Hooked on trail running ENGLISH by addnature

on trail running nr 1 / 2019

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odd band of scientists, artists, designers and adventurers, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pushing the boundaries of how outdoor clothing is made. Together with our customers, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re recycling, renting, repairing and reusing our way to a new, sustainable outdoor industry.

TOGETHER WITH AN

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EDITORS NOTE

We all know what it feels like to get excited about a new hobby and completely lose yourself in it. It can easily become an obsession – you want to learn as much about the gear, tech and history as possible. It’s exactly this feeling that inspires us to spend hours planning our next trip and makes us feel on top of the world when we finally get out there. A feeling that enables us to conquer our fears and create a community of likeminded people. That’s how we know we’re hooked. With our new magazine, we want to give outdoor enthusiasts and our friends an insight into our inspirations. We’ve created a place where we can be completely honest about our ideas, values and what matters to us. It’s also a great way for us to show our daily work and get closer to you. We’re dedicating this issue to an incredible sport we’re totally hooked on right now: trail running.

Victor Inggårde

CREATORS · Emelie Voltaire · Victor Inggårde

Julia Möller

PUBLISHER Ulrika Lundmark ADDNATURE AB Oxenstiernsgatan 15 A 115 27 Stockholm 08-4030 4703 info@addnature.com / www.addnature.com

COWORKERS ·

· ·

Olof Strömbäck Svante Holm Julius Copcutt Anna Kernell Oscar Hentmark Claudia Adamo Mattias Rastbäck Emrik Jansson Kalle Jansson

THANKS TO ·

Robert Svanell Malin Lennartsson Emil Billing Annika Färjh Daniel Estmark Robert Tusseus Lotta Frank Oscar Hessling Bastian Steinecker Rosie Hendry Ben Lubin

COVER Emrik Jansson

Printed at Holmbergs Svanenmärkt trycksak, 3041 0140

CONTENTS 10

The Story of Addnature

From Zero to Ultra

The Store

Train Right for Mountain Runs

Pack for Long Distance Running

Next Stop: the Continent

Epic Gear

The Sky Walkers

Repack x Addnature

Together on the Edge

Photo: Kalle Jansson, from Zero to Ultra, p.12

Maximum safety for you Minimum impact on nature KlĂ¤ttermusen est. 1975

”

Our mission was born on the side of a beautiful mountain – and has remained unchanged ever since. Inspiring strong connections between people and nature is what we do. Every day we strive to help more people live their passion and chase adventure. We’re climbers, skiers, kayakers, bikers, surfers and runners. We excel at endurance and thrive on intensity – but hey, anything goes when it comes to getting out there and living your dreams. Our love for our customers drives us to constantly improve our service. We go further to push you forward. With our shared passion, unique expertise and the most trusted outdoor assortment on the planet, no matter how you add nature, we’ve got your back. /Addnature

THE STORY OF ADDNATURE Text: Olof Strömbäck & Oscar Hentmark

We’ve got the gear, you just add nature

dude nr 1

dude nr 2

dude nr 3

Addnature was born first and foremost out of the desire to help people realise their adventures. Sometime in 2000, three friends found themselves sitting in a ski lift in Zermatt, dreaming up the concept that would later become Addnature. Mathias Hedström, Martin Larsson and Klas Berggren shared a love for the great outdoors and wanted to start an online store that made outdoor equipment more accessible to adventurers and enthusiasts. The dot-com bubble had just burst and the odds were completely stacked against them: meaning none of the usual investors would dare invest in the three friends’ vision. But this didn’t put them off: "We decided to finance Addnature ourselves with the help of friends and relatives", says Mathias Hedström, one of the three founders. For the first two years, all three of them worked salary-free. But their motivation and persistance paid off and, with the help of loyal customers, they were soon on the path to success.

dude nr 4

"CLIMBING – IT’S IN ADDNATURE’S DNA” Before Addnature, it was difficult to get hold of climbing equipment in Sweden and many climbers ordered from mail order companies abroad. After Addnature came on the scene, it became much easier for climbers to find what they needed. Mathias recognises the importance of climbing and customer relationships as two focuses for the burgeoning young company. Or as he himself puts it: ”Customers showed us the way and moulded Addnature.” THE STORE OPENS Slowly but surely, business picked up, and after a while customers started turning up at the warehouse asking to see the products. The founders realised that many customers wanted to see the clothing and gear ’in the flesh’ before buying. Mathias believes that their lack of money gave birth to creativity: for the first Addnature store, the owners improvised. They got their hands on some used store equipment, hung up the products, cleared some space for an office and shipping area and opened the doors. So, from the very start it was possible to shop online and pick up the stuff instore, just as it is today! With people travelling from all over Sweden, the shop became somewhat of a tourist attraction. The Addnature store was one of a kind, with a huge range that enabled customers to find everything they needed, no matter

