Explore on 2-3 days…

Soon the evenings will be darker and the temperature will decrease. The autumn is waiting just around the corner. But as in the some way as the summer there are just nice expectations…So what can be more important than to get some good suggestions of small and effective adventures, just a long weekend for exploring…So today I will give you this.

The first starts in Funäsdalen and ends at Storulvån in Jämtland. You take the bus ”Härjedalingen” to Funäsdalen and from here a shuttle to Ramundberget. First stop will be at The hut Fältjägaren after ~16km. The next day its time to go to the mountain station Helags, the distance is 12km. This day is a easy hike with the Helags massif in the fund all day. The third day will be the longest ~19km, towards Sylaranas mountain station. After 9km you will reach the wind shelter Mieskentjakke where its perfect to take a lunch break. You now got two choice; either go by the Ekorrpasset or north of the Hammaren mountain. The second choice will be shorter and easier. But less exciting. At the Mountain Station you can either cook your own food or until next year buy it at the restaurant. From here its is just 16km easy hike to Storulvån. From here you can take transfer to Enafors or Åre for train connection to Stockholm etc.

My second suggestion will be at Hemavan. Here you have to fly. This hike will give you the opportunity to ascend the highest peak of Västerbotten – North Sytertoppen 1706m. You follow the trail (Kungsleden) from Hemavan towards Viterskalstugan the distance is ~9km.  Day two you start with a bridge over the västra Syterbäcken and to the peak of Norra Sytertoppen. This trail is very exposed, so it need to be good conditions for this trail. Good to know is that there is a wind shelter ~6km below the peak. Now the trail will be downhill and nice, soon you will reach the cabin for the night – Syter cabin. With the rapids roaring in the night, you will sleep well in this place. Get up early in the morning for today you will have a day of hike among the Kungsleden. Follow the trail towards the wind shelter Syterskalet. From here you just follow the trail close to the creek Västra Syterbäcken, and back to the start of the adventure.

 The third suggestion will be in Jämtland. You will start at Höklekardalen. You can get there by buss from Östersund. From here take the trail via Hosjöbottnarna to the Anaris Cabin – one of the least manned cabins. After a calm and contemplative night here you got two options (at least in summer) either you hike towards Hällådalen or via the Staalavieliekåtan. Both are very nice. (winter season the second choice is the only one) Going towards Hällådalen you will pass the Isjödalen which is a fantastic area I highly recommend. The hike will end at Vallbo from were you can buss to Östersund for example.

This week I have test the Bergans wiglo. This is a base-camp tent. The one I have tested is a for four persons. To begin with, it is a large and spacious tent. It is very stable with plenty of space and with high ceiling.

Good ventilation. But the tent has a high weight and takes up quite a lot of space. I think its a good tent, I think it could be good to change some part for reducing the weight, the pegs for example. The mid stay should have been done in a lighter variant. But for what is built for it will be (NNNN)

Jimmy Jay – Run Wild (While You’re Young) (Starday 470) [1959 teener]

See ya soon…

Trend scouting in outdoors…

Today I want to present a current trend for scouting outdoors. As you probably can see in your social media flow, it is polarized as in the community overall…But there is a couple of areas that connects, such as: combining adventures, wellness and social connections into a lifestyle. What I can see is that physical and emotional benefits significantly is more in focus. “Traditional adventures” will decrease, in the shadow of adventures being memorable, transformative, and deeply connected to nature. Instead of traditional sightseeing, travellers are increasingly choosing mountain expeditions, remote hiking routes, kayaking adventures, and wilderness exploration trips.

Wellness trend; this area has become important. People recognize that spending time outdoors offers benefits that extend far beyond physical fitness. Research continues to support the connection between natural environments and improved mental health, making outdoor wellness one of the fastest-growing recreational trends.

Outdoor recreation trend: This area has been growing for a time now, and here my point of view here will be -Combine the wellness trend with this and you will have a winning concept. But let us first investigate the area itself first. Trail running has grown in the last years. Running with a running vest showing you’re a real runner. Running trails in the mountains named “sky running” has increased as well.  This blend of fitness, adventure, and community makes trail running one of the most exciting outdoor trends to watch.

