Guides
Use, care and washing instructions for footwear, clothing and more. Well-made outdoor and hiking gear needs the right care too. Regular maintenance extends the life of your kit and keeps it performing as it should. Our care tips help you save money and go easier on the environment.
98 blog posts
A multi-fuel stove can run on gas, petrol, lamp oil, kerosene and more. The stove comes with jets in different sizes, and you always choose…
There are plenty of opinions about how gas stoves perform in the cold. Some say they become unreliable at the first light frost, while…
You hear plenty of myths about staying warm in a sleeping bag. The cold seeps up from the ground, there's a cold draught from the bothy…
Packrafting is a fairly young sport. It began in 2000, when Alpacka Raft built the first packraft in the United States, and the sport as a…
Waxing your skis makes them perform better. You get better glide, and the wax also protects the base from dirt and wear. Fluoro waxes have…
Do you own a fire steel but find it hard to get a fire going with it? Or are you thinking of buying one for emergencies? Lighting a fire…
Ice swimming is a great hobby. It leaves you feeling fantastic, and people of all ages can do it. You get to know new people on the sauna…
People often say that holidaying in Finland is expensive. And it can be, if you rent a cabin in the pricier part of a ski resort and eat…
Anyone who has done a few multi-day hikes knows that a lighter pack is more comfortable to carry than a heavy one. A heavy pack holds you…
Some of the best Scouting memories are made in summer, when camps, hikes and Sea Scout sailing trips lead to great adventures. To make camp…
Photography is a fun hobby, and it fits naturally with day hikes and longer treks. For many people, taking photos is actually the main…
Nordic skating is a fascinating adventure sport, and one that gets people talking. The image is of skaters gliding over smooth, sunlit ice…
For many of us, our earliest memories of nature come from mushroom and berry picking trips with our parents or grandparents. This Nordic…
Broken zip on your waterproof or down jacket, a hole in your shell, a split seam in your trousers, or a sole coming away from your hiking…
Most of us have been out hiking at some point. Plenty of people have spent a night or two outdoors as well, but that doesn't necessarily…
Bikepacking is cycle touring with all your gear packed on the bike. Where it differs from traditional touring is the route: instead of…
You don't have to buy all your outdoor gear. You can rent it too. Buying everything at once gets expensive, especially when you're just…
Many travellers like to take a larger bag on board as hand luggage, with room for everything you need during the flight, plus cameras,…
This guide gives you tips on choosing running clothes . When you take up running, the right clothing matters as well as the right shoes.…
Choosing the right downhill skis can feel daunting when there are hundreds of models and lengths to pick from. The right ski depends on…
Ski boots are the most important piece of kit you'll own as a skier, so it's worth taking a little time to choose the right pair. Boots…
In this post, we introduce three hiking destinations in the Turku area that we can recommend to anyone who enjoys getting outdoors. All…
We're celebrating Scandinavian Outdoor's hiking days, so we've put together a reading pack from our blog posts. You'll find plenty of…
In deep snow, skiing is a natural and energy-efficient way to get around. Off-track skiing is a completely different sport from skiing on…
Sleeping mats come in two main types: inflatable and closed-cell foam. Inflatable mats are further divided into self-inflating and…
A torch earns its place during the dark months of the year. A modern LED torch is small but powerful, slips easily into a jacket pocket,…
Merino wool clothing doesn't need washing very often. Airing it out is usually enough. You can do this indoors by hanging the garment…
We've put together a guide to choosing OAC's popular skishoes. OAC's ski range is wide, and each model is built for a different kind of…
Our selection includes a great range of warm winter shoes that are perfect for outdoor activities and hiking. High-quality shoes are also…
We stock a wide range of generously sized outdoor and hiking clothing . Our outdoor expert Johanna explains plus-size and D-fit clothing.…
Spending a night in a lean-to by the campfire has a real atmosphere to it. A lean-to is a good place for your first night out, and an easy…
As the weather cools, it’s time to bring out warmer clothing. A warm jacket is one of the most comfortable pieces to wear on chilly days.…
This post has tips for an autumn hike in the ruska season, when the leaves and ground vegetation turn colour. If you enjoy hiking and…
Do you still remember your first night outdoors, or are you still at the dreaming stage? In this post, we've gathered the most common…
A tarp is a sheet of “tent fabric”, a bit like a tarpaulin, that you can use to make a shelter outdoors. On day hikes it keeps the wind and…
The author is a fire station officer with the Western Uusimaa Rescue Department. He sails, skis off-piste, climbs mountains and runs…
Are you looking to buy your first outdoor knife? Choosing a knife can be tricky at first, as there are plenty of options available. In this…
In this post, we share tips and a packing list for an overnight trip outside the snow season. People often say that a single night out…
In this article, we provide tips on what to pack for a hike during the snow-free season. Many beginner hikers likely dream of one day going…
Buying your first backpack can be tricky when you have no idea what will actually fit inside. This post aims to give you a better sense of…
Thinking about getting a rucksack but not sure what size suits you? You're not the only one, so we put together this guide to backpack…
Plenty of people still have winter holiday days to use, and maybe no plans yet either. You don't have to travel all the way to Lapland to…
Skate skiing hasn't been through the same upheaval as classic skiing in recent years, but for many people it's the right way to move on the…
As the weather turns colder and winter draws closer, it's a good time to check the condition of your old ski gear and perhaps upgrade to…
Wondering what the difference is between a technical and a merino wool base layer? And which one suits you better? In this post, we go…
Rain doesn't have to spoil a day outdoors – as long as you're dressed for it. Autumn is a great time for hiking and getting outside, with…
With many clothes , tents and other gear , you'll come across a hydrostatic head rating. It's a value measured in a laboratory that shows…
Hammock camping has become very popular in recent years, and for good reason. With a little practice, a hammock is quick to pitch, the kit…
