In cooperation with the Guide Academy Europe and TREKK'N Guide. Advertising..

Sweden. Only in retrospect, as I look through the photos and write this article, do I realize how many topics we covered during the Wilderness Guide Training in Vindelfjäll. Much of it was integrated into the course in a very natural way, so I picked it up almost incidentally and rather unconsciously. Christoph Maretzek, the founder of the Guide Academy Europe, explained other things in detail in individual steps and had me practise them again and again, such as making a fire. Even with wet wood! Other important topics for us were nature conservation on tour, intercultural competence and the responsibility you take on as a guest of a country or as a guest in nature.

I'll show you a few things we did during our wilderness guide training tour in this article. I'll stick to the surface because Christoph can better explain the exact details and procedures, tricks, and tips in his courses. Click here for the Guide Academy Europe (GAE) courses and here for TREKK'N Guide..

With Christoph Maretzek and the opportunities he offers through the GAE in terms of training and with TREKK'N Guide for leisure activities, I have come across a treasure trove of knowledge, skills, and (training) experience from a whole lifetime of touring. A treasure that has enriched me personally. Especially nature conservation on tour and the combination of modern outdoor life and traditional handicraft techniques, as every farm boy, every indigenous person, and every wilderness traveler used to know. Be it making a new handle for the axe on the road, repairing a rucksack, building a pack board, or a knife with the simplest of tools.

What is Wilderness Guide Training about? Why am I doing this at all?

Nothing is easier than closing the door behind you and simply setting off. Even from Berlin, it's not far from the great outdoors. And if you like it a bit more secluded, you can just get on the train and drive a little way. So far so good. When it comes to taking the right equipment with you, knowing how to use a map and compass, or predicting the weather based on the clouds, it gets a bit more challenging. But thanks to my previous Trekking Guide Training at the Guide Academy, that and much more that goes with a trekking tour also works.

Anyone who knows me knows that I love the remote areas of northern Europe with treeless landscapes and mountains, such as Greenland, Iceland, and northern Scandinavia. Areas where only a few people are still out and about and there are only narrow paths. Areas where nature makes the rules and doesn't care whether the tent is waterproof, whether you can get the fire lit, or whether you've twisted your ankle. Areas where there are no general terms and conditions and where it is better not to rely on a prompt rescue in an emergency.

Welcome to the wilderness! In a world that most of us first have to get to know again. We have forgotten how to observe and interpret the natural world around us. We are also rarely born with manual skills and creativity. But these are essential on wilderness tours and need to be learned and practiced. Only those who can improvise along the way and repair their equipment if necessary will make progress. This is exactly where the Guide Academy's Wilderness Guide Training comes in.

Preparation for Work and Tours in the North

And then there's something else: I'm planning to work on a husky farm in Finland for a few months from April 2024 and then hike long tours in Sweden. The Wilderness Guide training is part of my preparation for this. As I will also be doing a lot of manual work on the farm, the training also includes three craft/bushcraft modules for me. But there will be a separate article on this later. However, there is already a small foretaste at the end of this article.

First things first: Nature Conservation on Tour

Every year, the right of public access attracts numerous nature lovers, outdoor sports enthusiasts and adventurers to Scandinavia. However, in the belief in boundless freedom, boundaries are repeatedly crossed. If you don't find out beforehand what you are allowed to do and what you are not allowed to do, you can quickly put your foot in your mouth. "Don't disturb and don't destroy anything" is the motto. Quite simple really, isn't it? If everyone sticks to it and takes responsibility, then not only nature is preserved but also everyone's rights. Because the fact that we are allowed to use nature so freely in Scandinavia - especially as guests of a country - is by no means a matter of course.

Here you can read about Everyman's Right..

At the Guide Academy Europe, Conservation on Tour is taught and practiced with the "10 Golden Rules for Guides". Those who adhere to these rules show professionalism and responsibility towards our nature and help to preserve what we love most.

The 10 Golden Rules for Guides

#1 Do not leave paths unnecessarily
#2 Cook on the stove if feasible
#3 Fire and camp only in safe places
#4 Avoid protected areas, spawning and breeding grounds
#5 Avoid garbage and take it back with you
#6 Protect animals and plants
#7 Know and observe local rules
#8 Respect the local way of life
#9 Pass on your own knowledge
#10 Guiding by example

©TREKK’N Guide 2018

We spent a lot of time on the trail dealing with responsible campfires and washing on tour and also filmed short clips about it. I was particularly amazed at how much water you need to put out a campfire. When we thought it was extinguished, we still found pockets of embers under the stones surrounding the campfire. We needed a good three liters of water in total!