Outdoor endurance events: In the beginning of 2000 this trend appeared on the maps. It has its ground from the military, and it has grown since that. For people who want to test their limits this will be the challenge. Ultra-distance races, obstacle races and multi-day cycling could be some examples in this area. As more people pursue experience-based achievements rather than material rewards, I can predict that this is an area that will expand.

Micro adventures: This has been in focus for a couple of years now. With people got money, but less time – this is the solution. An extended weekend can mean a lot of experiences for a short time. This has become a challenge for places where communication and experiences and challenges meet.

Exploring nature-and embracing it: well, we can also see the growth of activities with a sustainability mindset, and where you also learn something about the environment and culture. Hiking in the mountains and learning about geology at the same time is one such area.

So, what will be the conclusion from my point of view of the outdoor landscape in 2026 then? What I can see is innovation, wellness, sustainability and appreciation of nature will be the key here. Outdoor life becomes more of an overall lifestyle for the people who’s in it. My reflection will be to combine one-two or more of all this trend will be a winning concept. With the experience of genuine feeling as a base, that my five coins of it all…

The past week I was on a tour to Geilo, Norway. Really nice place even though it was summer…We stayed at hotel Geilo a classic ski lodge. 

A couple of trail running tours near Ustedals fjorden and a real nice hike to Skarvsenden 1705m. We started at Ustedalen and hike towards Fjellstölen,

from here we took the right trail to Vardahovdun and to Prestholtveien to Prestholtstölan Mountain hut.

From here the the steep climb up to the peak of Skarvenden 1705m and then down and the eastern trail down, passing Eimekroken

and Grasjuve.

A real fine day tour…

Review of Mammut Eiger Speed Hybrid pant. This is a pant developed for fast mountaineering. With a price of ~172 Euro (~1900:-) I got high expectations. The pant is quite light and smooth. With its two long zippers at the side, it is easy to ventilate and to put on boots etc. One zipper pockets and two without zippers. Ok, it is Mammut and it is expensive, but I must say -this became a favourite. Perfect fit, breathable and the pockets was enough from my point of view. So this will be (NNNNN-) the minus is the price. But a really good pant for speed mountaineering.

Deslondes + Twain – Run Wild

See ya soon…

How to be consistent and how to choose the right mid layer

“Don’t quit when you are tired – quit when you are done”. It’s all about learning to be comfortable with discomfort.

This must be taken with small step-step by step. There will be two keys to succeeding here. First, small steps, and second will be, use the mornings.

Frequency rather than volume. Perfectionism is the enemy of consistency, if you fail one day don’t worry it’s a new day tomorrow… So here comes some thoughts about strategies for this: Every day is easier than most days. A routine, a lifestyle and a structure that shows who you really are…Fire in the act, grace in the amount. This means making sure you do it, but don’t worry about how much of it you do. Mornings will be the time for it, during the day, you will always find an excuse for not doing it. Use progressive overload to build the muscle. This means doing it in a controlled way. Not going from 0-100. Early mornings don’t mean to go from waking up at 7 to 4. Start with 06.30…Never try to make up for a miss. Ok, so I missed the target for the day-I’ll do it x2 tomorrow. This will move you further from your goal. And focus on the trend, and not the position. Consistency isn’t about perfection—it’s about managing your imperfection to achieve the things you want. It’s not glamorous. It’s not easy. But it’s what separates those who talk about their dreams from those who go out and live them. Small step will take you there. Are you ready to go? Show up when it’s hard. Show up when it’s messy. Show up when no one’s watching. Show up when you don’t feel like it. Show up when the rewards are uncertain.

So, my own experience of this: It wont be easier tomorrow, do it today. Dont talk, dont think of it-Do it. That is what make things happens. I once got a colleague who always was talking about becoming a fast runner. I saw him and I heard him. But honest, I never saw him train hard, really hard I mean. He never become a elite runner by the way…Nothing comes for free, you have to create you own value of life. So why dont you start here….