Our range of walking and hiking shoes is extensive, so we put together this guide to help with the questions that come up when you're…
For many of us, early spring marks the start of cycling season. Others ride all year round, whatever the weather. Cycling is a versatile…
In this guide, we go through what to consider when you're buying running shoes for flat surfaces such as tarmac. If you're looking for…
Softshell clothing has been around for quite some time, but many people still aren't sure what it actually is. Softshell isn't a material…
Good provisions and tasty food are the cornerstones of a successful trip. On a short outing, the lunch break is often the highlight. On a…
Thinking about buying a hiking jacket? In this guide, we explain how a hiking jacket differs from a shell jacket and how to choose one that…
When choosing hiking boots , getting the right size matters. This guide explains how to find hiking boots that fit you properly. A boot…
Thinking about getting a new backpack ? Which one is right for you: a school bag, a solid daypack for hiking, or one backpack that does…
Choosing the right backpack isn't always easy, especially if it's your first. A test winner won't necessarily suit everyone. Should you go…
Winter is a brilliant time for hiking. But the cold season can be dangerous if you set off with inadequate kit or skills. In this article,…
Winter hiking covers a lot of ground. In this post, we go through the basics: how winter trips differ from hiking in the warmer months, and…
Down is the most valued and widely used insulation in winter jackets , lightweight down jackets and sleeping bags . In this article, we…
For slippery conditions, you have a few footwear options, such as grip-sole shoes (also known as friction-sole shoes) and studded shoes.…
Join us for a live stream on Facebook. This time, you can cook a tasty outdoor meal along with us if you like. When: Friday 30 October…
Good lightweight down jackets, or "puffies", have kept hikers warm for years. They've also become a versatile, long-lasting go-to layer for…
Many manufacturers make their own waterproof shell materials. The most common is Gore-Tex, often shortened to GTX. This guide covers the…
People often say they'd like to get into hiking but don't know where to start. This article shows you how to begin with day hikes and, if…
Choosing a suitable sleeping bag and pad is not the easiest task at the start of your hiking hobby. This guide will show you what options…
In this blog post we will go over different types of camping stoves and will tell you how they differ from one another. With these tips you…
Hiking with children is fun and rewarding for the whole family, as long as you get a few basics right. In this article, our expert Mikko,…
Base and mid layers are an important (if not the most important!) part of what you wear for hiking and time outdoors. Base layers are made…
We recommend having your down jacket professionally cleaned, but you can also wash it yourself unless the care label specifically says not…
Outdoor clothing often includes synthetic fibres because they make a garment last longer and stand up to more wear. Many polycotton…
What could be nicer than wrapping yourself into a comfortable and well maintained sleeping bag after a long day of hiking! After reading…
In this guide we will give you the best tips for tent maintenance, storage, and washing, so that you can enjoy your tent’s service on your…
An overnight trip is an easy way to fit some adventure into everyday life. In summer, when the weather is warm, you don't need to carry…
The mild winter in southern Finland made it easy to keep trail running all season long. Spring brings warmer running weather, though.…
Especially a novice hiker will have a lot of trouble selecting their first hiking boots . In this guide we’ll look into the details of…
If there was ever a good time for a local outing, it's now. Migratory birds are returning, and the woods are full of birdsong as nesting…
Are you considering buying a new tent? Our outdoor expert Mikko shares tips on what to consider when choosing the right tent. Buying a tent…
Navigation is one of the most important outdoor skills. Once you know the basics, you can pinpoint your position on the map, judge how fast…
Have you just purchased a backpack and are you thinking of how to pack it correctly? In this article we will tell you how to pack your…
Scandinavian Outdoor content creator Tanja went on a ski holiday with her family and set out to find which ski gloves work best for kids.…
You can and should wash membrane fabrics! When a shell garment is clean it breathes better and all its technical features work in the best…
Washing, treating, and waxing hiking boots Taking care of hiking boots is very important, since the right kind of maintenance will increase…
Cleaning, waterproofing and waxing your hiking boots Looking after your hiking boots matters. The right care keeps them comfortable and…
Washing, treating and waxing hiking boots Looking after your hiking boots pays off. With the right care, they last longer and stay…
Treat your new hiking boots before you wear them Just bought new hiking boots and itching to hit the trail? Hold on a moment. New hiking…
Dark autumn evenings are no excuse to stay inside laying on the couch. Light emitting diodes, also known as LEDs, will come to the rescue…
July heat is on its way to southern Finland, and the best hiking season of the year is only just getting started. Now is a good time to…
In Finland, mosquito season usually kicks off just after Midsummer and lasts about a month. In Lapland, this period is known as räkkä .…
When everyday life starts to weigh on you, a short trip close to home is a great way to enjoy the summer outdoors while you wait for your…
Hiking and trekking are great hobbies partly because everyone can do them in their own way. There's no right or wrong approach, as long as…
Our Outdoor Tent Week runs from 30.5 to 9.6.2019 in our stores and online store . With help from Mikko, one of our outdoor experts, we've…
A merino wool garment is usually the first choice for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. But many people aren't quite sure how merino wool is…
“After the Northern Lights and love you can run, or wait for the next one.” Aurora Borealis, more commonly the Northern Lights are the best…
Most people in the Nordic countries have probably heard of layering at some point. If you live in a cold climate, you learn to dress warmly…
In our view, a long service life and versatility are what make an outdoor jacket truly sustainable. For us, durability means quality, and…
Trail running, off-road running, cross-country running – this much-loved sport goes by many names! In this article, we share tips on…
Have the slippery winter conditions caught you off guard these past few days? Looking for grip on solid ground, only to feel your foot slip…