The inaugural 2024 Lofoten Stage Run paved the way for what is Norway’s premiere multi-stage running event. Taking place over 6-days (4-days running,) the LSR event was inspired by the 170km solo event taking place under the umbrella of events titled The Arctic Triple – ski mountaineering, trail running and triathlon.
2025 will see the 2nd edition take place and once again two distance options will be available, 170km ‘Expedition‘ and the 100km ‘Adventure‘ run.
While 100km may seen extremely manageable over 4-days, one must take into account the challenging terrain the race takes place over and the vertical climb and descent. This is not an easy option.
There is no better way to fully immerse oneself and experience that magic that Lofoten offers by moving under ones own power, running or walking. Lofoten is considered one of the most desireable places to visit in the world.
The Lofoten Stage Run has the added bonus of taking participants to hidden places, often only experienced by the most adventurous tourist.
After a tough day on the trails, each stage concludes with a typical Norwegian Hytte experience with excellent local cuisine, a shower and of course a comfy bed. Participants luggage is transported each day, so, while running, you can travel lighter and faster.
The Lofoten Stage Run is designed to be a running holiday, however, do not be fooled, those cozy and comfortable evenings are worked for. The terrain and weather in Lofoten is challenging; a mixture of all terrains and elements that can bring for many, the ultimate challenge.
THE EXPERIENCE
Taking place during week 22, participants need to be in Svolvær on May 27th for a transfer to Reine and a stay at Reine Rorbuer. Located in the western part of Lofoten, at the entrance to the Reinefjord, lies the stunning fishing village, considered one of the most beautiful in Norway.
Wednesday, stage 1, starts with a boat trip from Reine to Kjerkfjorden. The route ahead, 39km’s for 170km race and 20km for the 100km. The opening 10km’s a real challenge with tough climbs, technical terrain, snow sections and soft/ boggy ground. Kvalvik beach offers some opportunity for flat terrain before a steep climb and eventually a descent to Fredvang and checkpoint. Here the 20km distance stops. A road section leads to Nesland for the 170km runner’s and the final technical trail sections before arriving in the picture postcard, Nusfjord and the Nusfjord Arctic Resort– a tough day!
Stage 2 at 34km’s (17km for the 100km starting at Napp) concludes at Lofoten Rorbuutleie another amazing location surrounded by sea and mountains. The early route to Napp bringing many a challenge, technical trails and mild hands-on scrambling sections before sweeping single-track with stunning views. Road gives way to coastal trail and another road section before arriving at Lilleeidetholmen marina, the buildings are located with water on both sides and direct access to quays and floating docks.
Stage 3 for 170km Expedition runner’s is the long day, covering 52km’s with arguably the most ‘runnable’ terrain of the whole week. For the 100km it is also a long day at 35km starting at Rolvsfjorden.. Technical aspects are reduced and much of the route is single-track interspersed with some road. The finish at Brustranda Fjordcamping once again offering a wonderful Norwegian hytte experience of cabin surrounded by water and mountains.
Stage 4, the final day at 45km’s brings some of the most technical terrain of the whole Lofoten Stage Run experience, especially the climb to Jordtinden and the ridge that follows with some exposure form an ‘airy’ single-track, snow fields and at times, challenging terrain. The final peak of Tjeldbergtinden a final challenge before the run in to Svovær and the conclusion of four magical days. For the 100km runner’s they cover the last 21km starting at Kleppstad, and yes, they get to experience Jordtinden, the ridge and the final summit of Tjeldbergtinden – it is the highlight section of the whole Lofoten Stage Run.
After the race, a meal at the event hotel, Thon Hotel Lofoten, where the focus is some of the best local food from the area. A perfect evening to share new and old stories with your new friends and relive the magic of Lofoten and the Lofoten Stage Run.
THE RUN
170km or 100km, one thing is for sure, running in Lofoten is tough and challenging. Terrain constantly switches from demanding and technical sections to easy flowing single-track. Experience, excellent endurance and an ability to handle technical and challenging terrain is required for those who sign up for the 170km.
The same requirements apply for the 100km distance, however, the shorter distance does allow for a considerably slower pace and more walking. Rest assured, the 100km is not an ‘easy’ option, it is a real Norwegian mountain experience, especially the 21km on the last day.
The Lofoten Stage Run is all about enjoyment and experiencing the best of Norway, not only its magical terrain but its hytte and food.
It is no coincidence that this is called a run and not a race, the ultimate relaxed trail running experience that brings so much more than just running. Traveling point-to-point, on foot, experiencing the magnificence of Norway. Stunning trails, majestic mountains, resplendent views, and all during the endless daytime of the midnight sun. It gets no better!
Experience Lofoten.
Experience the Arctic Circle.
Experience the midnight sun.
Experience the majesty and beauty of Norway under your own power.
The Hoka Speedgoat needs no introduction, it is arguably, the best selling trail shoe throughout the world. It’s much loved and universally proclaimed as a great trail running shoe.
I personally was late to the Speedgoat party with version 4, followed by version 5 and now version 6. The Speedgoat 5 reached a critical point for Hoka with very mixed reviews:
There were concerns about the midsole compressing and lacking durability,
The upper had less durability.
The fit and size for some was off.
The outsole was wearing too quickly.
I personally enjoyed the Speedgoat 5. I found the combination of features absolutely fine, the upper fine which was flexible and allowed for a good fit, I did need to lock lace though. The outsole ideal and importantly, the stack height a more reasonable 33/29 which offered good stability with a 4mm drop.
Most certainly, Hoka listened to the feedback. They had to if they wanted to retain the loyal fan base, especially with many other brands releasing shoes that could not only provide competition, but even beat the Speedgoat, the Merrell Agility Peak 5 a prime example.
With the release of the Speedgoat 6, the shoe very quickly received universal acclaim with quotes such as, ‘The King is Back!’ And, ‘Speedgoat is still the GOAT.’
What is new?
Cushioning is new CMEVA foam with increase stack, 40mm at the rear and 35mm at the front and 5mm drop, 38/33 for women).
The cushioning is lighter and more responsive.
The outsole is Vibram Megagrip Traction lugs with 5mm depth and new orientation.
A new more durable upper that is Matryx like with no stretch and with an inner cage.
Hoka say, “We’re offering an updated underfoot experience that provides a more responsive ride with less weight. You’ll find updates to the overall construction, including a breathable woven upper, lighter, more responsive midsole compound, internal chassis, dynamic vamp, and plusher, dual-gusset tongue.”
With neutral stability, balanced cushioning all built around a wide footprint, the Speedgoat 6 is a great trail all-rounder. It is designed to provide protective cushion while maintaining a responsive toe-off for when you want to go faster.
I personally found a considerable difference when putting on the 6 and lacing them up. I immediately preferred the feel of the 5. I lock-laced (as I do on the 5) and the fit/ feel improved.
The lacing does not go as low down the shoe on the 6 and this made me feel less secure at the front, probably not helped due to the fact that the 6 has been given extra width over the 5.
The cushioning is without doubt stiffer and firmer in the 6. The 5 feels bouncy and plush but not squidgy. The 6 almost feels hard by comparison, somewhat unexpected when you consider the extra stack height.
I have to say, my first run I was not loving the shoe. I was constantly thinking, give me the 5 back. However, with 10km in the shoe, the 6 started to feel more at home on my feet and as the km’s passed, that improved. So, I would certainly say although they are good to go straight out of the box, a good run or couple of runs will help them. Ultimately, there is no special life here. They are solid, reliable, good for the long haul, but there is a lack of excitement, especially if you compare to the Merrell Agility Peak 5 and the VJ MAXx2.
There is more structure and hold coming from the new internal support chassis, this is without doubt required with the extra stack. I never had a real issue in the 5 unless on very technical terrain, but here in the 6, the 40/35 cushioning is notably different. Currently, my favourite Hoka is the Tecton X3 which has the same level of stack height as the Speedgoat 6, but for me, has considerably better feel. It’s not that I don’t like the 6, there just doesn’t feel anything special going on and ironically, I prefer the feel of the Speedgoat 5 which is counter to what Hoka say I should feel and also counter to the general Speedgoat feedback from all the fans.
The tongue of the Speedgoat 5 and 6 is not long enough making lacing and particularly lock-lacing an awkward affair and not always comfortable. This really needs addressing.
The outsole with 5mm lugs is solid on most trails. With a new configurtation and the Traction lug, it works well. There ic a comprise with a great deal of mud and I am still never confident on wet rock.
