Jotunheimen Haute Route is not for beginners. If you plan to attempt the route without detailed knowledge of the area, you should definitely bring a guide. Your backpack should be as light as possible. Not only is the trip physically demanding, but a heavy backpack makes you unstable on skis and poses a greater risk of injury in case of falls. Below is a list of the equipment you should have with you when traversing Jotunheimen.

30-45 litre backpack

Avalanche probe

Avalanche beacon with capabilities for sending/receiving signals

Aluminium shovel

Skins for skis

Crampons

Axe

Rope

GPS

Map and compass

First aid kit

Athletic taping – preferably tape your heels before the trip and remember to file your nails!

Light tools, so you can repair skins, shoes and other equipment.

Wind sack (1 for every 3 in the group)

Clothing

2 wool shirts (one on your body, one in the backpack)

2 sets of long wool underwear (one on your body, one in the backpack)

1 thin fleece jacket/sweater Swim trunks/light skirt (for use at the lodges)

Wool hat

3 pairs of wool socks

2-3 extra pairs of wool underwear

Primaloft or down jacket (thin) 2 pairs of thin gloves

Warm mittens (down/wool with wind mittens)

2 hats (one on your head, one extra) Softshell pants

Light softshell jacket

Alpine touring boots

Down shoes/light indoor shoes for use at the lodges

Sleeping bag liner

Other equipment

Sunglasses

Goggles (snow goggles)

Sunscreen/cold cream

Drinking bottle with a wide opening – to be filled with snow as it is emptied.

Energy bar (energy chocolates)

Double sandwich in a packed lunch

Good breakfast to start

Small thermos (luxury)

Other tips

Zippers - check all zippers before the trip. Must be replaced in case of even the smallest problems. Clothes with broken zippers have no function in high wind and snow.

File your nails before the trip. Then you will not have to turn back before Besshø mountain!