Before actually checking out what is inside Carl’s backpack, let’s take a moment to consider clothing. Since you will be carrying everything you bring, it’s always important to keep your packing list and clothing items to a minimum when planning a multi-day adventure while ensuring you have all the functionality you need to be comfortable and confident in nature. Carl’s advice is to use layers to ensure optimum comfort in varying conditions. His personal favorite base layer is a merino wool base layer that will feel comfortable against your skin and be able to provide the dual functionality of keeping you both warm and drying quickly when wet. As a mid-layer Carl chooses a fleece hoodie to provide thermal insulation when needed. For an outer layer he wears a sustainable waterproof shell which provides extra functionality for protection in windy or rainy conditions. Being able to add and remove layers will ensure that you can regulate your body temperature, depending on how much you are moving and the pace you set out on your trek. Additionally, Carl wears a cap to protect him from the sun.  

 

On the bottom, Carl wears light trekking zip-off trousers which have the added benefit of converting into shorts when needed, meaning you won’t need to carry an extra pair in your pack. On his feet he wears his well-worn leather, trekking boots which have been with him through many adventures. When it comes to trekking footwear Carl’s top tip is if your traditional, leather pair of trekking boots are broken in well and you take care of your feet you will be comfortable for the whole trek. One can always go lighter, but traditional leather trekking boots are the safest choice. And finally, to make sure your feet stay comfortable throughout the trek bring two pairs of socks, a thin liner and a thick pair of wool socks. When worn together it’s the best way to protect your feet from blisters.

I have always had a strong sense of adventure, a passion for exploration and believed that life should be lived without ever asking yourself “what if?” I grew up in a pretty tough neighborhood where no one camped or hiked and boy scouts were beat up for wearing their uniforms so it took the Army to open my eyes and expand my worldview. I’ve been off and running ever since. 

 

I just feel such a strong connection to the wilderness and love being out there exploring and helping folks successfully tackle new adventures. I believe that there is a deep connection to nature within all of us and I feel incredibly fortunate that I get to make my living helping folks push themselves beyond their comfort zones while making sure they are safe and well cared for. 

 

For me the answer is both. I enjoy scouting out new trips solo. My favorite adventure so far was my first trek on the Arctic Circle Trail in Greenland. I didn’t see a single person for 4 days and it’s adventures like that, when you are far away from help and must rely on your experience and skills to survive and accomplish your goals, that I find incredibly rewarding and satisfying. I say both because I live to share my adventures with others. To help those with the spirit of exploration, but maybe not enough experience, enjoy a bucket list adventure that they thought was beyond their limits. 

 

 

Hiking the Classic this year is definitely unique but as a professional guide I feel that I am uniquely suited for the adventure. I make my living showing people ‘the way’ and this is exactly what I’ll be doing on this trek. Through the lens of a camera strapped to my chest I feel as if I’m guiding the world on the highest altitude version of the Fjällräven Classic. Plus you’ll never have to twist my arm to convince me to head off into the mountains for a new adventure. 

 

I’m looking forward to trekking in a new area and trying out some new gear. I’m particularly excited about the Abisko View 2 Tent. It has a unique design that is roomy and easy to set up and as a bit of a ‘hippie warrior’ I love that the color is ‘UN Blue’.