The Speedgoat 6 is a solid trail shoe that will only continue to confirm the shoes legendary status within the trail world. Speedgoat lovers will continue to love this shoe. But, if you are new to Speedgoat and comparing against other like-for-like shoes, would the Speedgoat win out?
For me no. However, it does depend on what shoes you are comparing the Speedgoat with… If it was the adidas Terrex Agravic Speed, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 is a clear winner. However, comparing against a Merrell Agility Peak 5 or a VJ MAXx2, then, for me, I would choose the Merrell for trail runs and the VJ for mountain and technical runs.
The shoes look similar when seen side-by-side but there are very obvious differences: less cushioning, not plate, less rocker and in my opinion, I love the black colorway with Terrex in bold white, a hint of orange provides some colour excitement.
The adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra is a super shoe that runs fast on slick trails and is a beast for those looking for speed and the fitness to maximise the super shoe potential.
This Terrex Agravic Speed is a shoe for all and in all honesty, is a much better choice for most people looking for a trail shoe, whereas, by contrast, the Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra is only for a select few.
Despite the lower stack height, the shoe still suffers terrible stability issues on technical trail. I was really hoping that this would be less of an issue, and in all fairness, in comparison to the big brother, it is more stable, however, it is nowhere near stable enough. It’s only just a trail shoe, select the trails you run on carefully is my advice. There is a rocker, but it is nowhere near as pronounced as the Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra and the need to forefoot strike is less.
Light with a neutral fit, the upper is almost see through and very breathable. The toe box is wide and allows good toe splay. The heel area is minimal and while comfortable for me, it’s an area to be wary of. Sizing is again frustrating, you need to try them on! A gusseted tongue gives a lovely foot hold and reassurance.
The cushioning is well balanced, soft without being squidgy and the responsiveness and propulsion is excellent. With softer foam at the bottom; Lightstrike Pro. Firmer Lightstrike on the top, this combination does add more stability but the footprint is too narrow in the middle and rear – ankle breaking warning given! When Runnning, the rocker does kick in and helps increase cadence and propulsion, but unlike the Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra, you feel more in control and able to reign the shoe in and run at a more comfortable pace. This is probably due to the considerably less stack height and the lack of any plate. Walking too is better, not ideal, but better.
Continental outsole is good, again though, the lugs (3 and 4mm) are minimal and reduce the potential for it to be a real trail shoe. However, the grip is better than the Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra.
This shoe is arguably an update from my favourite adidas shoe, the Speed Ultra. However, with his level of stack height, there are no similarities really. It really is a subdued version of the Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra and as such, it would make a good training shoe if using the bigger brother for racing. It feels like a road shoe.
There is a great deal of positives with this shoe and as I have said previously, for most people, this is a considerably better shoe choice than the Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra.
However, there are lots of negatives.
adidas really need to sort there sizing out. There is no consistency.
They also need to understand that when a shoe is called Terrex, that means it’s a trail shoe and not an updated road shoe… The shoes need to be fit for purpose.
The ankle collar, for some, will be an issue.
The tongue needs more padding.
The footprint is woefully too narrow in the middle and the rear. Again, they are a stability nightmare, nowhere near as bad as the Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra, but it’s not great.
The outsole, again, is not aggressive enough. It’s like adidas want to make a road shoe that can just about go off-road, remain fast, but forget any technical and challenging terrain. I consider a 4mm lug a minimum, and this shoe would benefit from 5/ 6mm. But having said that, adidas would need to address the stability issues too.
Ultimately, the Terrex Agravic Speed is a good looking shoe that is ideal for faster trail running on slick or groomed trails. I have used this far more than its bigger brother as they are much more of an ‘all-rounder!’
The potential of the shoe is limited. It’s woefully unstable on technical trail, the outsole is not aggressive enough for anything other than slick trail and there are foothold issues.
So, this is a road to trail shoe, or a trail to road shoe. It’s the type of shoe that is ideal for someone who has loads of road experience and is venturing onto trail for the first time. But don’t get me wrong, there is a nice bounce, feel and propulsion to these shoes.
But, there are a great deal of shoes out there now that are a better option than the Terrex Agravic Speed. The Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra can come highly recommended as it is a super shoe that for the right person, they will reap the rewards that this shoe can offer. Here, the Terrex Agravic Speed is just another shoe with nothing unique or special to bring to the trail market. My advice would be take a look at theVJ MAXx2, this brings something special.
The adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra shoe was one of the most anticipated trail shoe releases of 2024. Let’s be honest, this shoe was a long time coming…. We had seen early versions of the shoe on the podiums of Transgrancanaria, MIUT, Transvulcania, Western States, UTMB and more. There was a soft launch of the shoe at UTMB 2023 that only whet the appetite of runner’s even more, however, it was the spring of 2024 before the shoe became commercially available.
adidas did a great job of building the anticipation and it is fair to say, that until the release of this new shoe, adidas were not really considered a contender in the trail market. This new incarnation most definitely changed things and I have seen the shoes on countless runner’s feet, in countless races, all over the world in 2024.
I have been testing the Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra shoes for a year. I picked up my first pair in August 2023 and I have been through two pairs in the last twelve months.
The previous ‘Speed Ultra’ shoe is my personal favourite adidas shoe, it was developed with the input of Tom Evans and was the shoe the helped Tom place third at his first Western States. This new incarnation has nothing to do with the one that has gone before, the only connection, sadly, is the use of the Speed Ultra name. So, if you liked the first shoe, there is no guarantee you will like this new one! They are like chalk and cheese.
A whopping 42mm of cushioning at the rear, 34mm at the front gives an 8mm drop. The shoe has Energy Rods and an extremely curved rocker. The outsole is Continental rubber with 2.5/ 3mm lugs. The cushioning is Lightstrike Pro. The upper is extremely light and breathable with overlays for durability and a gusseted tongue provides foot hold and support. Sizing is hit and miss, so, I recommend trying this shoe on before purchasing to ascertain what size is correct for you.
The shoe has the ‘Terrex’ branding, which means trail running, but it feels like an adapted road shoe, if you are familiar with the Adizero range, there are similarities.
The shoe is promoted as ‘Our fastest trail running shoe yet.’ And in all honesty, it’s hard to argue with this based on the results of the adidas Terrex team in the last two to three years, and just recently, once again, we saw this shoe on the podium of Transvulcania, OCC and the CCC.
But is this shoe for you?
I must be honest here, it is definitely NOT for me. I have tested and tried to adapt wanting to really like this shoe, but I just don’t get on with it. It’s light, it has an incredible propulsion phase and it’s very fast. But…
If you go on any trail with just minor technicality, the shoe is horrendously unstable. Quite simply, it’s too high and the outsole footprint is not wide enough, especially in the middle and rear. This causes the shoe to twist left and right; they are an ankle injury waiting to happen.
The rocker is so pronounced, that walking is unpleasant. Of course, it is maybe fair to say, this is not a shoe to be walking in! But any shoe that has the ultra-tag in it’s name, will almost certainly mean that walking will be required at some point, maybe with the exception of the top athletes, for example, the adidas Terrex team!
So, is this shoe for you?
The answer is yes! If you are fast, have great running form (forefoot striking) and are training or racing on fast, single-track trails with little or no technicality. Go buy them.
However, if you are an average trail runner like me, looking for a comfortable and durable shoe that will see you through many training days or ultra races, with and without technicality, then no. This is not a shoe for you!
Just as the Nike Alphafly for road running will not make me Kipchoge, the Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra will not make me Tom Evans. The shoe may well be state of the art and fast, but they need a fast athlete inside the shoe, otherwise, they are actually more of a liability.
IN USE
This is a premium trail shoe from adidas, years of development and with a string of results from the Terrex team that makes you desire to rush out, get your own pair and run like Ruth Croft or Tom Evans and set PR’s, CR’s and top the podium of the races that you enter.
No matter how good the shoe, 99.9% of us just don’t have the Ruth or Tom natural ability to bring the best out of a super shoe like this.
This is a fast shoe, four pronged Peba Energy Rods are encapsulated between a Lightstrike Pro midsole. An extreme rocker and 42/34mm cushioning make this a beast to be unleashed. It’s a Ferrari for trail running on non-technical trail.
It is bold in looks, so much so, even the three stripes are subtle with TERREX in striking in white. There is no mention of adidas!
When you put the shoe on, you immediately feel the height and sadly, you also feel the instability. I am going to scream this again and again, the ‘footprint’ is not wide enough for the stack height of the shoe.
