So today is the first of May, and the winter season is fast approaching its end, and it is time for planning the upcoming summer season. Why don’t you try to challenge yourself with at least one new  trail or even activity during this summer…I will for sure find some new area to hike into.

When t comes to equipment and packing, there has been written million sites about it. What strikes me from all my experience is KISS. Keep It Simple Stupid. And what does that mean in realities? Well, don’t overload your pack, but bring some that puts a golden edge of the adventure. A small piece of cheese and ham for example. Also secure you don’t get wet, and not to warm. But a  middle layer, and a down shirt/jacket is good to bring.

(Becoming friends with the chaos)

Last weekend I was on a wilderness first aid training. A e-learning within 20 hours was the beginning,   and then the practical part of 20 hours. The L-ABCDE was the frame of the content. The training was build up for being confident with doing a fast but qualitative check at a emergency situation. This resulted in that all participants was really confident of being leaders in a chaotic situation, and leading the work at a accident in the wilderness. So a better self confidence, a better knowledge and a structure way of working in a chaotic situation was the outcome. And also a way of building up a first aid kit as well. I have a couple of first aid kits in the wardrobe, but now I build up one that I like/need. I can strongly recommend this courses for being confident with handling emergency activities in the outdoor.

And by the way, if you are ready for some Via Feratta at Skuleberget just contact us and we will guide you…

See ya soon

The last two years has become quite interesting. Avalanche rescue leader training, IML Summer training, IML Winter training, IML Summer Assessment, IML Winter assessment and now first aid in wilderness assessment. You still can learn old dog to sit, with my 57 year I’m still evolve. To be honest, it will take some more time now. But I really enjoy to learn new stuff. The theoretical part is done…

When it comes to the review, the Alfa boot Eggi has been under test this week. It is a nice and well built boot. It has a good system for different kind for solution of lacing. So after approx 100Km I am satisfied with the boot. It is in the same area as the Haglöfs Solid Pro GT. But the normal price 350 Euro is a bit to expensive. You will get a pair of Crispi Nevada or Meindl Island. But I saw them for the price of 240 Euro, and for that its ok.

At Thursday 13.00 there was a big avalanche at Grovelsjon in the north of Dalarna. And a major rescue operation was initiated. There were som information about ski tracks in the area. This was false information and the tracks was under the area of the avalanche. At 14.00 the rescue operation was suspended, and no victims was found. This event put more heat on the wood around the discussions about avalanche forecast for Dalarna.

The complex area of the middle layer. The middle layer is the most complex area in the multi-layer principal. It should be warming, and even be a sort of shell. It can be thin or middle or thick. It can have hood or not. It can be out of wool or fleece or a combination. So this area is hard to handle and it depends a lot of what type of activity and activity level you are going ti perform. If you are hat ”hot” blooded person or if you are a kind of ”cold” person. For me it is important that I still can have a high activity level, and still have a warming apparel. Micro fleece was one of the type I tried, but it become to warm for me. This week I will test the Rab Alpha flash (RAb*s Alpha Flash jacket, a breathing middle layer for us ”warm” blooded who likes high intensive activities) jacket. This one feels like a good choice for me as ”warm” blooded.

See ya soon (next week a report from the first aid training)

KALEO – Way Down We Go (Official Music Video) – YouTube

(Photo Dominique Olbrechts)

As a International Mountain Leader you need to have a well founded self-confidence. That is the ground for becoming a good guide. With a Summer training, winter training and also a summer assessment the Winter assessment should just be a check out of that. But how does a day at the Winter assessment look like? The day starts with a weather briefing, a avalanche briefing and a risk/safety briefing.

(Photo Dominique Olbrechts)

When that is done, it is time for a equipment and group-check of the transceivers. One of the aspirants now got the task to get the group to the place of the first assessment of the day. This day it will be a (photo Dominique Olbrechts)

transceiver search and a snow profile check. After everyone have done the both tasks it is time for heading for home. So one of the participants will get the task to get the group back safe and steady to the place of the overnight of the day. This day it was the Katterjakk tourist station, so nice place. But the day is not over yet, there will be a briefing of the day for everyone and also a information of the upcoming day schedule. Next week it will be about another day with the IML’s.

