Review of Geigerrig 700 Hydration Pack

We were recently asked to test the Geigerrig 700 Hydration Pack, distributed in the UK by Whitby & Co.

The Geigerrig 700 Ballistic Nylon 11L is one of a range of seven Geigerrig hydration packs which come in four different sizes. The 500 and 700 models have 2 litre water bladders and 8 litre/11 litre carrying capacity respectively, while the 1200 and 1600 models have a 3 litre bladder and 19 litre/26 litre packs.

The selling point of the Geigerrig compared to other hydration systems is its pressurized water system, which means that you can simply bite down or squeeze to expel water under pressure for drinking, washing, etc without the need to suck – hence the Geigerrig strapline, “You’ll never suck again!”

We’ve been putting the Geigerrig 700 through its paces on various outdoor activities in the hills and forests of Dorset, where Nature Travels is based, in recent weeks and here are the results.

Sofia from Nature Travels tested the pack for hiking, running and mountain biking

Hiking:

“The Geigerrig 700 felt very comfortable and was easily-adjustable for the best fit. There’s no sloshing at all when hiking and the 700 is ideal for short tours of a couple of hours or so when you don’t need to take much with you. For longer hikes when you would need to take lunch, rainclothes, etc, one of the larger sizes would be more suitable. The 2 litre bladder means that when out with a friend, only one person needs to take water (another of the Geigerrig’s advantages is “spray to share”, meaning that you can share with others without the “yuck” issues associated with a sucking system or water bottle).

One very cool feature of the Geigerrig is the optional inline water filter, which allows you to refill your bladder from water sources along the route. We didn’t have one of these for test, but they sound like a great idea!

Running:

“I went for a short run, around 4.5km, to get a feel for the pack. The rucksack itself sat very securely and comfortably and it would be no problem to run with just the pack only, but I must say that I found having water sloshing in my pack didn’t feel comfortable. Listening to music meant that I couldn’t hear the water, but still felt the motion against my back. That said, this was the first time I had run with a hydration pack, and Geigerrig do claim there is less imbalance caused by water movement with their pack compared to other systems.

Running and drinking at the same time was very easy. Biting gently on the mouthpiece to drink worked very well on the move and was certainly more comfortable than sucking to drink. The spray function means that you can spray cooling water over your face, and it was a great sensation to be able to do this regularly when I started to get warm – a definite plus.”

Biking:

“A short cycling tour in the forest (7km) to test the pack and here it really came into its own. A compact and comfortable backpack with space for a small jacket and mobile as well as an iPod pocket. No problem at all to drink while cycling and the rucksack sits snug to the body. Again, I really like the possibility to spray water over your face when you get hot, which is not possible with conventional systems.”

Bob from Nature Travels has also been cycling to work at the new Nature Travels offices over the last couple of weeks:

“I found the Rig 700 ideal for biking – just the right size when you only need to carry the essentials and really comfortable. Using the pack makes it easy (and also safe – very important when cycling in busy traffic!) to take regular sips as you ride and this really boosts your energy levels without needing to stop. The only small point I’d mention is that it’s quite easy to accidentally pull out the hose from the power bulb when taking off/putting on the pack, which depressurises the system, but as it takes just a few seconds to reconnect and pump up, this is a very minor issue.”

Ease of Use/Cleaning:

With the Geigerrig came a short explanation of how to use it. At first it’s easy to think it will be more complicated that it is, but in reality everything is quite straightforward. In the main, the system consists of a water bladder with two compartments, one for water and one for air, with a hose to each. Connected to the air bag hose is a “power bulb” to pump air into the air bag and create pressure on the water bag so the water can be expelled under pressure. The other hose has a mouthpiece for drinking.

The simple mechanism is easy to use and easy to clean, take apart and reassemble. To fill the water bladder, just remove the hoses from the pump and mouthpiece, take the bladder to a tap, open the top (the bag opens very wide for easy filling, another advantage) and fill with water. Close the bag, replace in the pack, pump to pressurize and you’re ready to go. The wide opening to the bladder also means the bag can be turned inside out for easy cleaning.

Backpack:

The pack itself is comfortable and compact and looks built to last. The Geigerrig 700 is one of the smaller of the available pack sizes, so space is limited but just enough for a light jacket, wallet, mobile, keys, camera and hat. For additional pack space, choose one of the larger sizes.

Verdict:

The Geigerrig 700 is perfect for cycling and shorter hikes. The pack is very comfortable both for men and women and is easily adjustable. The hydration system is easy to use, easy to clean and easy to fill, and the additional applications allowed by the “spray not suck” functionality (cooling down, easier sharing, even cleaning wounds) are a definite advantage.

Best regards

The Nature Travels Team

Review of North Face Decagon Gloves and Simply Piste

Following on from our recent review of the Berghaus 100 Mule Wheeled from Simply Hike, we were asked by their partner company Simply Piste to try some products from their extensive range of ski wear.