A Word about the Weather

Up in the fjell, the weather rules the world. It decides where we go or whether we go at all. Many tough guys and gals say "there's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes", but that's only half the truth. The other truth is that bad weather is often the reason why some hikers have fatal accidents. Or that rescue teams have to be called out and the rescuers themselves become drawn into risky activities.

Sound skills, training and good equipment are essential. Just like common sense and sensible consideration of the conditions. We therefore changed our route planning on the way and did not go into the mountains of the Ammarfjäll, far away from any paths and shelters, due to the forecast of heavy rain and storms. Instead, we continued on to Rävfallsstugan. A good choice!

Craftsmanship on Tour

Knife sheath, saw handle, wobbler, and float

If you are traveling away from supermarkets, DIY stores, or Amazon prime, you are well served with a sharp knife, a well-thought-out repair kit, a little imagination, and dexterity.

During our Wilderness Guide training and the subsequent stay at Värdshus Ammarnäs, we made two plugs, two fishing floats, a knife sheath and a simple handle for a saw blade. We tried out the wobblers in the water. With a little extra lead, one of them submerged well. The other had a little more buoyancy and swam in a sideways position just below the surface. Almost like a real injured fish. We hadn't fitted any hooks during the tests as our fishing license had expired in the meantime - yes, that's right, you need a fishing license for many waters in Sweden too. You can find more information here or at the local tourist information office.

Lost your Map? Let's make a Sketch

Has the hiking map flown away? The smartphone and GPS batteries are flat? And now what? The only thing you can do now is to hope that the next hiker passing by will have a coffee with you and let you copy their map. And this is how it works:

Did you grow up without a smartphone, scanner, or photocopier? Then you're probably still familiar with tracing. A blank piece of paper is placed on the image to be copied. The translucent contours are then simply traced. If the translucency is not sufficient, you can help yourself by placing the card and paper against a window or even using a flashlight to provide light from behind.

But what if you don't have blank paper but just a piece of cardboard or fabric? Then there's no more tracing. Then you can transfer the map using a grid. It is best to use the grid of the coordinate system in the map as the grid. The individual elements of the map are then transferred one by one: the paths, trails, bodies of water, peaks, contour lines, vegetation and prominent points such as huts or ruins.

A little Hut Etiquette

There are mountain stations, mountain huts, shelters and windskyds along the hiking trails in Sweden. I'll group them all together here under the term "hut", even though there are of course major differences. What they all have in common, however, is that sometimes more, sometimes fewer hikers pass and use the huts every day. Some hikers do this because they want to be comfortable, others because they are in need or - without a hut - would be in need. Mutual consideration and respect should be a matter of course in such a confined space with several strangers from different cultures. In this context, Christoph liked to quote the famous philosopher Immanuel Kant: "Would I like all other people to act in the same way?" Here are three examples:Möchte ich, dass alle anderen Menschen auch so handeln?” Hier drei Beispiele:

• Do I want all the people to spread out their wet clothes and all their luggage in the hut and claim all the seats for themselves?
• Do I want everyone to scribble loudly early in the morning while others are still asleep?
• Do I want everyone who visits a mountain hut to burn the winter wood for emergencies in summer without being in need and turn the hut into a sauna?

All clear, right? 😉

Learning from Nature - Shoe Care

What the little plant can do so easily, my hiking boots can do too... But only after thorough and regular care.
Nature shows us how to do it:

In order for the water to roll off the leaves so nicely, it has to be as water-repellent as possible, for example with a thin layer of wax. A shoe wax is therefore part of my standard equipment on trekking tours. GoreTex membrane in the shoes or not ... how often have I had wet feet even with GoreTex (no, it wasn't sweat). A thin(!) layer of wax on the upper leather of trekking shoes provides additional protection and prevents the leather from becoming brittle. You can rub muddy shoes with a tuft of grass or juniper before waxing. Then apply the wax with your fingers to the cleaned / preferably dry shoes and massage it in gently. Then leave them in the sun for a while to allow the wax to soak in.

Tip: Shoe wax is also easy to make yourself from beeswax and a little wool grease. Without any additional chemicals, the shoe wax also ensures velvety soft hands on tour.

