So the last weekend it was time for a tour to Skuleberget and Via ferrata. The plan was to do the Via Ferrata on Sunday, spend the night in tent and hike in Skuleskogen on Monday. The weather was perfect, and we got the opportunity to test the black trail. I can understand why its closed during rain. The surface is quite slippery even in good weather condition.  But two trails the yellow and the black was the result of the day. So with a good feeling we went towards the south entry of Skuleskogen, and started to set the tents. When it was done, it was time for a fast swim in the cold sea. Started a fire and eat dinner. The night was warm, but I slept good in the Hilleberg tent. Monday morning we fixed breakfast and started the hike. The plan was to go to Slottsdalsskrevan,and continue to Tärnettvattnet and to Näskebodarna. The weather was perfect for the hike, and everyone was satisfied.

When it comes to gear I have got a new favourite. The MSR pocketrocket 2stove. Very easy to use, and it will not take any space. So if you need a gas stove, this is the one for you.

When it comes to backpack, Mattias Jansson have been reviewing the Fjallraven Singi 48L Here is is feedback:

Test of the backpack Fjällräven Singi 48

A good backpack is important when going out into the woods and the mountains, on longer or shorter trips. A backpack is usually something that will be used for many years and I am concerned about what footprint I leave in relation to the environment. It is therefore exciting to test this backpack from Fjällräven, which has an environmentally friendly focus with new ideas when it comes to material selection, and with a design that lasts over time.

Description

This is a 48 litre backpack made of reinforced G-1000 Eco fabric with organic cotton and recycled polyester. Despite the fact that the rucksack is only 48 litres, it has a good frame in the back with rails of certified birch, which creates a stable rucksack. The support system is robust and easy to adjust for different back lengths. The backpack is quite simple, at the same time as it has many functions. The lid can be raised to accommodate more equipment. On the hip belt there are two pockets perfect for snacks, small tools etc. There are also two small loops for attaching carabiner hooks for gloves, fire steel or other equipment you want to reach easily. Inside the rucksack there is a cloth pocket against the back for maps, water bag etc.. At the bottom of the rucksack there is a zipper that makes it easy to get hold of what is at the bottom. I like to store the windprotectionbag here.

On both sides there are 2 strong straps to attaching skis, axes or sleeping pads. There is also a rubber cord on the front that can be used to attach a jacket, reindeer skin, etc. There are loose side pockets to attach to expand the bag’s size and functional area.

The carrying system is robust with well-padded shoulder straps and a strong hip belt. A whistle is attached to the chest strap.

In the top lid, there is room for the included rain cover, which is in a clear blue colour for greater mountain safety, and which keeps the backpack dry in bad weather.

Experience of use

This backpack has been used for hiking trips in autumn, winter and springweather, skiing and snowshoeing in snow and wind as well as shorter tent trips with light equipment. Despite the fact that it is only 48 litres, it holds a lot and it is easy to attach things to the outside as previously mentioned. There is good padding in the back and with a weight of 2.1 kilos; the backpack is light enough, at the same time as it is robust enough to withstand a little load. A weight of around 15 kilos is no worries.

Summary

This is a backpack that has become my favourite and is relatively technical without this being at the expense of Fjällräven’s simple design style. The fact that the backpack also has a design and a choice of materials that contribute to it lasting a long time is important for environmental sustainability. What I miss on winter trips is a pocket for a shovel, but it can be arranged by attaching some straps to the backpack.

Price: Approx. 3390 kr

More information: www.fjallraven.se

Tested by Mattias Jansson

Naâman – Time Is To Rebel (Official Video) – YouTube

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The trees are pure green, and the sun caresses my cheek. The pre-summer is here. Just a month ago I was heading for the summit of son-mountain. Time flies, I’ve been thinking about that. I over heard a discussion. -Do you think we come to heaven when we die, or do you think we just come to the earth? -We will come to the earth, of course. We can see it, and we are in the heaven now. I have been thinking about it, and about the ”carpe diem”. I think it is a good perspective to have, that the heaven is now. Think of what you will use this day for. Not with cues, or demands. You can choose to do nothing, or a lot. Nothing will be right or wrong. But you choose of how you will experience your day…I can tell you, you will like this way of thinking and having this approach.