With the season for winter activities such as dog sledding in Sweden just around the corner, it’s an ideal time to be thinking about some new kit, and so we chose North Face Decagon Gloves and a Skullcap from Red Protection in preparation for the coming snow.

The order process from Simply Piste was extremely straightforward and delivery very prompt. We placed an order on Monday evening, received a confirmation that the goods had been dispatched on Tuesday morning and both items were duly delivered on Wednesday and were just as described – very good indeed!

Browsing the range of products at Simply Piste is perhaps not quite as straightforward as Simply Hike – some product categories appear to be empty, for example, though I assume will be populated shortly as the range expands – but a useful amount of information and good quality images are provided making the process of choosing a product easy and enjoyable. Prices also appear to be very competitive – The North Face Decagon Gloves were offered at £62, a fair saving on the RRP of £70.

Now to the products themselves:

North Face Men’s Decagon Gloves

With winter temperatures in Sweden reaching -30 or below, a good pair of gloves is essential, especially for an activity such as dog sledding where you will be holding onto the sled for extended periods. I was therefore looking for a high-quality pair of gloves to keep out the wind and keep those finger-ends warm!

The North Face Decagon gloves seem to fit the bill well. Comfortable and flexible, they are windproof and waterproof with a Gore-Tex lining and have encouragingly thick padding around the fingers without feeling stiff or inflexible. Though the mild temperatures of a Dorset autumn have not yet given me the opportunity to test them properly, they look to be solidly constructed and I’m looking forward to having the chance to try them out in Lapland this coming winter.

If ordering, do consider size carefully – I went for Large, as this is the size I normally have in gloves. The gloves fit very well, but could not be any smaller without feeling too small, so if you have large hands XL may suit you better.

Red Protection Skullcap

Billed as intended to be worn under a ski or snowboard helmet, I actually think the Red Skullcap has much broader possibilities. With a mesh top to offer increased ventilation, it’s ideal when out running on those cool evenings, for use under a cycle helmet or as a sleeping hat when camping in the winter. I hadn’t expected a skullcap to be an especially exciting purchase, but actually it’s great and I can see this being a piece of kit that will be used in spring and autumn as well as winter, and certainly not just on the ski slopes.

Roll on winter!

Best regards

Bob from the Nature Travels Team

Review of Berghaus Mule 100 Wheeled and Simply Hike

Some weeks ago, the nice people from Simply Hike contacted us to ask if we would like to be a “Mystery Shopper” for one of their Berghaus products.

I readily agreed, and set about selecting an appropriate product from their extensive Berghaus range. With everything from expedition rucksacks to gloves on offer, the choice was not easy, but I eventually settled on the Berghaus Mule 100 Wheeled, a large-capacity holdall/base camp bag with the added convenience of integral wheels/telescopic handle to save on carries.

The Mule was not in stock at the time, but Simply Hike have a useful “Notify Me” feature to advise when an order can be placed and over the next couple of weeks I was kept regularly updated.

When they took delivery of a new batch of Mules, I placed the order. The order process was straightforward and hassle free, and the bag was dispatched the next day. On the day of delivery, I received an email to say that the bag would be delivered between 16.37 and 17.37 that afternoon, and could I please ensure there was someone home to sign. I was initially suspicious that delivery could be guaranteed within such a short window, but sure enough the doorbell rang at 17.00 and my Mule 100 Wheeled had arrived exactly as promised.

Apart from the initial wait for new stock to be delivered, which was a few days longer than originally projected, I couldn’t fault the ordering and delivery process at all – everything was handled promptly and efficiently and the bag arrived in very good order.

Simply Hike offers an impressive range of outdoor clothing and gear from a wide range of manufacturers. In many cases, prices are well below RRP and there are some substantial discounts to be had. Most products have good quality images showing different perspectives and (particularly useful when shopping online and buying “sight unseen”) many products also have demo videos showing their features.

The Berghaus Mule 100 Wheeled

Working at Nature Travels means regular trips to Sweden to participate in and trial the experiences we offer, visiting our existing local partner companies and researching new activities.

These trips often entail a combination of outdoor activities (camping, hiking, canoeing, dog sledding) and more formal settings (meetings, dinners, etc), so it’s frequently necessary to take a range of clothing, especially in winter. With its enormous 100 litre capacity, the Mule 100 seemed the ideal travel companion!

I was able to test the bag on a visit last week to the far north of Swedish and Finnish Lapland, and impressions so far are very positive.

I’ve always found that Berghaus gear is built to last, and the Mule 100 appears to be no exception. Stitching, fabrics, handles and zips are very solid and look like they should withstand many trips to come. The bag itself is sensibly designed with a fair choice of different compartments and options for storage (even a nifty sack to keep your dirty laundry in!) without being overly fiddly or requiring you to spend half an hour searching for which pocket you left something in.