Culinary Highlights on the Trail - it doesn't always have to be bagged Food

Homemade Trekking Food

Quick, easy and convenient: this is how the outdoor industry advertises freeze-dried trekking food in bags at peppery prices. Just pour hot water on it and you've got a one-size-fits-all product that nobody really knows what's in it.

Until recently, I took exactly this kind of food with me on tour. Supplemented by other, cheaper instant noodles from the supermarket. Of course, I knew from other blogs that many hikers make their own trekking food. There are countless recipes on the internet. But somehow the spark just wouldn't ignite. I then acquired a taste for it during my training as a trekking guide. Christoph had brought some things for us to try: dried vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, and homemade pemmican. This was the first thing I made as a veggie variation for my trip to Greenland. My variation was not lightweight, but it was delicious and soooo filling! What was in it? Magarine, oat flakes, corn starch, chopped dried fruit, nuts, and honey.

For our Wilderness Guide training tour in Sweden, I dried a wide variety of ingredients, packed them in airtight containers and then mixed them together on tour as the mood took me. The tour cuisine was definitely not boring and monotonous. What was on the plate? There was, for example, dried sauerkraut or red cabbage with mashed potatoes and dried beef, pre-cooked red lentils with colorful vegetables, or, as a snack between meals, fruit leather made from a pureed mixture of apple sauce, peach, ginger, and lupin protein powder with pumpkin and sesame seeds, chia and psyllium seeds.

Picking Mushrooms and Berries

Almost every day we also had berries and mushrooms on our plates, deliciously sautéed with onions and garlic. In the wet August there were so many mushrooms growing in the birch forests that we no longer said "I'm going out to look for mushrooms" but rather "I'm going out to pick mushrooms". Birch mushrooms were the most common. But there were also porcini mushrooms and butter mushrooms.

Fishing

We also had fishing gear with us and had each bought a fishing license for seven days in Ammarnäs. But even with the license, fishing is not allowed in all waters. As we had changed our original route due to the weather, we didn't get to the planned fishing waters.

Getting wet at the End: over Hill and Dale with the Packraft

Last but not least, we inflate the packrafts on our last sunny day of our Wilderness Guide training. We put our paddles together, tie our rucksacks to the bow of our rubber boats and strap on our life jackets. Into the boat and off we go. But after a section where the Vindelälven flows wide and calm, the river changes its face. We get out of the boats, take a look at the rapids, and decide to tow the boats along the banks. We work our way along in sections, sometimes in the boat, sometimes on foot. Exactly as we had estimated before the tour using satellite images and existing maps. The white, foaming rapids were clearly visible on the Google Earth satellite images and I added a few details to our hiking map by hand on this basis.

Our day with the packraft on the wild river left a deep impression on me. Shortly afterward, I gave a talk on the subject of nature conservation and packrafting and also wrote a blog article on the subject. In May/June, an abridged version of my article will also be published in Kajak Magazine. You can find the long version "Nature Conservation on Tour – nature-friendly Packrafting" here.

Further Modules of the Wilderness Guide Training at the Guide Academy Europe

Crafts and Bushcraft

The training tour in Vindelfjäll was just one part of the Wilderness Guide training. Other modules I have completed include bushcraft, survival, handicrafts, and cabin life. There will be another article on this soon. But here is a little foretaste:

On the self-built (!) bench made of ash wood you can see forged pot hooks, blanks for knife blades, a forged arrowhead, two built knives, tinder, a carved bowl made of Swiss stone pine, flat bread, cakes from an improvised mold, smoked meat and Swiss stone pine schnapps (also homemade by Christoph, but not on this weekend) with improvised schnapps cups made of tea lights. In front of the bench, there is a self-made pack board with a pack sack (right) based on an old model with an old Romanian army rucksack (left), as well as prepared wood for tool handles and two can stoves. Not in the picture are our improvised kerosene lamp, our landing net, two tool handles and a self-made drill.

Wilderness Guide Course - Nothing of the Peg

I completed the newly developed Wilderness Guide course as a pilot course in solo training. This allowed me to prepare specifically for my planned year in the north and to practise and gain experience with all the tools and their handling with my own hands. In addition to the fixed modules such as Wilderness Basic Training, Emergency Training, First Aid or Canoe/Packraft, the Wilderness Guide training also includes some optional modules such as carpentry, old tools for camp, and hut or knife making. This means that everyone can deepen their Wilderness Guide training according to their own needs/interests. This distinguishes the Guide Academy training from all other wilderness guide training courses available on the market.

