Hiker’s Class Act

Backpackers may not think of themselves as climbers. Nevertheless, hikers and backpackers are on the climbing rating system.

The system grades foot travel on a continuum much like the rating system for river runners. The climber’s rating system ranges from flat ground to vertical.

Rock climbers usually focus their efforts on Class 5 routes, which they further break down in a decimal system to reflect difficulty.

Class 1: Walking.

Class 2: Hiking, mostly on established trails, infrequent use of hands for balance.

Class 3: Scrambling, with hands used for balance. No rope or technical skills required.

Class 4: Intermediate climbing. Rope needed because of potential for falling.

Class 5: Rock is so sheer that climbing must be aided by devices.

, DataTimes