DIFFICULTY RATINGS
Understand the terrain, fitness and endurance requirements for each Peak Potential Adventures trek.
Setting Expectations
To help you understand what lies ahead on a Peak Potential Adventures trek, we use a simple grading system that outlines the terrain, fitness and endurance demands you may encounter.
Each adventure is graded according to the nature of the terrain, the level of fitness required, and the endurance needed to complete the trek comfortably. These ratings are intended as a guide, as difficulty can feel different depending on your fitness, experience and previous trekking background.
On some multi-day adventures, the level of difficulty may vary from day to day. In these cases, we may use ratings such as moderate–challenging or medium–high to better reflect the overall experience.
Our team includes qualified personal trainers with extensive experience preparing people for adventure activities. If you are unsure whether a particular trek is suitable for your current level of fitness or experience, please contact us. We can also help you prepare through personalised training advice, including face-to-face or online sessions where required.
Terrain
Low
Routes are predominantly flat, well maintained and clearly marked. There may be some gently undulating terrain, but climbs would generally not exceed 200m in elevation.
No ropes or specialist equipment are required, and previous trekking experience is not necessary.
Moderate
Routes may include flat, undulating and hilly terrain, with climbs of more than 200m in elevation. Tracks are generally well defined, although some sections may be rough, uneven or overgrown.
No ropes or specialist equipment are normally required, and previous trekking experience is not essential. Many iconic Australian treks fall into this category.
Challenging
Routes may include flat, undulating and steep terrain, with climbs of more than 500m in elevation. Conditions may include rough tracks, overgrown sections, snow, ice, loose rock or volcanic rubble.
You may also need to rock scramble, negotiate obstacles, cross rivers or walk through shallow water or snow.
Guides may use specialist equipment such as ropes where required, particularly during river crossings. Previous experience with multi-day trekking and carrying a larger pack is preferred.
Fitness and Endurance
Low
A basic level of fitness is required, including the ability to carry a light pack of around 5kg and walk for several hours over gently undulating terrain, with regular short breaks.
Preparation should include regular walks of up to 10km, hill climbing and some strength and endurance training. Running, swimming or cycling can also be useful for building general cardiovascular fitness.
Medium
A moderate level of fitness is required. You should exercise regularly and be comfortable carrying a pack of around 10kg for several hours over distances of up to 15km.
Training should include cardiovascular exercise at least three times a week, such as gym work, cycling, swimming or stair climbing. It should also include regular pack carrying over rough or uneven terrain, along with hill training.
The focus should be on progressively developing both cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance.
High
A high level of fitness is required, with the ability to move over undulating and hilly terrain while carrying a heavier pack of up to 18kg for extended periods.
Training should be specific to the adventure and include hill climbing with a loaded pack, walking over rough terrain for distances of up to 15km, and cardiovascular training at least four times a week.
For adventures that do not require a large-pack carry, a lighter training pack can be used. At present, the Overland Track is our primary large-pack adventure.
The Right Advice
The owners of Peak Potential Adventures are qualified personal trainers and can help you understand the level of fitness required for your chosen adventure.
If you would like advice on your current fitness, training program, cardiovascular conditioning or endurance preparation, please contact us. We’re happy to help you prepare so you can complete and enjoy your adventure with confidence.
