Winter Camping in Kuusamo
Winter Camping in Kuusamo 2023 | January
It’s always nice to go outdoors and explore nature. With the right gear and attitude, every weather is worth experiencing. As a wilderness guide since 2016, I have had the opportunity to experience the Finnish wilderness in various weather conditions. Every trip is beautiful, and it’s not essential how demanding or where it is made. Only what makes you happy is the most important thing.
When starting with camping or outdoor activities, it’s essential to go in steps towards your goal. It’s not wise to plan too demanding trips in the beginning and be honest with your capabilities. In this article, I will share my gear and what I found suitable for my recent trip to the Finnish wilderness.
In winter, gear is a significant part of the trip, as the cold is a major factor outdoors. Quality gear doesn’t always mean high prices. For example, gloves can have inner liners and leather gloves on top. Wool is a solid option for the cold, as it is warm even when it gets moist or wet. Sleeping bags for winter use can be expensive, but my eight-year-old Cumulus sleeping bag is still working like a dream.
It’s important to know that you need more gear during winter. I chose a sled and a backpack for my trip because I can carry everything I need and something extra just in case. It’s possible to take only a backpack or a pulk for winter camping if the gear fits. Testing your gear before starting the trip is more important in winter. When packing, it’s good to test that everything works and nothing are broken. I gave myself enough time to pack and double-check everything for my trip as the temperatures dropped to -20 degrees Celsius at night.
I don’t believe there is one right gear for everyone. Knowing your gear before leaving for a more challenging trip outdoors is more important. I made many day trips to test my gear before going for an overnight trip. If you are new to hiking and camping, I recommend starting during summer or fall and in good conditions, so solving any problems is much easier. Start by training in safe places close to home, a car, or other places where you can find shelter if problems happen.
As a seasoned traveler and lover of the outdoors, I have made many trips into the wilderness of Finland. Each trip has taught me something new and allowed me to grow as a person and as an outdoorsman.
One of my most memorable trips was in January to a wilderness hut in Kuusamo. The journey was made in complete darkness, and I was lucky to have enough warm clothing and a powerful headlamp. Although the trip was made with the company, the weather was not in our favor, with snow and strong winds making the journey quite challenging. We eventually made it to the safety of the hut, where we were able to warm up by the stove. Looking back on this trip, I now realize that we should have started earlier and taken more breaks to save energy.
My latest trip, however, completely contrasted with that first trip. With perfect weather, starry skies, and bright northern lights, I could fully enjoy the beauty of the wilderness. This trip was made after careful planning, with longer breaks and better food and hydration management, which allowed me to conserve my energy. I was also able to make better decisions as I traveled, which made the journey much smoother and enjoyable.
Traveling with the company is always a great experience but can also be challenging. Making decisions can become a little more complicated and sometimes takes more time. However, having a company also brings safety and makes tasks easier and faster.
Sleeping under a tarp, surrounded by the beauty of the night sky, was an unforgettable experience. The feeling of being completely immersed in nature is something that I will never forget, and it is one of the reasons why I continue to seek out new adventures in the great outdoors.