how epic the expedition. The store became a place to get inspired, for both small and large purchases. – ”Let’s say you go in to buy a pair of wool socks, but while you’re in the store you see a full wall of pro climbing gear that you could use in the Himalayas. That definitely makes buying that pair of socks a little more fun”, says Mathias. The store became a milestone for Addnature, and more and more brands got in touch to make sure their products were on sale there. ADDNATURE GOES INTERNATIONAL As the business grew, Addnature started to the draw the attention of major investors and in 2013, it joined the German-based bike and outdoor family that is internetstores. Addnature, with its strong position in the Swedish market, was now part of a complete online outdoor and bike shopping experience targeting international growth. The brand was also entrusted with launching the Bikester name in the Nordic countries. Mathias, Martin and Klas have since left Addnature for new projects, but still remain firm friends. Their vision of a healthy, happy company where going to work is fun lives on. Mathias firmly believes that Addnature’s success is down to the customers and staff who made it what it is together. He describes in his own words the partnership with his former colleagues: ”I’m happy, grateful and humble that we had the chance to work together. The journey with Addnature brought us even closer together as a team.” THE SYMBOLISM OF THE LOGO Addnature's logo was designed for free by an advertising agency on the condition that Addnature would use the agency for all their marketing afterwards. But before this partnership had a chance to blossom, the agency went bankrupt – another unfortunate victim of the dot-com crash. The logo symbolises a human in nature. The original version had a background with four different-coloured fields representing the four elements of earth, wind, fire and water. The logo has been modified a little since it was developed – but the idea remains the same. ”We’ve got the gear – just add nature” But what about the name? Mathias, Martin and Klas sat down together one evening with the mission of coming up with a name to define their young business. They were inspired by the slogan they already had – and the choice ultimately fell on the punch line "add nature". This defined Addnature's original aim: to enable customers to fulfil their wildest dreams of adventure.

FROM ZERO TO ULTRA Text: Julius Copcutt / Photo: Kalle Jansson & Victor InggĂĽrde

Addnature co-worker Robert Svanell wanted to completely challenge his view on running as a sport and a lifestyle. Preconceived notions of a slow and time-consuming activity that often results in injuries were pushed aside by a newfound drive that has carried him through a half-marathon in a matter of months. It also resulted in an unexpected goal: to run Kungsleden in the north of Sweden.

- I’ve always thought of runners as people you see in the streets, running around the block on paved roads, and that never attracted me. I’ve also had problems with injuries ever since my youth. But if you can train in the woods, on trails and maybe even in the mountains – that changes everything. Robert Svanell is 28 years old and one of the writers behind the product descriptions on addnature.com and bikester.se. He’s a father of two and lives in Hägersten in southern Stockholm. Learning more about what the human body is capable of during long distance runs sparked a desire to experience the Swedish mountains with his running shoes on. To reach that goal, he needed a situation in everyday life that allowed and inspired training. - Running is a sport you can take with you basically anywhere. Wherever we go with the family I go out running for a couple of hours – and at the same time get to explore my new surroundings. The next step – from trying something and liking it to becoming completely hooked – happened automatically, according to Robert. He wanted to know more about the people practising the sport, so he read books and articles, watched documentaries and listened to podcasts. And the search for information inspired him.

”Even though I like doing something and find it really fun, I still need a push from someone telling me to go out and run. Now I have exactly that in the shape of a smartphone schedule. It gives me notifications three times a week with details on what distances to run and when. ”

- It’s not about speed and competitions. I’ve realised that running can be a way of being in nature, spending time together in nature, having fun and moving quickly. For most of his life Robert has been mainly devoted to mountain biking, snowboarding and surfing, so the contrast in intensity can seem huge. But for Robert there’s a common thread. - I get the same kick from running as I do from sitting on my board in the ocean waiting for the waves to break. Running is purer and simpler than biking because you don’t really need any extra equipment. That same purity is what I like about surfing. You’re aided by one tool and nature supplies the rest. Except from how you use our body, of course.

ALTITUDE – IN THE MIDDLE OF STOCKHOLM! Barely three months into his newfound interest, Robert signed up for a race at Hammarbybacken in Stockholm. He ran 23 kilometres (more than a half-marathon) across steep terrain, climbing up to 1020 metres.

lactic acid escalation and pulse. It showed me that I have enough stamina to be able to run long distances. The results were positive, but I have to focus on building up muscle, so my body can handle the stress that comes with running so far.

- I hadn’t done much running at all at that point, but I felt I had to try it. It was different from anything I’d done before. I’d never run that far and never on hilly terrain. It seemed fun to me, so I thought about how I wanted to approach it. Smiling, as if remembering his own naivety, he tells us about preparing.

After a couple of weeks of the program, the knee problems are almost completely gone, and Robert can feel a huge difference. The tests also pushed him to keep running daily, something that can be hard to find the motivation for when there are neither forests nor mountains nearby.

– I tried running farther than I normally do, just to see if I even stood a chance of completing the race. But other than that, there was little preparation. I didn’t even do a practice run on that type of terrain, which I guess was a bit cocky. I just wanted something fun and motivating to look forward to. The race went well and even Robert made it to the finish line with some energy left. - It was partly in that moment that the idea of running longer distances on steeper and more challenging terrain began to develop. I realised I could do it, despite my history of knee injuries. Shortly after that, I began talking to a friend about running Kungsleden and how epic it would be to experience nature in that way. Running in the mountains wasn’t the only idea he had after having survived the steep climbs at Hammarby. Integrating running into everyday life and over shorter distances started to gain appeal. The routes along the Sörmland trail seemed more and more doable – and inspiring. Even though running has come to mean being surrounded by nature, playfully experiencing miles and miles of mountain trails, everyday training looks quite different for Robert. Robert decided to seek outside help to help him train. Working with a company specialised in training assistance, he took a series of tests to analyse his physical performance and get a personalised training schedule. Shortly before the test, Robert’s knee started hurting. He pushed himself hard, so the injury didn’t come as a surprise to people close to him (though he felt it was unexpected). It turns out he suffers from an “irritated knee”, so he received a training program adapted to rehabilitating the knee – with the goal of slowly reconditioning his body for long-distance running. - During the testing they measured oxygen uptake capacity,

- Even though I like doing this and find it really fun, I still need a push from someone telling me to go out and run. Now I have exactly that with the schedule on my smartphone. It gives me notifications three times a week with details on what distances to run and when. In four months, Robert will do another test and get a new workout schedule. But the goal is set, the long distances are within reach and the time when running felt irrelevant is just a memory. - The insight that we humans have the physical capacity for long-distance running continues to motivate me, and Kungsleden has become an image of the joy that surrounds running. It doesn’t have to go quickly or anything, I just want it to work out.