The wheels and handle system work smoothly and the telescopic handle seems tough (a frequent weak point on cheaper rolling luggage). Given that the Mule can take an enormous amount of kit, it can be pretty heavy once fully-loaded, so the wheels are a very useful feature (there is also a non-wheeled version available). The top straps can be shortened to become rucksack shoulder straps and make the bag reasonably comfortable to carry on the back for short distances. The Mule dispenses with the diagonal shoulder strap frequently found on such bags. I personally find these very uncomfortable, and the “convert-to-backpack” feature is a much better solution, I think.

While some might find a 100-litre capacity rather too much for some trips, the size of the bag is still quite manageable and travelling as a couple with the Mule you could probably get away with just one main bag between you for most trips.

You certainly won’t be able to take the Berghaus Mule 100 Wheeled as hand luggage, but for those times when you need to carry a large amount of gear in a convenient package, it’s just the job, and at the current price of £67 from Simply Hike, it’s no donkey!

Best regards

Bob from The Nature Travels Team

Budget winter boots for winter holidays in Sweden

One of the great things about working at Nature Travels is the regular opportunity to travel to Sweden and participate in the outdoor experiences we offer, from wilderness canoeing in summer to dogsled tours and log cabin holidays in the deep snows of winter.

We’re also frequently able to trial the latest clothing and equipment from Scandinavian manufacturers (see the Scandinavian Outdoor Group for an overview of the products offered by companies such as Lundhags, Haglöfs and Bergans of Norway – you may not realise some of your favourite outdoor brands are Nordic!), with the result that we have amassed a fairly good collection of high-quality outdoor clothing to see us through most situations.

One item of winter outdoor gear I’ve always felt I was missing was a good pair of winter boots suitable for general use on winter activities (as opposed to specialist boots for winter mountaineering/climbing, etc). This is something I’ve been putting off buying for a long time, for a number of reasons:

• Specialist winter equipment on our dog sledding holidays as well as for some other winter activities is supplied as standard, which means it is not necessary to bring your own when taking part in the tours. This includes warm winter boots, thick socks, warm hat and gloves, and thermal outersuit.
• Winter boots can be an expensive purchase and it seemed difficult to justify buying my own when good-quality boots are provided when needed.
• Winter boots are bulky and take up a lot of room in your luggage. The alternative is to grit your teeth, wear them when travelling and not mind too much if you arrive in Sweden with very overheated feet!

A combination of the above had thus far kept my wardrobe winter-boot-free, but as I will be travelling around northern Sweden this winter visiting a number of different locations, I decided it was time to take the plunge and look around at what was on offer:

My first discovery was that it wasn’t at all easy to find much of a range of winter boots in shops in the UK. I was keen to avoid the “moon boot” style footwear and wanted something that would be properly usable during outdoor activities rather than just as an “apres-ski” boot. An online search of the common high street outdoor stores narrowed it down to the following:

• North Face’s Nuptse boot stocked by Cotswold Outdoor. Priced at £65, this was a reasonable option (especially as Nature Travels clients receive a discount of 15% with Cotswold), but was more “moon-boot-like” that I had wanted.

• Olang’s Canadian Snow Boots stocked by Oswald Bailey (also online through Amazon). Priced at £60, these looked like a good option and were much more the sort of boots I was after. I didn’t get a chance to try these on as my size was not in stock, but the Olang boots would probably have been my second choice from what was available on the high street.

• Sorel winter boots. I’ve used this well-respected brand when dog sledding in Sweden before and found them very good, but was unable to find a high street stockist in my area in the UK, though there are plenty of retailers online. A good choice of models priced around £70-£100, but without the chance to try them on I decided not to risk it.

• Karrimor Men’s Snow Fur WeatherTite Hiking Boot, stocked by Field & Trek. The winner! As a subsidiary of Sports Direct, Field & Trek often have ridiculously low prices on certain brands, especially Karrimor, and with the Thinsulate-lined WeatherTite boots going for just £35 they were an irresistible purchase. They may not turn out to be the world’s best pair of winter boots, but so far they’ve been very comfortable and very warm and rank among my best outdoor bargains ever!

A word about sizing if you’re considering winter boots, especially if buying online without trying:

Warmth depends in part on having a layer of air around your feet which can be heated up. You should therefore consider buying a size or two larger than you would normally, as you will need space to be wearing a pair of medium-thickness socks plus a thick pair of woollen socks for use in the Swedish winter and should still have room to move and be comfortable. As a standard size 10 (European 44-45), I ended up choosing size 12 for the Karrimor boots (rated by Karrimor as European size 46, though this normally equates to a UK size 11).

If you’re buying in a shop, make sure you borrow two pairs of socks to put on when trying on your winter boots.

Hope this is of help if you’re considering a pair of winter boots. Best wishes for warm and toasty toes for your winter holiday in Sweden and for a lovely snowy winter ahead!

