OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
HIKING AND ROUND TRIPS
Ultimate packing lists
Day hikes and Camping
Freecamping by Djupvatnet, north of Geiranger, Norway
To start hiking and camping might seem confusing and difficult. And we would say, in the beginning it is! You need a lot of equipment that you might not already have nor know how it works or what the purpose is. Like a tent, sleeping bag, trangia kitchen, hiking boots and so on. On the other hand, once you have all the stuff you need they will probably last for the rest of your life. At least if you decide to buy good quality from the beginning.
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Below you find check-lists for day hikes, camping and randonée. You also find some general advice on what clothes, shoes and equipment to buy.
What to wear when you go on a day hike?
What to bring when you go on a day hike?
- Shirt: short or long sleeves depending on the weather
- Trousers: short or long legs depending on the weather
- Hat, buff or cap to protect you from cold and sun.
- Sun glasses
- A pair of thin gloves
- Rain jacket and trousers (protects you from wind as well as rain)
- Mid-layer jacket (to give warmth when taking a break or if it suddenly gets colder)
- Woolen socks (two pairs to avoid blisters)
- Hiking shoes
- Food and drink
- Poles can be great to help you keep the balance crossing streams and if you get tired
What shoes to choose when hiking?
This is probably one of the most common questions asked. For a good reason! Do I need to buy and wear heavy hiking boots? Why does not my comfy running shoes work just fine? Read more about which shoes to choose here.
- Back pack 30 L (including rain cover)
- Map and compass (Be sure you know how to use it!)
- Bottle(s) of cold water depending if you can fill it along the way
- Food, for example a sandwich. Some like to bring a freeze dried meal and a thermos with hot water.
- Nuts, bar
- First-aid kit including blister plasters
- Sunscreen
- Toilet paper
- Duct tape (can temporarily fix anything that brakes)
- Poles if you like
- Head lamp
What to bring when you go camping?
Freecamping by Trolltunga, Norway
Besides the stuff you bring on a day hike, you shall bring
- First Aid Kit
- Back pack 60-80 L (including rain cover)
- Tent
- Sleeping bag for the temperature you are sleeping in. It is a lot colder in high mountain terrain at night compared to when hiking during the day.
- Sleeping pad
- Soap, tooth paste, tooth brush
- Needle and thread
- Powerbank and charger
- Camping kitchen (Trangia, Primus or similar)
- Food
- Gas
- Matches in a water proof bag/box.
- Plate, cup, spoon
- Pocket-knife
- Sponge and washing-up liquid
- Book
- Lantern/Head lamp
- Extra shirts
- First layer including short and long leg trousers (wool)
- Light-weight shoes to wear after hiking or if you get really bad blisters
What to bring and wear when you go on randonée?
- First Aid Kit
- Transceiver, spade, telescopic pole
- Backpack 35-45 L (make sure there is room for everything you need to bring)
- Food and drink
- Sun-glasses
- Goggles
- Sun protection
- Thick gloves
- Thin gloves
- Buff/Hat
- Shell jacket and pants
- Extra layer jacket down or similar
- First layer shirt and trousers preferably woolen
- Second layer like fleece (depending on temperature)
- Helmet
- Boots for randonée
- Skis for randonée plus skins
- Rods
Top of Ahkka, Sweden
Right of public access in Sweden and Norway
View of Torne träsk from the hike to Trollsjön
In Sweden and Norway you have the right to walk, cycle, ride, ski and camp on any land with the exception of private gardens, near a dwelling house or land under cultivation. It is called the Freedom to Roam.
This freedom to roam means that you are allowed to wild camp for the maximum of two nights. You are not allowed to camp in private gardens or near land under cultivation.
If you are unsure of how close to camp a residence - ask the landowner before!
Of course you shall bring all your rubbish with you (including toilet paper).
You can read more about the right of public access in Sweden here.
What equipment to choose when hiking and camping?
You can spend a lot of money on hiking equipment and camping gear and then end up not feeling comfortable in the shoes, jacket or finding out the tent is too heavy or too small or big (!) for your purposes.
It is really difficult to give any general advice since what equipment that fits you depends on your preferences. So what fits your friend, sister, brother or is recommended on websites or in webbshops does not for sure fit you. That follows from the fact that we all look different. Also, for most of us the budget sets a limit...
If you have the opportunity to borrow rain jacket and trousers or camping equipment from someone, that is a good way to find your thing even if it just for a weekend nearby.
Another option is renting equipment for a few days. In Sweden STF rent equipment to members. It is a really good option if you are not sure about if you like camping or if you want to be more sure about what equipment to buy.
We always buy our equipment in stores specialized on hiking boots, camping equipment and so on. Besides the fact that they have a diversified supply in different price classes they can give you advice on what to buy from your preferences.
Let´s go hiking!
