(cross post from r/ultralight – didn’t get many responses so seeing if maybe there is more experience with the trail here)
I have around 20 days, more or less, to spend on the trail in Norway in August this year, and looking to plan around the MASSIV itinerary. I will be carrying my tent so don't need to rely on hut-to-hut itineraries. Looking for input on which sections to hike, potential extensions, general input. I know there is ut.no, just interested in some personal recommendations.
Tusen takk!
Questions:
- Jotunheimen extensions: I will definitely do Skarvheimen and Jotunheimen sections, and interested to spend more time in Jotunheimen, though I've previously hiked the circuit around Bessegen-Glitterheim-Spiterspulen-Leirvassbu-Gjendebu. I don't mind going through parts of that again, but any other ideas on extending the Jotunheimen section? I also wouldn't mind basing somewhere in Jotunheimen for a few days to do day hikes or scrambles from.
- Hardangervidda vs. Breheimen: Hardangervidda looks a little monotonous (still gorgeous, but looks like many days of flatland), so maybe I would prefer to extend with Breheimen. Or does anyone think Hardangervidda is a better choice?
- Tenting in Breheimen: Can I split Breheimen into 3-4 days instead of 2 days, or is it too rocky to find in-between camping spots?
- Bad weather buffer: Any advice on how much time to buffer for bad weather? Like, is it possible to get stuck for a week due to storm or can some parts of the trail become impassable from snow?
- Temperature range: Guessing nights at 1500 masl might be between 0-5C based on yr.no stats with potential extreme for -5C.
- 1 trekking pole vs. 2: I usually hike with 1, and there don't seem to be any big river crossings that would necessitate 2. But maybe it's helpful for all the scree walking?
- Any input on "potential unlucky situations" to prepare for are welcome.
- Is there a Facebook group discussing the trail? Or just not enough people hiked it?
by honey-combed