Best regards

Bob from the Nature Travels Team

Trangia Recipes for Camping in Sweden

Many of our holidays in Sweden, from canoeing to timber rafting to  sea kayaking, feature wild camping as an essential part of the experience. If you choose one of our tours where kitchen equipment is included or available to hire as an optional extra, you are very likely to be using a Trangia.

Photo: Euan Turner DMh Photos

Founded in 1925, Trangia is a Swedish company based in Trångsviken. Since then, its simple, dependable and practically indestructible stoves (or “stormkök” in Swedish) have been an essential item on the packing list for millions of camping trips worldwide.

In response to requests from our clients for suggested recipes to use out in the Swedish wilds, we would to invite you to submit your favourite Trangia recipes. We have given a few ideas below to get you started. We will collect together the best suggestions and, when complete, publish a “Nature Travels Trangia Recipe” guide for download from our website.

Photo: Euan Turner DMh Photos

The criteria are very simple:

1. Your suggested Trangia recipes must be a “one-pot” meals as far as possible, suitable for preparation in a single Trangia-style cooking pot (and accompanying frying pan or second pot if necessary, though bear in mind that only one pot can be heated at a time).
2. Ingredients used must be easily available and likely to be sold in local stores in most destinations (no obscure vegetables or hard-to-find spices, please!).
3. Ingredients must be fairly non-perishable and easy to store/transport. Your suggestions may be prepared and enjoyed in some very remote places far from the nearest shops!
4. Where quantities are specified, these should be for two persons (Trangia stoves for our tours are normally supplied one per two persons).
5. The meals must be relatively easy and quick to prepare using a standard set of camping kitchen utensils.
6. If you are able to provide simple suggested variations (e.g. a meat-free option by changing just one or two ingredients), so much the better!

Please email your suggested Trangia recipes to admin@naturetravels.co.uk or leave your Trangia recipes as a comment on this post.

Photo: Euan Turner DMh Photos

Trangia Recipes: Breakfast

Fruity porridge:

• Mix porridge oats into a pan with some water and heat through.
• Add milk powder
• Add raisins and/or other fruit/nuts
• Top with sugar or honey

No-washing-up omelette:

• Break 1-2 eggs into a (sturdy!) bag
• Add milk
• Add mushrooms and other ingredients if you wish (e.g. dried meat)
• Mix together and seal bag securely
• Place bag into boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes.
• Can also be eaten as a breakfast sandwich!

Trangia Recipes: Dinner

Blue-cheesy-mushroom-pasta:

• Boil pasta
• Add blue cheese, canned mushrooms and creme fraiche
• Options: fry the mushrooms separately in butter before adding; add garlic or garlic salt; substitute mushrooms for bacon; serve topped with slices of cheddar cheese

Tuna beans:

• Empty 1 can of baked beans and 1 can of tuna (in oil, not brine) into a pot (drain a little of the oil first if you wish)
• Heat through and serve with bread
• Options: add some dried red chillis and/or oregano; stir in some cheese to make cheesy-tuna-beans!

Bon appetit, and we look forward to receiving your suggestions!

Best regards

The Nature Travels Team

Winter Bushcraft in Sweden – How To Build A Snow Cave

Snow caves or snow shelters are not only fun (if hard work!) to build and a real experience to sleep in, but the knowledge may one day be essential if you find yourself in a winter survival situation.

In this article, we give some basic pointers to consider when constructing your snow cave/snow shelter:

Equipment:

Snow caves can be built with just hands (or with improvised digging utensils such as snowshoes), but a snow shovel will certainly make the process much easier and more enjoyable!

Where to build your snow cave:

Ideally, you should have snow of depth of at least 1.5 metres. If this depth is not available naturally, begin by gathering together snow from the surrounding area into a large pile.

The number of people who will be sleeping in the cave dictates its size – bear in mind that you will be hollowing out a space big enough to sleep the required number. Start with more snow than you think you may need! If you are a large group, you should plan to build a number of smaller shelters.

A good snow cave takes patience, and you should wait at least an hour to give the snow pile time to settle before beginning any digging – the time needed for the snow to begin to bind together may be longer depending on its consistency.

If snow depth is naturally around 1.5 metres, you can look for a suitable site near banks or trees. Choose a leeward spot (away from the wind) if possible for additional protection and be careful to site your cave well away from any danger of avalanche.

Digging out your snow cave:

If the snow is deep, start by digging a trench angled downward into the snow. Excavated snow should be placed on top of the cave. Continue until you have made a trench roughly as long as you are tall.

Then, begin digging your tunnel, making it a little wider than your body width, starting about knee height above the entrance. If snow conditions are suitable, dig the tunnel so that it slants slightly upward, aiming to make the “cave” end of the tunnel about 30cm higher than the entrance end (as warm air rises, this helps to keep warm air inside the cave).

Try to make the tunnel about the same length as your body, then begin to create a space about the same size as your body. Push the excavated snow out behind you into the tunnel and out through the entrance.

