Scandinavia is a region in the northern Europe that consists mainly of three countries - Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. This region is rich in culture and history that dates as far back as the Viking ages and attracts an average of 20 million tourists yearly.

Scandinavia offers a beautiful wilderness life of forests, jungles, lakes, mountains and glaciers. But, perhaps the most interesting thing about this region is how untamable and unpredictable its nature is, ranging wildly from sunny and warm to rainy and windy in just a few hours. A popular saying in Scandinavia goes, 'there is no bad weather, only bad clothing’.

No matter the season and activities you have planned out, it is important always to be prepared for whatever the weather brings your way. So, here is a backpacking gear list that you might find incredibly helpful for a trip into the Scandinavian woods.

Hiking boots or shoes?

Scandinavian woods are a wide expanse of land filled with thick forestation, lots of undergrowths and shrubbery, and as typical with any forest, tons of creeping insects and animals. Thus, it is very important to include hiking boots in your backpack gear for Scandinavia woods.

When picking a boot to bring along, you might want to go for comfort and protection over style and aesthetics. A shoe you just bought might turn out to be uncomfortable for walking long distances and could leave you feeling miserable. We advise that you select a shoe you've had for a while and are fully aware of the degree of comfort it offers.

 Here are some shoe options for the woods:

• A rain-proof boot
• An ankle boot
• Sandals for when it's hot, or your shoes are damp
• A sneaker for hiking

Clothes for various weathers

As mentioned earlier, the weather in Scandinavia is pretty fickle, especially in certain months of the year. For instance, if you are travelling between June and August, you are very likely to experience different weather. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the weather wearing too little or too much clothing; therefore, it is important to be fully prepared.

Here is a list of clothes you might want to pack up:

• T-shirts
• Fleece jacket/sweater
• Waterproof jacket
• Sun hat or cap
• Scarf
• Underwear
• Pants, cargo
• Shorts
• Warm, dark-colored hiking socks

Our advice is to layer up whenever you are going into the woods. For example, you could wear a short-sleeved t-shirt followed by a sweater and to top it of with a a fleece jacket. This way, you are protected when it's cold, and when it gets warm, you could easily take off some clothing.

Camping gear

If you have plans to spend the night in the woods, then you should make sleeping arrangements. While Sweden and Norway allow you to camp anywhere except on private property and farmlands, Denmark only allows camping on its official campsites or shelters. Whichever of these countries you are in, you can rest assured of your comfort and safety, as long as you have the following:

• Tent, alongside a tent footprint for protection from the ground
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Bug spray (mosquitoes are quite common out in the woods)

If you would be spending the night in the woods, it is needless to say that you should make preparations for dinner and breakfast. This is extra important because you would need energy from food to explore the woods to the fullest. Ideally, you should bring along the following:

• A stove
• Fire starter
• Pot
• Knife, fork, and spoon
• Plate and cup (disposable preferably)
• Water bottles
• Food items
• Water filter
• Napkin

Safety kits

If you have ever been out in the woods before, you would know that anything could go wrong at any time. The problem could be as little as getting a cut or more serious, like a reptile bite or a nasty cold. It is also a very common occurrence to get lost in the woods or to suffer some sun damage to your skin/eyes. Whatever the emergency is, it is important to be fully prepared.

Here are some equipment worth having:

• A first-aid kit
• A map
• A compass
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Flashlight and batteries

Personal aditionals

Different people need different things to feel comfortable on trips. Therefore, if you know the special little things that make you happy, it is advisable to find some space for them in your backpack to avoid any discomfort. If you are not quite sure about your needs, here are some other personal items that could make your stay in the woods more fun:

• Toothbrush
• Tissue paper
• Paper towels
• Toiletries
• Travel towel
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Earplugs

Conclusion…

If you are looking to take a trip into the Scandinavian woods, we are positive that the list above contains pretty much everything you'd need. To ensure you do not forget anything while shopping or packing, you should run a double or triple check. Also, it might help to check weather forecasts before going out into the woods, as this helps you have an idea of what weather you should expect. 

Happy hiking!