Progressive craftsmanship since 1914

In 1914, Wiktor Haglรถf made the first stitch in a backpack that went on to inspire generations of people to get outside. From our Swedish heritage, with a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Haglรถfs has continued to create progressive outdoor products at the highest level for hiking, mountaineering and freeriding.

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Dalarna Sweden Est. 1914

THE STORE 59°20’21.562’’ N | 18°4’ 2.806’’ E

Text: Claudia Adamo / Photo: Emelie Voltaire

Amongst the clothes and equipment in our store you’ll find a passionate gang - our store staff. These mountain leaders and climbing instructors have racked up countless ski seasons and expeditions between them, and the store serves as a hub where they can share their knowledge and experiences. Meet the colleagues who make us proud:

DANIEL For me, it’s in the store that a lot of people first get interested in a new type of adventure sport. For example, if you’re looking to start climbing, you can talk directly to people who are knowledgeable about the sport and also test the equipment.

ANNIKA In the store you have a more personal interaction with the customer, you can share your experiences and it’s also easier to understand what that person needs. To be able to test and touch the gear as well as have a discussion with someone is very much appreciated and very important, I think.

EMIL Last year, a man who was preparing to climb Mount Everest came into the store. I helped him get all the gear together for a four-month exhibition. He was so nice, and I learned a lot myself because helping him also required me to do my own research. When he got home, he came into the store and chatted to a colleague, saying ”tell Emil that I made it to the top”. That’s one of my coolest memories. VISIT US: Birger Jarlsgatan 43, 111 45 Stockholm www.addnature.com

TRAIN RIGHT FOR MOUNTAIN RUNS Text: Julia Möller / Photo: Jens Ottoson & Kalle Jansson

When you run in the mountains, there are no big audiences. Here, you’re more likely to get a pat on the back from another runner instead of applause from a crowd. The view is the reward and mountain streams are your water stations. No wonder mountain running has become so popular. But very few people have the mountains on their doorstep, and the challenging environment puts new demands on both body and mind. Our running coach Helena Lundberg grew up in Swedish Jämtlandsfjällen and since moving to flatter regions has become an expert in simulating mountain environments in the city. Here, she gives her best tips on how to prepare for mountain runs, no matter where you live. Many people fear the altitude in the mountains, but our mountains aren’t so high that you need to worry about that. In fact, the vast majority of people can comfortably run in the mountains with proper training. And because the surface is considerably softer, mountain running is also kinder to your body than running on asphalt. It’s also easier to vary your pace in the mountains - and to take breaks. The surface of the mountains is uneven and varied, which makes this type of running a technical as well as a mental challenge. When training, it’s important that you train on the same kind of ground, because you’ll use a different style on mountain terrain than on asphalt. When you run a marathon on asphalt, you repeat the same step for 42 kilometres, but in the mountains every step you take is different. Therefore, you need to train your brain to make quick decisions and read the terrain a few metres in front of you: should you take the step before or after the root? On the stone or next to it? When you run a long-distance race, you often hit a wall where you can no longer think. Your feet will land no matter what, but if you’re not 100% present, they may not land exactly where you want them to. Softer surfaces in the mountains mean that your feet can sink a bit, which means having good core strength is very important. Therefore, you need good stability so that you don’t lose your posture and become even heavier in your steps. If you’re going to run with gear, core strength becomes even more important. Most people can easily get off the tarmac. Start on bigger, soft trails before moving on to narrower, rockier paths.

USE RACE TRACK PROFILES A good way to plan your training – especially before a race – is to use the race track profile. The track profile is perfect for visualising the different parts of the race in your local environment. It shows whether the race contains big climbs or mainly leads along flat but winding paths. Divide the profile into appropriate sections and practice each part. This makes you mentally ready, switches on the brain and prepares the body for what awaits. BECOME A FRIEND OF THE INCLINE Inclines are a big part of mountain running, both uphill and downhill. It’s important that you don’t stick so firmly to a prescribed training program that you feel your own training/local topography is inadequate. For example, if your longest local hill run is 50 metres, then that’s what you should work with, no matter how far or high a program or profile says you should run. You can use the same slope for different exercises: run it in the shortest possible time or practice running it as energy-efficiently as possible. See what happens when you actively use your arms while going uphill and the difference when you just let them hang at your sides. Then keep your balance downhill by holding out your arms. Learn to use your whole body and you’ll be less tired. If you don’t have a hill close by, run up and down stairs. WEATHER PLAY The weather you’ll experience in the mountains isn’t always picture perfect. You may encounter harsh winds and pouring rain. But believe it or not this can be really enjoyable – you just need to be prepared for it and wear the right clothes! So, embrace running when the weather is bad. Look for the head-wind. You can’t control the weather, but you can use it to your advantage.

