Can anyone help resolve a physics argument (and prove me right)

[BillMasen]

I’m having a disagreement with my partner

Say there are 2 paths up a hill. One is steep but short, the other long but shallow. Both start at the same point at the bottom and end at the same point at the top

They say that the total energy expended taking the shallow path is less than taking the steeper path. I say it’s the same.

Who is right?

I'm a physicist of sorts and a hiker and I think it would be the same because you gain the same altitude and you walk further with the shallower path so while it feels easier you're taking more steps.

I think this is the problem with the word energy, it means so many different things.

As others have said, the potential energy is the same.

However, the energy you would use (calories burned, how tired you feel etc) will surely depend. Theoretically, it would be possible to have a six foot ladder going more or less vertically up, and a 26 mile path very slowly sloping up six feet from start to end. I know which would tire me out more!