Packraft expedition training course Itinerary & Logistics
The Overview
Packraft Hardangervidda crossing is not a simple river descent or a centre-based paddling course. This is a 90 km self-supported journey through the heart of the plateau, travelling on foot to reach the Kvenna before following its lakes and river system all the way down towards Mogen.
For the first two to two and a half days we journey across the high ground, carrying packrafts and expedition kit towards the start of the water. Once on the Kvenna, the route links lake sections, short river descents, portages and moving water. At the end of each lake we follow the river down to the next, reading the rapids, choosing what to paddle and portaging the more technical sections.
The journey travels through a huge valley that changes constantly. It starts high, rocky and open, around 1,200 metres, with a feel closer to Iceland than lower Norway. As the route drops, the ground becomes greener, the valley narrows in places, waterfalls appear, and the final approach to Mogen passes through meadow-like ground with wildflowers.
This is moose, reindeer, fox and wolverine country. Each night we camp beside a river or lake, collect water, manage kit, fish if conditions allow, and settle into the rhythm of expedition travel. The final night is spent at Mogen hut with a proper meal before taking the boat out across the lake system and returning by bus through Rjukan to Oslo.
The Scottish Highlands Itinerary
-
We will meet in Inverness mid/late afternoon and travel by minibus to Slattadale on the shores of Loch Maree.
After establishing camp, we will introduce the equipment, review the planned route and discuss the conditions and environments we will encounter over the weekend.
-
After breakfast, we will prepare and pack the boats for the journey.
You will have the opportunity to compare and use a range of packrafts, paddles, buoyancy aids and storage systems, while learning how to load and organise a boat for an overnight expedition.
We will then develop the essential paddling, communication and rescue skills before setting out across Loch Maree towards the islands.
As we travel, we will look at open-water paddling, route choice, wind, waves and managing a group of loaded packrafts. We will explore part of the island group before continuing northwest along the loch to our second camp.
The evening will focus on expedition routines, including campcraft, water purification, equipment care, repairs and emergency planning.
Weather, daylight and the ability of the group permitting, we will also complete an evening mountain journey or scramble, introducing the overland element of packraft travel.
Wild camp.
-
A full mountain travel day across the high plateau.
This is open, rocky Hardangervidda terrain, often around 1,200 metres, with a feel closer to Iceland than lower, greener Norway. We continue moving towards the Kvenna system.
Wild camp.
The detail
Cost per person £650
Inclusions
All Meals - Day 2 Breakfast through to Day 8 Lunch (D9 breakfast also encluded)
All in country transfers (Other than Airport transfers)
Equipment – Packraft system, Tent system, stove system, group safety/comms equipment.
Polar/Arctic guide (Jamie the director + another if numbers require)
2 night hotel 5 nights tents.
Exclusions
Flights and transfer to UK airport/transfers into Oslo centre
Insurance
Anything not stated in Inclusions
Personal equipment