The foot hold from the gusseted tongue is very good and the sawtooth laces work well. However, the tongue lacks padding and when the laces are tied tight, there is pressure on the navicular bone. The heel cup is minimal but holds well. The toe box is wide and expansive which only makes the middle and the rear of the shoe feel very narrow. The rocker is immediately noticeable, you rock while standing still. If you are NOT a forefoot runner, forget this shoe. If you are a heel striker, you may as well leave this review now!
The combination of rocker, rods, cushioning and amazing propulsive phase make this shoe fly. As soon as you build cadence, the shoes start to propel you forward asking you to go faster and faster. I quite simply cannot keep up with the shoe. This is a positive if you have the fitness, speed and run form to do this.
Uphill and climbing, the shoes work exceptionally well. Downhill not so. The instability really comes to the fore and they just feel scary and unstable.
The shoes zip along and are nimble, lightweight and quick on slick trails, gravel roads and single-track.
Encounter rocks, tree routes, uneven terrain and the ride becomes worryingly unstable with constant twisting and rocking. They are not good on anything technical. The Energy Rods work like fingers, so much better than a single plate (also seen in Hoka Tecton X2 and the new X3) as it allows more adaptability and flexibility on trail, but here it doesn’t work due to the stack height and narrow footprint.
Continental rubber for the outsole is good with excellent grip, however, with 2.5/3mm lugs, this is only ‘just’ a trail shoe. But I guess that is the point! This shoe is meant to be fast for a Western States type of course where ‘grip’ is not really required. They are not for tough, technical and challenging mountain terrain.
Ultimately, don’t be fooled by the performances of the adidas Terrex team, they are superb athletes with the speed, great run form and ability to really make the Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra shine. If you are running slower, trying to walk or just out for an easy run, these shoes are clunky and awkward.
The shoe also requires adaptation. Early runs will work muscles in a different way, particularly calf and glutes. If you get these shoes, adapt over time and distance adding a day off with another shoe between runs until you feel adapted.
I this a bad shoe? Absolutely not, it is state of the art and the results of the adIdas Terrex team endorse that. A fast shoe for slick trail and on the right feet a real joy.
Sadly though, most of us are not fast, don’t have great run form and this shoe will not only be a waste of money, but ultimately may well result in in a worse performance and maybe injury, especially if trying to run on technical terrain.
The Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra is quite simply not for me!
However, should you wish to pursue an adidas shoe, the Terrex Agravic Speed (review to follow) with 34mm/ 26mm cushioning and no Energy Rods may well be a better consideration. I have used this shoe considerably more than the big brother Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra with better sensations and run feel. Sadly though, despite the reduced stack height, it is still worryingly unstable on technical ground.
Finally, if a super shoe is what you require, the Hoka Tecton X3 is a revelation. Hoka understand that if you increase stack height, you must also increase the platform on which this increased height sits. The Tecton X3 has a superbly wide base at front, middle and especially the rear with a great Vibram outsole. In addition, the two parallel carbon rods have now been developed with ‘wings’ that come up the sides of the shoe providing a considerably more stable platform. This is how a cushioned, plated super shoe should feel. Yes, it’s a super light and responsive shoe and while the adidas requires a top athlete and great running form to bring out the best of the shoe, the Hoka does not. The Hoka is superb when running fast but equally at home when running slower or walking. A full review HERE.
Home of the Giants 2024 has just come to a conclusion. And what a week it has been.
This trip came about through personal adventure in the Jotunheimen mountains of Norway and the desire to share and showcase this magical playground.
Baz at the summit of Kyrkja
What is Home of the Giants?
A multi-day adventure, 6-days in total, through a magical and challenging landscape. Unlike a race, this journey was created as a finely balanced exclusive trip for up to just 12 participants. A challenge at a more relaxed pace, taking in an amazing route whilst moving light in a semi self-sufficient mode using DNT cabins for overnight accommodation.
Lake Bygdin
Based around the concept of stage races, Home of the Giants is about moving lighter and therefore faster with a minimum amount of equipment without compromising safety. All we needed could be carried in a small pack weighing approximately 3kg (plus liquid).
It is important to emphasize that Norway can have spring, summer and winter in one day. Never underestimate the challenge of the environment. It is all well and good being light IF you can move fast. You also need to consider the ‘what if’ scenario and should you become slow or a worst case scenario, injured and waiting help/ rescue. At a minimum you MUST have merino top and bottom, warm insulating layer (down or PrimaLoft) waterproof jacket and pants, hat, gloves and a bivy bag. I also strongly recommend a product such as Garmin InReach. Much of Jotunheimen has no phone connection, an InReach with emergency SOS button, for me, should be mandatory.
You can see an example of my pack below and the details are as follows:
Camelbak Octane Pack 600g
adidas hat 32g
adidas gloves Infinitum 52g
Hestra waterproof gloves 53g
adidas gloves 41g
Devold merino base top 193g
Devold merino base bottom 166g
Buff 43g
Haglofs down jacket 163g
adidas waterproof pant 125g
adidas Gore-Tex jacket 272g
Rab bivvy bag 110g
Underwear 98g
Gels 81g (for emergency)
Silk liner 126g
Blindfold/ earplugs 22g
Earphones 44g
Ricoh GRIII camera 251g (a luxury)
Sunglasses 18g
Bottles x2 90g
Katadyn water filter 52g
Toiletries 196g
Power supply 138g
Phone 136g
Garmin InReach 108g
Leki poles 250g
3379g
Staying at DNT staffed cabins provides the best of both worlds, they provide a bed for the night, dinner, breakfast, a packed lunch and they have additional facilities such as relaxation areas, showers and a bar. It’s the ultimate way to travel light in the mountains. Beds are in dorms or private rooms that depending on the cabin can be solo, double, triple, quadruple or five plus. Most DNT’s have a rule that irrespective of if you arrive and there are no beds, you will not be turned away, so, rest assured, a safe haven is always available.
OUR JOURNEY
Day 1 –Oslo to Bygdin
We departed Oslo bus terminal at 0830 Monday for a direct trip to Bygdin Fjellhotel. The journey taking 4-hours with a 15-minute break ideal for a midday arrival. The weather was grim with torrential rain for most of the way. It was an ominous start and constant glancing at weather apps confirmed that our week ahead would have mixed weather. It’s Norway after all!
Synshorn summit
Arrival at Bygdin was seamless and after a break at 1500 we departed in the rain to take in the summit of Synshorn (1464m) which is a great introduction to Norwegian mountain terrain. The plan was initially to just summit and return, a 75-minute journey at a steady pace. However, the weather, although still wet, was not cold and after long travel, we all decided to continue for a back-up and planned 12km route. We followed the ridge north to Heimre Fagerdalshøe (1510 m above sea level) with a great view over Bygdin to Falketind. We then continued in the direction of Synsbekk and connected to the ’T’ marked trail that would bring us back to Bygdisheim and the lake for a short gravel road section back to the hotel.
Day 1 loop
It was a great intro to the week and then we could enjoy the benefits of Bygdin Fjellhotel – a warm shower, sauna and a lovely traditional Norwegian dinner.
Day 2 – Bygdin – Eisbugarden – Skogadalbøen
M/B Bitihorn
It was a casual start to the day with a hearty breakfast and then meeting the M/B Bitihorn boat at 0900 for a transfer the length of Bygdin lake (stopping at Torfinnsbu) and then continuing to Eidsbugarden.
Lake GjendeTorfinsbu self-service DNT
By 1100 we were ready for our first full day, Eidsbugarden to the remote Skogadalbøen DNT cabin. The route is considered very demanding due to the nature of the terrain. It’s very important when looking at routes in Norway that you never focus too much on the distance but more the time it will take to cover the distance. Depending on the time of year, this route can have a great deal of snow, so, be careful and do research in advance. For us, we had several snow fields to cross and all were in good condition.
Eisbugarden to Skogadalbøen
DNT mark the routes with red Ts
Our weather was glorious, blue skies, white fluffy clouds and amazing views.
Plenty of water crossings
A short road section and a right turn and we were already climbing through saturated and boggy ground to Sløtafjellet. Then the rocks and boulders started.
Beautiful but hard terrain
This route has a ‘reputation’ for the rocky terrain and hence the difficulty rating. It’s hard to move fast! The route climbs up passing lakes and at all times you are surrounded by stunning snow-covered peaks – magical.
sign posts help keep you on track
Arriving at Kvitevatnet lake you keep to the left and at the end climb up towards Uradalsvatnet lake, againkeepin to the left.