In 2025, GAE will be in its 10th year! The training potential is huge and there is something for everyone. With Christoph and a team of experienced freelancers, participants will get their money's worth. Christoph's outdoor experience, his technical training as a carpenter, his leadership skills learned in the mountain troops and as a mountain hiking guide, and his knowledge of human nature and helpfulness, which he also lives as an experienced social worker and educator, are complemented by craftsmanship and attention to detail. Christoph is characterized by thoroughness and a far-sighted approach, as well as his ability to conjure up something in an emergency in the blink of an eye with little equipment. I hope I'll be able to do the same in the future, whether on tour, at the husky farm or at home in the kitchen...:-)

Want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I am also very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love long hikes as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about the Laugavegur in Iceland or about the The 9 most beautiful Hikes on the Isle of Skye.

Der Beitrag Wilderness Guide Training in Schweden mit der Guide Academy Europe erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

In cooperation with SportFits. SportFits.

How can recycled PET bottles be so soft? Nordisk demonstrates it with the Norguard Eco synthetic filling in the Oscar -2 sleeping bag. At just 940 grams, the 100% recycled fiber sleeping bag is a lightweight 3-season sleeping bag with a comfort temperature in the low single digits. But is the very thin and tightly cut three-season sleeping bag functional and warm enough?

I was on tour with the Oscar -2. First, it went two weeks through the mountains of the Lofoten and then two weeks over the Kungsleden in Sweden. In July and August, the night temperatures here were between 12° and 4° Celsius. And because the sleeping bag is always only a part of the heat insulation and sleeping comfort: for this I use the NeoAir sleeping pad from Therm-a-rest and a 3-season tent.

Why did I choose the Oscar -2 from Nordisk?

It should be light, sustainable, and in any case with synthetic filling. On my tours, the backpack easily weighs between 23 and 26 kilograms. So I'm happy about every gram I can save. Usually, down sleeping bags are always a nose ahead of synthetic fiber sleeping bags in terms of weight. But if you like to travel in rainy regions like I do, you'll appreciate the synthetic fibers that are insensitive to moisture. I was also specifically looking for a three-year sleeping bag that didn't have to be quite so warm. The 4° Celsius in the comfort range should be enough. And if it should be colder on tour, then an additional silk ticking is used. And for the even colder tours, the winter sleeping bag is at home on the shelf.

My first Impression of the Sleeping Bag

When I unpacked it, I immediately noticed how wonderfully soft the material was. Especially on the inside, the sleeping bag is so soft that I was afraid I would break it just by touching it.

The outer and inner material is made of the ultra-fine Nortech Style S-NY 7D fabric. The micro ripstop construction makes it tough and durable. On the outside, the sleeping bag is protected by a DWR coating so moisture can't get in. In fact, I never had any problems with moisture. Condensation that condensed on the sleeping bag due to my breathing I could simply wipe off and there was no soaking of the material.

Nach vier Wochen Einsatz ist der Oscar  immer noch fast wie neu. Aber eben nur fast: außen gibt es trotz sorgsamer Benutzung leichte Abnutzungsspuren.

Fit and Comfort of the Nordisk Oscar -2

In addition to the material, the shape of a sleeping bag is crucial for its weight, thermal performance, and sleeping comfort. Thus, a sleeping bag with a mummy cut is usually warmer and lighter than one with an egg shape. With the "Curved" cut, Nordisk goes one step further. This shape is described by Nordisk as the "optimal balance between insulation and space". There is no unnecessary empty space that needs to be heated. For me, as a slimly built person, this cut also provides enough space to still carry a ticking as well as my camera batteries and cell phone in the sleeping bag. There is even a small internal pocket in the chest area for batteries or other small stuff. I was also able to comfortably turn from one side to the other in the completely closed sleeping bag. But for one or the other the curved cut may be too tight.

The cords of the hood and the thermal protection collar can be easily operated from the inside. Likewise the 2-way zipper. What I found very helpful was that the construction of the zipper avoids accidentally opening it too wide and then having to fumble the two sides of the zipper back together laboriously, or even in the dark, while you slowly but surely cool down.

In addition to the side two-way zipper, there is another zipper on the right shoulder and one on the shark fin foot area. These can be used for thermoregulation and also allow the use of both arms even with the sleeping bag pulled up, for example for breakfast coffee in the sleeping bag.

