How to Prepare for a Trek or a Hike
Excursionists and hikers appreciate the beauty of the wild and spend time in the nature on nature's terms, without causing disturbance or disruption. Read guides and study maps before departure to make the most of your trip. Don't forget to exercise regularly before the holiday to make the trek as pleasant as possible.
Planning
Choose the route carefully to ensure that it meets your interests and preferences. Think about the equipment you will need and make all the required purchases before the departure date. Check the condition of all used equipment. Check the Metsähallitus website at www.luontoon.fi for tips on suitable daily distances, equipment and other details to consider when planning a trip. Familiarise yourself with the terrain by using maps, the Internet and brochures.
Skills required
Everyone who treks in the nature should have basic map reading and orientation skills, even when taking a guided or a well-marked route. Finnish maps are generally reliable and accurate, but don’t forget that maps expire and terrain can change. When spending time in the wilderness, it's also useful to know a selection of other skills, such as camping, cooking and first aid.
Equipment
The basic rule of trekking is that only absolutely necessary things are packed to keep the weight of things carried at a minimum. For rainy weather, bring a rain outfit unless you wear a waterproof Gore-Tex suit or other such outfit. The easiest way to adapt to changing temperatures is by wearing layers that can be added and removed as required and can vary from a tank top to a woolly sweater.
The shoes should be sturdy, waterproof and comfortable. Blisters and sores can ruin the whole trip. Get a hold of hiking boots or rubber boots well ahead the holiday to break them in before departing on the trek.
A rucksack is the most common carrier bag used when hiking. A big backpack works on short and serviced treks. It's important to choose a carrier bag that fits your measurements and pack it with care, taking into account the weather conditions. Important things to pack include a hat, a first aid kit, a drinking bottle and a knife.
During the trek
When you are dry and warm and have sufficient supplies of food and drink with you, you can concentrate on observing the surroundings and sharing trekking experiences with other participants. Make sure you reserve enough time for the route as rushing too much can ruin a trek.
Please take into account that, in the summer, a lot of events take place all over Finland and places of accommodation in those areas can be full. Therefore, it's worth booking accommodation in advance.
You can travel to Finland by air from all over the world and by boat from Estonia, Germany and Sweden. In Finland, you can reach the trekking locations by air, train or bus.
The emergency telephone number in Finland is 112.
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