When it comes to gear, I will test a old gold pair of pants and also a boot from Norway. First out for presentation will be the Alfa Eggi Advanced GTX boot. This is a robust hiking boot with a Gore-Tex liner. It has a real good lock-system so it it quite easy to get to fit on your foot. It is light weight and has strengthening in the front as well as on the heel. So far I really like this boot. I will use every day on my Husky hikes, so I think I will have good chance to present a good review on this boot.  And next in row for review will be an old friend in new version. The Haglofs Rugged Mountain Pant. This pant goes in under the category of not liners. This meaning no Tex material. I am a bit sceptic to this variants, this due to that you always need a pair of shell pants with as well. This if the weather becomes very wet for example.  But as my friend Micke says, I have used this pants for how long time as hell. The pant got lot of good pockets, and reinforcements were it needed. It also got very good ventilation’s. I have a Fjallraven Keb trousers in the same category and I am very satisfied with them. But I must say, I’m not using them in hardcore adventures…I might change after reviewing this pair, lets see…

The 20-22nd of May the Stockholm Outdoor Festival will be presented. Here you might get some new ideas about upcoming adventures..Program – Outdoor Festival STHLM

You can also enjoy the Utehelg at Varmdo 13-15 of May, here you also will get some good ideas of new adventures.

Français Chasseurs Alpins ● French Army’s Elite Mountain Infantry Unit – YouTube

House of Love / NAAMAN – YouTube

See ya soon..

Mid March and it was time again for…Funasdalen. Started up with free-heel skiing in Tanndalen. Nice and cosy. The afternoon was spend on snowshoes towards Annfjallstjarn. Friday it was time for a cross country skiing tour towards Svalatjarns wind-shelter. The Husky did a good job, and when reaching the wind-shelter we went in for a nice cup of coffee. The way back was including a down hill part. This meaning I was the one to taking care of the husky…fast and fun, I can promise. Saturday we went up to Flatruet and here we got company by lot of kiters. Sunday I got up early I have the opportunity to see this sun rise. So trip 15 in a row within 15 month was now a fact.

The 27th of March I went to Kiruna and kept going to Katterjakk. Now it was time for module four in the IML process; Winter Assessment. The base this time was the Katterjakk tourist station. With a perfect placement 20 meters from the train it couldn’t be better. This time UIMLA (United International Mountain Leader Association) was  represented by two assessors. We were three instructors and fours IML aspirants. I think we all was exited of the upcoming adventure. Monday lunch we started with vassecohkka in sight. First of all the weather and avalanche report, and then the safety report. The assessment started with a transceiver search. Then we went back to the base for planning the upcoming day with a lot of different assessments, such as leadership, navigation , safety on steep ground etc.  The day was fully scheduled and with a snowing weather with limited visibility it was a good test. Wednesday we went out on a ”mini-expedition”  including sleeping in snow shelter among lot of other stuff. A night spend in snow-shelter (or tent for the instructors) with a spectacular northern light.  Thursday morning started with navigation and steep ground handling. After four day I think we all were done, and it was nice to go back to the tourist station and recap the days in the sauna. For me it was the 16th trip within 15th mount. So I think I am on the right track:-).  A satisfied guide…

East Love – Sunday Afternoon – YouTube

See ya soon

Early morning, and its been a clear night. The air is fresh and the expectations is high. This morning it is a short trip with the car until the starting point of the day. Since everything is pre-fixed, iI just have to put on the snowshoes and the backpack. Just a couple of minutes later I am on the track towards Annfjallstjarn. During the night some fresh snow has fallen. I follow the track in the pre-mountain forest. The day light is growing. Soon the trail become hilly. But it is easy to follow. Of a sudden the sun caresses one of the peaks in front of me, and I think about John Muir’s quote: How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains! It feels that I am at the right place at the right time at the moment. Now the trail become steep and I have to struggle a bit. But soon I will reach a more flat area, Not far in front of me I can see a sign, its the sign for the crossing of the summer and winter trail. And now I can recognise the place from the summers hike. Up here the wind becomes stronger, when the trail turn a bit to the wright a fantastic view appear. Skarsfjallen, Helags and Sylarna. Every inch of the trail was worth that view.  I continue up towards the Annfjallet, When I reach the top the wind is hitting me in the face, and I decide to return back. So with the view of Jamtlandsfjallen the return is just a reward. I stop at the lake and take a picture and here you can see the summer and winter view. The journey downhill is easy and when I am almost done a meet a couple of skiers that are going for a nice ski run at the area. They ask me about the weather and I answer there questions. Happy of being the first on the track this morning. Me and the nature and just the two of us, an unbeatable combination:-).  At the moment I got focus for the upcoming Funas journey and planning and preparation for the IML Winter assessment at Katterjåkk, Lapland of Sweden.

