Every trip we run carries a number from 1 to 5. It is the first thing we look at when we design a trip, and the first thing we ask you to look at when you choose one. The Kineo Effort Scale exists for a simple reason: a trip is only enjoyable if the days suit your body.
The five levels
- 1 · Easy. Gentle activity for a few hours a day. Suits anyone in everyday good health.
- 2 · Moderate. Regular activity with some sustained effort. Good if you walk, swim or ride every week.
- 3 · Active. Moving for most of the day. You will want a solid base of fitness.
- 4 · Challenging. Long days with real distance or elevation. Plan to train before you travel.
- 5 · Expedition. Sustained hard effort over several days. Prior experience is required.
The number is only the start
Alongside the level, every trip page shows the typical daily distance, climbing and hours. Two trips at level 3 can feel different: a swim camp asks for a few kilometres in the water spread over two sessions, while a cycling trip asks for several hours in the saddle. Read the daily figures as closely as the number.
The level describes the hardest regular days, not the rest days. A level 4 trek may include a short walk on arrival and a free afternoon near the end. It also assumes normal conditions. Heat, wind, altitude or a rough sea can make any day feel one level harder, which is why your guide may change the plan on the day.
How to find your level
Start with what you do now, not what you did ten years ago. A useful test is to repeat a typical trip day at home:
- For a swim camp, swim the entry distance non-stop in a pool, then do it again the next morning.
- For a trek, walk for the trip's daily hours with a loaded daypack, ideally with some climbing.
- For a ride, cover the trip's daily distance on two days in a row.
If that feels comfortable, the level is right for you. If it leaves you exhausted, look one level down or give yourself more time to train. Most people can move up one level with eight to twelve weeks of steady preparation.
When to talk to us first
Tell us before you book if you are new to an activity, coming back from injury, or choosing a level 4 or 5 trip. We would rather spend ten minutes on a call than see you struggle on day two. Our trip experts will look at what you do now and suggest the trip that fits.
You can read more on our Plan and prepare page, or talk to a trip expert.