ARE YOU TIRED OR WEAK? Training for mountain running is a lot about learning how to handle fatigue. How does your body feel when you get super tired? How fast can you recover? And can your head tell your body to continue? If you’re going to run long distances, it’s good to recognise the early signs of tiredness and fatigue. Running before breakfast can simulate that scenario. Try it, but bring emergency energy in your pocket so you can still get home if you hit the wall. RUN WITH ENERGY SUPPLEMENTS In the mountains you’ll often carry your own energy with you. This means you’ll need to prepare the food you’ll be putting into your body during a run. How do different types of fuel affect your body? What does your stomach like and what do you yourself like? Experiment while you’re out running. TRAIN WITH YOUR EQUIPMENT Train at home with all the equipment and luggage you’re going to bring to the mountains. Run with your backpack so you can work out where it chafes and fix it before going on longer runs. Remember, the more pain you’re in, the worse the experience will be. Many competitions allow poles, and running with them requires a completely different technique, which you also need to practise. Also, take plenty of time to find equipment that’s right for you. Once you’re able to get to the mountains, plan a nice day trip with permanent accommodation as a starting point. And don’t forget to lift your head and look at the view. Enjoy!

FOUR QUICK TIPS: • • • •

Vary your training Use what you have in your local area Practise running features you’ll encounter in the mountains Run on slopes, both uphill and downhill

PACK FOR LONG DISTANCE RUNNING Text: Olof Strömbäck / Photo: Emelie Voltaire & Carl Cerstrand

More and more runners are leaving the tarmac and venturing into nature for long-distance, off road runs. But what do you need to take into consideration before lacing up your shoes and setting off? Here are some tips for those of you who want to run long distances in remote areas. There are a few simple things you can do to get the most out of your trip. DRESSING FOR RUNNING When running in the Scandinavian mountains in summer, we recommend a short-sleeved merino wool sweater with a wind jacket over it, as well as a pair of shorts or tights. If you’re running in the lowlands, a t-shirt can be enough, but bring the windbreaker just in case. Choose underwear and socks made from merino wool as they don’t get as smelly as those made from synthetic fibres and will also keep you warm if you need to wade or get your feet wet. It’s also important to invest in a comfortable sports top that doesn’t chafe. RACE VEST OR RUNNING BACKPACK? A race vest has small compartments for energy supplements at the front as well as a back pocket. A running backpack usually has a main compartment that’s adapted to carry a

slightly larger amount of stuff instead of just pockets at the front. Race vests function identically to running backpacks, but have a smoother, more minimalist design. A proper running backpack is more stable and can carry more than a race vest, which can feel bulky when fully packed. But if you need more space, it’s better to use a running backpack. For day trips, a race vest is the best option, but if you’re going to do a longer trip with overnight stays, then consider a running backpack. Both race vests and running backpacks have their advantages, depending on the situation. If you’re doing a race where with regular stops, you don't need to carry as much with you as when you run unassissted. In this case, a

race vest can be enough – even if you’re about to run an ultra marathon. You may need to experiment a bit before you find what works best for you. A good starting point is to base your choice on your next big challenge. HYDRATION SYSTEM Running backpacks and race vests accept either a hydration bladder or bottles in the front pockets. A bladder holds more liquid than bottles but is a little trickier to keep clean. Bottles are easier to refill directly from a mountain stream and make it easier to keep track of how much fluid you have left. Both bladders and bottles are good options and it really just comes down to personal preference. THE ESSENTIALS There are a few things you should always bring with you on a longer trip. Your mobile phone is vital should you fall and hurt yourself. Unless your backpack has an integrated whistle, you should also bring a whistle so you can draw the attention of people in the vicinity if needed. Be careful not to choose a whistle with a ball, as these don’t work when wet. Always pack a rescue blanket to keep you warm if you get hurt and need to wait for rescue. Finally, you should also include a first aid kit that reflects your first aid skills.

PACKING FOR A DAY TRIP For a day trip, a race vest should be able to carry everything you need. For mountain running, you should always pack a shell jacket for sudden downpours, a thin beanie and a pair of soft-shell gloves. Make sure you have adequate water and pack plenty of energy supplements or some sandwiches. Bring a change of clothes like an extra t-shirt or long-sleeved sweater that you can wear immediately after the run. RUNNING WITH A TENT Choose a running backpack of about 20-25 litres and pack according to the "three for three" (3-4-3) ultra-light principle. Three for three means that your tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag should weigh a maximum of three kilograms altogether. A pair of wind pants is useful for protecting yourself against mosquitos in the evening. Make sure to pack everything that has to stay dry – like food and a change of clothes – in waterproof drybags. Choose a minimalistic outdoor kitchen and pack an extra baselayer to sleep in. When you’re done running for the day, hang up your sweaty clothes and change into your dry baselayer(s). Unwind for a bit before changing so you don’t sweat too much in your dry baselayer. And, last but not least, don't forget to enjoy it. You're about to have an awesome experience!

PACKLISTA THE ESSENTIALS

• • • •

Cell phone Rescue blanket Whistle First aid kit

PACKING LIST FOR DAY TRIPS

• • • • • •

Hardshell jacket Beanie and gloves An extra upper/midlayer Energy Sun block Mosquito repellent

MOUNTAIN RUNS WITH OVERNIGHT STAYS

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Hardshell jacket Windbreaker pants Beanie and gloves Extra baselayer Socks and underwear An extra upper/midlayer Energy Stove and fuel Food (e.g dried outdoor food) Sun block Mosquito repellent Headlamp Microfibre towel Map and compass Dry bags Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat

BE USEFUL. BE LOVED. A good promotional product is something that people look forward to using. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a jersey, ski clothing for conference travel or a gift for your employees: when the branded product is something the recipient really wants, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll associate your company with quality. We help you to find exactly the right product for you. Then we work with leading brands and merchandise of the highest quality to make that product a reality. Contact b2b@addnature.com for more information.