Candide Thovex – Pretty tight – YouTube

Bebe – Siempre Me Quedara – YouTube – YouTube

See ya soon…

It is almost March , an the first quarter of 2022. This weekend I went to  Funasdalen, for a snowshoeing tour. So early Friday morning I went up, it was a crisp morning. The thermometer showed -13 degrees. A nice breakfast with coffee and the body and mind was ready for the days adventures…The goal of the day was summiting of (The tour in blue) the Storskarven 1260 M. I parked the car at Fjallsatern, put on my snowshoes and started the journey. As always it begun up-hill. The track was really good and easy to follow. I followed the track towards Skarvvalen, and when I reach the saddle I was rewarded with a terrific view over the Funasdalsberget and Anafjallet. It was almost no wind and the sun was a rising.  Alone on the track, I was just enjoying. It was easy and the wind was in my back so I just kept on  going. I passed a trail cross and got a new fantastic view. This time it was over the Smahamrarna. I was close to the hut Andersborg, and I saw a man.  He asked me were I was heading for, and I said that I was going fo the peak of Storskarven. Then he said; ok I will go ahead of you with the snow-mobile and take some picture of you if its OK. I said yes, go for it…So I saw him storm away. Then of a sudden when I round a corner he stood there and taking pictures of me. If its OK I will put them on our Facebook side. Andersborgs Våffelstuga – Home | Facebook  And I told him it was OK. Then I turned from the trail with my sight to the peak of Storskarven. The funny with peaks is that it feels like they always move away the closer you get to them.  With snowshoes you just have to trust the gear, they really got good grip. One of the part was really steep, so I have to struggle a bit, but of a sudden I passed it and a plateau was in the front of me.  Now the last part was easy and soon I was at the top. And as always the wind was hard. But it was a nice view over the Funas mountains. No I went down and followed the track towards Svalatjarn. After a couple of kilometres I turned back and went to the Andersborgs hut. With a waffle with cloud-berry  jam I was now ready for descending from the mountains. Now the sun really warmed up the air and it was a lovely trip down towards the car.  Now another adventure was done, and it was number fourteen within fourteen month. I am a happy Mountain man:-)

Last of the Wilds by Nightwish – YouTube

So see ya soon…

Sometimes I reflect over my own knowledge and skills and the lack of some areas. I think I must learn more and get more skills. as long as it because of curiosity its fine, but if it is for being better and look better from others perspective it will become a burden. The thing is that we are ourselves worst critics.

Things you can reflect about can be: ask yourself if what you are doing today will get you to what you want to become tomorrow. You not always need a plan, sometimes you just have to breath, got confidence, let go and see what happens. There is no ”other time” it is now or never.   You do not have to be able to start, but you have to start to be able to. Never let your memories be bigger than your dreams.

So get yourself the life you want to live. I really enjoy mine at the moment…

At the moment I am planning the upcoming tour in the weekend…so wait and see the blog next week:-)

First Aid Kit – Wolf (Official Music Video) – YouTube

See ya soon…

Today I will start to talk about the salt and water flow in our body and why it is so important to understand.

The human body contains 50-60% of water, and it is important for all functions. The fluid disappears through sweating and through the respiratory tract. When the when the fluid loss exceeds the fluid intake, we got a fluid loss. So we must continuosly drinking water for being able to perform and cope. The water will be 2/3 within our cells. 20% between our cells and 10% within our blood. This areas will be diffrent affected within fluid loss. Most affected the blood and the room between the cells will be affected. This means we cant fulfill the oxygen transportation in our body. When we got salt loss, the water will flow for smooth out the amount of salt and water. Now the water will be increased between the cells. This couses tissue swelling, If it is allowed to continue untreated, our brain will also be swollen. As you cant understand the balance of the water between the rooms will be very important. So the salt and water balance is very connected. This means you must have control over the water intake and also liquid replacement (that includes salt as well). Se be sure that you have access to both water and fluid replacement during hard physical exertion and in heat.

