Over the last few days I’ve been sharing some details of a 2012 solo trek to Northern Sweden.
Starting from Abisko in the arctic circle, (68°21’N), I followed the Kungsleden south over 11 days, covering approximately 100km through:
• Abisko ‘ Nissunjåkka (4km)
Abiskojaure ‘ Unna Allakas
‘° Alesjaure (via snow pass)
» Tjäktja ‘ Nallostugan
² Return via Vistas Valley
Back to Abisko via Abiskojaure
Essential Gear
Sleep System (3.5kg)
Mountain Equipment Xero 550 down bag
¡ Thermarest Neoair
Լ Vango Helium Superlite 200 tent
§¦ Silk liner
Food & Cooking (7kg)
• Trangia stove + pan, 500ml meths
§ 3L Platypus
2kg spaghetti
§ 1.5kg cheese (sealed packets)
1kg dried fruit
« 24 chocolate bars
Instant noodles, rice
• Tomato puree, salsa
Camera Kit (4.5kg)
¸ Canon 5D II + 24-205mm f4
• Sanyo CA100
± Nokia N900 (kept off)
¾ 88GB CF, 16GB SD storage
9 Canon batteries
• Glidecam XR 2000
Clothing (4kg)
3 quick-dry vests
2 synthetic long-sleeves
§• 2 cotton thermals
2 shorts, 1 tracksuit
§• 2 microfibre fleeces
¦º Salopettes
§¦ 3 pairs dual-lined socks
¢ Raichle boots
§ Sailing gloves (fingerless + thick)
Technical (2kg)
Osprey pack
‘ Ice axe
§ Compass, maps
¦ Headtorch
‘ First aid kit
ª± Space blanket
Total Weight: 21kg
October Conditions
‘ Temps: -4°C to +6°C
Dark by 6-7pm
Most huts unmanned
¨ Snow at elevation
µ No mobile signal
© Main trail marked with red crosses
Wooden planking on wet sections
º Side trails challenging
§ Water plentiful but may freeze
‘½ Pack more fuel than needed
Layer clothing effectively
The Kungsleden in October offers solitude but demands respect. Expect snow, limited daylight, and unmanned facilities. The main trail is well-marked, but side paths require solid navigation skills. While challenging, the quiet beauty of the Arctic autumn makes it worthwhile for prepared hikers.
Read the STF website in more than I did before you go.
Originally posted on this post on Instagram