Thermal Performance

The Oscar -2 is a 3-season sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of up to + 4°Celsius and a limit temperature of -2 Celsius (tested according to European standard EN 13537). The insulation is made from 100% recycled PET bottles, which was a contributing factor in my selection. The hollow fibers of the Norguard Eco filling and the two-layer H-chamber construction ensure not only good thermal performance but also optimal moisture transport and a comfortable interior climate. But does Oscar deliver what it promises?

During my two tours in Norway and in Sweden, the nightly temperatures were between 12° and 4° Celsius. During the cold nights, it was not only cold but also damp and the wind blew through the mesh fabric of my tent. With a T-shirt and shorts, the sleeping bag was too cold for me on those nights. A tightly pulled thermal protection collar and the hood, which left only my nose free, helped. However, the warmth gained was not enough for me. Only my silk sleeping bag ticking and a Merino long sleeve drove away the chill and I could snuggle up relaxed again.

Overall Conclusion on the 3-season Sleeping Bag Oscar -2 from Nordisk

The Oscar -2 from Nordisk really kept me amazingly warm with its thin synthetic fill and was very comfortable for me to sleep in.

However, at temperatures around the comfort range of 4° Celsius, I found it not warm enough and used an additional silk ticking. For tours in, for example, northern Scandinavia, far from sheltering infrastructure, I can therefore only recommend it with an additional ticking, bivy sack, warm sleeping clothes, or bed bottle with hot water. In these areas, temperatures can quickly be in the low single digits even in summer. Combined with wetness, wind, or even physical exhaustion, you would otherwise have no more thermal reserves.

Together with the lightweight and small pack size, the Nordisk Oscar -2 definitely competes with down sleeping bags. For those who are looking for a warm, lightweight sleeping bag and want to go without down and rely on recycled material that is insensitive to moisture, the Oscar -2 is a good choice.

Note: This review was written in cooperation with SportFits. My test verdict was not influenced by this.

Do you have any experience with the Oscar -2 from Nordisk on your trips? What is your favorite sleeping bag? I look forward to your comments!

Want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I am also very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love trekking tours and long hikes as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about the Laugavegur in Iceland or about the The 9 most beautiful Hikes on the Isle of Skye.

Der Beitrag PET-Flaschen zum Kuscheln! Schlafsack Oscar -2 von Nordisk im Test erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Unassigned, unpaid advertising. The article contains affiliate links.

But first of all: we cheated. Because we didn't have to carry everything up the mountain ourselves. In addition to our guide, we were accompanied by a cook and three porters who took care of the tents, cooking equipment and all the food. In addition, each of us was able to hand over 10 kg of personal luggage. We gave our big trekking backpacks to the porters and walked only with daypacks. Everything we didn't need during the ascent of Point Lenana we could deposit in a duffel bag at our tour provider Go To Mount Kenya and Natural World Kenya Safaris Safaris.

Garments

• Rain jacket and rain trousers
• warm down jacket
• a fleece sweater
• a merino wool longsleeve
• two merino wool t-shirts
• Softshell pants
• Underwear, including thermal underwear for top and bottom (also for sleeping)
• Baseball cap for sun protection
• Cap, buff, scarf
• warm, waterproof gloves
• Ankle-high trekking boots

Camping

• Warm sleeping bag, for example Glacier 1000 from Mountain Equipment.
• Insulation mattress with a high insulation value (R-value), for example the super-light ThermaRest NeoAir XTherm*with an R-value of 6.9

Toiletries and First Aid Kit

• Sunscreen (50+) and protection for the lips
• Throat lozenges against a dry throat in the high altitude air
• Mineral tablets, for example Isostar
• Ibuprofen
• If necessary, sea salt nasal spray (my nose is very dried out due to the increased breathing)
• Water disinfection tablets Micropur Forte*
• Wet wipes as a bathroom substitute
• Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, scrunchies...)
• Medicine against diarrhea, for example Immodium Akut
• First aid pack incl. emergency blanket and blister plaster
• Personal medicines
• Tissues and toilet paper

Technical Equipment

• Headlamp, for example the Petzl Aktik* and spare batteries if necessary.
• Cell phone and charging cable
• Headphones for music or audio games
• Solar-Powerbank*
• Camera with spare batteries - here you can have a look at my camera equipment werfen

What else?

