As many of you may know, or perhaps not. Probably, the majority of my hiking trips are in the winter. A combination of skis, snowmobile and snowshoes, I love being in the outdoors during the winter months. Especially once the shit parts of late October to January are over, and there is a nice layer of ice and snow covering everything. These are the months when the sun is out a little longer, and the beautiful landscapes of northern Sweden can be explored to their fullest. I have finally decided to sit down and start writing a series on ultralight winter hiking, or at least as light as one dares in -30 degree weather and still be alive and comfortable.
In this definitive 5-part blog series on ultralight winter camping, a time to explore the beauty and serenity of winter landscapes without being weighed down by excess gear. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker looking to refine your skills or a budding adventurer eager to experience the freedom of ultralight packing, this series is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and insights needed for a successful and safe expedition.
Releasing twice weekly, each installment will delve into critical aspects of ultralight winter camping, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials. We begin our journey focusing on Safety and Planning, covering the different components of trip preparation and risk management in harsh winter conditions. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for successfully exploring some of the world’s most magnificent snowscapes.
The series proceeds to tackle the necessities of Tents and Bivies, where you’ll learn how to choose the lightest, most effective shelter options to protect you from the elements while maximizing mobility. Following this, we’ll explore the complexities of Clothing Layering for Hiking and Camp, offering strategies to balance warmth, comfort, and weight efficiently.
In our fourth installment, attention turns to Sleeping Systems, where we’ll uncover the secrets of staying warm at night with minimal gear, examining the best sleeping bags, quilts, and mats for ultralight adventurers. Finally, we address an often underestimated aspect of outdoor survival: Nutrition on the Trail. You’ll discover how to fuel your body with high-energy, light, and effective nutrition.
Join us as we embark on this exciting journey of discovery and practical know-how, empowering you to confidently venture into pristine winter wilderness with the assurance that comes from thorough preparation and smart strategies. Whether traversing familiar trails or pioneering new routes, our series has the insights you need to thrive in the cold while embracing the ethos of ultralight winter camping. Stay tuned, and get ready to unleash the explorer within!
What conditions do you mean when you say winter? Lowest temperatures expected, elevation, etc.
I mean northern Sweden cold – something like -30 celcius. So maybe too much for Florida cold, and not enough for Siberian cold. Altitude varies, but not alpine.
Thanks for the reply. The temperature range is similar to what I experience in northern Minnesota. Many talk about winter temperatures around 0F, -17C, which really isn’t all that cold. I equip myself to stay alive to -40, I like having a little room for error. I’m headed to Sweden in April for a hut to hut ski tour. Can’t wait.