The amount of items you bring along on your hike and the weight of your backpack is essential for your whole experience. Make sure you plan ahead. Hiking is an outdoor activity that does not impose any requirements for special equipment. However, if you are planning on a longer hike it is a good idea to have a glance at the list below before heading out. You get the best out of the natural experience if you travel light - backpack, sleeping bag and tent should preferably not exceed 3 kilograms all together, excluding the weight of food and equipment.
Shoes
South Sweden’s landscape can be hilly but you do not need heavy boots for mountain hiking. Well-used trainers or outdoor running shoes are perfect for a day hike and lighter backpack. You can also choose to invest in a pair of light-weighted trekking shoes, designed to make your way in forests. Be sure to use waterproof shoes or shoes in Goretex materials during the wetter days.
Are you planning on hiking a longer distance and need to bring a heavier backpack, then choose a couple of lighter boots. The boots increase the feet’s stability and provides a better support for your ankles. Many people prefer to wear two layers of socks in their boots (a thin inner sock and a slightly thicker sock outwardly) to avoid sore feet.
Clothes
The different seasons and current weather conditions naturally affects the choice of clothing, but a basic principle to keep in consideration is to dress in layers. The inner layer should keep you warm and lead away moisture from the body, wool or synthetics are suitable materials. The next layer should lead away moisture but at the same time retain heat. Choose fabrics like wool or a fleece sweater with a zipper that allows you to regulate the heat. The outer layer should function as protection against wind and rain, whilst it keeps the body warm. Modern shell clothes often features this function.
During winter time, you will probably need a fourth layer on your upper body in order to keep warm. During dry weather conditions a downy west is a good option.
Backpack
Before going to the store, it is good to plan ahead and write down which functions you want the bag to have and how many compartments you need. As for all the equipment you have to try it on in the outdoor store before buying. A key role is to go for the most comfortable backpack. The bag should fit the length of your torso and be perceived as integral with the body.
For a day hike or a hiking trip with accommodation such as a hotel or an overnight stay at a B&B the backpack should be no larger than 30 litres. However if you are planning on a weekend hike closer to nature and need to carry your own sleeping bag, tent and food this should fit in a backpack on a maximum of 50 litres.
Tent
You can easily use a tunnel tent along the Skåneleden trail. However, if you also would like to be able to set up the tent on hard ground such as in the archipelago or in the mountains, you better invest in a dome tent. The advantage of the latter is that it is freestanding and no need to be secured with ground pegs. The more money you spend on a tent the lighter the weight. A benchmark for a two-person tent is that it should not weigh more than 2.5 kilograms.
Our backpacking checklist
Water bottle, gas-fired stove, cook set, energy bars, rainwear, hat, gloves, spare socks, underwear, headlamp, multi-tools, binoculars, camera, GPS, Skåneleden trail map, extra clothing, sleeping mat, hygiene products including plasters, antipyretic pills, mosquito repellent and a tick remover.
Hiking gear depending on season in Southern Sweden
Summer. Make sure to bring plenty of drinking water during the warm summer days. There might be long distances between the water sources along the trail and sometimes the water wells can dry out during hot summers. Have a look at the ”trail status” of your particular hiking section on the website before you hit the trail, for current information. Dress in lighter fabrics that breathe and dress in layers. Wear sneakers or thinner hiking shoes on your feet. Do not forget sunscreen, sunglasses or a cap to prevent sunburn and overheating and be sure to pack your swimwear if you are planning a hike along the coast or by a lake.
Overnight: For sleeping outdoors a sleeping bag that can handle 10° C, (50° F) is recommended.
Fall. This is Skåne’s rainiest season, wear waterproof shoes or boots and pack a light rain and wind jacket just to be on the safe side. Dress in Thermals closest to the body and wear several thin layers on top and pack a warm fleece or sweater. Remember that it gets dark earlier this time of year and therefore it could be a good idea to pack a flashlight. This season also offers a great deal from the forests own pantry, such as berries, nuts and mushrooms. Always carry a plastic bag in your pack - you never know when you stumble on nature's gold. Please be aware that the Right of Public access does not apply on national parks or in all nature reserves.
Overnight: For sleeping outdoors a sleeping bag that can handle 0° C, (32° F) is recommended.
Winter. Usually winters are very mild in Skåne and one can usually expect that the further north in the country, the more snow on the slopes. Dress in Thermals closest to the body and wear several thin layers on top and pack a warm fleece or sweater. Also pack a woollen hat and an extra pair of socks. Remember that it gets dark earlier this time of year and it is a good idea to pack a flashlight. During the winter months, water taps and wells are turned off and it is important that you plan ahead and bring enough water for the entire hike. If you are hiking through a more urban area you can always fill up with water in a café.
Overnight: For sleeping outdoors a sleeping bag that can handle -10° C, (14° F) is recommended.
Spring. For those of you that choose to hike during spring time in Skåne you better prepare yourself to be lavished by chirping birds, lovely scents and colourful variations signed by nature itself. Be sure to pack your binoculars and do some bird watching during the coffee breaks. Do not underestimate the sun's warming rays, pack sunscreen and a cap but also a warm sweater for the chilly hours after dusk. A thin rain jacket is always good to bring regardless season. Wear sneakers or thinner hiking boots on your feet.
Overnight: For sleeping outdoors a sleeping bag that can handle 0° C, (32° F) is recommended.