Hammocking in Sweden

**PatHex** · 11-19-2011, 15:58

Hello Joz !

Well, I would like to visit the south west of Värmland, from Tocksfors to Arvika and Karlstad to Bengtsfors, etc.
Maybe going first to Oslo and then take the bus to Tocksfors or the train to Arvika, and from there, start my trip in Sweden. Värmland is closer to the Norway's borders.

Here are the lakes and rivers I would like to paddle through, in red : Värmland (big map)
Most of these lakes are connected to each other and that's cool !

I would love to visit the countryside of Dalarna too, but I still do not have study the way to travel through this region.

**Miguel** · 11-19-2011, 16:40

Welcome! I see from your pics you like bacon....I've never heard of Bacono but I'm sure it would be a welcome addition to any backpacking trip. The only thing better than bacon is MORE bacon! Your pics remind of an area near me called the Adirondacks...it's one of the largest parks in America and it's chock full of lakes.

That building in the very first picture...is that for use by backpackers?

Miguel

**Joz** · 11-20-2011, 01:31

Well, looks like a good route. I've never been to that area myself, I'm way up north in Umeå. But if you're starting in Arvika, don't you have to paddle against the current to Bengtsfors and Årjäng? It sucks paddling upstream, I've done it.

But like I said, I've never been to that area.

**hang10** · 11-20-2011, 04:58

welcome from minnesota! i think your english is excellent. with all the information here, you'll be second guessing yourself in no time! just kidding.

**PatHex** · 11-20-2011, 06:07

@ Miguel : The pictures galleries are born2roam's, not mine.
I like bacon too anyway, but never tried or heard of Bacono...

@ Joz : You are right ! And I do not know anything about the rivers streams. No map shows this, and it's hard to see the white waters that could help a little...
Only guessing that most of the lakes waters *should* take me to the Vänern. I'm not sure. I must study that point in details.

Do you know some swedish forums where I could have more informations about canoeing and hiking in Sweden ? Even if it is writen in swedish, I can use Google's translator. Thank you.

**Joz** · 11-20-2011, 12:37

Definately http://www.utsidan.se, it's the biggest outdoors forum in Sweden.

And I would also try tourist information websites, most of them would probably have info on canoeing and hiking and shelters and routes. Most every city has one. Or contact them, it's their job to inform you.

**PatHex** · 11-20-2011, 13:12

Thank you ! I'm gonna hanged myself around the site...

Yes I'm already familar with VisitSweden, the website of Värmland, some of canoe centers websites, also the Swebus site, etc. I have found there good sources of informations.
I also have some virtual visits with Google streetview of Arvika, Tocksfors, Karlstad etc. to locate the ICA for food and other stores for some fishing gear.

Just need to know now, more about the next coming spring weather, and if the mosquitoes would please have their vaccation far far away from Värmland during my trip... in order to choose the right hammock equipment !

Do you use an underquilt during the summer ?

**Joz** · 11-20-2011, 14:45

Underquilt: yes.

Mosquito net: yes.

Neither take up very much space, and if you have a 100L and a 90L backpack, you will have room for it. Save space and weight with something else, like food and candy. You won't be very far away from shops.

**PatHex** · 11-20-2011, 15:52

Yeah ! Saving space*...
My 120L backpack is usefull only for packing my inflatable canoe, kayak paddle (4 parts) and safety gear. Once on the water, it would be almost empty during all my trip.
I was thinking of transfering all my gear from the 90L (or 60L if I manage to not take a lot of bulky things...) to the largest one, which is almost unfoldable...
I will then use the 60L backpack for the shopping in town and to store the food.

I see you have the Exped Dowmat 9 for insulating system.
I'm pretty sure the downmat is more appropriate for your hammock (a bridge model).
Can you use it with an other type of asym hammock (like the Hennessy, DD, Warbonnet or whatever...) ?
Does it fit well into this kind of asym hammock ? Have you ever try ?

* I also thought of making an insulated topcover for my canoe that could be transformed into a hammock for the night...

**Joz** · 11-20-2011, 17:11

Not really. I have an ENO SN as well, standard banana hammock. I always use an UQ with that. Well, when I do use it, which isn't very often. I just loooove the bridge.

Also I prefer to be able to go to ground if I have to.