Scramble Classes for Hiking – Quick Guide
| Class | Hands Used | Exposure | Description |
|---|
| Class 1 | No | None | Walking on trail or open terrain |
| Class 2 | Occasional (balance) | Low | Steep or rocky terrain; hands help with balance |
| Class 3 | Required | Moderate | Scrambling on rock, ledges, slabs, or short faces |
| Class 4 | Constant | High | Very steep, exposed scrambling; rope might help |
| Class 5 | Technical climbing | Extreme | Vertical or near-vertical rock climbing |
Rule of Thumb:
Hands for balance = Class 2 •
Hands required to climb = Class 3 •
A slip could be fatal = Class 4+
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