This picture was taken in beautiful Storulvån in Jämtland, an incredible place just an hour from Åre. The person who introduced me to this place for the first time is Erika Borgström, who you can see in the picture sitting outside the tent cooking supper. She’s a runner and skimo-girl (skimountaineering) and can also be found on the cover of this issue. I’ll remember evenings like this for a long time: the sun going down, the wind gently blowing away the mosquitoes and drying the sweat, and sleeping outside in a tent. It may sound clichéd, but it was totally amazing. /Emrik Jansson

NEXT STOP: THE CONTINENT Text & Photo: Svante Holm Travelling by train to your vacation destination, or even making the train journey itself your holiday is becoming more and more popular. For those who like to travel sustainably, Swedish Facebook group Tågsemester is a great place for inspiration and helpful tips. For many, it’s about discovering a new way of travelling; for others it’s about reducing carbon dioxide emissions by not flying. But what about when you want to travel by train for work? In Sweden it’s quite easy to figure out if this is possible or not - it almost always works. BUT WHAT ABOUT FOR LONGER TRIPS? Whether or not you’ll be able to take the train for a work trip ultimately comes down to your employer. Whichever way you slice it, it will cost more – there may be extra overnight stays and the ticket price is usually higher. The tickets will also be more expensive if the trip leads to cities you can fly to directly. With air journeys that require changes, the price difference is less dramatic and it’s more important to plan well. However, these higher costs are purely financial – today, many companies take greater responsibility when it comes to their carbon footprint and encourage their employees to do the same. At Addnature, train travel is seen as an investment. The amount of train journeys made depends more on whether the longer travel times are feasible and how a long journey may impact an employee’s family and personal life. We recently took the train the whole way from Stockholm to the annual ISPO fair in Munich. We hope our story will inspire others to consider using trains for longer journeys. STRAIGHT TO MUNICH The fair opens on a Sunday, so we started by taking the X2000 from Stockholm to Copenhagen early on the Saturday morning. The wi-fi was fast and our comfortable seats came

with plug sockets, so we were easily able to work. However, it was after all Saturday, so we started with a little rest. After a few hours napping we had a second breakfast: planning an exhibition visit is as easy in a restaurant carriage as it is in the office. The view was nicer, but it was harder to keep the coffee on the table. In Copenhagen, we chose not to take the first connection to Hamburg, instead giving ourselves a little more time and reducing the risk of a missed connection if we got delayed. We also had the chance to stretch our legs and buy a nice lunch. Danish trains are comfortable, but offer no refreshments, despite DSB announcing that they will reintroduce this service. However, even with on-train refreshments, the selection is minimal, so taking food with you is always a good idea. When choosing a connection from Copenhagen to Hamburg, it’s helpful to know that there are two different routes available. One includes a second change in Denmark, which breaks up the journey nicely and provides the opportunity to buy food for those who missed it in Copenhagen. The second choice is more interesting and uses the ‘train ferry’ between Rödby and Puttgarden. Once on the ferry you can’t stay on the train, so although it’s not a regular change, you still have to leave your place for roughly 50 minutes. Most people find taking the ferry for the first time exciting, but quickly tire of it on repeat journeys. For those who want to work, it’s probably the most disruptive option as you’re forced away from your ‘desk’. It can also be costly to use mobile internet on the open water between Danish and Swedish operators (using aircraft mode or controlled roaming settings is therefore recommended). There’s some food available on board, but when you consider that your

choices are currywurst with French fries or sweets then you’ll probably agree it’s nicer to go out on the deck and watch the cargo ships in the distance. We have a hard time recommending this option for the environmentally-conscious: the ferries use modern technology to limit emissions, but the Danish trains still run on diesel(!). It’s still better than flying, but between changing trains or taking a ferry, we’re not sure which is less detrimental to the environment. On this trip we chose the train connection and took the opportunity to work and play some games. In Hamburg, the longer wait for the Austrian Night Jet night train to Munich gave us the opportunity to have a walk and a quiet dinner at a restaurant. Hamburg is a bit of a Swedish hub in Germany, as you can tell from the abundance of Swedish retail chains (even including an Espresso House). But we didn’t stop in Hamburg to shop at Clas Ohlson, so we focused on good food instead. Good food in Germany often means heavy food – great if you want to take the night train. We boarded the train about half past nine, chatted with our cabin mates for a while and then went to sleep. Early in the morning we were awakened by the conductor serving ‘breakfast’. ÖBB insists on serving a tray of coffee or tea, as well as two bread buns, jam and butter. This is cute, but it’s not a real breakfast and for most people managing a tray loaded with a cup of boiling hot coffee presents a bit of a logistical challenge.

OUR JOURNEY IN NUMBERS: TRAVEL TIME: ~ 24 HOURS SLEEP: ~ 8 HOURS TIME ON TRAIN: ~ 20 HOURS WORKING HOURS: ~ 10 HOURS

Arriving in Munich super early on the Sunday morning, we immediately looked for a hotel for a real breakfast. Munich is a small enough city to easily notice when a fair is in town, as we realised when we saw industry colleagues having breakfast in the very same hotel. On the way home, we took the opportunity to visit our head office in Stuttgart; another smart way to streamline and justify business travel. It goes without saying that we were able to work more than this, but we classed our working hours as time spent on a train with good access to mobile networks and electricity.

