A guide to getting started with packrafting

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…

How to lighten your pack

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…

Scout camp season is calling – what should you pack?

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 on day trips and hikes

Photography is a fun hobby, and it fits naturally with day hikes and longer treks. For many people, taking photos is actually the main…

The Tour Skater's Checklist

Nordic skating is a fascinating adventure sport, and one that gets people talking. The image is of skaters gliding over smooth, sunlit ice…

A Guide to Getting Started with Bikepacking

Bikepacking is cycle touring with all your gear packed on the bike. Where it differs from traditional touring is the route: instead of…

Hiking gear hire — Rental shop

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…

Cabin bags for hand luggage on flights

Many travellers like to take a larger bag on board as hand luggage, with room for everything you need during the flight, plus cameras,…

A guide to choosing alpine skis

Choosing the right downhill skis can feel daunting when there are hundreds of models and lengths to pick from. The right ski depends on…

A guide to choosing ski boots

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…

A guide to off-track and backcountry skiing

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…

How do self-inflating sleeping mats work?

Sleeping mats come in two main types: inflatable and closed-cell foam. Inflatable mats are further divided into self-inflating and…

Guide to choosing a torch

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,…

OAC Skinbased Skis — Buying Guide

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…

Tips for an autumn colours hike

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…

Choosing and pitching a tarp

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…

Choosing a Knife — How to Pick a Good Outdoor Knife or Puukko

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…

Packing list for an overnight trip

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…

Packing list for a one-week hike

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…

Rucksack sizes: how much fits in each one?

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…

Backpack sizes: what actually fits in each one?

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…

How to choose skate skis, boots and poles

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…

How do you choose skis, boots and poles for classic cross-country skiing?

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…

What on earth is a hydrostatic head rating?

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…

Free to Hang — Hammock Camping Basics

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…

What to eat on the trail — the basics of outdoor meals

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…

Choosing a backpack: what should you look for before you buy?

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…

How do you choose the right rucksack for you?

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…

Packing lists for ski trekking and winter hiking

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,…

Choosing a sleeping bag and pad – how to pick a functional pair?

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…

Choosing a camping stove — different stoves compared

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…

How to store and care for a sleeping bag and pad

What could be nicer than wrapping yourself into a comfortable and well maintained sleeping bag after a long day of hiking! After reading…

Tent maintenance, storage and cleaning

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…

A guide to hiking close to home — packing list for a picnic day out

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…

Tent Buying Guide: Is a Tunnel, Dome, or Other Type Best for You?

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…

How to pack a backpack the right way for a hike

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…

Tent-buying tips from our outdoor expert Mikko

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…