When it comes to outdoor-activities, the importance of having a mental strength will be crucial. Whatever you are a guide or a practitioner, you will need to have this strength. As I got the background from elite sports and from the service I now this is very important. I also know that this subject is very individually how to develop and strengthen up. So this will just be a suggestion of how you can build it up. Why is it so important then? Suppose you are cough in a eastern storm at the mountain, you must be able to calm you mind to take the right decisions. Or if you are on a cliff wall and must continue to a safe place, for being able to set up a belay etc. First of all, you have to work with a positive mind. This will help you to see the possibilities instead of the obstacles. This you can find at YouTube, or . This will be the base to star with. Having a strong mind, means you have to workout as much as you workout your body. The truth is that this two parts work together. This meaning you need to compete with your brain when it wants to quit. So how to do it?! Now we have come to the hard part. You have to work it out, sorry to say. The mental strength ”you have to earn it, every day”. So start with habits. If you want something bad you need to focus on it every day. Even when its tough. It can be push-ups, or study for an exam or what ever…Stay motivated, and it is your responsibility. Secure you come closer to your target step by step. Get yourself a quote that motivates you. Take command over your mind. This can be trained. During long runs, or canoeing or hiking, your body and mind will tell you to stop. Then you must have a tool to handle it. Find a mental comfort sight were you can place your mind. You also have to understand and define your own ”mental” weaknesses. Build a plan for develop your weak skills. And as I begun most of all, stay positive and laugh a lot, because this will help you. Hope I have help you to start your way to a better mental strength…

This week I will be testing a Soft-shell jacket from Mammut and a layer 2 jacket from Snickers.

The Mammut Aenergy Pro So Hooded jacket is a nice Soft Shell jacket. The weight of 460g is good. It got reinforcement at the right place and is perfect fit for climbing and alpine activities. The Finnish is also nice, but with a price over 250Euro I expect something more. Ventilation zipper under the arms for example. But I will test it and come back with grading. 

Next up is the Snickers Hoodie fleece. This one is nice with lot of good pockets. It also got a good price as well. So this garment will be interesting to test. Grading will come.

And at last a really good book for us outdoor nerds. The ”International mountain trekking” book from Mountain training is real good. Here we got a lot of good information and knowledge..

See ya soon..