TIPS - Choosing longer connection times makes the trip much more comfortable and easier to plan. We have a colleague who regularly takes the train to the head office in Stuttgart and who has never been delayed more than half an hour at the final destination. He never books shorter changing times than 30 minutes. - The Tågresor Facebook group has many tips on how to easily book international train travel. - We use SJ to book trains within Sweden and the German railway company Deutsche Bahn (bahn.de) for train trips from Copenhagen and southwards. SJ and DB’s apps are great, but the Danish DSB one is subpar. - For the night train with ÖBB, it may be worth booking directly on their site. Even when the train is sold out on bahn.de, ÖBB often still has places left. - Taking night trains with SJ and ÖBB is a great way to make the journey seem shorter. Sleeping on board is easy for most people. If you live in Stockholm and have children, you can even tuck them in to bed before leaving for the train. - Plan your working hours carefully. You’ll probably have relatively good access to mobile data, but it’s still best to prepare some offline work beforehand. Our experience is that you get more done on the train than in the office, especially if you are someone that people like to pull into meetings or spontaneously bounce ideas off. - Coins are very useful for paying to use the toilet at train stations. They’re also usually much cleaner than the toilets on trains. - Getting food on board is not par for the course. On the X2000 you can eat well, but the same isn’t true of all long-distance trains. Try to extend changeover times so you have longer to buy and eat real food when changing trains. Being able to get away from the train station usually also increases your chances of finding good food. Using trains for long distance work trips is not only doable, but for us has become the preferred means of travelling. Among the benefits are being able to get a day for yourself, the chance to dive into a project or just catch up. If you’re on the fence, just give it a try, and don’t forget to thank your partner for staying at home and taking care of the kids, because your loved one is also helping you make a more environmentallyconscious choice.

THE ONLY GPS MULTISPORT WATCH WITH A SWIMRUN APP

EPIC GEAR [/ˈepɪk ɡɪə(r)/]

Text: Oscar Hentmark / Photo: Emelie Voltaire Epic meaning particularly impressive or remarkable. “the climb last night was epic.” Gear meaning equipment or apparatus that is used for a particular purpose. Like ”I would never survive without my camping gear.ʼʼ Together ’epic gear’ forms a noun describing the epicness of the equipment provided by Addnature. It’s the gear that’s been with us all the way to the top, down in the valley and back up again. It’s that item that we refuse to let go of, the garments that saved us from the heaviest of rain, and the tent that provided shelter through the harshest weather. It’s the gear that helps us battle the elements day after day and that will never let us down on an expedition. These products – that we’ve loved and tested – finally have their own segment, and we’ve chosen to call it EPIC GEAR. Featuring a carefully-chosen product selection, EPIC GEAR gives us a way to stamp “extra quality” on products we want to really celebrate. Keep an eye out for the symbol.

Coffee maker [/ˈkɒfi ˈmeɪkə/]: I’ve loved coffee since I was pretty young, and even worked with it for a period. I’m sure I have the same taste buds as the rest of us but I feel like I’ve really learned to appreciate a nice cup of the stuff over the years. That said, I often just take the easy way out and bring some instant coffee when it’s time to head out in the woods. But the difference between just having any old cup of coffee and a great cup is huge. For me, that difference is exemplified by the GSI Javapress. It’s truly EPIC. No matter whether it’s just to take a quick break during a hike, or for that all-important first cup to get you going in the morning – the light and practical Javapress is always ready to do its job: delivering superb, freshly-brewed pressed coffee. Waking up in nature and peeking out of your tent is a great feeling in itself but combining that with a cup of your favourite coffee is just unbeatable!

Anna, Product Content Manager Outdoor Enthusiast and Coffee-Connoisseur

Swimrun suit [/swɪmrʌn suːt/]: This isn’t a wetsuit you run in – it’s a running suit you swim in. ARK’s suits differ from many other brands. They were founded primarily with swimrun in mind, which makes a big impact on how the suits are designed. Running long distances on land is a big part of the sport and I can do that in this suit without the slightest bit of discomfort. It has room for movement at the hips which makes me much more agile. Thanks to the durable nylon legs, it’s more resistant to tearing when you’re crawling onto rocks getting out of the water. What makes it special is that it comes with short sleeves (although you can wear it with sleeves if you want). Usually these suits come with long arms which most swimrunners cut down to their preferred length. It doesn’t matter if I’m racing or training, I wear it every time I get the chance!

Victor, Marketing Manager Nordics Swimrunner & Gearhead

Backpack [/ˈbækpæk/]: My backpack has been with me on many adventures, hikes and races. It’s EPIC for many reasons – but what I like about it the most is the strap system that goes over the chest and helps it stay firmly in place. It’s nice to be able to move your arms without feeling the straps; helping both your breathing and movement. The back padding is amazing and even when it was fully packed with rain clothing and whiskey glasses during a race between distilleries in Scotland, I couldn’t feel anything through the padding. The side pockets have some small but practical daisy chains where you can hang your running jacket and space for easily-accessible energy supplements. If you want to use a bladder or store a water bottle, that’s also no problem. Additionally, thanks to the tight fit, nothing moves around in the bag’s main compartment.

Tent [/tent/]:

The backpack comes with me on most of my runs because it’s so comfortable. But it doesn’t stop at running – it works perfectly on daytrips in the mountains, commuting with your packed lunch and for dips in the nearest lake. That’s EPIC GEAR to me!