• Sunglasses with high UV protection or glacier glasses, for example the CEBE Everest*
• Emergency bivy sack, for example the Ultralite Bivi from Mountain Equipment*
• Two 1-liter wide-mouth bottles, for example from Nalgene*
• Two trekking poles, for example Leki Sherpa XTG*
• If necessary a pack of cards
• Garbage bags
• Snacks

Book recommendations for Kenya

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books* about Kenya.

You can order the books at Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a product through one of these affiliate links, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you and you do me a huge favor.

Do you have any other tips or questions about my packing list for Mount Kenya? If yes, then write me a comment!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love mountains as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about a Trekking Tour around Mount Kailash in Tibet or about Climbing the Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, California.

Der Beitrag Packliste für die Besteigung des Point Lenana, Mount Kenya erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Unassigned, unpaid advertising. The article contains affiliate links.

Help! Midge Attack!!!
Who are these Pests? A few Facts
When is the Season for Mosquitoes in Scotland?
Where are the most Midges in Scotland?
When are Midges most active?
What Weather do Midges like?
The Scottish midges Forecast
What helps against Midges?
Tips for Camping in Midge Land

Help! Midge Attack!!!

I pull my mosquito net over my head and take a last deep breath. Then I open the zipper and force myself through the tent flap into the swarm. After only 10 seconds I am covered from top to bottom by midges. There must be thousands. Some of them have found a way into my mosquito net. I curse and pull the stakes out of the ground. We have never taken down our tent as fast as this morning. We gather everything up. Bad that our car is standing so far away. Heavily loaded we run off. I gasp for air and breathe in midges... That day we became heroes before our morning coffee - driven by the worst midge attack we have experienced during our road trip in Scotland.

Who are these Pests? A few Facts

There are about 37 species of mosquitoes in Scotland. Five of them have also taken a liking to human blood. The species Culicoides Impunctatus - the so-called Highland Midge - is the most notorious of all. It usually feeds on the blood of cattle, sheep and deer. Where many animals live, mosquitoes are also to be expected. They can locate their prey at a distance of up to 200 m. Carbon dioxide serves the exact localization. If the midge remains undisturbed, it sucks about 2 µl of blood in 3-4 minutes.

When is the Season for Mosquitoes in Scotland?

The mosquito season in Scotland usually starts in May and ends in September. From the beginning of June, the season really starts,because that's when the biting females are there. July and August are generally considered the worst time.

The midges start to hatch around May. First the males, about a week later the females. The males have only a short life, because they die after mating. Each female lays on average 30 to 100 eggs. The larvae hatch after 24 hours. Before they pupate into mosquitoes they go through four different larval stages. They survive the winter in the fourth larval stage a few centimeters below the ground surface, where they feed on rotting substance. The remaining midges die as soon as the autumn weather begins.

Where are the most Midges in Scotland?

Midges are the most commonly found in Scotland in the Western Highlands, especially near water bodies, peat bogs, bushes and shrubs. They need the damp, swampy ground for the egg-laying. Where many sheep, cattle or wild animals live, there are especially many midges. At altitudes above 500 m, midges are far less common. anzutreffen. 

When are Midges most active?

Midges are most active in the early morning hours from 5 am with a peak between 7 and 9 am, just before dusk, and in the evening until around 11 pm. As soon as the irradiance of the sun is lower than 260 W/m2, the midges come out of their hiding places. Below 130 W/m2 all hell breaks loose.

What Weather do Midges like?

The Scottish midges Forecast

A helpful tool: The Midge Forecast by Smidge.

The midge forecast is based on data collected from midge traps and weather stations throughout Scotland. The scale ranges from 1 to 5, and from level three on it is time for a mosquito spray. From level 4 on it can be called a midge fog. What comes after the fog? Is there more? I would rather not know!

Interesting: The Scottish Forest Service has estimated that every summer up to 20% of working days can be lost to mosquito attacks. It is also estimated that the tourism industry misses out on around £268 million a year because holidaymakers avoid the mosquito season. So the mosquitoes help to protect the wilderness of Scotland from mass tourism.

What helps against Midges?

Mosquito protection to wear

My Mosquito net for the head has become dear to my heart in Scotland. It was always handy and not only once saved me from midge suffocation. In the beginning it might be a bit uncomfortable and unfamiliar to wear. But believe me, it will quickly become your most important piece of luggage. Guard it like the apple of your eye so you don't lose it.

Additional protection is provided by long pants and long-sleeved shirts. It's best to tuck your trouser legs into your socks and wear a shirt that fits tight and high around your neck. You can protect your hands with gloves schützen. Light-colored clothes should attract mosquitoes less than dark ones.

midge repellent.