Once you have created a whole of suitable size, begin to shape the inside of the snow cave into a dome, aiming for a space large enough to allow you to sit upright comfortably. The shovel can be used in the initial stages, finishing off by smoothing the surface with gloved hands – the smoother the surface, the less likely you are to be made wet (and cold) by drips.

The walls of your snow cave should be at least 30cm thick, both for stability and warmth.

Making the perfect snow cave:

For those special snow cave features, consider some of the following upgrade options!

• Warm air rises, so elevating your sleeping position will help to keep you warm. Building in a sleeping platform will raise you above the floor of the cave.
• Make a small shelf on which to rest a candle – just a single candle can raise the temperature inside significantly.
• Using a ski pole or trekking pole to make a small hole in the top of the cave is very useful for ventilation, preventing buildup of carbon monoxide from breath or cooking.
• Use packs or equipment to block the entrance and keep warm air in.

Safety:

Digging a snow cave always carries with it the risk of collapse, especially if the snow is granular. Build your cave with at least one partner. One person should remain outside at all times during construction to rescue the person digging in the event of a collapse.

Under general conditions, and if properly constructed, once completed a snowcave will not collapse. As night falls and temperatures drop, the snow cave is likely to become more stable.

Always keep your shovel next to you when inside. If there is a storm in the night, you may need to dig yourselves out.

Have fun!

Best regards

The Nature Travels Team

Nature Travels offers two winter holidays in Sweden where it is possible to try building and sleeping in a cave or snow shelter under the instruction of an experienced local guide.

Dog Sledding and Winter Bushcraft is a 6-day experience in the company of a bushcraft guide, combining the challenge and adventure of dog sledding with the chance to learn winter bushcraft skills including shelter building and cooking over open fire.

For those with some experience of ski touring, Ski Touring and Winter Mountaincraft is a private tour with wild camping for groups of min. 4 persons led by a local guide with extensive experience of extended expeditions in harsh winter conditions.

Camping in Sweden – how to choose a tent for your holiday in Sweden

Whether you are on a wilderness canoe tour in Värmland, sea kayaking in the Stockholm archipelago or hiking in the mountains of Lapland, wild camping is a central feature of many Nature Travels Sweden holidays.

For all our activities featuring wild camping in Sweden, tents are either included as part of standard equipment or are available to hire as optional extras. In most cases, Hilleberg tents are used – a Swedish brand and one of the world’s best-known quality tentmakers. Hiring a tent will not only ensure that you are using equipment suitable for the experience but may also be the most convenient and affordable option. If you do not already have suitable equipment and do not plan to make regular use of your tent after your holiday in Sweden, buying your own may not be cost-effective. Hiring a tent also reduces your luggage when travelling and may also allow you to avoid baggage charges if flying with low-cost airlines such as Ryanair.

However, if you participate in outdoor activities regularly, a good-quality tent is an essential investment. In this article we give an overview of different tent designs and discuss the pros and cons of each, discussing some points to consider when choosing a tent for your holiday in Sweden:

Ridge Tents

The “classic” A-frame tent design, stable in high winds and also less likely to sag in heavy snow if camping in winter, but often rather heavy and bulky and generally not suitable if you will be hiking and carrying your tent for long distances.

Dome Tents

Dome tents have flexible poles which meet at the tent’s highest point. This is a spacious design given ample sleeping and storage area, but are not so stable in high winds so may not be the ideal choice for camping in exposed mountain areas.

Tunnel Tents

Tunnel tents have two or three flexible poles which are used independently. They are usually lightweight and provide ample legroom for taller campers, but can be unstable when exposed to wind from the side.

Traverse Hoop Tents

This design is often extremely lightweight, using one or two interdependent poles. However, traverse hoop tents will also be unstable in side-on winds.

Geodesic Tents

Using four or five flexible poles to make a self-supporting frame, geodesic tents offer an attractive combination of space and stability, but can be heavier than traverse hoop or tunnel designs.

Flysheet first or inner tent first?

Tents which pitch flysheet first have the advantage that the inner tent stays dry when erecting the tent in wet weather. There is also the option of using the flysheet by itself as a tarpaulin if weather conditions are suitable.

Tents pitching inner first generally give more space for sleeping as the inner sheet is stretched more tightly. If conditions are hot and dry, the inner tent can be used by itself.

What to think about when choosing your tent:

It may be useful to consider the following when choosing which tent is most suitable for your active holiday in Sweden:

• What kind of terrain will you be travelling in? Are conditions likely to be particularly windy?
• What time of year will you be travelling? What temperature range are you likely to encounter?
• Does the tent have spaces for cooking and/or luggage storage? Being able to cook in one of the entrances can be useful in bad weather, but bear in mind that tents are not flame-proof and can catch fire very easily.
• How important are the size and weight of the tent? Is luggage space limited? Will you be carrying the tent for extended periods?
• Which of the basic designs described above is likely to suit your needs best?
• How many people will sleep in the tent? Bear in mind that a tent rated as a 4-person tent may nevertheless feel rather cramped when filled with 4 campers plus luggage!