Being light as a feather, this tent isn’t the most spacious, though people who run, cycle or speed hike usually look for a tent that fits well and takes up minimal space. It’s stable enough for most alpine environments but still fits into bigger running backpacks. I love it! And I’m not the only one. Search for images of people camping on the multi-day OMM race and you’ll see tons of people using it - it’s a declaration of love to this lightweight classic! My only recommendation: swap out those ridiculous tooth picks they call tent pegs.

Malin, Product Content Manager Runner & Enjoyer of Life

Svante, Outdoor Manager Nordics Featherlight Fan

THE SKY WALKERS Text: Julia Möller / Photo: Smiley Videography

”I couldn’t handle my body, clung to the rope and couldn’t move. The first three times I didn’t even try to stand up.”

Three years ago, David Sjöstrom didn’t walk the highline - he couldn’t get his legs to unfold under him. But he refused to give up. Now David is on a two-and-a-half-centimetre wide line. Under him there’s just air – and far, far below, the ground. He has secured himself and is starting to edge out. Behind him, the rope is fastened in an anchor, with what can best be likened to a tangled, oversized yarn of webbing. But he knows that every part of the ball of webbing is carefully calculated to secure the rope. The fjord forces the air up along the mountain side and the wind sways the line from side to side. With iron focus in his eyes, he gets up and balances himself. The fear has blown away. David is on site in Senja in Northern Norway. He has come here – together with a large team – to take on three different highline world records. The idea was born – like so many other good ideas – during a summer evening by the campfire. - I remember that Sam Volery said something like: ”If I do a big project again, then I want to do a 3K. Why do a 2K, when we can try to double the current record?” The idea sounded crazy, so we knew we had to do it, David chuckles. In highlining, like slacklining, you balance on a line stretched between two attachment points. The difference is the addition of several hundred metres of height and (usually) a climbing harness that’s secured to the line. The webbing of the line is the same whether it’s rigged between trees or, as in this project, between mountains. Something that would put the team to the test in its first world record attempt: rigging a 3,000-metre highline. How the webbing would behave in that length, at that height, in Northern Norway’s most unpredictable weather and in strong winds - was completely unknown territory for the team. They started by rigging the highline in sections, coupling 50 metres at time. From two anchors on either side of the water, the line was pulled through steep mountain forest and along the rock wall. To connect the webbing, they used a motor boat to pull the remaining webbing over the lake. - On day three, just before dark, we had connected the line. But that night a storm came in and tore it apart. Every day something happened that made us feel like we couldn’t go on for one more day. But then we gathered our strength during the night and just kept pushing the next day. The team had the great advantage of having built the line

in several sections, meaning the day after the storm they could just replace the damaged part. They also replaced the boat with four anchors that they put together in different sections, until the line hung in two. It then took several hours and the power of 20 people to get it tensioned. - To finally see the line gain height was a fantastic experience. Thanks to the team’s combined strength, they beat all three of the highlining records they were aiming for. A new record for women by Mia Noblet, who walked 1000 metres, Quirin Herterich beat the record for men, walking 2600 metres, and they also set a new record for the longest rigged highline: at a length of 2800 metres. - The team means everything, without the team no one would have walked the line. There are simpler projects than this that can’t be implemented because the team doesn’t work. They were on the line for several hours in a row – a huge achievement that requires extremely good fitness, stamina and 1000 hours of exercise on the slackline. What they accomplished was almost unthinkable just a few years ago. - When we walked 500 metres it was completely crazy. 1000 meters felt totally unreasonable. Now four people have walked our 2800 metre line, keeping their focus the whole way – over several hours against the cold and winds. Spending that time on a highline: that’s mental strength. Let’s rewind and go back to David’s first experience on the highline: - Three years ago I saw a movie clip of highlining in Switzerland (it turned out to be Sam Volery in the clip) and thought I had to try it. I practised the most important skills and went to the nearest highline meeting. I thought ”it can’t be that hard”. But the first time on the line my whole body froze and I panicked. It was no wonder that David reacted like he did. Back then he was terrified of both heights and falling in the climbing harness. But the fear inspired him, and the fascination - with a firm foundation in his profession as a psychologist - made him continue to challenge himself. He knows that the brain gets used to the experience and the fear calms down. - I wanted to challenge that feeling, because highlining is extremely safe even though it looks extremely dangerous. David’s mental training helps him just as much today. Even though he’s no longer deeply afraid, he can still feel

nervous and worried – particularly when he has just tied himself to the highline and there’s 150 metres between himself and hard granite. - It can be a nervousness about whether the system will hold: Do I trust the person who rigged it? Will the anchor hold up? Have I seen a scratch in the webbing maybe?

“To fall is not a mistake, it’s part of the process”

- I’ve trained to first cultivate a calm and to breathe deeply. Then I assume a body position that signals presence, strength and relaxation, to invite the right attitude and thoughts into the mind. When I stand up I’ve made my mind. The nervousness settles quickly and turns into focus. David emphasises the tremendous mental capacity required to focus for several hours on a highline; Questions begin to spin in your head, and you have to regulate anxiety and restlessness. - We can influence what is transmitted in our own internal radio channel. A mental strategy that I have learned is to let the mind flow through pictures of those you love and to bathe in gratitude for what you have. It gives me an energy that makes me present and calm. Something that often lasts a long time after I get off the highline. Try for yourself, if you bathe in gratitude for an hour you will feel amazing afterwards.

He says that it’s this which attracts many to the sport: the opportunity to feel very happy. - Everyone who has spent time on a highline knows that it can be like meditation. If you are not here and now, in this step, you will fall.

