Outdoor life for beginners - Johan Skullman tips

Outdoor life for beginners - Johan Skullman tips

Venturing into the woods and wilderness is a enriching experience, something we at Garphyttan advocate. We would even claim that it forms the basis for practically everything we do. Fresh air, beautiful nature experiences, and a break from the stress of everyday life are just a few of the many benefits of spending time in nature. However, for those new to outdoor life, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin. Here, Johan Skullman, the founder of Garphyttan and an experienced expert in outdoor life and survival, shares some basic insights and practical tips for safe and enjoyable adventures in nature.

Tips for Beginners

Use what you have

You don't need to invest in advanced equipment right from the start. Take a look at what you already have at home or can borrow from a friend when it comes to clothing and basic gear for your outings.

Get familiar with your outdoor kitchen

Try cooking outdoors in a safe place, like your backyard. Getting well-acquainted with your outdoor kitchen provides confidence when you later embark on longer adventures.

Start with a day trip

Begin with a short excursion in a nearby and safe forest environment where there are clear tracks or trails to follow. Carry equipment for a possible overnight stay for extra safety. This is a good opportunity to get used to the weight of your pack while moving and also a chance to field-test your reinforcement clothes and other equipment during breaks, regularly and realistically.

Try camping near home

If possible, go out and camp in a familiar wooded area (where camping is allowed) to evaluate your equipment. Does your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, reinforcement clothes, and tent measure up to handle an overnight stay in the woods?

Avoid expensive investments

As a beginner, you don't need to have everything top-notch and super modern. This phase will come later and can be built gradually, step by step. You can advantageously rent equipment to experiment and find what suits you best, or why not ask your acquaintances if they have something you can borrow.

First overnight stay

When camping outside for the first time, it's beneficial to choose a familiar wooded area where you can camp or sleep in a shelter under good weather conditions. This gives you the chance to get used to outdoor overnight stays and become familiar with your equipment.

Seek help from experienced individuals

Advice and guidance from experienced individuals, experts, and training are invaluable. They can share their knowledge and skills to help you take the next step in your outdoor life. Developing and testing your skills together with others is, of course, beneficial, so don't hesitate to sign up for a suitable course when you have the opportunity.

Important Skills for Both Short and Long Trips

Know first aid

Having basic first aid skills is crucial for safety, especially during longer wilderness trips.

Navigate with map and compass

Being able to orient yourself with a map and compass is, of course, a fundamental skill to avoid getting lost but even more so to make wise route choices and find essentials like water, firewood, and a good campsite for overnight stays.

Handle a "sharp edge" safely

Knowledge of safely handling a knife, saw, and axe is important for both safety and practical purposes in all types of adventures, whether short or longer.

Build a fire

The ability to start a fire using various methods, such as matches, lighters, and fire starters, is crucial for all outdoor activities.

Conserve battery for emergencies

Turn off your phone or put it in airplane mode to conserve battery. Use it only in case of emergencies to ensure you can get a GPS-based position and have access to communication.

Johan's Final Words

"Knowledge may be key, but regularly practicing your skills is equally important. To enjoy and have fun in nature in a safe manner, it's good to gather knowledge and insights in different environments and weather conditions, leaning on knowledgeable people with well-founded experience and understanding of various environments and activities."