Whichever option you choose, Sweden is one of the world’s top destinations for wild camping, whether you are on a 3-day sea kayaking tour, an 8-day wilderness hiking expedition or a 2-week canoeing holiday.

Happy camping!

Best regards

The Nature Travels Team

Sleeping mats: the basis of a good night’s sleep when camping in Sweden

Sleeping mats are an essential but often undervalued part of your camping equipment. Prices may start at just a couple of pounds, but the old adage “you get what you pay for” is often as true with sleeping mats as it is for any outdoor equipment – economise on your sleeping mat at your peril!

A good night’s sleep is central to your enjoyment of any outdoor experience, and is especially important if you are planning to be out for an extended period, for example on one of our 7 or 14-day self-guided wilderness canoe tours in Sweden. Poor sleep will not only affect your mood, but you may feel tired and listless, be more sensitive to cold and may also find your judgement is impaired.

In this article we take a look at the different types of sleeping mat to help you choose which is most suitable for your camping holiday in Sweden, whether you are timber rafting through the forests of Värmland or trekking in Sarek National Park in Lapland.

In a previous article on choosing the right sleeping bag, we discussed that temperature ratings for sleeping bags are often calculated on the assumption that they will be used in conjunction with an appropriate sleeping mat. Your sleeping mat should not only cushion and support your body for comfort but also insulate you from below and is an essential component in keeping you warm while you sleep. Three times as much heat is lost by conduction (i.e. from your body to the ground) as from convection (from your body to the surrounding air).

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a sleeping mat, for example:

• How much the mat weighs and how small it packs relative to its comfort and insulating properties.
• Whether you prefer a firm mat or a softer one.
• Whether you will be using your mat only during summer or year-round.
• What kind of mat you prefer (self-inflating, non-self-inflating or closed cell).
• Your budget and how regularly you intend to use your sleeping mat.

To self-inflate or not to self-inflate?

Self-inflating sleeping mats: A self-inflating sleeping mat has a layer of foam which is contained within an airtight shell. To inflate the mat, a valve is opened drawing air into the foam. After a few minutes, the mat is fully self-inflated and the valve can be closed. When packing, you open the valve and expel the air by rolling the mat and then close the valve to stop air re-entering. Thermarest is probably the most well-known brand for this kind of sleeping mat (and they can even be converted into a chair!).

Non-self-inflating sleeping mats: Non-self-inflating mats, as the name suggests, must be inflated by the user. Air-only mats are unlikely to provide sufficient insulation for any use apart from summer camping, but non self-inflating mats may also be filled with down or synthetic insulation and are then much warmer. Though the mats themselves tend to be thicker than self-inflating models, as they do not have a foam layer inside they may weigh less and pack down smaller.

Bear in mind when inflating your sleeping mat that the moisture in breath can be damaging – water vapour may over time begin to rot the material inside. Some models allow you to use the sleeping mat storage sack as a bellows to avoid getting moisture from your breath into the mat.

Closed cell sleeping mats: This kind of mat does not inflate, but is simply a piece of foam. Budget priced mats tend to be of this design, but are generally best avoided as they are likely to have poor insulating properties, provide little support and may rip and mark easily.

However, good quality closed cell mats, such as the Thermarest Ridgerest, are also available.

Many Nature Travels holidays in Sweden feature wild camping, one of the great joys of the outdoors. While your sleeping mat is central to your enjoyment of your holiday, it is not always necessary to bring your own. On some of our experiences, such as our guided sea kayaking tours, camping equipment including high quality sleeping mats is included, while for other experiences, for example our range of self-guided canoe tours, it is possible to hire a sleeping bag package including bag, liner and sleeping mat as an optional extra.

Whichever option you choose, we wish you sweet dreams and a very enjoyable time camping wild in Sweden!

Best regards

The Nature Travels Team

(Nature Travels clients receive a discount of 15-25% for purchases both online and in-store with Cotswold Outdoor – simply quote the code printed on your booking confirmation when making your purchase. The code may be used for multiple purchases and is valid until 1st April 2010).

How to choose a Sleeping Bag for your Holiday in Sweden

The freedom to camp wild beneath the stars is one of the principal attractions of many of our Sweden holidays, whether you are stretched out at the water’s edge on a timber rafting tour or camping in a tipi in the depths of winter on our Dog Sledding and Winter Bushcraft experience.

Having a good night’s sleep is central to your enjoyment of any outdoor holiday, and in this article we give an overview of points to consider when choosing a sleeping bag.

Rectangular or “mummy” bag?

Rectangular bags are comfortable and spacious, and have the advantage that you can open them out to use as a cover. However, such bags are mainly suitable for use in youth hostels and perhaps cabins in summertime. For camping or lower temperatures, a “mummy” bag will provide much better insulation.

Bags with tapered profiles are also available, offering some of the comfort of a rectangular bag while preserving some of the insulating properties of the “mummy” shape.

