Today it will be about tools. It is always interesting to see new practical or tactical gear to bring. Just be carful due to weight and usage, for what and do you really need it. So rethink can be good sometimes, is it a need to have or a nice to have? and if so, is it worth to bring?. But here come some good suggestion. To start with will be the Polarvargens shovel and saw. This is something I always got in my car. The shovel I can bring if I have forgotten shovel in my pack (or if needed). The second will be the Artisian Fire starter. This one is really good, and a fire starter is something I always bring with me. The Nexttool Silverblade is a multicard tool it got 14 different tools including: knifes, Integrating knife, hexagon spanner, screwdriver and other functions, which can solve various problems encountered in daily life, outdoor camping, cycling and tool repair. The next will be a saw, in low land and pre mountain areas, it is always good to bring a saw. This is the Eka viking 53cm saw. A small but with high function. And at the end a spoon, perfect for the dried food. Long so you don’t get Smudgy. You can also use it  as a measure, of the size of a tablespoon. The GSI outdoor essential spoon long.

Ellen Krauss – Tie Me Down (Lyric Video)

See ya tomorrow…

I am the one always talking about developing and becoming a better you. But we all also need to sit down and look back on our footprints behind. To reflect over all we have done and learned and experienced. At one of my leadership training I got the task to do a timeline of my life with positive and negative events. You might try that, it is a real good think to do for helping you to reflect. Today we manifest being good as we are, what about that:-)? We really need to look us self in the mirror sometimes and feel satisfied, and proud over what you have become and done. I always meet people who are inspiring and interesting, that is a good life. So be thankful over yourself and your life and you will enjoy life, that so important. You’re unique. An original. There is no one like you, so why bother comparing yourself to others? Be yourself and be kind, that is what the world need…

See ya tomorrow…

Otis Redding – Merry Christmas Baby (Atco Records 1967)

Today’s topic is a challenge, and is difficult and everyone has an opinion on it so I actually tend to avoid it as much as possible. But today it’s about leadership. I will start from my own experience and with my own practical view of leadership, but with an increasing knowledge and understanding of the academic aspects of the subject. So with my experience from 17 years in the service, and 22 years within management in the business and 24 years as a guide what is my conclusion then? The absolute best leadership training what so ever have been in the army, nothing cant be compared to that. It is outstanding. You have to practice your learning’s and you will get the feedback immediately.  But the funny thing is that the armed forces cant understand their knowledge practice or understanding of the topic. What I mean with that is you will be a product of the organization. 1. a organization build up of career-shattering individuals with their own driving forces. 2. The best person at the best profession is not always the fact due to all of this. But on the other hand I have never met as much good leaders anywhere else than in the forces.

In the business my experience is that there are so many managers with lack of knowledge how to lead. Lost of the inner compass of moral and ethic stands. They often think that they can’t or shall or even provide there own view of things. And to be honest I even think few even reflect of  there stand in thing they perform and drive in their organization. Hm. ok you might say, but they got payed from the upper management, Shouldn’t they then do what is imposed on them? Leadership is about to take stand and think it trough -what is it good for?! Today many of the middle management (and that is quite all including the higher Management) don’t make stand or  are disinclined to make decisions. So it will be decision at the end in anyway, bur within the organization. To be honest, sometime that is even right, sometimes you need to ” let it go”. But however that must be a well-thought-out meaning to it. 

So we come to the third leg, the leadership for a guide. Oups, now we are stepping into a minefield. To compare it with the two areas above, its like the soldiers or the employees pays you. So who do you now need to be loyal to? You also got rules, laws and regulation to consider. A group with quite differ in experience and knowledge etc. I think you got the point. -this is complex. You can also add if you belongs to an organization (ex, SFLO or UIMLA etc.) you also got your loyalty claim there too. So yes it is complex. But now I going back to the basic your moral ant ethical compass. You must develop this over time. This will be the only silver bullet you will get close to.

Jack Savoretti – Christmas Morning (Official Video)

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In the near of Sulitelma the Pite river begins with its source flows. The Sami presence has existed in the area since ancient times. The river is just over 410km. When following the river, you will see and feel its different temper. The river is one out of four unregulated undeveloped national rivers in Sweden. The biggest waterfall in the river is Storforsen. With its average water flow of 250 m³/sec and the drop height of 60 m, it constitutes one of the largest rapids in Europe. It is Europe’s largest unregulated rapid where the total length of the entire rapid, from start to finish, is 5 km with a total drop height of 82 m. Below Storforsen, Piteälven’s largest tributary joins Varjisån. The river also passes the village Älvsbyn, which is very picturesque. 

