Padjelanatleden & Kungsleden

Hi there,

I'd like to get some info on the itinerary (planned for the second half of July) below:

Sulitjelma  – Sorjushytta – Staloluokta – Vaisaluokta – Ritsem – Sitasjaure – Hukejaure – Salka - Abisko

I'd welcome (even incomplete) answers to any of the following questions:

1)What are the chances I could get a Coleman gas cartridge at Staloluokta, Ritsem, or any other place on the above trail?

2)Is there a chance to buy an insect repellent somewhere on the trail? I have a head net, but if the little beasts start winning, I'd like to be able to respond effectively.

3)I already have a map for the first part of the trek (up to Ritsem) and I plan on buying a map for the northern part somewhere on the trail. Could I get one at Staloluokta, Ritsem, or any other place on the above trail?

4)I'll be sleeping in a tent and would like to know if reindeer herds could pose any kind of problem.

5)Are subzero night temperatures in July rare or not so rare?

6)Are there any nasty fords (ice-cold water, very high water level, …) on the trail?

7)In Northern Europe I've hiked in Norway (Rondane, Jottunheimen) and Iceland (Langmannalaugar – Porsmork trail). How do these treks compare with Padjelantaleden? Is Padjelantaleden more demanding? If yes, then in what terms?

Finally, two bonus questions referring to my itinerary.

A)Instead of going from Hukejaure to Salka, I could go to Caihnavaggihyttene and then to Unna Allakas and Abisko. Alternatively, from Caihnavaggihyttene I could go to Katterat or Riksgransen (via Unna Allakas). Has anyone taken these trails? Are they well marked, more spectacular, …?

B)Is it possible to reach Staloluokta via Ragohytta (Rago National Park)? On the Norwegian online map there is a path from Ragohytta towards the Swedish border.

Many thanks ...

Suggest move thread into 'Travel' section. Was out there, the general area, 2 years ago, heading back late Aug for 3 - 4 weeks. Probably starting at Sulit, heading for Kvikk and back thru Sarek, poss into Rago. To answer your questions:1) Gas at both. See Sami site for huts and what you might buy. http://www.padjelanta.com/. Unfortunatly they'll be closed when we/I get there. 2) Probably. Suggest take own tho. 3) not sure - Ritsen is pretty small but you might. Not sure where you're going after Ritsen - maps not to hand. There's a section of track to the north, locked, hard, relentless, covered by sheet BD7, but you can get away without it, just walk til you get onto BD5 - if that's where you're going. Suggest print something off Google maps for this bit? 4) Never bothered us! 5) Got down to about -4? in Sept but not that likely in July, I reckon. 6) On the main trails, very unlikely, but we've been very lucky with low rivers in Sept, 2 trips. Sarek is different, mind, only 2 bridges I think! 7) Padj trail is meant to be a quieter version of the Kungsleden, popular trails, so unlikely but possible, depends on weather.
A) Dunno. B) Looked on my maps. The paths go into Sweden to the west side of Virihaure, no more - been trying to see if there's a route myself! If you tried to traverse around the S side of the lake, you'll come to what looks to be a very big river, unbridged. Swim?
Have fun, let me know what you find?

Agree with your suggestion so will move the thread into Travel section. Thanks for the info, will share my experience when I get back.