When it comes to gear I have been testing the Haglöfs, solid Pro Gt. This is a real stable boot. It has a good fit, and it is easy to put on. The first model of this boot was nice but, the quality of the leather left more to be desired. But so far I am satisfied. But the test will continue. Planning a tour to Skuleskogen and Skuleberget. So it will he hard tested before it will get its grade.

Today I will start a new theme, the Swedish hikes. We start at the High coast and stage 2. Lovvik-Fjärdbotten 9,6km. Take a hike up towards the peak of Valkallen 240m. this will give you a fabulous view over the High coast bridge and Angermanalven.

All Along The Watchtower: You’ve Never Heard It Like This #10! – YouTube

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Sunday and spring. The weather is fantastic and perfect for workout. So today it has been 10 K running with strength workout as well. Building up the stamina for the upcoming season is crucial. Versatility is the word for becoming well trained and to avoid injuries. Circle-workout programming is the shit. Here you got some inspiration: Circuit training avec le major Gérald. #majorGerald #circuittraining – YouTube

When it comes to gear I will review the Revolution Race Crisp jacket this week. So what is this for type of jacket? First of all I will present revolution Race for you. this is a Swedish brand who has a market place in the middle due to price and quality. This is my first test of this brand so it is interesting. My first opinion is that it is solid with good details. So what do I think about the jacket? Well this is a jacket promoted for skiing. For that I think is is a real good jacket. It is a ”heavy duty” jacket with a 3 layer shell. Compered to a jacket like Taiga Oakland it is almost 200 gram heavier. So it is a bit heavy from my point of view. It has to really good details. It is the arm pocket and the zipper for the hood. The zipper helps you to choose how to fit the hood, really nice. The disadvantage I see is three main things: The size of pockets, they are to small. You have a snow lock, and it cant be removed. With a zipper it have been very easy to remove. The weight is also a thing to consider. But the prize of the jacket make it really desirable. The question, is this a jacket you will bring to a peak tour? Here I am split. You don’t get the finish as you got from a established brand, but close. A tour to a lower peak yes. But to a high alpine tour no. But I will give the jacket a NNNN+ Because its design and finish and of course the price. 

The next gear to review is an old faithful servant in replay. The Haglofs Solid, the flagship of shoes from the brand. I have wear some of this a couple of years ago, and it was ok but not more. Haglofs is a brand with high quality but shoes has not been their best product. I will test this boot upcoming week, so I will get back on that one.

The last update when it comes to the cable car incident in Italy, three of the responsible has been arrested. the reason is that they have removed the emergency brakes function due to operation issues when the cable started to operate after the pandemic closing.

Mando Diao – Sorgen (Live Session) – YouTube

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First of all, a tragic accident have happened in Italy, close to the lake Maggiore in the northern west of Italy. A cable car fell twenty meter to the ground, and at least thirteen people has died. The Stresa-Mottarone cable car takes tourists and locals from the town on Lake Maggiore, almost 1,400 metres above sea level to the top of the Mottarone mountain in 20 minutes. The accident happened as the cable car was travelling up the mountain, with the cabin dropping some 20 metres and rolling several times down the steep slopes before it was stopped by trees. People hiking on the mountain heard a loud hiss just before the crash, this might has been caused by one of the cables breaking. I will report more about the reason to the accident when we got more information.

When it comes to Corona and Swedes habits related to outdoor activity The Swedish outdoor brand Lundhags has been interviewing 1000 Swedish people about it. 34% spent more time outdoors 2020 then the year before. Interesting is as well that females(41%) has been more active then the males(27%). The result also tells us that young people and people with low income , has not increase the time they spent in outdoor activities. This looks like a socioeconomically issue. There is also geographically differences as well. People in the northern part of Sweden answer(75%) that they spend one ore more times in a week in the nature. In Malmo for example there is just 50% of the people that spend one times or more in the nature during a week. For young people the reason for not going outdoor, is that they missing the context or friends with skills for outdoor activities. There is a lack of information and guidance, and Lundhags has decided to start a digital training and also Youtube videos for that reason.  a great initiative.