How a sleeping bag keeps you warm

A sleeping bag keeps you warm by trapping a layer of air which is then heated by your body. This seems an obvious point, but it is very easy to forget the less obvious implication: it is essential to be warm when you get into your sleeping bag! Your bag will not warm up properly if you get into it when cold.

Therefore, if you’re feeling cold before you turn in for the night, jump around and do some exercise and make sure you are feeling warm before getting into your bag. In cold weather, “doing the penguin” can be a good way to warm up (silly, but effective). Put your arms by your sides with your palms facing the floor and your fingers pointing out at right angles. Shrug your shoulders vigorously for a few minutes and you will feel the blood pumping to your extremities. A good way to warm up cold fingers! Having a hot drink while inside the bag is also an excellent way to warm up both you and your sleeping bag.

Should I choose down or synthetic insulation?

Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Down is an excellent insulator and is often the preferred choice for cold-weather bags. It is also much lighter than synthetic materials and has very good lofting properties, meaning that it can be compressed tightly and will still expand well. A down sleeping bag will generally have much better warmth-to-weight ratio than a synthetic bag. A good down bag will have at least 85% down and top quality bags may have 95% or more.

On the down side (!), down bags are generally more expensive than synthetic fillings. They are also unsuitable for wet or humid climates, as they take a long time to dry properly and lose almost all their insulating properties when wet. Your breath contains a lot of water vapour, and burying your head completely inside the bag may make it damp and cold from the inside. It may be better to sleep with your face exposed and wearing a hat or scarf. Ensure that you air your sleeping bag properly the following morning before packing it away for any extended period.

If you are buying a down bag, bear in mind that there are some animal welfare issues to be considered regarding the production and harvesting of down, so make sure your preferred manufacturer uses ethically-sourced fillings.

The technology used in synthetic fillings is improving all the time, and many people choose a synthetic bag as their preferred option. Materials such as Primaloft offer many of the advantages of down with the convenience of a synthetic bag.

Synthetic fillings are normally made from polyester filaments or sometimes fibre-pile. They retain much more of their insulating properties when wet and so are ideal for rainy or humid climates. They are easy to care for and clean and are normally more affordable than an equivalent-rated down bag.

However, synthetic bags generally have the disadvantages of being heavier and bulkier and may also have a shorter useful lifespan.

What do the temperature ratings on sleeping bags mean?

How you feel and react to the cold will vary enormously depending on your body, your energy level, your mood and many other things. The combination of these different factors means that while one person may be warm and comfortable in a particular bag, another person (or even the same person on a different day!) may feel chilly.

Many bags are rated with both “Comfort” and “Extreme” temperatures, which can be misleading. You may find that even if the label on your sleeping bag says “-20 degrees” you would feel very cold indeed using the bag at this temperature!

Bear in mind also that temperature ratings are sometimes calculated differently between manufacturers, and will be based on certain assumptions regarding how the bag is used, such as that you are using the bag with a suitable sleeping mat for insulation from below.

What should I think about when buying a sleeping bag?

When deciding which bag is most suitable for you, you should bear in mind the following:

• What will you use the bag most for? You should choose a bag suitable for the situations and temperatures in which you will most commonly use it. If you only go camping in cold conditions very rarely, a lighter bag can be upgraded by placing it inside an extra bag or using  a thermal liner, but a polar bag will be uncomfortably warm outside the depths of winter!
• If you know that you feel the cold, choose a bag with a rating higher than you anticipate needing.
• Consider whether weight and/or bulk are important considerations. If so, you may want to opt for a down bag, but bear in mind that these are less suitable in damp conditions.

In the next article, we will be looking at options for sleeping mats and sleeping bag liners. In the meantime, sweet dreams!

Best regards

The Nature Travels Team

Winter Holidays in Sweden: How to dress for cold weather

Sweden is having a beautiful cold, clear winter at the moment, with some of the best lake ice for years and temperatures from just below zero down to -30 or more. Winter is a wonderful time of year for a holiday in Sweden, but while the dry air may mean that you feel the cold much less than with equivalent temperatures here in the UK, it’s nevertheless important to dress properly in order to make the most of your Sweden holiday in the snow.

Accommodation in Sweden is always very warm and cosy and you should have no problem staying warm inside, but when you are out and about enjoying your activities, whether you are dog sledding, ski touring or tobogganing with the kids, dressing appropriately is the key to enjoying your winter holiday.

In this article we outline some basic advice for dressing for the cold – it is not necessary to spend a fortune on specialist equipment to keep warm, though good quality outdoor clothing will almost always perform better and last longer than budget-priced gear. Nature Travels clients receive up to 25% on in-store and online purchases with Cotswold Outdoor, so why not treat yourself to some new kit before you set off?

The Layer Principle

The advantage of layering is that you can easily adjust your clothing to achieve a comfortable temperature depending on your level of activity and weather conditions.

