Trip types & route styles

Articles containing information regarding Trip types & route styles

• Continuous End To End Single Trail Thru Hikes

  Continuous end to end single trail thru hikes are long distance journeys where hikers complete one named route in one season, following its official or commonly accepted line from a defined starting point to a defined terminus without intentionally skipping segments.

• Credit Card Style Routes Using Lodging And Services

  Credit card style long distance routes rely heavily on paid lodging, food, and other services along the way, allowing hikers to carry reduced gear and purchase most needs as they go.

• Fastpacking And Speed Focused Long Distance Efforts

  Fastpacking and speed focused long distance efforts are trip styles that combine running or rapid hiking with lightweight gear and extended daily distances to cover routes more quickly than traditional backpacking paces.

• High Route Style Largely Off Trail Traverses

  High route style largely off trail traverses are long distance or multi-week itineraries that seek to stay near divides, ridges, or other elevated features, often using a mix of trails, informal paths, and cross country travel.

• Inn To Inn And Hut To Hut Long Distance Hiking

  Inn to inn and hut to hut long distance hiking involves traveling between established accommodations or shelters each night, reducing or removing the need to carry camping equipment on certain routes.

• Loop And Circuit Style Long Distance Routes

  Loop and circuit style long distance routes begin and end at the same general location, creating closed or near-closed shapes that allow hikers to complete extended journeys without arranging separate start and finish logistics.

• Pilgrimage And Culturally Significant Walking Routes

  Pilgrimage and culturally significant walking routes are long distance journeys that follow paths with historical, spiritual, cultural, or commemorative meaning in addition to their physical and scenic aspects.

• Section Hiking Over Multiple Seasons Or Years

  Section hiking over multiple seasons or years is an approach where hikers complete a long distance route piece by piece, returning to finish additional segments as schedules and conditions allow.

• Slackpacking And Day Pack Only Segments

  Slackpacking and day pack only segments refer to days or sections where hikers walk with minimal gear, typically returning to the same lodging or moving forward with help from shuttles, friends, or other transportation.

• Slow Travel And Extended Paced Thru Hiking

  Slow travel and extended paced thru hiking describe trip styles where hikers intentionally limit daily mileage or maximize time on route in order to emphasize immersion, reflection, and flexible schedules over rapid completion.

• Supported Van Supported And Crew Supported Hiking

  Supported, van supported, and crew supported hiking formats involve one or more people who are not walking the entire route providing logistical help such as transport, food, lodging, or gear transfers.

• Thru Hikes Composed Of Linked Trails And Connectors

  Thru hikes composed of linked trails and connectors are long distance journeys built by combining multiple existing routes, road walks, and custom links into a single continuous line from an agreed starting point to an agreed endpoint.

• Town Frequent Routes With Regular Resupply Options

  Town frequent routes with regular resupply options are long distance itineraries that intersect built communities and road crossings at comparatively short intervals, enabling shorter food carries and more frequent access to services.

• Wilderness Focused Routes With Minimal Town Access

  Wilderness focused routes with minimal town access are long distance itineraries that prioritize extended time in remote landscapes, with relatively few road crossings, resupply options, or built facilities.

• Winter And shoulder Season Long Distance Routes

  Winter and shoulder season long distance routes are itineraries planned outside typical peak hiking windows, emphasizing lower temperatures, shorter days, and potentially increased snow or weather variability.