29-Year-Old Disappears on Dream Hiking Trip. Authorities Find One of His Dogs and Backpack, but He Remains Missing

Authorities have found the backpack of a missing Norwegian hiker who set out on a solo trek through the Canadian wilderness last month.

The hiker — identified in media reports as Steffen Skjottelvik, 29 — left Fort Severn, Ontario, on July 25 with his dogs and was expected to reach York Factory, Manitoba, on Friday, Aug. 15, according to a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) spokesperson who spoke with PEOPLE on Thursday, Aug. 21.

“Contact was made with him on Aug. 13 when he arrived at Nanuk camp where he stated he had lost one of his dogs along the journey,” the RCMP said. “On Aug. 14, he made contact with York Factory stating his expected time of arrival there would be on the 15th. He believed he was about 20 kms [kilometers] away from York Factory.”

Authorities described Skjottelvik as an experienced outdoorsman, but he never arrived at York Factory on Aug. 15. The RCMP was notified of his disappearance later that evening.

A preliminary search was launched with the help of local guides and a helicopter from Fort Severn. Police said that the broader operation will rely on aircraft, boats, and drones, since the terrain is extremely difficult to navigate.

“One of the dogs, belonging to the missing traveller, made it to York Factory but another dog had been lost earlier,” the RCMP added. They noted they could not confirm reports that “the 2nd dog may have surfaced.”

Investigators believe Skjottelvik may have attempted to cross the Hayes River near York Factory. The river is nearly two kilometers wide with a powerful current, which authorities say would be impossible to cross under current conditions due to heavy rainfall.

The RCMP said drones equipped with thermal imaging would be used to aid in the search, including at night.

On Thursday afternoon, a spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE that Skjottelvik’s backpack had been discovered along the shore of the Hayes River.

“We have not located him as of yet but the search is continuing,” the spokesperson said.

Skjottelvik’s family expressed gratitude for the efforts made by Canadian authorities and others who have raised awareness of his disappearance, according to the CBC.

“The family wants to underline the importance of the co-operation between the official side in Canada and also the private network … that is helping. They appreciate the support enormously,” family spokesperson Christian Dyresen told the outlet.

Dyresen also said officials informed the family that GPS data from Skjottelvik’s equipment placed him near the Hayes River.

His uncle, Lars Jorgen Sorensen, told Norwegian outlet Røyken og Hurums Avis that Skjottelvik’s trek was part of a dream he had been preparing for years — to walk across Canada, the CBC reported.

“He has prepared himself for this trip for many years. He got to know many people while walking. He also lived with them for longer periods, before moving along,” Sorensen said.