Ted Weirum shares his best tips on preparing for the Classic.
For any outdoor adventurer, who has been living under a rock, and hasn’t heard of Ted Weirum, he is our version of an outdoor inspiration. Ted is a YouTuber who focuses on creating video gear reviews based on his real life experience in the vast Swedish outdoors. We’ve already spoken with Ted about his tips and tricks for preparing for the Fjällräven Classic, if you want to read that article you can find it here. So we couldn’t think of anyone better to give us the very best in gear recommendations for our upcoming outdoor adventures.
What should everyone carry in their backpack on a long-long-distance trek? And how much should it weigh?
“I know it’s a cliche but apart from the essentials the most important thing is knowledge.” The more prepared anyone is, and the more times they have been outdoors trekking and spending nights under the stars – the more likely they are to have boiled the items in their backpack down to the essentials. Ted remembers his very first Classic, “I had a backpack that weighed around 23 kilos . It was a good experience, but a heavy experience.” The trick is to really test your gear upfront to get to the minimum weight that you will need. That will stand you in good stead, when you are faced with carrying that weight a long distance.
You have reviewed a lot of gear: what would you say is definitely worth the investment for an outdoor trek?
The first is a good shell jacket, this will be essential in managing your own temperature regulation. Especially in Sweden, for example, it might feel warmer during the days, but at night the temperature will drop. The second, and without a doubt the first thing you should be testing and practicing with, is really great hiking boots. And finally the third, and these are several essentials, are a great, and lightweight, tent, backpack and sleeping bag.
Tell us your top three items that you would never leave behind before going on a long–distance trek or camping trip.
The number one top item that Ted would never leave behind is earplugs. If you are in his local Swedish outdoors, Ted recommends to also bring a sleeping mask of some kind. Ted says “in Sweden, we are in the land of the midnight sun, so it will always be pretty light during summer – especially in the North. A sleeping mask is the perfect way to turn day into night.” Additionally, Ted recommends to bring a camping pillow as, from experience, he says, “You will be tired from any kind of long-distance trek, so getting the right amount of sleep is crucial for you to be able to work and function correctly and normally.”
How important is it to test your equipment before going on a hike?
The most important thing before going on a hike is to prepare and test your equipment beforehand. Ted remembers an experience he had with his sleeping mat, “we were out for an overnighter and the sleeping mat actually broke and became unrepairable. This is something that I am very thankful happened now, during the test period and not when I was out in the middle of the mountains.” So don’t forget to go out and test everything that you will use to see if it works or if it needs to be replaced, or if you can scale it down in some way.
Tell us your top tent pitching tips.
We all have different tents, and we all have different levels of expertise when it comes to pitching a tent. Ted shares his main tip “just prepare and practice at home, don’t let it be the first time you pitch your tent on a trail. Try it at home, if it’s a windy day, it’s a better day to try your gear. If it’s raining it’s also a good day to try.” Practice pitching your tent in the worst conditions you can, so that you have this experience, just in case you need it later on. If you are planning your adventure with someone else practice setting up and taking down your tent together.
What is your top tip to having a good night sleep in a tent?
The best way to get a good night’s sleep is to practice sleeping in your tent. Ted suggests, “practice even in your own garden. It’s just important to get a feel for it, so you know – do I need earplugs? Do I need a pillow? Do I need a thicker sleeping mat? Or whatever it may be in your specific case.” So find any excuse you can to get out there and sleep overnight in nature. For example in the case of the Swedish Classic Ted says, “I would expect conditions to be pretty windy, there might be rain, even some snow. So prepare for that.”
How do you recommend to save your feet during any long-distance trek?
In terms of gear the best way to take care of your feet, is to use woollen socks. Ted recommends, “use a thin liner, and then a more cushioning woollen sock on top.” Additionally, a top tip is to take regular breaks, take off your boots, air them our and change your socks regularly. What Ted normally does is to have one spare pair of socks within easy reach. For example on top of your bag, so they can dry out, when you are not using them. Then when you take a stop or take a break, you can always switch to a dry pair. This will really reduce soreness and blisters during the trek.
The take home message is that preparation and getting to know your gear is key for any long-distance trek. By following these great insights and tips from the ever adventurous Ted Weirum, you will be sure to make the most out of your next outdoor adventure. All that’s left now, is to pack your backpack, get outside and get to know your gear out in nature. Don’t forget to follow YouTube @TedWeirum to catch more gear tips and reviews.
