If you are planning a camping in Scandinavia, remember that one of the most important issues you must remember is choosing the right equipment that will provide comfort, warmth and protection against changing weather. Scandinavia is famous for its beautiful landscapes, but also for its capricious weather, so choosing the right tent and sleeping bag is of great importance. In this article you will learn what types of tents and sleeping bags we have and what to pay attention to when choosing them.
Types of tents
The tent is the basic element of equipment for camping. In Scandinavia, it is particularly important that the tent is resistant to rain, wind and low temperatures. Here are the most important types of tents and materials from which they are made. We have:
Dome tents (igloo)
They are light, easy to set up and stable even in strong winds. Ideal solution for short camping in moderate weather conditions. Their big advantage is internal spaciousness and resistance to precipitation.
Hilleberg Soulo – Example of a dome tent
Pictures origin Outnorth.com
Tunnel tents
Ideal for longer trips, especially in more difficult conditions. We have a lot of space for luggage and they are wind resistant. They require a stable substrate for lashings.
Sydvang Skaring 3P – Example of a tunnel tent
Pictures origin Outnorth.com
Geodetic tents
The most durable, designed for extreme conditions such as storms or snowfall. Perfect for camping in the mountains or in the northern parts of Scandinavia.
Ultralight tents
This option is designed for people who travel long distances on foot. They are quite light and quickly set up, but they can be less resistant to difficult weather conditions.
The materials used for tents are: polyester, nylon, cotton and waterproof coatings.
Types of sleeping bags
In addition to choosing a camping tent in Scandinavia, it is also important to choose the right sleeping bag. The nights here can be cool, even in summer, which is why our sleeping bag must provide us with adequate thermal insulation and comfort.
Mummy
The most popular type for camping in cold conditions. It adheres tightly to the body, minimizing heat loss. Light and easy to pack, making it ideal for trekking trips.
Pajak Radical 12Z – Example of a mummy sleeping bag
Quilt (rectangular)
Bigger and more spacious, provides greater comfort of movement. It works better in warm conditions, but is not as effective in maintaining heat as a mummy sleeping bag.
Sea to Summit Silk Blend – Example of a rectangular sleeping bag
Down sleeping bags
Extremely warm and light, perfect for very low temperatures. The disadvantage is their lower resistance to moisture – when in contact with water they lose their insulating properties.
Marmot CWM – Example of a down sleeping bag
Synthetic sleeping bags
They are moisture resistant, dry faster than down and are easier to maintain. They may be slightly heavier, but they are cheaper and more versatile.
Important Considerations When Choosing a Sleeping Bag
When choosing a sleeping bag, we should pay attention to a few things:
Temperature range
It is important to check the sleeping bag markings:
- Comfort: is the minimum temperature at which you can sleep comfortably.
- Limit: The temperature at which you can survive the night without feeling too cold.
- Extreme: the limit temperature below which the risk of cooling may occur.
For camping in Scandinavia, it is best to choose sleeping bags with a range of “Comfort” from -5 °C to +5 °C.
Weight and size
It is important that the sleeping bag is light and easy to pack, especially if you plan hiking.
Resistance to moisture
Synthetic sleeping bags work better in a humid Scandinavian climate. If you choose down, it is worth making sure that it has a hydrophobic finish.
Length and fit
The sleeping bag should be long enough to provide comfort, but not too large, because excess space can cause heat loss.
Remember when going camping in Scandinavia
- Weather in Scandinavia can change very quickly. Choose tents and sleeping bags resistant to moisture and low temperatures.
- Season and place of camping. In the summer, Nordic nights are cold, and in northern regions such as Lapland, frost can occur even in July.
- Waterproof, both the tent and the sleeping bag, should be as moisture-resistant as possible, especially if you plan to camping near lakes, fjords or on the coast.
- Weight and packing. If you are planning a hike, choose light and easy to pack equipment.
For camping in Scandinavia, it is best to choose a tent resistant to wind and rain. When it comes to sleeping bags, a mummy model made of synthetic, moisture-resistant materials will be the perfect choice. Pay attention to the lightness of the equipment, especially if you plan hiking, and its resistance to changing weather conditions. Thanks to the appropriate equipment, the camping in Scandinavia will be not only comfortable, but also memorable!