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  • Writer's pictureKajsa Silow

"Cold allergy" and adventure - how does that work?

Updated: Jan 20, 2019

Life as an extremely cold person: Åre resident, expedition guide, arctic traveller, adventure creator, and life enjoyer on a mountain walk in -25, any questions on that?


Yes, I live and work in the mountains up north, the most beautiful thing I know is winter glitter and pastels, I rather travel further up north than down south for the views and the untouched landscapes - the colder the better. But one little tiny bit of skin exposure can make my situation problematic and critical, and I will make it even worse and even more demanding. If I don't have a backup plan I don't have any possibility to get my blood flowing again when my body parts have become white, which often makes me extra conscious when I'm about to head out for a winter tour longer than two days.


"It's simple, just move, do some burpees or put on an extra layer!"


I've heard it so many times and I'm thankful for people wanting to help out with their tips, but it doesn't help. I've tried working out indoors for an hour - still white. Putting on everything till I sweat around my core - still white on other body parts. I've had this thing for 15 years and I've put a lot of energy and time in trying different solutions. None help, none besides not getting cold in the first place.


So, with that said, if I don't plan my equipment carefully with regards to weather changes and freezing temps with protection, heaters and other misc solutions, the possibility/risk of both getting cold and/or being worried about getting cold will be present, and so the whole point would be kinda destroyed even from the beginning. But I still wanna experience what I think is the most beautiful thing in the word and still enjoy it to the fullest when I'm there. I still try everything I can, test new solutions and go through my equipment and kits every time just to make sure I have everything I need and to know exactly where I put my things so I can just grab it when I need it out there.


So what I always do, and what you should do in general to make your stay outdoors as enjoyable as possible:

1. Layers, layers layers

2. All skin parts unexposed to air

3. Don't sweat

4. Always bring extra liners

5. Bring a thermos and Nalgene-bottle (to use as a hot-water heater)

6. Sleep in the biggest South pole sleeping bag and mats you can find on the market

7. Use heaters

8. Ensure you use a kitchen that will always work at any time

9. Backup with extra equipment

10. Always wool, never cotton!


Yes, I carry a lot of equipment, so much that my backpack has become a joke haha. But to my advantage, I stay stronger than I wouldn't have been without it. AND without it, it wouldn't be possible at all.








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