2.800-kilometer hike with a dog - Here is the packing checklist!

Stine Cecilie Mikalsen and her Alaskan Malamute Nanook plans to walk across Norway, from Nordkapp to Lindesnes. The route is more than 2.800 kilometers long. Find out how they prepared and organized such a long hike!

I will walk the length of Norway with Nanook, a 50 kilo Alaskan Malamute. To me, there is no rush to make it in a short time. I want us to enjoy the nature, the wildlife and have a good time. I want to disconnect from our regular life and feel like there are only Nanook and I in the world. In the past few years, I have struggled with my mental health. My goal for this trip is to improve my mental and physical health by doing what I love.

Preparations

A lot of thoughts are going through your mind before a trip like this.

I like being in nature, but my mental health also gives me some challenges to plan and go for a trip like this. I will not only have to fight against nature, blisters and a heavy backpack. I also have to fight against my anxiety. I have been questioning myself before this; "What am I going? Why can't I just go hiking nearby?" I guess I will have a bunch of excuses to quit and go home along the way, and it will be hard to be away from family and friends for such a long time. Still, I am determined to make this, together with Nanook.

Before going, I have prepared myself and Nanook. We have trained and done health checks to make sure our bodies are ready for the challenge. I have also attended a seminar on first aid.

Learn more: Podcast on first aid with Trude Mostue

Clothes, necessary gear and food are packed and placed in depots. I have checked electronics and other equipment to make sure it works.

Nanook and his backpack

Nanook will carry a dog backpack containing his food. He has done this many times before, and he takes great pride in his job!

When training, we have increased weight gradually. At the moment, Nanook is capable of carrying food for about six days.

Learn more: Tips for backpacking with dogs

Nanook is using Amundsen pack. This backpack for dogs is adjustable, padded and a massive pack volume. There is a neat pocket on the top where you can place your contact information if something happens. I also like that it is water-resistant!

I bring a fish weighing scale to make sure the weight is even on each side. The backpack should lie stable on your dog, and you have to check regularly to make sure it does not chafe anywhere when going on longer hikes.

The route - where to go?

The original plan was to start at Lindesnes in may, but due to Covid-19, puppies and warm weather, we decided to start at the opposite end, Nordkapp, in July instead. The good thing is that we will be able to move at a steadier pace and we do not have to worry about sheep or cows along the trail, adders, or ticks!

We plan to walk through most of the national parks along the way, but some parts will also be by the road. I also want to walk across Lofoten to Å, then take the boat to Bodø and walk from there. The unique nature of Lofoten makes it worth the detour!

I am very excited about Børgefjell, where nature is quite untouched. Jotunheimen and Hardangervidda will also be exciting, as there might be snow when I reach that point. Time will show!

The route:

1: Nordkapp - Alta

2: Alta - Kautokeino

3: Kautokeino - Saraelv

4: Saraelv - Birtavarre

5: Birtavarre - Skibotn

7: Skibotn - Øverbygd

8: Øverbygd - Setermoen

9: Setermoen - Bjerkvik

10: Bjerkvik - Lødingen

11: Lødingen - Svolvær

12: Svolvær - Å - Bodø

13: Bodø - Mo i Rana

14: Mo i Rana - Hattfjelldal

15: Hattfjelldal - Børgefjellbua

16: Børgefjellbua - Snåsa

17: Snåsa - Meråker

18: Meråker - Haltdalen

19: Haltdalen - Vågå

20: Vågå - Haugastøl

21: Haugastøl - Haukeli

22: Haukeli - Bygland

23: Bygland - Lindesnes

I have chosen to stay in Norway all the time because of Covid-19 and Nanook. This gives me an excellent opportunity to discover Norwegian nature! The route is only a guideline on where to go. It might change underway. That is what makes longer hikes like this exciting!

Depots

I have prepared depots in advance. They contain food, hygiene items, candy, dog food and snacks.

1: Alta

2: Saraelv

3: Skibotn

4: Øverbygd

5: Setermoen

6: Bjerkvik

7: Lødingen

8: Svolvær

9: Bodø

10: Mo i Rana

11: Hattfjelldal

12: Børgefjellbua

13: Snåsa

14: Meråker

15: Haltdalen

16: Vågå

17: Haugastøl

18: Haukeli

19: Bygland

Packing list for my dog

• Dryfood, about 650 grams each day
• Freeze dried tripe , every second day to keep Nanook's body fat up
• Snacks
• Dog backpack
• Booties
• Paw ointment
• Nansen nome harness
• Collar
• 2 leashes, one long and one short
• Chain or wire
• First aid kit

Packing list and gear for me

It is essential to check that all the equipment is intact and works before going for a hike like this.

Weight and comfort were important factors when deciding what to bring. I did choose a bigger tent as I wanted enough room for me, Nanook and our gear on days with bad weather.

Electronics

• GPS
• Camera
• Powerbank
• Solar panel
• Headlight
• Cell phone
• Extra batteries
• Watch
• Chargers

Navigation

• Compass
• Maps
• The app "Friluftsliv Norge"
• Plastic cover for the maps

Clothes and other gear

• 2 briefs
• Wool bra
• 2-3 pairs of socks
• 2 t-shirts
• Shorts
• Warm sweater to sleep in
• Wool sweater
• 2 wool pants
• Wind- and waterproof jacket and pants
• Hiking shoes and asphalt shoes
• Hiking pants
• Hat and multi scarf
• Gloves
• Sunglasses
• Backpack, 85 liters
• Dry bags
• Down jacket

Cooking

• Gas
• Stove
• Foldable cutlery
• Cup
• Matches
• Knife
• Soap
• Sponge for dishes
• Water bottle

Hygiene and safety

• Antibacterial cleaner
• A small towel
• Soap
• Toilet paper and liners
• Blister plasters
• Walking poles
• Sun lotion
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• First aid kit
• Regular medications

Camp-gear

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Shoes
• Extra tent plugs and ropes

Food

• A homemade mix of oatmeal/granola/dry milk
• Lunch: Instant just-add-water-meals, crispbread
• Snacks: Chocolate, biscuits, nuts, dried meat
• Dinner: Freeze-dried meal
• Evening: Leftovers
• Warm chocolate, ice tea, tea and water to drink

I am both excited and nervous at the same time!

What I am happiest about is spending time with Nanook and relaxing together. It is a struggle, but I feel confident it will be worth it!

Feel free to follow our journey on Instagram!