Rating a Trail :

Rating a Trail

When rating a trail its important that we are all using the the same terms to mean the same things. Therefore, we have come up with the following very easy system for rating trails:

Difficulty level scale ::  1) EASY 2) MODERATE 3) HARD 4) OUCH!

The scale is based on your average middle aged (35-45) person who leads a normal average life is not fanatical about anything, likes a drink, likes to eat, and has a few excess kilos (to say the least looking at my "6 pack" which could probably be better described as a barrel of beer). If you are not "average" then you can adjust accordingly  ;D

Easy - speaks for itself, achievable by anyone in under two hours, no physical exertion, like a walk down to the shops with a twist
Moderate - more physically demanding than "easy" and involving longer trail times and possibly some steep climbs or some difficult terrain. Your average trail.
Hard - physically demanding, steep hillsides, difficult terrain throughout, for those who have experience in moderate trails already.
Ouch! - speaks for itself.

Minimum Essentials

The minimum essentials refer to the basic supplies you would need to take to complete the trail safely and in good physical condition. If you are in better physical condition than our "Mr. Average" you can take less. You can also take less and still "survive" the trail especially the easy and moderate trails and especially in winter when humidity is less BUT this is what we recommend to take with you in order to have an enjoyable and safe trek.

Water - water requirements are stated in multiples of 500 ml (or 1/2 litre) as that is the standard bottle size in Thailand. Easy really, 1.5 L means 3 small bottles.

Rehydration salts - buy them from any chemist or drug store in Thailand. They cost between 5 and 8 baht each depending on how many you buy. Buy the sports ones, they come in little sachets and can be stored in your pack easily. One sachet dilutes into a 500 ml bottle of water perfectly.

Snacks - standard snacks available at any 7/11 to keep up your energy and provide for a nice stop break on your trail. Can be anything you like: chocolate, nuts, crisps, fruit, whatever. Food - on the longer treks you may need something more substantial food that snacks.

Sugar source - very very important on moderate, hard and ouch tracks. You use energy very fast especially when its humid so you will need a high energy sugar source to get you going on the longer treks. We recommend the same product as all the rangers seem to use - RED BULL or Kratin Daeng. The aluminium cans are lighter to carry than the bottles. I put it into an aluminum refillable bottle so I can sip it when I like. When you can't walk anymore a can of this stuff turns you into superman.

Remember that you will use a lot of energy on some of the trails and replenishing your energy reserves and keeping well hydrated is the most important thing bar none. Its better to be over cautious and take more than you need.

If you are over-nighting in the forest (i.e. deep forest not the park's camp site!) we strongly suggest making arrangements with the park rangers and having them arrange your logistics and supplies.

And lastly, please remember to bring back all of your trash with you!