 

The importance of mid layer…

Mid layer, this garment is one of the toughest to choose. When you’re out and about, it’s not just the shell that keeps you warm. The mid layer traps air, wicks away moisture and balances your temperature. Your choice should be based on activity, weather and temperature. So first of all you have to choose materials. Wool for example got good moister transport, warms even when its damp. But dry slower then synthetics. It will fit best for slow pace, cold conditions and activities with varied intensity.  Down, high heat to weight ratio. Light weight and easy to compress-less space in the pack. The disadvantage will be the sensitivity for moister, and need a shell layer for protection. Synthetics, we all have been use this before wool become attractive. It isolates even if its vet, it dry fast and its affordable and durable. It suits best for intensive activities, even in vet weather. But you can recognize the smell:-). We also got the Fleece, it got Very good breathability and moisture transport. Soft and light towards the body, It dry fast. Less warmth in really cold conditions. Suits best for; active use, mild to moderately cold temperatures, as a midlayer under a shell jacket

Agnes – Fingers Crossed

See ya soon

The art of controlling what you think…

Today’s blog will be about one of my favourite topics, mental strength and toughness. But first an analyse of the difference between mental strength and mental toughness.

Mental toughness focuses on performance, pushing through adversity, and enduring short-term discomfort to achieve a goal. In contrast, mental strength emphasizes character development, emotional regulation, and long-term health. While toughness is about looking unshakeable, strength is about having the tools to adapt and grow.

What is this topic all about? Is mental strength/toughness to do the 10 hard intervals you planned? or to do the 45km speed hike with backpack in just one day? Mental strength isn’t just seen in major crises – it’s seen in everyday life, when you can adapt, stand up for your values, and keep moving forward even when it feels tough. It’s not about always being positive or never getting affected, but about recovering, learning, and choosing what’s important, time and time again.

Ok, here we go. Let’s start by looking into the 7c’s of mental strength; Competence The ability to handle situations effectively, rooted in real skills and lived experience. Confidence The solid belief in your own abilities, built by demonstrating competence rather than just receiving empty praise. Connection Developing close ties to family, friends, and community so you know you are not alone during tough times. Character Having a fundamental sense of right and wrong, a strong moral compass, and a caring attitude toward others. Contribution Feeling a sense of purpose and realizing that the world is a better place because you are in it. Coping Having a robust toolkit of strategies to manage stress, stay flexible, and view challenges from multiple perspectives. and Control Realizing that your decisions and actions shape your future, allowing you to focus on what you can change and let go of what you can’t.

Have you ever wondered what makes someone a good athlete or a good leader or guide? Why do some people accomplish their goals, while others don’t? The answer will often be; He/she is so intelligent, or he/she is so lucky. But if you dig a bit deeper of that thought, we will find something else…In fact, when you start looking into it, your talent and your intelligence don’t play nearly as big of a role as you might think. The research studies say that intelligence only accounts for 30% of your achievement. What makes a bigger impact than talent or intelligence then? That will be the Mental toughness. There has been some study of this in the military area. What they could see there wasn’t strength-smart or leadership potential that was the key to passing the boot camp training to sift the chaff from the wheat . Instead, it was grit — the perseverance and passion to achieve long–term goals — that made the difference. It was mental toughness that predicted whether a cadet would be successful, not their talent, intelligence, or genetics.

Hm. But what makes someone mentally tough? The key word here will be consistent. A mental tough athlete never misses a workout. A mental tough leader has a clear goal that they work towards each morning and each day. They don’t let short–term profits, negative feedback, or hectic schedules prevent them from continuing the march towards their vision. They make a habit of building up the people around them — not just once, but repeatedly.

The good news is that grit and perseverance can become your defining traits, regardless of the talent you were born with. You can become more consistent. You can develop superhuman levels of mental toughness. If have been following me to this point, your question should now be -yes, I have understood. But how, you might ask. Please tell me, I want to go there…That my friend will be this week’s cliff-hanger. Next blog, you will find out…

Consistency beats inspiration…

Walking In The Air

See ya soon…