Heading out for an overnight winter camp in Finland and here’s what I’m packing… Snacks not included!
My dad brought back a similar knife from Finland in the 1950s. He treasured it, and it’s still with our family. Your gear looks solid. Have a great trip!
Van said:
My dad brought back a similar knife from Finland in the 1950s. He treasured it, and it’s still with our family. Your gear looks solid. Have a great trip!
That’s wonderful to hear! This knife is a traditional Finnish one given to me when I moved here. I hope it lasts just as long!
Consider extra insulation; that underquilt might not be enough. Its comfort rating is around 35F, more a survival rating than for comfort.
Be careful with the hammock setup in Finland’s winter. It will be dangerously cold without proper insulation like a high R-value pad and a zero degree bag. Without them, even a trial run could be risky. I learned the hard way by having to hike out in the middle of the night once. Stay safe!
Your setup looks inviting! I’m not familiar with hammocking in cold weather, but your homemade food sounds promising. Also, is that a Marttiini-puukko knife? Looks like one I have called Ilves. Don’t forget a thermos or at least a mug; it’s handy for drinks during cold nights. Enjoy your adventure!
@Bex
Thanks! Yes, I’m trying the hammock in winter for the first time—I usually use it in summer. The puukko was a gift, so I’m not sure of the model. And great tip about the mug for tea; I’ll definitely bring one along with my Nalgene bottle to keep water from freezing.
@Zenith
Since it’s your first winter trip, remember that keeping warm in a hammock can be tricky, especially your back and shoulders. Consider a really good underblanket for warmth, and maybe think about ground sleeping as an alternative for easier warmth management. Have fun and stay warm!
@Drew
Agreed, staying warm in a hammock during winter is a real challenge.
@Drew
I’ve managed okay with an inflatable pad in a hammock down to just below freezing. Without it, though, it was extremely cold. Planning to try an air pad plus an under quilt next time.
Looks solid! If weight isn’t a concern, consider bringing instant hand warmers. They can really help on a freezing night, especially when you don’t want to boil water at 1 am. I always worry about running out of fuel too.
@Flint
For liquid fuel, I use about 4oz per person per day, a standard for many expedition explorers. It hasn’t failed me yet, although I’m not sure how well it translates to canister use.
@Flint
Not a fan of instant hand warmers myself. They provide minimal heat and won’t prevent hypothermia in serious conditions.
Blake said:
@Flint
Not a fan of instant hand warmers myself. They provide minimal heat and won’t prevent hypothermia in serious conditions.
True, they won’t stop hypothermia, but they can make the difference between a miserable night and a tolerable one. I use them in my boots in the morning too. Nothing beats a clean, bug-free winter hike!
@Flint
I find hot water bottles lose heat too fast. Hand warmers can last 6-8 hours and are biodegradable. I just pack out the used wrappers.
@Flint
Great advice, I’ll pick up some hand warmers tomorrow!
Zenith said:
@Flint
Great advice, I’ll pick up some hand warmers tomorrow!
Pro tip: Wrap duct tape around your trekking poles to secure hand warmers to your water bottle and Sawyer filter. Keeps them from freezing overnight.
Zenith said:
@Flint
Great advice, I’ll pick up some hand warmers tomorrow!
Also, heat some water on your stove and store it in a white HDPE Nalgene bottle. Put it in your quilts before bed to warm them up. It can get too hot, so maybe wrap it in a sock if needed.
Hope you’re not heading out tonight! It’s -9 degrees C in southern Finland and even colder in the north. Make sure your gear can handle these temps.
Halston said:
Hope you’re not heading out tonight! It’s -9 degrees C in southern Finland and even colder in the north. Make sure your gear can handle these temps.
Thanks for the heads up! I’m planning for Tuesday when it’s forecasted to be around 0C. Definitely worried about the underquilt, so I’m bringing an extra sleeping pad for insulation.