Lakes, rocks, snow and mountains. Perfect!
Passing through Uradalen the route eventually reaches its high point and then the descent starts through more ‘runnable’ terrain towards Skogadalsbøen.
The terrain became ‘easier’ towards the end of the day.And more vegetation.
Of course, there is a kick in the tail with more rocks and very closed in and dense single-track with lots of mud. We covered 24.5km, 670m+ in 4h 55m. Geoff and Baz were pretty tired at the end, and I think it’s fair to say that Baz had seen and experienced enough rocks and boulders to last a lifetime. My reply was always, 1this is Norway, this is Jotunheimen!’
A nice sight after a long day
My girlfriend, Abelone, had initially planned to join Home of the Giants. Our intention, two groups of 4/5-people. However, in the buildup to the event we had 6-people cancel – not ideal. These cancellations caused many logistical problems and of course, there was never any risk of cancelling, but it did mean that Abelone was not needed to guide a group. However, she was on holiday with her son Håkon (10) and after summiting Fannaråki they joined us at Skogadalbøen DNT.
As usual, we had an amazing three course dinner, a lovely evening of banter and then a good night’s sleep.
Day 3 – Skogadalbøen to Leirvassbu
Day 3 with a moody start.
Skogadalbøen to Leirvassbu
Skogadalbøen to Leirvassbu is in comparison to the previous day, an easy route. Even though UT.NO describe it as a ‘very demanding summer route.’ Håkon had decided he enjoyed the group dynamic so much he wanted to also do the 19km route. He and Abelone got underway and some 30-minutes later we started.
Passing them early in the trail we had a group photo and pushed on. Today was a running day, albeit steady and relaxed. Geoff and Baz had big smiles; I think they almost considered it a rest day after what had been experienced the day before.
Green valleys surrounded by mountains
The ground constantly wet and boggy, the weather was overcast and cloudy with occasional light drizzle.
Many water crossings
Passing through Storutladlen and onwards to Gravdalen it was a great feeling day. The views and landscape ever changing. After passing Gravdalsdammen, we soon joined an undulating gravel road that took us to Leirvassbu DNT.
Leirvassbu DNT
On the approach, Kyrkja (2032m) was to our right, shrouded in mist and clag. Today was not the day to attempt the summit. After 19.68km, 811m of vert we finished in 3h 34m. Abelone and Håkon arrived a couple of hours later, Håkon sprinting ahead with a smile. What a joy to see. Geoff and Baz were blown away by Håkon’s speed, enthusiasm and commitment.
Entertainment by Håkon
Early finish and we could then rest, relax, enjoy the Leirvassbu DNT and prepare for the following day. Leirvassbu DNT is a large and modern cabin with no dorms, a large bar area and an excellent restaurant. A stunning location surrounded by mountains, a great place for staying more than one night as there is lots to explore. It has road access, so, it can be accessed by private car or bus, worth knowing just in case you need a contingency escape option.
DNT dinner always a highlight
The weather forecast for the following was good and it was therefore decided we would summit Kyrkja first and then continue to Gjendebu. Abelone and Håkon would miss the summit go straight to Gjendebu and therefore miss out on the 2 to 3h detour.
Day 4 – Leirvassbu to Gjendebu via Kyrkja
Kyrkja
The weather gods did not disappoint. It was a stunning day and a perfect morning to climb Kyrkja.
Leirvassbu to Gjendebu via Kyrkja
The early slopes to Kyrkja, Leirvassbu on the right
Abelone and Håkon left just before us they made their way to Gjendebu, we soon caught them, passed and then we started the climb to the summit. The early slopes mix trail, rock and snow crossing with boulders everywhere.
And up we go
Once at the base of Kyrkja, the climb really starts and it’s a hands-on scramble to the summit. Cairns are placed regularly and at times the route is obvious. Other times, the route is vaguer.
Good hand and feet placement important.
There are several sections with more exposure when sound had-holds, and secure foot-placing is essential. It’s not a difficult scramble but as with all these things, going at a calm and steady pace reaps rewards.
Slow and steady
Geoff certainly felt pushed here. He is not too happy at heights, but he pushed on, listened to to best route options and before he knew it, he was with Baz at the summit.
Job done!
The 360 views here are quite magnificent. What goes up must come down and depending on your ability, head for heights and skill level, the downward route can be harder than the climb.
Coming down easier than going up?
All three of us were soon at the bottom and re-tracing back on the trail to Leirvassbu and then at Høgvaglen we turned left and started to follow the red Ts on the route to Gjendebu.
Øvre Høgvagltjønnen
The route now is more runnable mixing rocky terrain, water crossing, fjell, single-track and of course mud.
Passing three key lakes, Øvre Høgvagltjønnen, Nedre Høgvagltjønnen and Langvatnet we were soon descending next to Hellerfossen waterfall and then passing through Storåddalen.
Make sure you follow the correct Ts
The trails now were saturated and muddy and considerably greener than what we had experienced earlier in the day. There was also plenty of cows.
You never have dry feet!
Before we knew it, we were running into Gjendebu after a stunning day of 25.69km, 741m of vert and 4h 42m on the clock. Baz and Geoff jumped in the lake, I got the beer in.
Day done.
Sitting in the sun, I wondered where Abelone and Håkon where? I had absolutely expected them to be here before us BUT there had been a chance that we may, have caught them in the last km or so… Apparently, Håkon was on a mission to beat us, and he ran the final 3km! What an effort by him, incredible. We had expected them to take 6-hours, and they had taken 5, bravo!
Gjendebu is a wonderful DNT and the oldest. It’s wonderfully traditional and recently refurbished. Comfort level is high, service superb and food excellent.
Day 5 – Gjendebu to Gjendesheim via Bukkelægret, Memurubu and Besseggen
The view from the iconic Besseggen Ridge
Leg 1 Gjendebu to Memurubu
Gjendebu to Gjendesheim
I took no photos for this day, the weather was too bad, so, enjoy the image above of a considerably better day with Abelone.
Our longest day ahead and the weather forecast was rain all day. We were committed with our route BUT as always, sense and forward thinking was key. Our route was a two-day route, Gjendebu to Memurubu one day and then Memurubu to Gjendesheim day two. To do the whole lot in one day does require a fast and light approach.
The first leg is 11km and at Memurubu we had the option to pick up the boat to our finish, should conditions deteriorate.
The early km’s follow a single-track rocky and muddy trail next to Gjende lake. After 4km you turn left and then steeply climb. This section, Bukkelægret, is renowned as being difficult, especially in bad weather due to the gradient, slippery rock and the multiple chain sections. UT.NO say, ‘Chains and railings in exposed places. NB: Do not go outside the marked path! It is the only possible decrease. It is better to walk in the opposite direction if you are afraid of heights or choose the longer route around Storådalen.’
The route up was fine and although the rain was constant, we were all warm and enjoying the climb.
Once at the top I made a silly navigation error. I turned right following a trail that leads towards Kjuklingen. Within less than a km I knew I was wrong. I stopped, took a moment and then Baz, Geoff and I backtracked. While running I looked to the right and could see the trail up the other side of the mountain and eventually, we picked back up the red T’s and we were back on track. A frustrating mistake but these things happen!
Travelling northeast into Lågtunga, between Grunnevatnet and Sjugurdtinntjønne and down over Sjugurdtinden. We had a stunning moment when we were confronted by a large male Reindeer. We dropped to a walk and approached slowly. At the time I expressed how unusual it was to see one alone. But, as we crested the summit, a herd of maybe 20-30 reindeer were visible, what a sight!
The final descent to Memurubu is steep, rocky and slippery – care is needed, especially in torrential rain.
At Memurubu we entered the cabin and took an ‘aid station’ break of warm coffee and buns. I changed base-layer to a dry merino top and prepared for the next section.
We had had rain all day so far, but it had been pleasant in type 2 kind of way. Baz and Geoff decided to wear tights, I stayed in shorts. The option to pull out and take the ferry was not really an option, we were committed to the task.
Leg 2 Memurubu to Gjendesheim
The climb out of Gjendebu is steep and I soon removed my jacket, there was a hint of better weather coming and I loudly said, ‘it is clearing up!’ Famous last words…
The jacket soon came back on, and the rain increased. I was now on my second set of gloves, good old Raynauds in the hands brutal in bad weather.
This route is one of the most popular in Norway. Many take the early boat to Memurubu from Gjendesheim and then return via Besseggen, an average time taking 7-hours. On a good day there are many, many people. Today, hardly anyone.