When it comes to workout, it is high time for getting the summer strength. This period it is important with the leg strength. One day of the week, it is hill workout on the scheme. Two days of fighting, real good. Running two days, and orienteering. And at least 15k speed hike every day, there you got it. And as a real mountain man(Jansson) one day said to me: -It is much more easy to conserve and maintain a good physical level, then to build it up again. thank you for this wise words Jansson!

Standing on a peak, looking out. Exhausted you feel your heartbeat, listen to your breath. And…your heart sing…..I hope my heart will sing soon.

Visite Chamonix Mont Blanc – Vallée du Mont-Blanc – YouTube

THE CHAMONIX EXPERIENCE – YouTube

A Climber’s Anthem – YouTube

See ya on Wednesday, then it will be about the hunt of the optimal outdoor pants.

This weekend has been great. Technique training and also long distans running. I started the weekend with some rappelling and rope training. It is important to keep the skills up to date. I also preparing for the upcoming summer adventures. So rappelling with improvised equipment was one of the parts. The endurance workout is important as well. So trail running was on the scheme for Saturday and Sunday. The Roslagstrail is a nice trail. Follow the coastline of Alands sea it is really nice. You also get really good ankle workout for the upcoming adventures in the mountains. Part 11 goes between Grisslehamn and Sandviken (20km). I tested the Haglöfs L.I.M Shield Comp Hooded jacket. I nice trail running partner that can be used for Via Ferrata cover up as well with bad weather on the mountain. So what is the good with this jacket? Well it is light, and hooded. It is windproof like the ”old fashisoned” ones. Like generation 1 of New Line. But with improved nylon. The price is quite high, but you also got a jacket with nice finnish and good functions for multiple activities. So (NNNN) will be the grade. For getting a higher scoore it wood need a better price or more details/functions. Now it is a stripped running jacket and than it got the 4 NNNN. I also keep the hunt of the optimal outdoor trousers. This time it is time for the Mountain Equipments Tupilak Gore-Tex pant. This is a new Gore-Tex solution, for the ones that need the ”most rugged and durable protection that is available”. This is a nice trouser to wear. It is rugged and got an interesting solution for handling the size. Also the hangs got its ”own” type of solution. So ok, is the the optimized trouser for outdoor activities. Well a trouser for 470 Euro I expect more. At list one pocket would have been nice. This is a real tough hi- tech trouser with 3 layer 80D:s Gore-Tex. But from me it cant get more than NNNN due to the price. I expect more for a trouser with this price.

You Won’t Believe This Is In Italy 4k – YouTube

Hiking Alone in The Alps During a Pandemic – Tour Du Mont Blanc – YouTube

The Dead South – Broken Cowboy – 1/9/2020 – Paste Studio NYC – New York, NY – YouTube

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We are already soon in middle of May. The winter season is almost over and it is time for planning the upcoming summer adventures. This year it looks like it will be ”local” adventures again. I will give you some suggestion of hidden treasures in the Swedish mountain environment. But first a bit a thought from my side. You who follows my blog, knows that I am not a found of light pack ( my quote:  light is not always right) I think you should prepare your trip and bring some luxury.  I heard about two mountain runners talking about that the ”rescue bag” just weighted 84 gram. When the shit hits the fan, I do not want to be in their clothes. Another advice I want to give, will be to stay on the course for a while. Do not discover three or even four different areas and tracks. Plan to take a part of a longer trail, and then do another next time. This will give you more time to experience and be comfortable with your equipment and gear.

So my first suggestion to you will be a hidden pearl. Go to Kittelfjall and take peak tour towards Borka mountain. This i 8 km single way. Partially marked, so you will need to follow the map. The height difference is 750 m. After 4 km you leave the trail and follows the ridge towards the peak. Be aware of the edge and keep away…The easiest way to get here is by car to Kitterfjall. But you can also go by train and bus.

This summer it will be crowded in the Swedish mountains, even in the cabins (The mountain station is of course fully booked already I guess) But take a trip to the Valastugorna. If you take the trail from Valadalens mountain station it is 20 km, and some of the trail is more or less unmarked. This means you have to follow the map carefully. To get here you can go by train to Undersaker and from there with shuttle/taxi to  Valadalens Mountain station.

