Trail Class International

Classification Scale
Classification Scale
1 – Walking (easy stroll)
2 – Hiking along a path or rugged terrain
3 – Scrambling (using hands for balance)
4 – Climbing easy cliffs but with enough drop
off – beginners should be roped
5 – Using free hands in climbing method
6 – Very difficult and need to use artificial
method
 HIKING
• It is done on man-made road or well-made
trails and basically shorter in distance,
which sometimes only takes a day or two
to cover.

• The easiest of the three is hiking. You

walk on well-marked trails of easy to
moderate difficulty, although this
depends on where you’re hiking.
• These are usually half-day to one-day
tours, like these hikes in the German
Alps or these hiking trails. The terrain
varies from relatively flat to steep.
Although hiking is easier than trekking or
mountaineering they can still be
challenging.
• Most hiking tours take anywhere from 2 to
8 hours round trip. You usually finish in
the same place that you started. Either from
hiking a loop or returning the same way.
Some hikes have a different start and end
points, so always check before you start.
 TREKKING

• It is between hiking and mountaineering

regarding difficulty. Although it’s more
similar to hiking. The difference being that
treks are longer than hikes.

• It is a rigorous and long journey on foot

done on a variety of terrain and entails
more days and nights in the outdoors.
• Trekking is more challenging than hiking
because you will be walking for multiple
days in a row.

• Treks usually start in one place and end in

a different one. The distance can vary
anywhere from ~40 km to several
hundred kilometres away. Some of the
most popular treks can take a couple of
weeks to complete.
 MOUNTAINEERING
• Of the three, mountaineering is by far the
most challenging. It’s a more technical
variation of trekking that takes you to
higher peaks. Often to ones that are over
5000 meters above sea level.
• These are also multi-day trips that require
a lot of previous physical and technical
training. You need more equipment than
with hiking or trekking. And you’ll also
need to know how to use it properly.
What are the other essential things
that I need to bring?
• First aid kit
• Water-experienced mountaineers’ advice: 1 liter
can last 2 hours with moderate trails and
moderate sunlight, best to have 2-3 liters. Bet to
use hydration packs which can be kept inside
your pack and from which you can just sip
through a valve
• Trail food—energy food that are light to carry
and easy to eat on the trail such as dried fruits,
mixed nuts, raisins, and oatmeal bars
• Topographic map and compass (On
clearly marked trails in city and state
parks these will not be necessary, but they
can be lifesavers I the back country.)
• Extra layers and rain gear
• Fire starter and matches
• Multi-tool or knife
• Flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Insect repellant
• Camera/binoculars
• Cellphone/two-way radios
• GPS/ altimeter watches
• Extra batteries for mobile
devices/memory card
What are some safety reminders in
hiking and trekking?
• Hike with a group and never alone. Hike within your
skills. Hike within the trails and be aware of
surroundings.

• Instructions from guides, facilitators, or leader should be

given utmost attention. Rules and regulations should be
followed strictly.

• Keep in mind and heart the Leave No Trace Seven

Principle; go back and review it.

• Ensure safety of self and others. Learn to apply first aid.

Learn where to go and what to do during emergency
situations.
 CAMPING
When you hear the word “camping” the
first thing that might come to your mind
will be sleeping in tents and campfires.
Perhaps, most would probably recall
memories of being a Boy Scout or a Girl
Scout, which is camping on school
grounds, local parks, or even nearby
mountain or beach.
 Frontcountry camping
It is sometimes called “ car camping”. It is
camping on planned campgrounds where
it is close to a vehicle, with certain
amenities ( such as bathrooms and stores)
and emergency aid. This is just like
camping on school grounds and on the
local parks. Typically, picnic tables are
provided, location of tents is specified,
and fire rings are designated. This may
also include travel-trailer camping.
 Backcountry camping
It is the opposite, where no amenities
are readily available and motorized
vehicles cannot reach the camping site.
It will require some physical exertion
such as hiking or canoeing to travel to
the location or to move from place to
place.
What are essential things to bring
in camping?
1. Clothes
Clothes are the first line of defense so that
the body can maintain an appropriate core
temperature. When it is hot, the body
must be able to rid itself of excess heat;
otherwise, the core temperature will start
to rise and heat exhaustion or heat stroke
may happen.
2. Sleeping Bag and Pad

• Sleeping bag provides warmth and

comfort for a good rest at night.

• Aside from the sleeping bag, the camping

pad is also essential as it serves as a
cushion from the ground and most
importantly, as an insulator against the
coldness of the ground.
3.Tents

• The tent gives protection from the rain, wind,

and bugs. It also adds warmth, comfort, and
a sense of security. Tents come in many
shapes, styles, and sizes. Tent should be light
and compact so it will be easier to carry. It is
a must for a tent to have a waterproof floor,
must protect you from mosquito, and must
be made from breathable material such as
ripstop nylon or nylon taffeta.
What other essential items should
be brought to camping?
If you were only given five items to put
in your backpack for a trek or hike,
what will be the five essential things be
and WHY? Write them on the below.