Winter hiking reading pack, with plenty of information and tips
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 practical information for your winter trips.
About winter hiking:
WINTER HIKING BASICS
Winter hiking covers a lot of ground. In this post, we go through the basics: how heading out in winter differs from hiking in the warmer months, and which gear and clothing actually make a difference when it's cold.
A WINTER DAY TRIP CLOSE TO HOME
What do you need for a good day trip, and does winter place any extra demands on your clothing and gear? Our expert Caj shares his top tips for a winter outing close to home.
THE ATMOSPHERE OF A WINTER WEEKEND TRIP
Winter is a wonderfully atmospheric time to be out. Dark nights, starry skies, the northern lights and a campfire make for magical conditions. Day trips are a good way to start learning the basics of winter hiking. Overnight trips are easiest to practise in summer, when it's warm and building your core skills is also safer.
About gear:
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 groomed trails. Even if you didn't enjoy skiing as a child, you might still enjoy backcountry skiing. Moving quietly through a winter landscape gives you a freedom of its own. You're not tied to the tracks, and you can ski wherever you like.
OAC SKIN-BASED SKIS — BUYER'S GUIDE
We've put together a guide to choosing OAC's popular skin-based skis. OAC updated its range for the 2022–2023 season, with small changes to the dimensions, shape and materials.
HOW TO CHOOSE SKATE SKIS, BOOTS AND POLES
Skate skiing hasn't changed as dramatically as classic skiing in recent years, but for many it's the right way to move on the trail, and perhaps an easier way into the sport. Together with the ski experts at our Kuninkoja store, we've listed a few things to consider when buying skate skiing gear.
HOW TO CHOOSE CLASSIC SKIS, BOOTS AND POLES
As the weather turns colder and winter approaches, it's a good time to check the condition of your old ski gear and maybe upgrade. Classic skiing equipment in particular has changed a lot in recent years. With help from the ski experts at our Kuninkoja store, we've gathered a few things to keep in mind when buying classic skiing gear.
CHOOSING A SHELTER FOR WINTER TREKKING
Prime winter trekking season is just about to begin. Some people enjoy the polar night, but late winter is still the most popular time to head north for a trek. In March and April, you'll get a bit more sunshine on average, the days are much longer, the nights are no longer fully dark, the hardest frosts are rarer and, best of all, the snow crust often starts to hold a skier's weight!
PACKING LISTS FOR SKI TOURING AND WINTER TREKKING
Winter is a great time for trekking. But the cold season can be dangerous if you head out with inadequate gear or skills. In this post, we show you how to put together your own packing list, whether you're setting off on a week-long ski tour or a weekend trip in winter conditions.
A GUIDE TO CHOOSING A TORCH
A torch is a sensible choice for the dark months. A modern, compact LED torch fits easily in your jacket pocket, and you can recharge the battery on the go with a power bank.
Guides to choosing clothing and footwear:
THE ESSENTIALS OF LAYERING
Most people in the Nordic countries have heard about layering at some point. If you live in a cold climate, you learn to dress warmly sooner or later, but what's the actual idea behind layering? What does each layer do, and which materials work best for different outdoor activities?
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE COLD!
You've probably heard the saying: ”There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” For hikers and anyone who spends time outdoors, it means the weather doesn't have to limit where you go, as long as you dress sensibly. If it starts raining mid-trip or turns colder than expected, it's not a problem. You simply adapt.
BUYING A WINTER JACKET — WHAT TO CONSIDER
When the weather cools, it's time to dig out the warmer clothes. A warm jacket is one of the most comfortable things to pull on when it's raw and chilly outside. Winter jackets have developed a lot in recent years, so we've written a guide for anyone shopping for a new one.
WINTER BOOT BUYER'S GUIDE
Our range includes a good selection of warm winter boots that work well for walking and hiking. Well-made boots will also last you many seasons.
More tips for winter trips:
FIVE TIPS — WHAT TO DO ON YOUR WINTER HOLIDAY
Many of you still have a winter holiday ahead, and maybe no plans yet either. You don't have to travel far north to enjoy it. Winter is winter wherever you are, and there's plenty to do in your local woods.
TASTY OUTDOOR MEALS OVER AN OPEN FIRE
On crisp, bright winter days like these, you'll probably feel like heading out for a hike. The Nordic countries offer a wide range of options for getting outdoors, and fire pits and lean-to shelters stocked with firewood are easy to find.