Tromsdalstinden

Within a couple of days of arriving I'd already decided my first mountain in Tromsø would be Tromsdalstinden. Within walking distance of Tromsø, it's broad form rises 1238m – significantly higher than anything in its immediate surroundings.  While walking around the city I caught glimpses of the top and could see that the route up the north ridge was pretty-much snow-free, making it an obvious choice. On Thursday morning, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures, I decided it would be a good day to go for a stroll, and with my smug self-confidence still imbuing everything with a golden hue after the previous day's trip up Sørtinden, I was ready for anything.

By lunchtime, my plans had grown and blossomed into an overnighter. I had a new shelter to try out, and as the midnight sun opens up hiking hours considerably (there are no limitations on when to start or finish hiking) I planned to set off after an early dinner, be on top by around 9pm, and find somewhere to camp around 11pm.

Easy peasy.

Sørtinden - first walk in Tromsø

After spending a couple of days familiarising myself with Tromsø, buying maps and researching the hills and mountains on various websites, books and maps, I was eager to stretch my legs and climb up something Norwegian. I was looking for a fairly sedate climb to introduce Enni to the joys of mountains, and reintroduce my leg muscles to the effects of climbing them – something which I knew would come as a bit of a shock after Finland's "less vertiginous" landscape – so I averted my eyes from the temptation of 1000m plus peaks for the gentler terrain of the foothills.

I found a smallish, reasonably-easy-to-climb fjell called Sørtinden which, while a modest 450m, looked like it would afford some nice views from the top over towards the sea and nearby islands. After Enni awoke from her afternoon nap, we packed a backpack, jumped in the car and set off for a family hike.

Ultralight Makeover Redux: Part 12 - Give your feet a break

The final edition of a 12-part series in which Backpacking North analyzes Backpacker magazine's recommendations to reduce your pack weight, and offers a more comprehensive selection of tips and gear recommendations from hiking blogs and experienced ultralight bloggers.

In this edition we look at how to give your feet a break and go light with footwear.

Tromsø Bound!

I was very excited a couple of weeks ago to be asked to go an an artist residency to Tromsø, Norway with my wife. We don't often get the opportunity to go on residencies what with a dog and a daughter to add to the equation, but happily things have worked out this time and we'll be spending the whole of June in one of my favourite northern cities,

This of course means there will be some hiking/backpacking going on, so I'd like to take this opportunity to ask any Tromsø readers for tips.

Ultralight Makeover Redux: Part 11 - Go Smart Tech

Part 11 of a 12-part series in which Backpacking North analyzes Backpacker magazine's recommendations to reduce your pack weight, and offers a more comprehensive selection of tips and gear recommendations from hiking blogs and experienced ultralight bloggers.

In this edition we look at the ways "smart tech" can help you achieve a lighter pack weight.

The White Stuff: Fatbikes in Winter

Remember winter? It was just a few weeks ago, but until this morning already seemed a distant frostbitten memory to me until Kristin from A Pair of Boots and a Backpack posted about the Fatbike excursion I took her on in March.

Check out her excellent blog post about the trip – I think she had fun; she even made a video which makes me all nostalgic for the white stuff.

Vikaköngas to Vaattunkilämpi: A Springtime Microadventure

It's already April. No more excuses.  It's time to make the most of what remains of winter.

It's been gorgeous weather recently – the blinding sun gives just enough heat to raise daytime temperatures above freezing. While the cross-country ski tracks in the city are looking a little the worse for wear from the warmer weather and ski-hungry crowds, the snow in the forest and on the hills is still deep and clean and virtually untouched – so that's where I'm heading.

It's going to be a short trip – a microadventure if you like – leaving home around 17:30 and back in time for my morning duties.  A refreshing dose of exercise, fresh air, solitude, and relaxation, sandwiched in-between the daily rituals.

I stuff everything I can find into my pack, in this instance a Granite Gear Vapor Trail – its voluminous capacity (it can swallow small children whole) and the fact that I'll be pulling everything in my pulk means I'm less concerned with weight than usual. I strap the skis to the top, and shove the shovel underneath; it's probably overkill, but who cares. For short trips it's best not to sweat it: Don't worry. Just go.