The terrain is hilly and rocky as we headed to the foot of Besshøe and then on to Bjørnbøltjønne, the highest point on the route before heading down to the southern end of Bessvatnet.
Now we were at Besseggen, the steep climb ahead of us and Geoff loudly saying, ‘Are we going up there…!’
I reassured him it was not as bad as it looked. However, the steep rock face has an extra challenge in the rain. We stared the climb and soon came across a group of teenagers frozen on the mountain unable to proceed. They were questioning the decision to come this way, and they asked Geoff what time the last boat was at Memurubu! Unfortunately, they would not make the last boat if they backtracked, however, the cabin would look after them.
Ahead I heard screaming and crying. It got louder as I climbed only to find a mother trying to climb with a young girl who was beyond terrified. I offered help but it was refused. ‘We will be fine; she is just very anxious and scared.’ No shit I thought to myself. As I climbed up, I saw her husband and another child. They had back-up help but I stopped multiple times to make sure that I was not leaving a potentially disastrous situation.
Geoff and Baz were making good headway, every 5 to 10m I would stop and make sure their line was good.
The 350 meter climb up to the top cairn on Veslfjellet 1743m soon passed and now the weather was wild.
Wind was raging in from the right, the rain was torrential and the visibility poor.
We regrouped and I clearly expressed that we NEEDED to move. It was no stopping and all running now down the, at times, steep and rocky descent to Gjendesheim.
This was without doubt the hardest hour of the whole week and clearly demonstrated how Norway, as beautiful as it is, can turn wild and violent.
Soon we were on the final stone steps that lead to the DNT and lake Gjende.
We were absolutely soaked and exhilarated with the day. It was true Norwegian mountain day, and we had completed the whole 26.1km with 1800m vertical in 6h 30m on what was a very tough and slow day.
All three of showered for a good 15-minutes. A cold beer followed quickly and before we knew it, we had another wonderful 3-course meal with Reindeer as the main course.
The evening was chilled and relaxed. We had a short concert of traditional music, and we discussed the completed adventure.
My offer for a following morning run was very quickly turned down.
A good sleep and the following day we departed at 1400 for a direct bus to Oslo and onward travel.
What a stunning week!
Thoughts and Summary
He got the T shirt 🙂
For me, there is no better way to travel through the mountains of Norway than by cabin-to-cabin. What the DNT offer is a five-star service and it really is a privilege to have this available. A shower, a bed, hot meals and a drying room for apparel and shoes is stunning.
Few people travel fast and light, they prefer to move at a slower pace with loads of equipment and take long stops and plenty of sight-seeing.
However, fast and light allows for a faster pace, the option to cover more distance and ultimately, more relaxation times in the cabins.
You do need to be experienced and prepared to move in this way.
Magical
In sunny and beautiful weather, fast and light is easy. In bad weather you need to be prepared, constantly making judgement calls and adjusting speed so as to ensure you are safe. Our final day a prime example.
We were well prepared and all three of us had the right and correct equipment for the planned adventure. The option to change a base layer at Memurubu for me was spot on, as was the decision for Baz and Geoff to move out of shorts and into tights. Despite the torrential rain, wind and colder temperatures, all three of us still had emergency layers of insulated jacket, waterproof pants and a bivvy bag available in our packs.
We all brought poles and on day 1 we used them a great deal, less so after. Geoff broke a pole on day 1 which was frustrating. However, when finished, Geoff said he would not bring poles next time. I understand his thought process, but, the additional weight of just over 200g is an excellent security blanket if moving slower or picking up an injury. Just learn how to use pols before.
The full route
Due to the nature of the DNT layout, sometimes we were not in the main building, and we all wished we had brought some very light flip-flops. I am now searching the internet for the lightest and most practical.
Good shoes are essential and normally I would never say YOU MUST get these shoes, but VJ Sport shoes and the amazing Butyl outsole are the only run shoes that can be relied on for Norwegian rock, especially when wet. Geoff and I wore VJ, me in the MAXx2 and Geoff in the Ultra. Gaz wore Altra and he had no grip – it compromised his enjoyment.
Norwegians have a saying, there is no bad weather, just bad equipment. It’s very true. We had mixed weather for our trip and in all honesty, it made the trip better. I never took my camera out on the last day as the weather was so bad, but I absolutely loved the challenge of making that route in bad conditions. Just a shame Geoff and Baz did not get to see those iconic Besseggen views down the lake and the surrounding area.
Finally, if you are interested in joining us in July 2025 for a similar journey, please get in touch. We will have 8-places available.
In 2023, I received the VJ Sarva Ace – a winter studded shoe. This shoe was a revelation based on a much wider toe box and incredible ‘new’ cushioning. Review HERE. At the time, I fed back to VJ that without the spikes this would make a great new ULTRA shoe in the VJ line-up.
Well, the MAXx2 and Lightspeed take this cushioning and what we have are two performance shoes that need to be worn to be believed.
Today, we look at the MAXx2.
THE SHOE
If you read my shoe reviews, you will know I am a huge VJ Sport fan. To me, they have not made a bad shoe and gladly, they are not always tweaking or re-inventing shoes. The original MAXx I have used for many years and in all honesty, it has been my go-to mountain running shoe. The combination of foot hold from Fitlock and the amazing outsole make them unbeatable when grip and control is priority. The only downside to the MAXx was the lack of cushioning for longer runs. With 12mm cushioning at the front, 18mm at the rear and 4mm studs, they are a great shoe for up to 50km in rocky, muddy and mountainous terrain.
The MAXx2 takes all that was great in the MAXx and brings some key changes and features:
25mm and 31mm cushioning
SuperFOAMance midsole
Rock plate
These new features elevate this shoe to a new beast and it has now become my favourite trail shoe. They are quite simply, superb!
The upper is seamless, breathable and durable. The outsole, for those that know VJ still offers the best grip on the planet with 4mm Butyl rubber studs – no other shoe brand has an outsole that can compete with VJ. The unique FITLOCK gives superb foot hold which guarantees security and precision on technical and demanding terrain.
I could conclude here and say this is is the best mountain/ off-road shoe available on the market.
IN USE
This is a versatile shoe and where the previous MAXx had some limitations in regard to distance and time on feet, the MAXx2 dispels that and for me, this is now an all day mountain/ off-road shoe with supreme comfort.
The revelation is the new SuperFOAMance midsole (25/31mm) which I knew was superb the moment I tried the winter Ace shoe. The original MAXx had Poron cushion integrated into the heel and forefoot midsole, the new SuperFOAMance is a huge improvement. It manages to give everything that I need and want in a shoe, especially when running on more technical trails. I have great ground feel, great flexibility, precision and there is a delicate balance with torsional rigidity and comfort. The rock-late balances enough protection without adding weight or restricting flexibility. The propulsive phase is superb. And a drop of 6mm is a perfect sweet spot between 4mm and 8mm.
The toe box has been given more space, a ‘4’ on the VJ scale. The balance of a wider toe box and still a precious feel is a delicate balance, but VJ have done it. There is extra room and more toe splay without a sloppy feel.
The upper is not as breathable as other brands and there is a simple reason for this. This shoe is designed for use in harsh environments and VJ know only too well, if you make an upper too minimal it just won’t last. This upper is one piece, so, there is no stitching to cause abrasion – a winner. There is a TPU bumper that goes around the bottom of the upper providing extra protection and durability. FITLOCK has always been a winner and here, once again, this is a key feature of the shoe providing the ultimate foot hold. There is also extra eyelets so you can lock-lace if required.
The outsole is superb, as with all VJ shoes. Here 4mm lugs make this shoe a perfect all-rounder for drier/ non-technical trails and more demanding mountain trails that will have mud, rock and more importantly, wet rocks. No other shoe grips like VJ. The outsole is classic chevron in design with grip the full-length of the shoe. There is nothing more to say, best outsole there is!
The shoe sizes a little large, so, be careful when purchasing. With a wider fit at the front, you may wish to size down. I am typically a UK10 and I have a UK9.5 which weighs 263g.
CONCLUSION
This is VJ’s best shoe and one that is a perfect one-stop solution. The MAXx2 is an all-rounder and typically that would mean that it does all things ok, but no one thing well. Not so here, the combination of elements – cushioning, rock-plate, outsole, Fitlock, fit and comfort make this a superb one-stop trail shoe that excels for all day comfort.
