Pitea Husky Hike Review: Outdoor Lunch & Northern Adventure

Thinking about doing a husky hike in Swedish Lapland? It’s almost like stepping into a snow globe, Pitea is that perfect postcard place. Very many people visit for those awesome winter adventures, and, yeah, the husky hike is very high on that list. I want to share my experience, give you the lowdown on what to expect, and, who knows, it could just convince you to book your own arctic escapade!

What’s a Husky Hike, Anyway?

So, what is a husky hike? Well, it’s very different from your regular walk in the park! You’re basically hooked up to a friendly husky—or two, depending on their strength—with a padded harness and a bungee cord. These amazing dogs absolutely love to pull, and they’ll lead you along scenic trails. Picture this: You are trekking through stunning snowy landscapes, and these amazing dogs provide the power. It’s actually more like assisted hiking. Plus, you get to spend a lot of time making new friends.

These aren’t your average house pets. We are talking specially bred dogs that have the need for speed and distance. Originating from Arctic regions, they’re created to endure very tough conditions and are known for their stamina and enthusiasm. A typical husky breed is one of the sled dog breeds with thick fur to keep them cozy. It is often used for sled pulling. The bond that you form with these pups is really something special; they depend on you for guidance, and you rely on them for that extra bit of ‘oomph’ up those snowy hills.

Booking Your Pitea Husky Adventure

Finding the right husky hike adventure for your Pitea adventure can be rather easy. Loads of tour operators are based around Pitea. Therefore, looking online is generally the easiest place to start. Consider these things when looking:

Tour Length and Difficulty: Are you searching for a relaxed afternoon hike, or are you rather wanting a proper day-long expedition? There are tours for all ability levels, and some tours accommodate young kids, while others, that include challenging inclines, may better fit a more athletic type.
Group Size: Is it very important to you to be with a smaller tour group for a personal feel, or does the group size even matter? There’s no one correct answer; but rather, a matter of preference. Smaller groups mean much more time with your guide, plus you may develop good camaraderie.
What Is Included: Find out just what is covered in your trip. Usually this involves all gear. You could expect things like your husky harness, along with hiking poles, maybe even winter boots and some cozy outer layers. The “Pitea Husky Hike with Outdoor Lunch,” of course, involves the food, however some tours may need you to BYOL – bring your own lunch!
Ethical Considerations: So, a critical point: ensure that the tour operator cares for the dogs really well. Responsible and ethical tours are ones that provide the dogs sufficient rest, decent living conditions, plus never pushing them past their limits. Have a look at testimonials and find out about the operator’s dog care ethics to make sure you are encouraging very good animal practices.

For my trip, I did a little digging. The ‘Pitea Husky Hike with Outdoor Lunch’ got really great ratings, and I liked that they prioritized responsible animal care. Their trips involve small groups, and the thought of eating tasty, hot food within the snowy forest seemed magical.

Gearing Up and What to Pack

Getting ready for a husky hike involves more than just excitement! Here’s what I discovered is needed:

Base Layers: Begin with moisture-wicking base layers that are made of merino wool or synthetic fabrics. They assist in keeping the perspiration far away from your skin.
Insulating Layers: Add fleece or down layers to assist with maintaining body warmth. Multiple thin layers can be easily adjusted according to conditions.
Outer Layer: Have a waterproof and windproof coat plus pants. This layer acts to shield you from any weather conditions, so ensuring that these are reliable is key.
Warm Accessories: A hat, warm scarf, and also some waterproof gloves are a must. It’s amazing how chilly it might feel out there when the wind kicks up!
Footwear: Insulation plus really good grip are what you will be searching for in a boot. Ankle support assists too on some uneven terrain.
Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Yes, the sun reflects very intensely off of the snow. Safeguard the eyes plus skin!
Small Backpack: Bring along a small backpack so you can carry any personal stuff: water bottle, camera, a few snacks, and an extra pair of warm socks.

The tour operator supplied me with warm outerwear plus hiking boots. I’m rather happy about this; It meant I didn’t need to get bulky gear specifically. Ensuring to check what the tour provides ahead of time can help save on over-packing. In other words, be sure that you check before you pack.

Meeting the Huskies

Meeting these huskies could just be the most exciting component of your whole trip. I have an amazing story for you: I met my husky companion, a beautiful Siberian husky, his name was Boris, plus it seemed his energy was limitless. As it turns out, they are all uniquely suited. Several were calm, others wanted to get out on the trail ASAP!

Before heading out, the guides take some time to explain all about interacting with these animals. They emphasize respecting them, what to anticipate with the hike, and the proper way to use your harness and how to assist them on those harder segments of trail. You actually can feel their affection, plus the sincerity of the team caring for all of them is apparent.

Hitting the Trails

The moment that your husky begins pulling is like, exhilarating! Boris took off enthusiastically and the sensation was very amazing! These trails ran into those woods close to Pitea. It created stunning views that made everything appear surreal.