Lykke Li – I Follow Rivers – Magician Remix [Music Video]

See ya in a moment….

Todays topic is about smaller backpacks. The reason for this is that it can be a real jungle to figure out what to chose. First of all you of course need to think about what and how you will use it. From my point it is important if you are going to use it for Winter or summer tours, or for both. Because if it for both you will need a 40L, for just Summer 30L will be enough. So this means a 40L will be good to have and I really don’t like having a lot of stuff ”outside” hanging at the backpack. Next thing to think about is if how much top lid your going to need. With a small solution, you will get more space in the sack, but less stuff possibilities. Today the market can present a number of various of solutions and volume and details adapted to the activity. This one for example is one I use for the ice climbing. It is 35L and perfect for a day on the ice. With good and simple mounts for ice axes, equipment loops and even a compartment for crampons it is perfect and thought out for that particular activity. On the other hand if I want to go for a peak tour with randoneé skis, I would rather chose the Ortovox. This for compartment for the probe and shovel for example. The both mention so far, is technical ones for special usage. For a cabin tour I will have a bigger one with a real good frame for a bit of heavier weight, than this Lundhags will be my choice. This does not have any top lid, but a large pack space and with a frame for heavy weight. I will also mention that a tactical back pack can also be useful. This are often of ”heavy duty” structure, with lots of details and option for pack special equipment in different ways. Ok so now to the question, what to choose. I will recommend a 40-45L ”standard” backpack. this will be the most useable and flexible for all needs. If you get into a special activity, then you can by or borrow a special edition of backpack for that occasion.

Billy Idol – God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (Official Audio)

See ya tomorrow…

In Sweden The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for the mountain safety as an authority. Due to that the Mountain safety council has been established.

Background: In the mid 70s it was it a low-key debate about mountain safety. During this period, there was a lot of homemade advice that was given to the general public on the subject. At this period, it was the Swedish Tourist Association and the Swedish outdoor association that somehow managed to keep it reasonably together. In the late 70s there was three significant accident in the mountains. These three accidents were the reason why more and more people asked the question of who really has the overall responsibility for preventing accidents and incidents on the mountain. The government chose to set up an investigation with the task of coming up with proposals on how the leadership should be resolved for mountain safety. The government decision to appoint an inquiry came on 9 March 1978. On 29 May 1979, the Riksdag decided to instruct the government to establish a special authority – the Mountain Safety Council – with the task of being the head of mountain safety issues. Pending the recreation investigation, the authority shall be directly subordinate to the government. The first meeting of the Mountain Safety Council was held on 15 February 1980 at Department of Agriculture. And that is the beginning of the council.

Today: Today The Mountain Safety Council is a part of the The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. The member of the council is authorities and county boards and other important functions and other Interest organizations with mountain safety as an important area. The Mountain Safety Council of Sweden Information and protect and prevent from accidents will be the most important function of the board.

När du reser dig

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Todays topic is one of my favorite’s, to find cabins that is seldom visited. Off the beaten track you will find some of the mountains hidden pearls. Todays first cabin will be the Vakkotavare mountain cabin. This is a cabin situated close to the road, but despite that its perfect. placed at the foot of the mountain and embedded in greenery. With a bathing place very close to the water collection point. It is easy to make a day trip up the calf mountain along the Kungsleden directly from the mountain hut. The climb is substantial and you have to expect a little sweat before you get paid for the effort – an almost devotional view of Akkajaure, Sarek and Áhkká’s snow-capped peaks. In Akkajaure, there is good fishing where the rapid has its outlet, just a couple of hundred meters from the cabin. Admittedly an abomination though also feel free to visit the Suorvamagasinet and the dam building which has made this Sweden’s largest regulating reservoir. The next is a specially one at Harads in between of Boden and Jokkmokk. This is the place for arctic experience. Why dont you try a fire and ice retreat?! This is a bit expensive, but I think you never have been in such a place with a number of opportunities  Welcome to Arctic Bath — Hotel, SPA, Cold Bath, Harads, Norrbotten, Swedish Lapland, Sweden

Today I alos will give christmas gift suggestion in the form of a book. This is a quite interesting book about the world war 2 and the activities around the border of Norway and Sweden.

