation change: little to none
• Altitude: less than 3,000 ft
• Age range tends to be 12-60

(2) Easy: Great for newcomers to active travel.

• Activity: 2-5 hours most days
• Distances: Hike up to 6 miles with a backpack weighing between 15-30 pounds
• Surfaces: flat or rolling terrain with some possible steeps
• Elevation change: up to 2,000 ft/day
• Altitude: up to 6,000 ft
• Age range tends to be 12-60

(3) Moderate: For outdoor novices and above.

• Activity: 4-6 hours most days
• Distances: Hike up to 10 miles most days with a backpack weighing between 30-45 pounds
• Surfaces: rolling or mountainous terrain with some steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
• Elevation change: up to 3,000 ft/day
• Altitude: up to 10,000 ft
• Age range tends to be 15-55

(4) Vigorous: Recommended for fit travelers with basic skills.

• Activity: 5-9 hours most days
• Distances: Hike up to 12 miles most days with a backpack weighing between 30-45 pounds
• Surfaces: mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and rocky uneven trails
• Elevation change: up to 4,000 ft/day
• Altitude: up to 14,000 ft.
• Age range tends to be 16-50

(5) Strenuous: Designed for very fit travelers.

• Activity: 10+ hours/day
• Distances: Hike 12 or more miles most days with a backpack weighing between 30-45 pounds
• Surfaces: remote mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents, uneven trails with loose features.
• Elevation change: up to 4,000 ft/day
• Altitude: may well exceed 14,000 ft
• Age range tends to be 20-50