VJ have always had a reputation for making shoes that are very specific, think of the iRock with 6mm lugs and less cushioning designed for grip in soft-ground, or the XTRM2 which has 6mm lugs and more cushioning. Here in the MAXx2 we have a middle ground that should you only ever own one pair of VJ’s, the MAXx2 should be the one to buy.
A key consideration for any self-sufficient multi-day journey is weight. Additional weight is just a burden, so, fine tuning equipment for your adventure is key.
In races such as Marathon des Sables, there is a requirement to be completely self-sufficient with just water and a shelter provided.
So, in addition to the clothes you are wearing, you must carry all the food required for the week, any luxuries and importantly warm layers: sleeping bag, sleeping mat, jacket and so on.
The debate, ”Do I need a warm jacket?” takes place every year and in all honesty, the most truthful answer is yes and no! It doesn’t help does it! The reason being, in a hot year, the need for a jacket can be very minimal or not at all. However, in a cold or cooler year, a jacket can be a life saver. So, the best answer here is usually have a jacket, take it with you and before the race, whilst in race location, make a decision based on the current weather and forecast.
Sleeping bag in some ways is easier to answer, yes, you need one! However, that is only the start of the process with a sleeping bag, you need to take into account key questions:
Do I sleep warm?
Do I sleep cold?
Am I tall?
Am I short?
Do I have wide shoulders?
Do I get cold feet?
And the above list can go on.
Also, budget is a consideration, there are many sleeping bag options and prices vary greatly.
Ultimately, for a jacket and sleeping bag we want the following:
The lightest possible.
The warmest based on our needs.
The most flexible system.
I personally have always been in favour of having a jacket, mornings can be cold and evenings can be chilly, so, the option of a jacket is great. Also, if you have a jacket, you can look at taking a lighter, less warm sleeping bag and looking to ‘boost’ warmth if required by wearing the jacket inside the sleeping bag.
With all the above in mind, UK brand PHD have come up with a potentially perfect solution.
The ULTRA JACKET and the DESERT RACE HALFBAG.
Before discussing in-depth, PHD understand the need for weight v warmth, they also understand layering and the benefits of top-quality ethically sourced down.
The ULTRA JACKET is super light at 200g and is filled with 1000 fillpower down, good for temperatures as low as -5 deg.
The DESERT RACE HALFBAG is a half size sleeping bag weighing 240g. This bag stops at the waist is filled with high-quality 950 fillpower down and is designed to keep legs and feet warm. However, the technology does not stop there. Understanding that deserts can be windy, they have added a neck-length sand cover or extender to cocoon your body, arms and hands to cut out air movement. This allows the user to regulate warmth and comfort.
If it is cold, you quite simply add the ULTRA JACKET and then pull the neck-length sand cover over.
This combination provides a sleep/ warm system for well under 500g that packs very, very small. Effectively, with this combination of products, not only do you save weight, but you increase flexibility and options.
THE JACKET
The Ultra Jacket weighing 200g for a men’s medium is a high quality product filled with 1000 fillpower down giving warmth to -5 degrees. It is a simple, no frills product designed to be as warm as possible and as light as possible. The outer fabric is windproof which adds to the warmth. It does have hand pockets with no zips, again to save weight. There is a zippered inner chest pocket. Standard colour is black but it is possible to choose red and as with all PHD products you can have a custom make with Hypershell or you can add a hood. You can also have a custom fit, specifying body width, body length and arm length.
Prices start at 498.00 UK pounds / 582 euros.
PHD say, “Our lightest sub-zero down jacket. A ‘K Series’ product. Warmth to weight at the limit of possibilities for extra-keen lightweight backpackers and mountain racers. Now also available in custom sizes.”
THE BAG
The Desert Race Halfbag is a simple, lightweight and effective solution for those looking to save weight, increase flexibility and still keep warm, it comes in a standard length.
The neck-length sand cover is a brilliant addition.
The addition of the neck-length sand cover increases warmth and flexibility on windy and cooler nights. Using top-quality 950 fillpower down, this half bag is incredibly light and packs small. It has stitch through construction ensuring down stays evenly spread with no cold spots. As with all PHD products, it is possible to have a custom make, for example add a zip, have it made short or long, choose a colour (green, red, black or white) or you can add Dri-LX outer fabric.
Prices start at 342.00 UK pounds / 400 euros.
PHD say, “Designed specifically for desert racing. From the legendary Saharan Marathon des Sables to the Kalahari’s KAEM, and the growing number of events in the Gobi, the Atacama, the Australian interior and all around the world, these events have their own particular set of challenges to overcome. Sweltering 40 degree (C) race days can give way to 4 degree (C) nights – that’s cold enough for frost – in which warmth, sleep and recovery play a vital part in preparation for the next day’s challenge.”
950. A newcomer to our range. European goose of rare quality. A high value alternative at the top levels of performance. We have introduced a wide range of options in 950 in response to the soaring cost of 1000.
1000. European goose down of unique quality with exceptionally large lively clusters. 1000 provides the highest warmth-for-weight performance possible from down and has been used in PHD products since 2008. Unfortunately, scarcity (and the fashion industry) continue to push up the price steeply every year. This rarest of all downs we reserve for the K Series, our lightest products right through the range from marathon ultralights to alpine kit and on into high mountain gear.
IN USE
Desert Race Halfbag with neck-length sand cover and ultra jacket with hood
The system is absolutely brilliant and I have fallen in love with the weight of the two items, the flexibility to adjust my sleep comfort temperature and when it has been cold, the down jacket really gives a massive boost and pulling up the neck-length sand cover encapsulates me so that I feel I have a full sleeping bag.
There are some important points to consider, the effectiveness (warmth) of the jacket and half bag is improved by using a sleeping mat which adds comfort and insulation from the ground. Also, I intentionally chose a jacket with no hood as I preferred the lighter jacket weight and the option to add a hat or beanie to increase warmth. It’s really simple, want a jacket or sleeping bag to be warmer, cover your head.
CONCLUSION
The combo of jacket and halfbag is now, without doubt, going to be chosen fast-packing/ multi-day option. It just makes sense. I have a really warm jacket for sitting around. I have a really warm halfbag and when the two are combined, I have a really excellent and adaptable system for sleeping. The light and storable sand cover is really simple, use it or don’t use it, no worries, but the extra security and protection this gives is brilliant. PHD are really on to something here.
With high quality down products and lightweight fabrics, they compress and adapt when packing, so, adding these to a race bag after packing they will take up little or no space. As an example, I used two small dry bags (3L) by Osprey and Sea-to-Summit and packed the jacket and bag away to see how small I could compress them.
Are there any downsides? Yes, the price. The jacket and halfbag in standard configuration will cost you 840.00 UK pounds/ 982 euros. That is a hefty price tag. However, if you look at the cost of a down jacket and full sleeping bag, the prices are comparable, +/-.
This offer by PHD does not come cheap and yes, you can shop around and find options that are considerably cheaper. I guess I look at this a little like buying a car, any car providing it has fuel and it is in working order, will take you for A to B. However, based on desires, budget and the desire for the best, you can do that A to B ride in a small Fiat or a Ferrari. PHD are coming at the Ferrari end offering a luxury bespoke product that is extremely light, packs really small, is perfect for the task that is required and for that, you pay a price!
Only you can decide if it is worth it!
I have been using PHD for over 10-years, I have used their Minim bags in the Sahara and the Hispar bags in the Himalayas. The ability to have custom features has been, at times, a luxury. My original Sahara bag had no zip to save weight, however, my next bag had a full-zip which allowed me the option to use it as a blanket/ duvet. The Ultra Jacket and the Desert Race Halfbag has taken things to a next level and in doing so, they have provided me multiple options for temperature regulation in varying climate conditions and I love this. Should I go to a very cold climate in the future, I could now use this jacket and halfbag in combination with my Hispar bag to give me excellent sleep comfort below -20degs, that is awesome.
PHD have always made a superb product, it is made in the UK with the highest quality products and importantly, ethically sourced down, which comes at a price. They may be expensive, but you get a top-quality product and excellent after service and care.
Reviews:
“It worked exactly as described. I consider the temperature ratings accurate. We had a couple of nights when the wind picked up and the sand blew. When this happened I was grateful for being able to pull the sand sheet on the half bag up over my head and use the drawstring to keep the sand out” – Gareth Scobie (Marathon des Sables competitor).
“The sensation of immediate warmth in the Ultra Jacket is unsurpassed. The 1000-fill is so high-lofting, it puffs up as if a pump has been attached. Rare and wonderful.” – Judy Armstrong in TGO Magazine.
