We call it spiciness
Spiciness Scale ranks from 1 to 10
(We’re special just like the Grand Canyon)
1-3: CALM
Description: Relaxing backcountry excursion.
Duration: Activity is an easy 4-6 hours per day.
Activities: Hikes with light daypacks for 3-5 miles on low-grade, on-trail terrain with an elevation gain of less than 2,000. Activities include day hikes, flat-water kayaking, resort skiing, 5.7 and below sport or indoor climbing, and other low-stress activities.
Location: Near front country. You can drive to help if needed. No exposure.
Gear: No specialized training or gear is necessary.
Environment: Weather conditions are largely predictable and pleasant. Comfort levels are high.
Preparation: No preparation is needed, anyone at any fitness level can enjoy.
4-6: Exciting
Description: Adventure designed to be incredibly enjoyable but with some challenge.
Duration: Moderate activity between 6-8 hours each day.
Activities: Hikes with 30-40 pound packs for 5-7 miles over moderate, mostly on-trail terrain, with elevation gains up to and over 2,000′. Activities include 2-5 day backpacking trips, white water rafting up to class III, 5.7-5.9 sport climbing, low-angle ski touring, and other medium-stress activities.
Location: Wilderness areas where help can easily arrive if needed. Minimal exposure.
Gear: Some basic gear is required but no specialized training is needed and exposure or hazards are limited.
Environment: Weather conditions are mostly stable and enjoyable, but temps at night may start to dip. Comfort level is medium.
Preparation: Participants should conduct physical training for at least 1 month in preparation to truly enjoy.
7-9: Intense
Description: Legit adventure that will push your limits and will require teamwork at times.
Duration: Expect 8 or more hours per day of strenuous activities.
Activities: Hikes with 40-60 pound pack for 8-10 miles over uneven, off-trail terrain and climbing significantly steep ascents of up to and beyond 3,000′. Activities include 5-8 day backpacking trips, day hikes with high-altitude summits, white water kayaking up to class IV, 5.10-5.12 sport and trad climbing, and other high-stress activities.
Location: In remote areas where help may take time to arrive if needed. Terrain will have significant exposure and not for the faint of heart.
Gear: Some gear such as harnesses, ropes, crampons, etc., is needed. Understanding gear and safety protocol is suggested.
Environment: Weather conditions may be unpredictable and uncomfortable ranging from extreme desert heat to sustained cold, rain, or snow.
Preparation: Participants should conduct physical training in preparation and ensure that key personal gear items such as cold-weather gear and boots are adequate and broken in properly.
10: Extreme
Description: The full spice is no joke. Teamwork will be mandatory for this adventure.
Duration: Expect 8 or more hours per day of strenuous activities
Activities: Activities will be continuous and extremely difficult including carrying 50+ pound packs 10+ miles over uneven and exposed terrain with elevation gains of >4,000′. Activities include 9+ day backpacking trips, mountaineering, class V kayaking, 5.12 and above trad lead climbing, and other high-risk activities.
Location: Extreme remoteness where rescue may not be possible if needed. There will be long periods of exposure and significant hazards.
Gear: Specialized gear required. Specific training on techniques and technical knowledge of your route and challenges is required.
Environment: Weather conditions are likely to be suboptimal and there will be long periods of discomfort. High elevations may make easy physical activity challenging.
Preparation: Participants’ fitness and preparation is paramount and Type3Life will provide a recommended physical preparation plan. Key personal gear items such as cold-weather gear and boots must be adequate and will be inspected prior to departure for the field.
