Dressed for adventure

Heading outdoors to enjoy nature is one of the best things you can do to relax, unwind and get away from everyday stress. Here are our top tips on how to stay comfortable during the trip, as well as what you should think of to make your adventure as good and safe as possible.

Dress according to the 3-layer principle

When you are out and about, it is natural to get warm and sweaty. The moisture from your body is then absorbed by your clothes and when you stop to take a rest, the risk of starting to freeze increases. Dressing with several layers makes it easier to control the body heat by adding or removing layers.

Layer 1
Depending on the season, weather and location, it can be a good idea to wear a base layer, summer and winter. Either a thinner base layer in synthetic material whose main task is to transport moisture away from the body or one in merino wool if you want warming properties.

Layer 2
As second layers on the lower body, we suggest a pair of outdoor trousers. For the upper body, a sweater in synthetic material or fleece is a good choice as it is a material that transports moisture. If it is cold outside, it is good to add an additional thicker sweater or a lighter insulating jacket.

Layer 3
For the outer layer choose a shell jacket, and if necessary a pair of shell trousers,  that can withstand both water and wind and protects you from the stresses of the weather. It is always good to pack gloves, a beanie, and a scarf. Even if it is hot during the day, the temperature can drop during the evenings and nights and the wind can be chilly, considerably at high altitudes, by water or in open landscapes.

Walk a mile in your shoes

No experience is fun with abrasions. Use your new shoes or boots on shorter walks before embarking on longer adventures. If you want to be on the safe side, you can wear double socks in the shoes, which dampens friction. Change immediately if you get wet and do not forget to pack patches against abrasions in case it should go bad.

Pack correctly

Backpack and packing are of course important and depending on what you plan to do, you will need to have different amounts of packing with you. A general packing tip is to pack soft and lighter things in the bottom of the backpack and heavier items as close to the body as possible. In case of rain, it can also be good to have a rain cover for your backpack to protect your things from getting wet.

Remember to have rainwear and snacks easily accessible. By dividing the packing into bags, you will easier find what you need. Storms or hunger can come suddenly, as well as injuries, so do not forget to bring a first aid kit. Last but not least - do not pack too heavily, keep in mind that you must be able to carry everything.

Food & drinks
If your adventure lasts for many hours and maybe even days, you need to bring food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner + snacks. By carefully planning what to eat on the trip and avoiding unnecessary packaging, you can keep the weight down by kilos. Canned food is good for the trip in terms of shelf life, but the cans add weight, even when empty, and you must always plan to carry your rubbish with you. Remove unnecessary cartons, avoid glass jars and check if it is possible to refill water bottles along the way, so you avoid that weight. Still make sure to bring enough, though!

There are many dried/freeze-dried dishes where you just add water when cooking. Choose sauces / soups in powder form or in boxes  and eat together with couscous, pasta, and noodles. A good tip is to add up the exact portions so you do not carry food you will not eat. For those who like porridge, it is a perfect go-to. If berry picking is allowed where you are, you can easily add some extra flavour along the way or why not bring some blueberry soup powder as an alternative to jam. Grated parmesan stays well in the bag for a few days and can spice up most dishes. A clove of garlic or bouillon cubes weigh close to nothing, and do not forget spices!

In addition to the food itself, you need a gas or liquid fuel stove, a cup for drinks and food, cutlery, a sharp knife, dishwashing liquid and environmentally friendly dishwashing detergent, and fire steel, water resistant lighter or matches kept dry in e.g. a plastic jar.

How to make fire – step by step

In many nature reserves and outdoor areas, there is firewood by fireplaces, windbreaks or overnight cabins. It is a good idea to have a knife with you to split up larger firewood and carve smaller chips to light the fire with. Below you can read our guide on how to make a fire, step by step. But keep in mind that you are not allowed to collect firewood from nature just like that. You always must check what rules apply to the area you plan to stay in and double check so there is no fire ban.

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