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

Overland Track

australia/tasmania-cradle-mountain
VS
Route B

Vale do Pati

brazil/chapada-diamantina

Overland Track vs Vale do Pati: Intensity Score Comparison

Vale do Pati is unequivocally more demanding overall (+21 points). While Overland Track is a serious endeavor, Vale do Pati pushes the limits further, particularly regarding technical seriousness and exposure.

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

Intensity Difference
+21 Vale do Pati is harder
Higher Physical Load
Overland Track
Higher Technical Seriousness
Vale do Pati
Greater Commitment
Vale do Pati
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Vale do Patiwins 6 of 8 metrics
2
Route A
6
Route B
australia/tasmania-cradle-mountain

Overland Track

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

The Overland Track is a 65km point-to-point alpine traverse through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Running from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, the route passes through dramatic glaciated valleys, ancient rainforests, and high moorlands. Under the management of Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, the trail offers a deep connection to Tasmania's unique natural heritage, including the endemic King Billy Pine and high dolerite peaks. The route consists of a mix of well-maintained boardwalks, exposed rocky ridges, and forested sections that can become muddy during sustained rainfall.

brazil/chapada-diamantina

Vale do Pati

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

Vale do Pati is a remote multi-day trekking destination within the Chapada Diamantina National Park, characterized by its dramatic sandstone plateaus, escarpments, and lush river valleys. The trek is widely regarded as one of Brazil's most historic and scenic landscapes, defined by its lack of vehicular access and its network of local homestays. Hikers stay in the simple dwellings of traditional families, providing a unique cultural immersion into the rural Bahian interior.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
67
WINNER88
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
67 WINNER
64
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
51
WINNER87
DistanceLonger route
65 km WINNER
40 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
1,461 m
WINNER2,500 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,250 m
WINNER1,500 m
DurationShorter commitment
6 days
WINNER3 days
Hazard Level
EXPERT // HAZARD
EXPERT // HAZARD
Crowd LevelLess crowded
4 / 5
WINNER2 / 5
Remoteness
5 / 5
5 / 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
Overland Track
EXPERT // HAZARD
alpine weather variability: Rapid weather transitions can generate blizzard conditions and strong winds at any time of year on the Cradle Plateau and Pelion Gap.
terrain and traction: Boardwalk sections can be slippery when wet, while forested sectors in the Du Cane range often feature exposed roots and deep mud.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Vale do Pati
EXPERT // HAZARD
dehydration and heat: Trekking across exposed plateaus in the searing Bahian sun forces massive fluid loss.
flash floods: Sudden rains in the plateaus cause 'trombas d'água', raising river levels by meters in seconds.

Required Gear Comparison

Overland Track
Reliable waterproof outer shell and wind protectionFuel-burning stove (open fires are prohibited)4-season alpine-spec shelterPersonal Locator Beacon (PLB)Waterproof pack liner and dry bagsSub-zero rated thermal layers and sleeping system
Vale do Pati
Light, breathable jungle-weather clothingHydration bladderTrekking poles for steep rock descentsWater shoes (for river crossings)Water filtration system

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
EXPERT // HAZARD
argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Seefelder Spitze — The Karwendel Crown
EXPERT // HAZARD
australia
Thorsborne Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
australia
Wilderness Coast Walk
EXPERT // HAZARD