In the outdoor industry the sportfack has chosen the gear of the year 2020. And the years shop Alewalds was their choice. The brand of the year, Trangia was choose. The years newcomer the brand Garphyttan was the chosen one.

Vance Joy – ”Mess Is Mine” | Black Box Sessions – YouTube

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Early morning, the air is crisp. A couple of minus degrees. The goal of today is the top of Sån mountain. The husky is expectant, and impatient. He wants to go, but I have to put on the the snow shoe first. It want be easier with a husky that pulls toward the trail. But of a sudden the snow shoes is in place and we can go. I really enjoy the fresh air and the knowing of having no time to fit. The beginning of the trail is steep  so I get warm fast. We continue up towards Sodo valley and soon we got the winshelter in sight. From here I take a bearing to the peak, and slowly start uphills. The husky turn to both right and left but not uphills, I have to stear him. But soon he understand his direction and can pull me a bit. The last 100 m to the top is a bit steep, and I breath heavy. But after about 30 minutes we reach the top. The cloud is full with snow, so we dont mess around at the top more than a couple of minutes. And it is time for going down. Step by step, telleng the husky to take it slow SLOW!! of a sudden he understand and adjust his speed to mine, and we are friends again. Down at he wind shelter we taking a couple of minutes to rest. I decide to take the trail around Valm mountain, it will be about 5 km longer. Said and done, we are on the track. We passes the Sodans Valley and this is a well knowned avalache area. And as you can see at this picture there has been an avalanche…We walk the tour and finnished. 18K in about four hours withe tour to the peak of Sodo mountain. Thats nice. This morning we woke up at 04.30 and at 06.00 we were on track. The goal of today was the Sodo Valley. The weather was perfect. A couple of minus and crisp snow under the snow shoes. What stuck me this morning was that how easy it is to forget how nice the pre-mountain forest is. It is like a portal to mountains. With the old dry twisted pines, the path that winds, meanders up towards the mountains. It is all like a fairy tale…So dont forget the portal to the mountain wilderness…

Billie Eilish – Your Power (Official Music Video) – YouTube

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When it comes to winter equipment there is a couple a things that really is needed. I’ve been talkinga about shovels before so that is not necessary. But when it comes to tent equipment there are two things that is important. First of all winter pegs, you will not use the skiis for this. With the steel edges it is easy to get the tent string cut off. It is also easy to get a couple of birch stick to use. Dont forget a water bottle, it is easy to forget to dring during the winter. The windshelter shall always be with you. 

When it comes to equipment I can now present the result from the fieldtest of Silva Expedition and the tactical compass. Today I would never buy a compass without clinometer, you really need this for being able to avoid avalache terrain. Both of the compass got this. The differance is that the silva got it build in. The silva is easy to use and also got a good distance check within the leach. The other is a real bearing compass. I am used to use it in the army and if you ar skilled it is very good. But you really need to be skilled and comfortable for using this type of compass. So from a usage point of view I will give the Silva (NLA,NLA,NLA;NLA)Proster Multifunctional Compass (NLA,NLA,NLA) Really good price for what you get…

And while we are on the area navigation I will talk a bit of it. I have been orientering a lot the last week. For feeling comfortable and safe you need to be skilled. The best way of getting skills it is good to start with micronavigation.

Start with a 10.000 scaled map. Take a bearing between two points and look into details you will pass during the navigation such as height curves, stones, cavities etc. Also notice the distance. That way, you will be good at judging how long it takes between your targets. But you also must try other scale of course as well….

At last a nother phot from Helags:-)