See ya tomorrow…

SANTA

Todays question is quite relevant. What we can see is that the interest of the mountain environment increase over time. The result will be that the environment will be affected and also the locals living at the or close to the mountains. First we have the Sami, who live from reindeer husbandry and hunting and fishing. We also got the locals who also live of hunting fishing and the tourism. Then we got the tourist business who lives of the tourism and also the tourist’s as well. Now you might start to understand the complexity of the the question. The ”new” tourist also have more demands and a bunch of new kind of activities that develops over time. Kiting, mountain biking, trail running, randoneé skiing, climbing, mountaineering and stand up paddle just for mentation a couple of activities. If we look into the problem in detail, it can be like this: At the Blanktjärnarna close to Vålådalen the number of visitors has explode. Between 2014-2018 the number quintupled. The turquoise colored  water might has lost its color for all time…

So is it possible to make everyone satisfied? On one side we got the right of common (Sv. allemansrätten) and on the other side we have all requirements from different traders and the Samis. First of all, for solving the problem it will be a need of understanding, and a will of negotiation from all sides. If one means that no one other should be there it will end the discussion. I also think that all actors need to take there responsibility for making people to move or visit other or less visit places. This by offer alternative to the places that has been to crowded today.  The tourism in Jämtland got 5.5 milj in turnover and gives 4 900 year round works and almost every forth inhabitant in Åre  municipality works in tourist related  business. So my answer will be we all can stay in the mountain environment, but we all have to take responsible for it.

The Mavericks – Santa Wants To Take You For A Ride (Official Music Video)

See ya tomorrow…

We all probably would like to do more adventure and explore more then we are doing in our life. So today I might can get you a bit more closer of being able to do so…So the first question will be -do you really want to spend more time within the outdoor activity? If the answer is yes you can continue to read now:-) First it comes to attitude, you must be willing and to prioritize what you want to do. The next thing will be to plan for what your goal will be. The planning must be realistic due to your situation. My experience is also that (Getvalen Wins shelter, lots of night spend here)

the abbreviation K.I.S.S will be good here: Keep It Simple Stupid. This meaning it will be more  more to focus of the question WHEN rather than Were, What and how. Because when you have set the time plan you can start the other planning. One other experience I got, is that the more people you involve the more komplexibilitet you add. So I think it sometimes it can be an advantage to complete adventures yourself. And as I said before; if you can spend 48 hours with yourself, than you can be all other peoples company:-).  And one more thing, keep up the shape. Always be prepared for all upcoming adventures. This will also keep the cold away as well…

Christmas Eve – YouTube

See ya tomorrow

Being out in the outdoor, the fluid balance will be one of the most important things for the body. The basic advice is to drink about one deciliter every ten to fifteen minutes. Drink more if it’s hot and if the hike is strenuous because you sweat more then. That means about half a liter per hour and it will be a lot to carry. The best is, of course, to find drinking water along the way, but which water do you dare drink? Well, the advice for the Swedish mountains will be if its running clear water. But on the other hand, if you have been Sick to your stomach after drinking water from a stream in the mountains, you will choose to purify your water.

First of all avoid glacier water, cloudy water, smelly water and Salt/brackish water. Today there is a lot of ways of purify the water. The easiest will be to boil the water. Boil it at least 2 minutes with plenty of bubbles. If you don’t can do that use a buff or a piece of cloth to pure the water trough. It is also recommend to bring purification tablets. (if you don’t have any other purifier to bring) all this advice can help you from a disaster during your activity in the mountains. Todays tablets does not have the test of chlorine.

I been written a couple of times about the difference between Technical gear and tactical gear. Here comes a in between boot that I really like. The Lowa Combat Boot MK2 GTX. This is a military boot, but work very good for all type of adventures. With a high shaft and build for hard core, it is really nice.  With a heavy back pack for long hikes or used with snow shoes, it fit perfect and will support you. So this is a really (NNNNN) boot from my perspective. Been used in both warm and cold condition with the same result-nice one.

Pentatonix – Hallelujah (Official Video)

See ya tomorrow…