“For me the half bag and pullover was perfect, probably the best bit of kit I bought. To be wearing the top half as a jacket in the evening, then slip into the lower half was simplicity itself. It was plenty warm enough…” – Dain Jensen (Marathon des Sables competitor).
The inaugural 2024 Lofoten Stage Run has just concluded, two experiences, the 170km Expedition Run and the 130km Adventure Run brought to you by The Arctic Triple team. Six days and four stages inspired by the Lofoten Ultra-Trail 100 Miles solo race, the Lofoten Stage Run brings the same route broken down into manageable chunks.
Epic landscape and views
There is no better way to fully immerse oneself and experience that magic that Lofoten offers. The routes journey to hidden places, often only experienced by the most adventurous tourist. Each day concluding with the Norwegian Hytte experience and local cuisine.
Norwegian Hytte – Reine Rorbuer
Designed to be a running holiday, however, do not be fooled, those cozy and comfortable evenings are worked for. The terrain here in Lofoten is challenging; a mixture of all terrains and elements that can bring for many, the ultimate challenge.
Mountains, snow, single-track and amazaing views with Johan Cajdert.
THE EXPERIENCE
Arriving in Svolvær on Tuesday May 28th, participants were transported to Reine, considered by many to be the most beautiful village in Norway. It is certainly iconic.
Reine Rorbuer
Staying in an authentic fisherman cabin in Reine Rorbuer, the 2024 experience kicked-off with a race briefing and then dinner.
Race briefing
Wednesday, stage 1, started with a boat trip from Reine to Kjerkfjorden.
What a way to start a journey.
The route ahead, 39km’s. The opening 10km’s a real challenge with tough climbs, technical terrain, snow sections and soft/ boggy ground.
Lina and SannaRock, trail, grass and snow.
Kvalvik beach offers some opportunity for flat terrain before a steep climb and eventually a descent to Fredvang and checkpoint.
It’s more than just running.
A road section leads to Nesland and the final technical trail sections before arriving in the picture postcard, Nusfjord – a tough day!
Tzvetie at the end of stage 1Twin power finishing in Nusjford
Stage 2 at 34km’s concludes at Lofoten Rorbuutleie another amazing location surrounded by sea and mountains.
Early miles of stage 2 and epic viewsClimbing to coastal trails
The early route to Napp bringing many a challenge, technical trails and mild hands-on scrambling sections before sweeping single-track with stunning views.
Hands-on scramblingMagical terrainRoad sections provide some easy running and link the key trails
Road gives way to coastal trail and another road section before arriving at Lilleeidetholmen Marina, the buildings are located with water on both sides and direct access to quays and floating docks.
Lilleeidetholmen Marina
Stage 3 for 170km Expedition runner’s is the long day, covering 52km’s with arguably the most ‘runnable’ terrain of the whole week.
Between a rock and a hard placeSnow fields add to the experience
Technical aspects are reduced and much of the route is single-track interspersed with some road.
Johan Cajdert
The finish at Brustranda Fjordcamping once again offering a wonderful Norwegian hytte experience of cabin surrounded by water and mountains.
This is Lofoten
Stage 4, the final day bringing some of the most technical terrain of the whole Lofoten Stage Run experience, especially the climb to Jordtinden and the ridge that follows with some exposure form ‘airy’ single-track, snow fields and at times, challenging terrain.
Graeme Murdoch at Jordtinden.On the way down the ridge.The twins dominated each stage
The final peak of Tjeldbergtinden a final challenge before the run in to Svovær and the conclusion of four magical days. After the race, a meal at the event hotel, Thon Hotel Lofoten, where the focus is some of the best local food from the area. A perfect evening to recap from the race and share new and old stories with your new friends.
Great food a feature of the experience
THE RUN
Run, walk or hike.
170km or 130km, one thing is for sure, running in Lofoten is tough and challenging. Terrain constantly switches from demanding and technical sections to easy flowing single-track. For sure, day 1 was a surprise to many and a warning of the challenge that would be ahead to complete the 4-day experience.
Always some snow throughout each stage
Despite schedules for the 170/130km runs, this journey was all about enjoyment and experience, therefore, participant requests for shorter days, or even rest days were accommodated. The Lofoten Stage Run is as explained, a running holiday and therefore it should provide the right experience for the individual.
Reiner completed the 170km mixing walking and running
What was key was the unified enjoyment through the whole group of participants, key to this was the evening hytte experience and the sharing of a meal together.
Hytte in great locations
Of course, racing did take place, and Lina and Sanna Elkott Helander were the stand out champions of the 170km distance along with Johan Cajdert.
The twins!
Graeme Murdoch and Tzvetie Erohina lead the way for the 130km.
Graeme and Tzvetie
Results though don’t tell the story, the Lofoten Stage Run was a relaxed trail running experience that brought so much more than just running.
Wow
The weather played ball and provided not only pleasurable temperatures but also allowed Lofoten to be visible, this really is a truly magical landscape. Traveling point-to-point, on foot, experiencing the majesty of Norway. Stunning trails, majestic mountains, resplendent views, and all during the endless daytime of the midnight sun. It gets no better!
Shoes are personal. Run shoes are very personal. Quite simply, we are all unique and our needs when running vary greatly depending on the distance we are running, the terrain we are running on and how long we will be out for. It is why so many shoes exist.
Last year I said my shoe of the year was the Merrell Agility Peak 5. It is a shoe that ticked all the boxes, comfort, great foot hold, excellent grip and a fantastic all rounder for trail and mountain running. If I was only allowed one trail shoe, the Agility Peak 5 would be my choice.
It’s fair to say, that Merrell are still fighting an uphill battle to be taken seriously in the run world, especially when compared to the giants like Hoka, adidas, Brooks, Asics, Salomon and so on… Take note, Merrell should definitely be on your consideration list.
With the announcement of the MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx and my love for the Agility Peak 5, I was very keen to give this new incarnation plenty of testing.
In contrast to the Agility Peak 5, the MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx is a completely different beast. Less cushioning, lower weight, lower profile and lower drop. It’s a very specific shoe.
To draw a comparison, the Agility Peak 5 is like an everyday car for the family, plenty of room, comfort and great for a full day out. The MTL Long Sky 2 is much more a 2-seat sports car that is has a very specific use and some comfort is missing in exchange for speed.
So, although the name has ‘Long’ in the title, don’t be fooled in to thinking this is a long distance shoe. It is not. The most relevant part of the shoes name is ‘Sky’ and the reference to skyrunning which takes place in tough, challenging and technical terrain and mostly over shorter distances between 20 and 50km.
A neutral shoe, in comparison to the previous model (the Long Sky) the drop has been reduced from 8mm to 4mm. This is significant is it gives a much greater contact with the ground and control. Cushioning is 19.5mm at the front and 23.5mm at the rear. The outsole is Vibram MegaGrip with 5mm lugs.
A key feature is the new MATRYX upper which has more durability and is designed to keep the foot cooler with greater wicking.
They have a gusseted tongue for excellent foot hold. Cushioning is via EVA foam insole and dual FloatPro Foam.
There is a temperature regulating footbed. A UK9/ EU44 is 259g and sizing is true to size. The shoe is 15% lighter than the previous model
THE SHOE
It’s a great looking shoe and one that immediately says speed. The white to multi fade orange and pink is striking.
Slipping the shoe on, the foot hold is immediately noticeable and with the laces adjusted and the sock-like fit, there is no movement at all. Exactly what you want from a shoe that will handle mountainous and technical terrain. The heel area is very minimal and there is a raised padded area inside that is designed to grip and hold – it certainly does, arguably they are the most secure shoe I have experienced in this area. The front of the shoe opens up to provide enough width for toe splay, but not too much room so that you would lose control when precision is required.
With a 19.5/23.5mm cushioning, this shoe is designed to provide a compromise offering cushioning but not losing ground feel and control. As mentioned before, the ‘Long’ in the name is relative and for most people, this is not a long distance shoe.
The upper construction is minimal and notably so at the front, there is token toe protection. Don’t be fooled though, this MATRYX upper is tough and durable.
The shoe immediately feels comfortable when you put them on. I strongly suggest you play around with socks to find out what works best for you, I noticed a huge difference in feel between a lightweight sock and a slightly thicker merino sock.
Merrell say the shoe is good for up to 50km. For sure, yes, 50km is possible, but this depends on the runner and the speed they are going. A top elite mountain runner may tick off 50km in 4 to 5 hours, whereas, someone else may take 10-hours, so, use caution.
The MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx is designed to be agile and nimble, they are! But this comes at a price on comfort and protection. I had expected more protection and ultimately, for me, that just wasn’t there. I could feel stones, rocks and tree roots through the shoe which did surprise me. They feel thin!
They are very flexible and the propulsive phase is very good. On the correct feet, this is a fast shoe.
The biggest problem for me was the heel area. In one area they are brilliant, the hold is fantastic, they are secure and there is no slipping. However, this hold comes from the raised cushioned area with the heel, no matter what I did or tried, this just rubbed and caused blisters on both feet. I must caveat here, I never get blisters. So, this just made the MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx unwearable for me.
The outsole is Vibram MegaGrip with 5mm lugs. Ideal for technical terrain providing grip when required on rock, gravel, light mud and varying terrain. I am still not 100% convinced or confident of Vibram on wet rock, especially when compared to VJ Sport or the Continental grip on adidas shoes.
Conclusion
There is a great deal to like in the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx and if you are looking for something light, nimble, fast with ground feel for short mountain days or racing, this is for you. However, this all comes at a price. It’s a specific shoe for a specific task, just like a Formula One car. This is not the only shoe to have or use. It’s too specific for everyday runs, so, the MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx should be added to an already existing shoe collection and they should be reached for and used on special days. Given that Merrell sponsor the Skyrunner World Series, it’s unsurprising that this shoe is designed to specifically perform on this terrain.
Raidlight as a brand have been synonymous with desert racing for over 20-years, it was the brands USP and even today, it is a the core of the business founded by Benoit Laval in 1999.
It was around 2006/ 2007 when the ‘Olmo’ pack was created for Italian legend, Marco Olmo. A ground-breaking ultralight pack designed to carry many items with bottle holders on the front. From here, the rest is history with a range of packs and apparel that are specifically designed for stage and multi-day racing in hot environments such as the Sahara. A range of specific products can be seen HERE.
Ultralight packs, front packs, desert hats, gaiters, sun protect long-sleeve tops, tyvek top and pants and now a DESERT SPECIFIC SHOE.
In 2019, Raidlight created their first shoes. A bold move in a market that is saturated with choice, especially when one considers the R&D and manufacturing costs.
The recent Ultra 4 shoe with 6mm drop, 4mm outsole and increased cushioning has now been developed to provide the ultimate, one-stop shoe for desert terrain. The ULTRA 4 DESERT PROTECT.
What is a specific desert shoe?
Running in a desert, sandy or harsh environment, even snow, brings a challenge for a shoe. Shoes are designed to be comfortable but also breathable. The downside of breathable is that while it allows hot air to escape the shoe, this also allows sand and debris to enter the shoe. This is not a good idea in a desert environment. For many years, the best option has been to have velcro sewn and glued to your preferred shoe and then add a gaiter /such as THIS) to not allow sand to enter the shoe – it works.
There is a cost involved to this:
Shoe 150.00
Gaiter 25.00
Sewing/ glueing velcro: 60.00
Total cost 235.00+/-
For countless editions of desert races all over the world, this system is tried and tested. It really does work. The only downside, one needs to be careful that the addition of velcro to a shoe does not alter alter its shape and feel, so, once you have velcro added ALWAYS test and make sure the fit is the same.
ULTRA 4 DESERT PROTECT
Many brands have played with the idea of producing a specific desert shoe and notably in the last 5-years I have seen brands such as Salomon, Hoka, Merrell and La Sportiva specifically adapt existing shoes to make prototypes for elite athletes. We have seen this work specifically for Julien Chorier (Hoka), Mathieu Blanchard (Salomon) and Ragna Debats (Merrell).
Why have the brands above not released a shoe to market?
I guess the simple answer is, a desert running shoe is a very specific market and in real terms, it’s a small market. So, financially (maybe) the figures just don’t add up?
Raidlight on the other hand already produce gaiters, they also already offer a velcro stitching service (here), so, by adapting an already existing shoe with the addition of velcro and a specific gaiter makes sense.
Especially when this is all offered for 150.00 euro in the ULTRA 4 DESERT PROTECT.
I received my shoes in advance of Marathon des Sables, perfect timing. I wasn’t running the race but I was in Morocco before the race running everyday and in addition, I was working everyday during MDS in the same environment as the runners. Ideal.
THE SHOE
My first surprise was the weight of the shoe, they look heavy but they are not! For a standard UK8/EU42 they were 280g, for my UK9.5/ EU44 they were 295g with the velcro and 325g with the gaiter.
Not knowing how the shoe fit was my biggest concern, especially for a desert/ sand shoe. There is no need for ‘bigger’ shoes just because you are going to a desert (read a article HERE). Quite simply, if a shoe is too big your foot moves inside the shoe, a moving foot creates friction, friction equals blisters. A thumb nail of space above your longest toe is ideal, and when I say longest, this may not be the big toe! One consideration is width, make sure you have enough room for toe splay. Feet may go wider in the desert, so, be considerate of this.
The ULTRA 4 DESERT PROTECT were true to size and I therefore went with my standard UK9.5/ EU44 based on advice from Raidlight and they were perfect.
The colour way of red/blue/black really works, I like them. The red/black gaiter is also a nice touch.
If you have velcro sewn/glued on a normal shoe, the velcro will go completely around the perimeter of the shoe, this ensures sand/ debris can enter at no point. The downside of this is that the velcro can get damaged at the front when hitting rocks or on challenging terrain.
Raidlight have got around this by bringing the velcro up the shoe to just below the laces. This I love.
To combat sand entering the shoe where there is no gaiter, Raidlight use MATRYX material. In a way, this is similar to Gore-Tex, keeping debris out while allowing the foot to breathe. It works, I had no sand enter my shoe on any occasion.
The gaiter attaches as standard and comes higher up the leg with velcro fastening and the option to adjust how tight at the top of the leg. I actually never opened mine. I fastened them together the first time and then removed and added them like socks when in use. This worked for me and ensures the velcro has a longer life. You just simply need to remember to put the gaiter on first, then socks, then shoes and then fit the gaiter.
The lacing works really well providing plenty options for great foot hold and the storage pocket at the top of the tongue is great for keeping laces out of the way. Once tied I had no reason to adjust them when in use and they never came undone, partly due the laces being flat and not round.
A neutral shoe, sliding them on, there was an instant comfort feel. These are not bouncy shoes but they are cushioned and comfortable with notable excellent grip at the heel. When running, there is good propulsion from behind the metatarsals and notably there is excellent protection from rocks and debris. The addition of elastic (M-lock band) on the tongue allows for flexibility and support.
The toe bumper is solid and offers great protection from rocks and debris.
The outsole with 4mm lugs offers a great middle ground and works exceptionally well. I have not tried them on wet ground or rocks.
With 19mm cushioning at the front and 25mm at the rear, the 6mm drop sits, once again in the middle ground and is ideal for long distance running.
IN USE
Have to say, I was surprised. My first sand run felt very comfortable and the shoe performed perfectly. They provided excellent comfort, great protection, plenty of toe splay and the gaiter with the Matryx upper allowed no sand to enter.
The downside? They were warm! To be fair though, comparing to my other shoes (Hoka) with sewn velcro and the addition of a Raidlight gaiter, the differences were comparable.
The more runs I had in them, the better the feel cam and I would recommend looking to put 30-50km’s in them before using them for your chosen race or adventure. I do caveat that by saying they were great out of the box, but certainly several runs did allow them to just fit and conform to my foot.
I have no negative comments. With 150km’s now in the shoe and a complete battering in the Sahara, the shoes offered all day comfort without a trace of sand entering the shoe.
I will also add, this is a new shoe. They only came available just before the 2024 MDS. Despite this, I saw many pairs out ion the Sahara. I spoke to everyone I could and the feedback was the same, perfect shoe, great comfort and no sand inside.
CONCLUSION
Shoes are personal and the most important thing in any adventure or race is a shoe works for you and causes no problems or issues. This is especially important in a race like MDS when so many other factors and variables come in to play. The ULTRA 4 DESERT PROTECT offers a one-stop solution to a problem and if this shoe works for you, it comes highly recommended. It will certainly be a highly recommended shoe of choice for this environment in the future.
“Unrivalled comfort, cushioning and dynamism. Designed and engineered to go the distance, making them the shoe for ultra trail runners. The midsole incorporates dual density technology, offering a perfect balance between cushioning and responsiveness. The lightweight design reduces fatigue while providing protection and support. Comfort over longer distances, while maintaining optimum stability over a wide range of terrain.”
IAN CORLESS 