It is really worth noting: it isn’t a free ride. While the husky pulls, it still has to be worked in a cooperative spirit. You’ll need to hold back when traveling downhill, assist the dog out when going uphill, plus generally preserve your equilibrium. Initially, it can feel a little challenging, yet soon you get the rhythm and commence enjoying that amazing partnership. The landscape included snow-covered trees, a silence just broken by means of our panting plus the crunching from our boots, it all felt magical!

The Outdoor Lunch Experience

Okay, let’s face it, one of the best bits? The lunch! We stopped at a specifically designated area in the forest, a little cozy clearing that they’ve established for picnics. It felt like stepping right into a fairy-tale setting, you see.

The guides set up a campfire and they all started making lunch, frequently Lapland-style barbecued sausages or reindeer stew – yum! Warming yourself by the fire, exchanging stories alongside the other hikers, while Boris relaxes in close proximity to you? Those are times that will be kept within memories! It had been so warm and comforting; plus honestly it’s far better compared to any cafe, truly.

What I Learned From My Husky

That husky trek was really something that goes well past an outside adventure. I picked up a great deal, to tell the truth. First off, the relationship alongside nature actually goes beyond simply admiring scenery; It is becoming actively associated with all of it.

I also acquired some appreciation with respect to resilience plus strength of those amazing animals. Plus above all I discovered the delights related to partnerships, regardless if you are collaborating with a furry friend to take the trails or even in working together along with others towards a frequent goal. These lessons happen to be stored personally far after departing out of those woods in Pitea.

Things To Consider Before You Go

Before you book that husky hike, allow me to share several points that I believe you need to know:

Fitness Level: You ought to have some sort of reasonable fitness standard. Whereas a husky can pull a large amount of weight, you’ll also need to stay sturdy upon your feet while hiking on perhaps slippery or uneven terrain.
Weather Conditions: Lapland climate will be really fickle. The temperature will drop rapidly, as such staying prepared just for any weather conditions is highly recommended.
Listen to Your Guide: Heed closely any instructions given. Your guide will lead you safely through the tour while prioritizing all animal safety.
Respect the Environment: Follow leave-no-trace policies to maintain any gorgeous landscapes pristine just for other people.

Husky hiking might just not be a good activity for every single person, yet if perhaps you’re somebody who cherishes creatures, loves that outside scene, along with seeks some distinctive travel expertise, that simply may very well be just your perfect thing.

Other Activities in Pitea

So, you’ve conquered the husky hike. Great! I’ve got some extra options to help you make the most of Pitea:

See the Northern Lights: Should you be there through those winter months, taking a Northern Lights tour might just be crucial. The night skies in Lapland, in many cases, offer just an amazing showing, as you may get a chance to enjoy those shimmering lights that dance all across the heavens.
Snowshoeing: Just strap upon some snowshoes to begin discovering a great deal of those peaceful trails upon your own personal steam. That could be an excellent option for absorbing wintry landscapes and also getting a good workout, as well.
Ice Fishing: Experiment with the age-old practice just for ice fishing! Many tours offer that, providing all of the gear together with support you will need to capture local seafoods.
Visit Local Markets: Have some time taking a stroll right through neighborhood markets to use local delicacies plus local crafts. That is the best chance to engage together with neighborhood tradition and help the local artisans.
Relax at a Spa: Soon after almost all the outdoor fun, then you definitely may want to treat yourself by means of visiting an area health spa. Appreciate some customary treatments just like a Swedish massage to calm and recharge all of your batteries.

Pitea includes a lot to offer. It ranges from adrenaline-inducing tasks right down to peaceful cultural excursions. You should find some thing interesting! So, go out there and explore.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is husky hiking difficult?

It really is quite doable, actually! Even though you do need a fundamental degree of fitness, it doesn’t demand any sort of past trekking knowledge. The huskies are doing almost all of that pulling, therefore your primary goal is to simply hold your balance and then enjoy all scenery.

What do I wear for husky hiking?

Layers happen to be vital! Put on the moisture-wicking base layers, next add insulating fleece, as well as add a waterproof together with windproof outer jacket. Really do not forget to take warm mitts, a hat, and insulated boots. Numerous tour operators could supply outdoor gear, consequently check ahead of time.

Is it safe to go husky hiking with kids?

It is very family friendly! It is almost, if not all tours offer shorter as well as easier treks that are usually ideally designed for little ones. Only double-check on getting those minimum age limitations with all the operator before you reserve.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Adverse conditions might probably influence journey plans. That operators in many cases have some contingency arrangements in place like rescheduling, giving inside tasks instead, as well as supplying complete refunds.

Are the huskies well taken care of?

Yep, well regarded operators put those dog’s wellbeing at high-priority. These prioritize animal’s well-being by ensuring that they receive adequate sleep, proper sustenance, plus compassionate consideration. Make sure to consider testimonials together with confirm just what they do for creature wellbeing just before reservation.