Base layer:

A good-quality base layer is one of the most important parts of your outdoor wardrobe (“base layer” sounds much cooler than “thermal underwear”!). The base layer manages moisture, wicking sweat away from your body. One important thing to remember is not to have any cotton material next to your skin. Cotton absorbs sweat and chills you.

Good synthetic base layers are available, but merino wool is one of the most popular materials. There have been some animal welfare concerns connected to the practice of “mulesing”, cutting around a sheep’s rear end to prevent disease, so it is important to ensure that your merino wool comes from an ethical source. If in doubt, ask the manufacturer or supplier of your chosen base layer.

Your base layer should have long-sleeved top and long-johns. Merino underwear is also available.

Mid-layer:

The function of the mid-layer is to insulate you from the cold, trapping and heating air close to your body. A good winter fleece or woollen sweater is ideal as a mid-layer.

Shell layer:

An effective shell (or outer) layer should keep out the wind, rain and snow. Suitable shell layers include windproof fleeces, softshells, mountaineering jackets, etc. For winter conditions in Sweden, a good mountaineering or ski/snowboard jacket is often ideal.

Breathability and ventilation are important considerations – a shell layer with zips under the arms and/or on the sides can make it much easier to regulate your temperature, preventing sweat from building up, making you damp and chilling you.

On Your Legs

On top of your (non-cotton) underwear and base layer, you should have a good warm, windproof, snow/waterproof pair of trousers. Ski pants are ideal for many winter activities, including dog sledding and snowshoeing. Again, zips down the side allowing greater ventilation can be enormously helpful. It’s also good if the trousers are elasticated at the ankles or can be fastened by other means to keep out the snow. A pair of gaiters can also be useful for this purpose.

If you do not have or do not wish to buy dedicated winter/ski trousers for your trip, an effective “budget” alternative can be to use warm tracksuit trousers (over a suitable thermal base layer) with windproof and waterproof rain trousers over the top.

On Your Hands And Feet

Extremities such as fingertips and toes can feel the cold very easily. A good pair of windproof and snow/waterproof gloves is essential in cold weather. Cold hands and feet can not only ruin your experience of the winter wilderness but can also be potentially dangerous. Mittens are warmer than gloves with separate fingers. If you don’t wish to be restricted by mittens all the time, overgloves which convert standard gloves to mittens are an ideal solution and offer greater flexibility. If out on an extended tour such as one of our dog sledding holidays or snowshoeing expeditions, make sure you have a spare pair of gloves with you. Gloves are easily lost and the consequences may be very serious.

Socks should be thick and woollen or synthetic (non-cotton). One solution recommended by Torkel, an experienced expedition leader and guide for our Snowshoeing in Wolverine Country and ski touring tours, is to use a thin (non-cotton) sock next to the skin with a plastic bag over it and a warm woollen sock on the outside. The idea is that the plastic bag will contain any moisture and keep the outer sock and boot dry. Always carry spare pairs of socks if out for more than one day.

The 3-season hiking boots commonly used year-round in the UK are not really suitable for the sub-zero temperatures of a Swedish winter. Your boots should be  waterproof/snowproof and properly insulated (with some room to trap and warm air between the boot and your feet) with a good grip to give you stability on ice and snow. This is one piece of equipment which many clients may not have as standard, and if you are not planning to do activities regularly in winter conditions, you may wish to hire suitable boots for your experience rather than buying. Boots and other winter equipment (such as snowscooter overalls, a very warm option for dog sledding) are either included or can be hired as optional extras on many of our winter experiences in Sweden.

On Your Head

A lot of heat can be lost through the head, and a thick woollen or fleece hat is important in regulating your overall temperature. Windproof hats can be even warmer, and it is useful if the hat can be adjusted to cover your ears.

A scarf or multi-purpose “Buff”-style headwear is a versatile piece of kit that can be used both to keep your neck warm and also to cover your face and nose.

Finally, ski glasses or goggles will not only keep the wind out of your eyes but also make it much easier to see where you’re going! If you wear glasses and are planning activities such as dog sledding, contact lenses can be a more convenient solution during your holiday – using goggles will be more comfortable and you will have fewer problems with fogging.

Down Jackets – ideal for breaktime

Down jackets are excellent for cold nights around the campfire and during rest breaks. However, they are likely to be too warm when active. As down is so light and compresses very well, down jackets are ideal for carrying in your pack for use in the evenings or when standing still for extended periods. As with merino wool, there are some ethical considerations regarding the sourcing of down for your chosen clothing. For more information, see clothing manufacturer Patagonia’s article on down at http://www.thecleanestline.com/2008/04/up-with-down.html. Synthetic alternatives such as Primaloft are also available.

There are many ways to enjoy the beauty of the Swedish winter landscape, whether you are looking for a traditional winter family holiday in the snow or the challenge and excitement of an extended dog sledding tour. Dress appropriately and you will be able to enjoy your Swedish winter holiday to the full!