Sia- Never give up (music video) – YouTube

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The car is parked. The snowshoes has been fitted, and the back packs is in place. The sun is shining while we walk among the trail towards the Kesu lake, We stop a couple of times to take nice pictures with the sun and snow. The snom is crisp and hard, so it is easy to walk with the snow shoes. The target for the day is the Helags mountain station 12K ahead. Normally it isnt any hard walk. A couple of snow mobiles pass us and give us a greeting. Soon we have walked over the ice, and its time for the first hill. When we reach the top, the wind hit us. Now the sun does not go the power to warm us anymore. The wind is in our faces, and it is hard to hear what the neighbour is talking  about. The snow swirls in the air, but the seight is still good. After 6K and halfway there we take a short break. I suggest us to take something to eat, to be able to take the last 6k in head-wind. We struggle on and soon we reach the winter trail from Faltjagarstugan. Now we now it is just 1K left. So we keep up the good speed and reach the mountain station. It is nice to get inside after the tour. The day after we have the Helags peak as our target. But the wind and sight have other thoughts for us. As we waked up and looked out from the window, the doubt of the possibility to get there made it self remind. But the will is the half way, said and done we should at least try. In the valley into the glacier the seight in sudden dissapear, and in the next second it was back. But after struggle upphills for twohundred heightmeters we decided to get back. A vice desicsion. With a broken hope, we were back to the mountain station. The other went to bed for resting while I decided to try to get up to the nearest peak. The weather cleared up, and I got a real nice view of the valley and the mountain station, but the next second it was white out. As a guide I have taking a bearing to the mountain station and that was a real good decision. The problem with a real white out is that you will be having trouble even to understand that what is up and down etc. The next day it was time for going home, (Photo Ulf Bergman How glorius a greating the sun gives the mountains/John muir) and of course the weather was perfect. But hold on, I think it is because that is the moment you will remember:-). So over all a nice trip to Helags…

When it comes to equipment, I will be testing to different compasses this week. One ordenary and one bearing compass. Both got clinometer for checking the inclination. A must if you are in avlanche areas. For me it is important that it should be easy to use in both daylight and in darkness. So it will be interesting to give this two a report.

When it comes to workout it has been a real good week. A lot of orienteering and running and also fighting. So it will never be boring…

Hollow Coves – The Open Road (Official Music Video) – YouTube

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Sunday, and soon we will step into April. A lot of good workout this week and also a first review of the Mountain Equipments Fang 42 back pack.

From my point of view, back pack can be devided into to different camps. The expedition pack with a volume from 70L and above. The other area is day or short tour pack. The volume here is from 25 and above. I’ve been testing and checking a lot of back packs in this area and the optimal is hard to fine. 35L is a bit to small  for me as guide, and 50L will be to large.

The Fang 42 from Mountain Equipment is a very good back pack. With the 42L it is optimal from my point of view. It has a big pocket inside were you can put a shavel etc. It also got long straps, which is very easy to work with even with gloves. The fabric is tough and can withstand chafing from cliffs etc. The lid is easy to take off, and can be adjusted when needed. So what is the disadvatage then? Well, a back pack with this price I think shall have gear loops. From my side I also expect that a build in wistle in the bracket…So 4,5 is a very high grade, and it might be my favourite on my back.

When it comes to winter skills it is a wide area. You have to have significtantly more skills and experience comparing to Summer adventures. The cold in hand in hand with the wind will become a challange for us. The snow that cover the ground also means that we need to have even a better control ov our navigation focus and skills. There is also a lot of other equipment we neéd to know how to use. 

So were to start to become a good winter adventurer? First of all, study and understand how weather works. Follow the weather in the area where you are going to. Ok, so now you have start to understand the weaterh good that step one. Now you need to learn how the cold will effect your body. For example, when huttering which is a normal behaviour when you are cold, you really need to take in more energy to your body. This meaning you must have exta or emergency food in your back pack. Knowledge of how the body will react you can read about on the internet. But, get out when its cold and discover it by yourself. Windshelter is one thing you must bring, but you also need to understand how it works. And as I describe the training in the 1930s you need to understand the soul of the equipment you use. Not just how it works. This meaning work with it during tough circumstances. Why not try it with blindfolded eyes in hard wind…Navigation, practice micro navigation. You use a 20 000 scaled map, and move from short from piont to point. This will give you a good selfconfidence, and that you will need in the mountains during winter. Always remember KISS= Keep It Simple Stupid. That will help you out. Also use COLD= Clean, Overheating(avoid)Layered, Dry. During the winter, you also shall take care of each other and looking for ”white” spots. As you understand it is more demanding during winter comparing to summer. But as you can see, it is duable to train and get skills even if you are living at sea level…

Winter skills 1.1: choosing boots and crampons – YouTube

Tom Walker – Fly Away With Me (Official Video) – YouTube

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