This week I have reviewed the Rab Ascendor alpine pant. A softshellpant made for winter use, they are built with highly wind and weather resistant, bonded two-layer Matrix™ softshell. These tough and technical climbing pants are perfect for winter conditions and cold temperatures, suitable for alpine and icy mountaineering routes. This is a really nice pant. I miss a tigh pocket for map, otherwise it is a NNNN(+) pant.

GAYLE – ​abcdefu (Lyrics) – YouTube

See ya soon…

Today we celebrate the National day of the Samis. This blog could be only about that, but I will keep that for one of the ones ahead.

The focus this week has been navigation. The planning of an adventure always starting with navigation. Studying the map, and the the route planning. Trying to foresee the best route, and what challenges that can be discovered before the route. With a high skill of micro navigation, you will become better in this area. So go ahead and train on that. The workout this week was of course a orienteering session.

I also give you a cliffhanger last week for today’s blog. If you dont remember it was about the guides content in the back pack. So what differ in a guides pack and a ”normal” backpack? First of all, this will differ depending on what kind/type of tour the guide will be doing. But some parts might be interesting for everyone to think about… First of all I always bring a 1:st aid kit. Often a bigger one, with extra content. Medication for allergic shock is one of them. I will be able to sew together a wound. So surgical nail and tread will be in my pack. Fluid replacement is another thing that is important as well. I also always bring some extra blister plaster,

A spare and repair kit is also another thing I as guide bring. Here I got a extra multi-tool, cable tie, extra straps and also gaffa tape or likely.  This includes also spare-parts for tent and back packs. Extra cord i good to have, and also a GPS for the navigation.

I also bring extra compass, a notebook and also a rescue GPS transmitter for being able to call for help. A wind shelter is a must for me to bring. A pocket saw i also a good thing to bring, especially in the low lands. I also always bring a ”bivy bag” then I got a extra shelter for emergency bivouacked. So now you might got some tips for expending your back pack for safety… The note book is good for keeping compass-course and also if some one got hurt I can document the progress…

Benson Boone – Ghost Town (Official Music Video) – YouTube

See ya soon…

Focus this week have been navigation, and specially in winter conditions.  So what will be the difference from navigation in summer condition? Well, there is some things that differs. The weather condition is one for example. The wind and the cold will affect us. The snow will affect the sight, even if we can have a ”white out” in the summer it will be harder during the winter with snow in the air etc. So were do we begin? First of all it starts with the positioning. Were am I? Use map, GPS etc. to get your current positioning point. When you know were you are you can start to plan your next step. Settle down in a stable way so you can read the map even if its windy and snowy. In winter condition you must have more flexibility in your planning.  Heights and contours will be your most important help. Since bogs fields do not become visible, nor creeks etc. Also the snow and sun will affect you so you need more different kinds of glasses. If you have bad sight, you can let one of the other participant go in front of you (Then you must  know that there is no danger in front of you). You can also trough a snow ball in front of you so you can see if the angle differs during the hike. The dangers we must take in consideration will be; avalanches, hanging drifts, and also weak ices and creeks. Timing and distance calculation become very important. You must be aware about your timing. If it becomes withe out, try to find some positioning points to use for your compass. During winter it can be better to choose a way were you will have ”catch-up” such as a creek a ridge or a trail. This for get the target in your way so you dont miss it if you loose the sight. In the eighties we used the avalanche string. This is perfect if the visibility will be bad. You can use it for determination of distance and also to keep the group together. (the use as avalanche device it has been condemned)

Lost in a whiteout? What to do? – YouTube

The book suggestion of the week will be the ”Complete guide to winter Camping”  by Kevin Callan. In this book you can learn of how to choose the right tent from out of your needs, how to read animal tracks, how to navigate, snowshoeing and much much more. So if you are tired sleeping in your house or flat, read this one and get out there…Complete Guide to Winter Camping – Kevin Callan – Häftad (9780228103523) | Bokus

Next week it will be about what a guide bring in his pack, what differ from a regular hiker?

Switzerland’s Stairway to Heaven – Alpine Via Ferrata – YouTube

Laurell – Habit (Official Video) – YouTube

See ya soon..