In 2014-2015 I lived in Iceland for about a year and while being there I executed nine very different hiking trips. Being accustomed to hiking in the Alps, I noticed that the Icelandic mountains differ from the Alps in many ways. In order to help you stay safe and comfortable while hiking in this northern…
A hat is one of the most important items of winter hiking clothing because it significantly reduces the body heat loss. Once US Army studies claimed that 40 to 45 % of body heat is lost from the head – and while more recent studies lower this to only 10%, it is still a significant…
As you might already know I’ve been on my “Hiking Iceland” tour for the last seven months. From September onwards the conditions for hiking have become relatively difficult; short day length, low temperatures and regular snow showers. As these conditions require additional equipment, including crampons and an ice axe (which I didn’t bring to Iceland), I’ve had…
Hiking becomes difficult in winter when the trails are covered with snow and ice. To hike on icy and snowy trails safely, you will need winter hiking gear – of which the two most important items are crampons and an ice axe. While crampons provide you with traction, an ice axe helps you to arrest your fall…
The Burfell Crater is an old volcano near Reykjavik, around 170 meters high. As you might already know I started my “Hiking Iceland” tour in May 2015 by climbing small mountains as I didn’t have sufficient equipment (crampons and an ice axe) to ascend the more significant ones. In summer the snow had more or less…
As winter is approaching, the days are getting shorter and there are less light hours to spend outdoors. However, short days should not limit your outdoor activities. The first step towards enjoyable hiking, mountaineering or trekking in darkness is a high-quality headlamp. A headlamp illuminates the area around you while allowing you to use both…
Although hiking in snowy conditions is not easy, it can be an unforgettable experience to wander around an amazing snow-covered landscape. To be comfortable and safe on snowy trails you will need some additional gear, like insulated clothing, winter hiking boots and gaiters. Gaiters are very useful for hiking on snowy trails because they prevent snow and…
In October 2015 Suunto released the new Traverse Collection. The Suunto Traverse Collection consists of five GPS watches – Suunto Traverse Amber, Black, White, Graphite and Slate. These watches offer incredible performance in addition to attractive design. They are designed for outdoor enthusiasts who need a top-quality timepiece for their adventures and therefore they are…
Hiking in the rain is no fun unless you have appropriate equipment such as a waterproof jacket, waterproof boots and also waterproof pants. Waterproof equipment should not only keep you dry but also offer great freedom of movement and breathability. For the last five months I have been on my “Hiking Iceland” tour. Now in…
Hikers and mountaineers are often exposed to low temperatures, harsh winds and other challenging conditions – especially in mountainous regions. Hiking under these conditions is no fun unless you have the right equipment to keep you warm and protected against the elements. In winter, when the temperatures drop, you will have to put on extra…
