Trip Mindset

Adaptation of the ATES scale to trip planning in general

What kind of trip is this?

• Simple:
  • easy travel:
    • well-mapped, obvious trails
    • poor trails but in familiar territory
    • simple and short cross-country travel in familiar territory
    • easy navigation
  • favorable weather
  • low risk exposure (e.g. below Class 3 scrambling, Class I whitewater with warm temps, easy river crossings, etc.)
  • level of exertion well below physical limits
  • low commitment - easy self-result/bail options
  • close to well-resourced and responsive first responders (e.g. Yosemite, Front Range)
• Challenging: one or more of the following:
  • challenging travel:
    • poor/unmapped/unmarked trails in unfamiliar territory
    • complex or extensive cross-country travel
    • difficult navigation (fog/snow, thick brush, canyons, etc.)
  • unfavorable weather
  • moderate risk exposure (e.g. Class 4 scrambling, Class II-III whitewater or cold water, difficult river crossings, etc.)
  • level of exertion close to physical limits
  • moderately committing - some self-rescue options, but some committing sections, or long/difficult bails
  • external rescue likely to be difficult and take a while, e.g. Alaska
• Complex: many of the above, or one or more of the following:
  • very difficult travel:
    • off-trail with no established beta
    • extreme brush
  • dangerous weather (extreme cold, etc)
  • high risk exposure (e.g. Class 5+ climbing, Class IV+ whitewater, etc.)
  • “red line” levels of exertion for extended periods
  • highly committing routes with limited or no self-rescue