HikeMetrics
Global Hiking Index
HikeMetrics
Global Hiking Index
HikeMetrics // Comparison Engine
Route A

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)

israel/national-cross-country
VS
Route B

Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)

argentina/nahuel-huapi-national-park-bariloche

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) vs Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios): Intensity Score Comparison

Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+27 points). While Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) is a serious endeavor, Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding technical seriousness and exposure.

Model-based (not a field report) · Evaluates overall route demand, not danger.

Intensity Difference
+27 Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
Greater Commitment
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Perfectly Matched Routes
5
Route A
5
Route B
israel/national-cross-country

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

The Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) is a long-distance route spanning approximately 1,100km (680 miles) from Kibbutz Dan in the north to the Red Sea at Eilat. The trail traverses diverse ecological and historical zones, including the forested hills of the Galilee, the coastal plain, the Jerusalem highlands, and the extensive Negev and Arava deserts. Thru-hiking the full distance typically requires 40-50 days. The infrastructure utilizes ancient caravan roads, Roman routes, and significant desert wadi systems, providing a comprehensive transect of the region's topography and Mediterranean-to-arid climate transition.

argentina/nahuel-huapi-national-park-bariloche

Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)

EXTREME // LETHAL
Full Route Report

The Nahuel Huapi Traverse is a multi-day hut-to-hut route that circumnavigates the mountain ranges adjacent to San Carlos de Bariloche. The trail follows a high-alpine path, connecting four distinct mountain refugios via ridgelines, loose scree slopes, and granite passes. The terrain is characterized by a mix of Andean forest and exposed high-altitude terrain, where route-finding and stability on loose rock are primary requirements. The system of stone huts (refugios) provides a logistical framework for the journey, though hikers must be prepared for sustained physical output in an exposed mountain environment.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
66
WINNER93
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
80 WINNER
68
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
40
WINNER95
DistanceLonger route
1100 km WINNER
45 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
18,000 m WINNER
3,400 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,208 m
WINNER2,050 m
DurationShorter commitment
45 days
WINNER4 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
EXPERT // HAZARD WINNER
EXTREME // LETHAL
Crowd LevelLess crowded
2 / 5 WINNER
3 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
3 / 5
WINNER4 / 5

HikeMetrics Hazard Scale — Explanation

1
LOW // ACCESS
2
STANDARD // RT
3
MODERATE // CHLG
4
EXPERT // HAZARD
5
EXTREME // LETHAL

The HikeMetrics Hazard Scale is a proprietary 5-point classification system that evaluates hiking routes across five dimensions: physical demand, technical complexity, altitude exposure, weather risk, and rescue accessibility.

Unlike generic star ratings, the Hazard Scale is calibrated against altitude profiles, elevation gain per day, and logistical isolation factors — making it the most precise route classification system available.

Full Scale Documentation
Route A // Hazard Verdict
Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
EXPERT // HAZARD
water scarcity in negev: The southern half of the trail (Negev Desert) has almost no natural water sources for days at a time.
extreme heat and flash floods: Daytime temperatures in the desert can exceed 35°C, while narrow wadis can flash-flood instantly during rare rain events.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
EXTREME // LETHAL
technical scrambling and exposure: Portions of the route, particularly the section between Jakob and Laguna Negra, involve steep terrain with significant fall potential and Class 2-3 scrambling sections on loose rock.
mountain weather variables: The ridgelines are fully exposed to regional weather systems. High winds, temperature drops, and sudden precipitation can occur regardless of the season.

Required Gear Comparison

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
High-quality, breathable trekking bootsWater bladder system (minimum 3L)Lightweight tent or tarp for the desert sectionsSun protection (everything from hat to SPF 50+)Small spirit stove or small burner (for desert camping)INT Trail Map or GPS with 'Shvil' trackLightweight down jacket (desert nights are cold in winter)
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
High-cut trekking boots with rigid solesTechnical backpack (40-50L capacity)Waterproof hardshell and synthetic insulation layersSleeping bag liner for refugio staysTrekking poles for stability on loose screeRedundant navigation (GPS with offline maps and paper backups)Gloves and headwear for exposed ridge sections

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Huemul Circuit
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
EXPERT // HAZARD
argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Berliner Höhenweg — The Zillertal High-Route
EXTREME // LETHAL
austria
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
EXPERT // HAZARD