New to the Outdoors?
Some of our guests are seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Others are taking their very first steps beyond their comfort zone. Whether you’re 8 or 80, we believe it’s never too late to start exploring nature.
Just head outside, open your eyes and ears, and take in the birdsong, the breeze, the sound of raindrops, and the beauty of a sunset. It doesn’t have to be a big or complicated adventure. More than anything, all you need is an open mind and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.
That said, a little preparation can go a long way in making your first outdoor experiences enjoyable and inspiring you to come back for more. We’ve gathered a few simple tips and things to keep in mind before you set off on your adventure.
Accommodation
If you’re planning to stay out for more than a day, it’s worth thinking about where—and how—you’ll sleep. A good night’s rest makes any adventure much more enjoyable.
For most outdoor adventures, a tent is the obvious choice, but a hammock, a simple shelter, or a cabin can also be great options. These days, there are countless types of tents to choose from, which can make picking the right one feel a bit overwhelming.
One common mistake beginners make is buying the cheapest tent they can find. It makes sense—you just want to give it a try without spending too much. The downside is that a cheap tent is often cheap for a reason. It might be heavy to carry, leak when it rains, or struggle in windy weather. The same goes for sleeping bags and sleeping mats—they come in a wide range of quality levels. In the long run, buying the cheapest gear can end up being the most expensive option if you have to replace it after your very first trip.
A much better way to get started is to borrow or rent your gear. You might even find outdoor equipment available through your local gear library or community lending service. At Vildmark i Värmland, you can rent a tent, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag with any of our adventure packages, so you can enjoy your time in nature without having to invest in all the equipment right away.
Food
Give a little thought to your meals before you head out. Almost anything you can cook in a regular kitchen can also be prepared over a campfire or on a camping stove. To save fuel, though, it’s a good idea to choose meals that don’t need to simmer for too long. Get to know your camping stove before your trip—why not cook dinner with it in your backyard or at a local park as a practice run?
Fresh air has a way of working up an appetite, so make sure to pack plenty of snacks. Energy-rich treats like nuts, raisins, and chocolate are always a good idea—you’ll rarely regret bringing too much. It’s also worth planning your water supply based on where you’re going and whether you’ll have access to safe drinking water along the way.
With most of the adventure packages at Vildmark i Värmland, you can add both cooking equipment and food supplies to your booking, making it even easier to get out and enjoy nature.
Packing
If you’re heading out on a hiking or cycling trip, it’s worth thinking carefully about what you pack and keeping the weight to a minimum. On a canoe trip or a timber raft adventure, you can usually bring quite a bit more. Even so, most people find they need far less than they first imagined.
Make sure everyone has a full change of clothes, along with everything you’ll need for sleeping and cooking. A good book or a travel game can also make for cosy evenings and great moments together.
A few other essentials include a sharp knife, a flashlight or headlamp, matches, a basic first aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, and waterproof clothing. And don’t forget to keep everything dry by packing your gear in waterproof bags—or simply use sturdy bin liners inside your backpack.
Ready to go?
No outdoor adventure ever goes exactly according to plan—and that’s part of the fun. There’s no need to worry, though. Most challenges can be solved with a little creativity and a positive attitude.
Just remember to respect Sweden’s Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten) and its simple guiding principle: don’t disturb, and don’t destroy.
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