• (no stars) – Average.  Nature is cool, but the there isn’t anything divinely remarkable about this outting.
• * – Good Fun.
• ** – Great!
• *** – Wow!  Awesome, Do not miss this life changing opportunity!

• Grade I: one to two hours of climbing.
• Grade II: less than half a day.
• Grade III: half a day.
• Grade IV: full day.
• Grade V: two day.
• Grade VI: multi-day.
• Grade VII:  a week or longer

• Class 1 is walking on an even, often planar, surface with a low chance of injury, and a fall is unlikely to be fatal.
• Class 2 and 3 are steeper scrambling with increased exposure and a greater chance of severe injury, but falls are not always fatal.
• Class 4 can involve short steep sections where the use of a rope is recommended, and un-roped falls could be fatal.
• Class 5 is considered true rock climbing, predominantly on vertical or near vertical rock, and requires skill and a rope to proceed safely. Un-roped falls would result in severe injury or death.
• 5.2-5.15 In the 1930’s the Sierra Club created the Yosemite Decimal System for further breaking down the difficulties of class 5 climbing.  Originally from 5.2-5.9 they now range up to 5.15!

• G – Good, solid protection ground up
• PG – Pretty good, few sections of poor or non-existent placements
• PG13 – OK protection, falls may be long but will probably not cause serious injury.
• R – Runout, some protection placements may be very far apart (possibility of broken bones, even when properly protected)
• X – No protection, extremely dangerous (possibility of death, even when properly protected)
• The G and PG ratings are often left out, as being typical of normal, everyday climbing. PG13 ratings are occasionally included. R and X climbs are usually noted as a caution to the unwary leader. (content from Wikipedia: Grade [climbing])

• WI2 – low-angled (60 degree consistent ice), with good technique can be easily climbed with one ice axe. Grades beyond this generally require the use of two ice tools.
• WI3 – generally sustained in the 60-70 degree range with occasional near-vertical steps up to 4 metres
• WI4 – near-vertical steps of up to 10 metres, generally sustained climbing requiring placing protection screws from strenuous stances
• WI5 – near-vertical or vertical steps of up to 20 metres, sustained climbing requiring placing multiple protection screws from strenuous stances with few good rests
• WI6 – vertical climbing for the entire pitch (e.g. 30–60 metres) with no rests. Requires excellent technique and/or a high level of fitness

• Class I- Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.
• Class II: Novice – Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class II+”.
• Class III: Intermediate – Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class III-” or “Class III+” respectively.
• Class IV: Advanced – Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require “must” moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class IV-” or “Class IV+” respectively.
• Class V: Expert – Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain** large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is recommended but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. A very reliable eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential. Because of the large range of difficulty that exists beyond Class IV, Class 5 is an open-ended, multiple-level scale designated by class 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, etc… each of these levels is an order of magnitude more difficult than the last. Example: increasing difficulty from Class 5.0 to Class 5.1 is a similar order of magnitude as increasing from Class IV to Class 5.0.
• Class VI: Extreme and Exploratory Rapids These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. After a Class VI rapids has been run many times, its rating

(Information from American Whitewater)

• Single set of cams to 3″  (micro set of cams are sometimes handy)
• Single set of nuts (all sizes), extras for bailing
• (x10-14) Runners (half shoulder length & half quick draws, give or take)
• (x1-2) Double length runner
• Extra cord for rappel anchors

• Single set of cams to 4″
• Double set of cams to 3″
• Many nuts (all sizes), extras for bailing
• (x10-14) Runners (half shoulder length & half quick draws, give or take)
• (x1-2) Double length runner
• Extra cord for rappel anchors

• 10-14 Ice Screws (various lengths)
• (x10-14) Runners (half shoulder length & half quick draws/’Screamers’, give or take)
• Pins/warthogs; useful when the ice runs out
• V-thread tool
• (x1-2) Double length runner
• Extra cord for rappel anchors

• Skis/Snowboard with touring bindings
• Ski Poles
• Avalanche Transciever/Beacon
• Shovel
• Probe