Lofoten Stage Run 2024 – The Arctic Triple

Posted on June 2, 2024 by talkultra

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.

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.

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 28^th, participants were transported to Reine, considered by many to be the most beautiful village in Norway. It is certainly iconic.

Staying in an authentic fisherman cabin in Reine Rorbuer, the 2024 experience kicked-off with a race briefing and then dinner.

Wednesday, stage 1, started with a boat trip from Reine to Kjerkfjorden.

The route ahead, 39km’s. 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.

A road section leads to Nesland and the final technical trail sections before arriving in the picture postcard, Nusfjord – a tough day!

Stage 2 at 34km’s 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 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.

Stage 3 for 170km Expedition runner’s is the long day, covering 52km’s with arguably the most ‘runnable’ terrain of the whole week.

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 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.

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.

THE RUN

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.

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.

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.

Graeme Murdoch and Tzvetie Erohina lead the way for the 130km.

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.

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!

VIEW THE FULL IMAGE GALLERY HERE

Experience Lofoten.

Experience the Arctic Circle.

Experience the midnight sun.

Experience the majesty and beauty of Norway under your own power.

Want to join the experience in 2025?

Go HERE

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EXPED Down Socks and Bivy Booty Review

Posted on March 8, 2021 by talkultra

Exped is a relatively new company, founded in the 80’s, the company initially started as an outdoor distributor. Over time, Exped created its own identity and form 1997 have created their own innovative products designed for travel and expeditions.

In 1997, the ‘Orion’ ridge tent, along with sleeping bags and storage bags set a benchmark for how the brand would develop. Now, Exped have a range of products that include Tents, Sleeping Bags, Mats, Backpacks, Packsacks, Hammocks, Ponchos and a range of Accessories.

On a personal note, Exped sleeping mats, storage bags and travel accessories have accompanied many a journey in countless worldwide locations for me.

In Nepal and more recently in Norway, I have used the Exped Down Sock and Exped Bivy Booty for fastpacking, multi-day adventures and countless work assignments.

DOWN SOCK

Warm feet are an essential for me, I suffer with cold toes and when a day on the trail comes to an end, a pair of dry socks and then down socks have become a constant when relaxing in a hut or tent. Compact and light, the Exped down socks are available in S, M or L and compress into a small size and of course, they are lightweight, (75g per sock in M) simple in design. They have an elasticated baffle/ heel cuff inside to ensure warmth is retained around the foot and to provide a comfortable fit. Made from five individual down filled pieces, warmth is retained in each section of the foot with cold spots reduced to a minimum. In particular, the toe area has a special area of down to ensure additional warmth in this sensitive area. At the top of the sock, there is an additional elastic baffle, visible with the Exped logo, this provides a seal and reduces heat escaping and cold entering.

Quite simply, these socks are a revelation for post-day recuperation after activity. They are a simple product that add an all-important additional layer of warmth for minimal weight and pack size. Using a Merino Wool sock inside is an essential extra to ensure warmth. Need more warmth? Also consider using a heat pad like those provided by Nevercold. They can also be used inside a sleeping bag for cold nights. Designed for internal use only, the use of a Bivy Booty (below) is required to increase the flexibility of the Down Sock.

Specs:

Fill :

Duck down RDS certified

Fillpower:

700+ cuin

Fill Weight:

2.8 oz

S – Shoe size DE/EU 37 – 39, USA 5 -7

M – Shoe size DE/EU 40 – 42, USA 7 – 9

L – Shoe size DE/EU 43 – 45, USA 10 – 11

BIVY BOOTY

Typically, when adventuring, fastpacking or out on any multi-day adventure, weight is a key concern and therefore the option to carry additional footwear is not an option. Therefore, a product like the Exped Bivy Booty manages to fill this great middle ground facilitating a lower pack size and lower weight. Weighing 128g for a M, the booty is at least 100% lighter than the lightest run shoe and considerably lighter than a walking boot. Designed to be used as a protective layer over any sock, the Bivy Booty excels over the Exped Down Sock.

It is a waterproof overshoe with a durable sole and TPU material that goes to mid-calf with two adjustable/ quick-release elastic cords. Designed to protect from snow, ice, rocks, twigs and any other sharp objects. The seams are factory taped and there is a three-layer shell of VentAir® combined with 15 D Ripstop Nylon to ensure foot protection and longevity of the product.

Overnight camp, Norway, February (iPhone photo)

In use, the Bivy Booty is the perfect product for camp life and the perfect lightweight accessory to facilitate moving around whilst relaxing after a day on the trail. Previously, I would use a down sock to keep my feet warm, only to find that I would then need to remove this sock and then use my day shoe to walk around outside the tent/ hut to facilitate any camp task. Now, I can keep my warm down socks on and use the Bivy Booty to move around.

Surprisingly comfortable, the two elastic cords, when pulled tight, really give a secure feel. The cords can be adjusted, even with gloves on. Of course, the Booty is not designed for any long walking, it’s a simple product to facilitate an easier camp/ hut life. They do this exceptionally well and on a recent camp trip in snow and ice with sub-zero temperatures, they were a life saver. The lower part of the Booty is designed to protect with a very strong reinforced area.

Insole is removable so you can upgrade if required.

Inside the Booty, there is a removable insole that is attached via Velcro. Top tip: You can replace the insulated rubber with a thicker product, say using an old sleeping mat. It’s a simple way to add more insulation between you and the ground, if required.

SPECS

15 D ripstop nylon, ventair, 10’000 mm water column, 40’000 MVTR

S – Shoe size DE/EU 37 – 39, USA 5 -7

M – Shoe size DE/EU 40 – 42, USA 7 – 9

L – Shoe size DE/EU 43 – 45, USA 10 – 11

XL – Shoe size DE/EU 46 – 47, USA 12 – 13

Exped website

This is not a paid review. Products were purchased to test.

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