But he also describes how the falls can fill a purpose, they become like a metaphor for life. - You walk and walk. Things happen that you correct with your body. And sometimes you fall. It’s not a mistake, but a part of the process, which only means that you are human. It’s easy to fear a fall, to fight against it and become selfcritical. But everyone eventually falls. - Technically, a fall pushes you to your extreme limit and tests where your limit is. Falling is a source of development. Lukas Irmler, one of the world’s foremost in the highline, taught David a mindset that remains: ”Make it a part of the sport to fall.” The lessons of the past three years have followed David down on to solid ground. - Highlining has taught me that I can do more than I think. I can challenge my thoughts more practically because I recognise them from the line. The highline has taken me on a mental journey that has spilled over into the rest of my life.

REPACK X ADDNATURE Text: Olof Strömbäck

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HOW DOES IT WORK? Add a RePack to your shopping cart at the checkout the next time you shop at addnature.com. Once you’ve received your order, simply fold the packaging together according to the instructions on the back and pop it in the nearest postbox so it can be useful to someone else. Please use RePack the next time you shop with us and let’s reduce packaging waste together.

TOGETHER ON THE EDGE Text: Anna Kernell Photo: On Edge Community & Hjalmar Andersson

There’s an abundance of quotes and sayings out there that illustrate what it means to live on the edge: ‘life begins where your comfort zone ends’, ‘we only regret the chances we didn’t take’ and so on. But however it’s said, can’t we agree that it’s often the most unexpected, offbeat and perilous situations that really stirs to life something inside of us? Challenging one’s limits is one thing. But getting comfortable outside your comfort zone – supported by like-minded people – is something else! Especially when it comes to adventure and extreme sports. Evelina Björk was on her way home after spending a season at the Kebnekaise Fjällstation when she felt her phone vibrate with an instagram DM. It came from a fellow adventurer expressing her admiration for Evelina’s account: which is full of breath-taking pictures taken while skiing in the northern Swedish vastness. Her admirer was Ebba Cronqvist and she had an idea. Ebba was living in Lund at the time and she’d been having some difficulties finding inspiration for, and planning, the kind of adventures she craved. She yearned for a community of women into extreme sports but couldn’t find one. So, she decided to create one herself; a meeting place which would make it easier to find others to share her passions with. She already had the name and the concept, all she needed now was other women to kickstart it with. Who better to contact than the girl who had first inspired her? Evelina didn’t need much convincing: she embraced the idea wholeheartedly and the pair got to work. Together with mutual friend Line Asp, they began the project barely a month after their first conversation, and in December 2016 the On Edge community was created on Facebook. Their goal was to land 100 members within a week by reaching out to their already-existing network, asking them to invite women they thought would fit

Images from @annabokz, @carolinaahlberg, @linn.olssson, @majaljung, @jennyholms, @egabbe

well in the group. But ‘birds of a feather flock together’ and by the end of the first day they had 800 membership applications. Today the Facebook group has over 11,000 members and gets a steady 10-20 applications every day. To Evelina, living on the edge means pushing boundaries and trying new things, regardless of how intimidating they might seem. But it also means continuing to develop and improve what she’s already good at. It’s while on skis that she feels most at home (as she’s been skiing since the age of two) but she’s not one to shy away from a challenge either.

It was one of those moments when time stops, when you feel huge and ridiculously small at the same time – so poignantly aware of the vibrations and energy in your body that you almost feel like yelping with joy.

In her teens she signed up for a Ski Cross camp because she’d never tried it before. As soon as the camp came to an end she decided to change schools on a whim, from her handball-oriented high school in Kiruna to Åre Skidgymnasium, focusing solemnly on ski cross. After years of intensive competition and training, a new challenge presented itself in the form of off-piste and ski-touring. With a twinkle in her eye, she recounts the first time she ascended the Tolpagorni summit: a peak in the Kebnekaise massif. It was a crisp morning – with far-from-ideal weather – when the first group of the year began the long ascent up the mountain on skis. Some hours of continuous huffing and puffing, strained muscles and magnificent views later they reached the last steep passage that leads to the top.

When they finally reached it, they just stood there, at an altitude of 1662 metres above sea level, gasping in awe at the magnificent vastness of the dramatic, mountainous landscape. It was one of those moments when time stops, when you feel huge and ridiculously small at the same time – so poignantly aware of the vibrations and energy in your body that you almost feel like yelping with joy. After abseiling five metres down into Tolpagorni’s distinctive crater (also known as ‘the bowl’) the second reward of the day came: a beyond-all-words ride down the crater, in feathery powder that sprayed up as they turned. Similar stories from other adventurous women abound on On Edge’s website, Instagram and Facebook page – this is where the group exchange experiences and encourage each other. The #rookierally challenge encouraged members to try something they’d never done before. Many women also joined in on the #närventyr (adventures nearby) hashtag; making the effort to inject a little adventure into their daily lives. As well as operating as a digital hub for inspiration, On Edge organises meetings in the ‘real’ world. Everything from afterwork meetups to inspirational talks and buy-sell events has found its way onto the agenda. In spring 2019, the group organised a little ‘matchmaking’ and paired up women with the same dreams of adventure. This was the start of many new friendships that blossomed, and continue to grow – on rugged cliffs, long-distance trails and in freezing cold water. When you find yourself standing there at the brink of the unknown, listening to that little voice inside your head that makes you doubt your own ability, it’s a massive advantage to have a whole community behind you, reminding you that YES, of course you can! If you’re being a little too adventurous or bordering on reckless, it’s also invaluable to have people around you, advising you to think again. Living life On Edge is best done together.

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