Many locals swear by Smidge. It is DEET-free and was developed in Scotland specifically for midges. Smidge works in two ways: An active ingredient blocks the antenna receptors. So the midges can't find you anymore. However, this was not quite as strong as hoped for. Nevertheless, the mosquitoes came to us in droves and landed on our skin, where they then stuck in a mixture of sweat and Smidge. But the midges hardly bit us anymore. They must have been pretty disappointed. Because thanks to Smidge we were no longer tasty for midges - that's the second mode of action of the repellent.

Auf Repellents based on DEET are not supposed to offer such good protection against the Scottish midges. They can also cause skin irritation in some people.

If possible, mosquito repellents should not be applied to clothing, watch straps or other items, as they can attack certain fabrics.

Natural Insect Repellents

The smoke of a campfire and citronella candles have proven to be natural insect repellents. Citronella and bog myrtle have also proven to be effective as a means of applying to the skin.

There is even said to be mosquito protection from the inside: Garlic Capsules and Vitamin B should make us unattractive to mosquitoes. But I have not tried it myself.

And then some people also have a kind of body-own mosquito repellent. What is that? Researchers have discovered that this is due to body odor. Some people have a higher ketone content than others. Mosquitoes hate the smell of ketone.

Tips for Camping in Midge Land

Camping can be a challenge in some places in Scotland because of the midges. So keep your eyes open when choosing a campsite! Don't pitch your tent too sheltered from the wind, because that's where most midges are. Avoid swampy areas, damp forests and sheep pastures. Coastal areas or mountain tops are better suited than inland or lowlands.

In the evening: make a fire - but only if allowed and possible. Otherwise: apply mosquito spray, mosquito net over your head and keep the tent flap tightly closed - especially if you have lights on inside the tent. When you go inside the tent, try to knock the midges off your clothes first.

In the morning: If you are lucky, you may have woken up in the night and gone to the "toilet" before dusk. If not, in the worst case it will have to wait now. Just like brushing your teeth and the breakfast coffee. The only thing that helps is to take down the tent, pack up and go to a place where there is a little wind as soon as possible.

Book Recommendations for Scotland

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I recommend the following travel guides, which have proven themselves on my trip:

Lonely Planet Scotland*

Schottland. Wanderungen an den Küsten und in den Highlands. 50 Touren. Mit GPS-Tracks* (only German)

Wild Guide Scotland: Hidden Places, Great Adventures & the Good Life*

Have you ever been to Scotland during the Midge season? What kind of experiences have you had? Do you have any more tips how to fight midges? If so, please write me a comment!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Guided Tours on the Isle of Skye

You don't feel like wandering around on your own and would rather join a guided tour? Nothing could be easier. If you book an excursion via the following affiliate links, you will support Wanderlust Motifs with a small commission. The tour will not be more expensive for you. Merci!

Recommendations for further Reading

Not only Scotland is famous for its mosquitoes. Iceland and Sweden are also known for their pests. In Iceland even a whole lake was named after the mosquitoes. Have a look at Mývatn in Iceland.You want to experience Sweden and not be chased by mosquitoes? How about a kayak tour in the archipelago?

Der Beitrag Midges in Schottland – Wann? Wo? Was hilft? erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Unsolicited, unpaid advertising.

DIY Instruction in 5 Steps

Step 1: Get the right toy car
First you need a suitable car. Maybe you will find one in the toy box of your kids. If not, then you're sure to find the right toy car for your key ring on ebay .

Step 2: Some preparation
These include: Sure, the bunch of keys and the car. In addition, you will need a flip-up key ring and a drill with a metal bit. I used the diameter 2.5 millimeter here.

Step 3: More preparation
Now you have to get the drill ready. Make sure that the drill bit is sitting nice and straight when you clamp it. Especially the thin drills get crooked quickly when tightened.

Step 4: Here we go!
Now it is all about finding a suitable place at the car. For example, if it hangs out of the ignition as a key (yes, there are still cars with real keys), I like it when the hood is up. And then: put a pad underneath, hold the car and let's go.

Step 5: Done!
Blow away drilling dust, thread the key ring into the toy car and the key ring is ready!
Have fun with it! Or enjoy giving it as a gift to somebody!

Have you tried out my instructions and made a key ring from a toy car? For yourselves or as a present? Do you have any comments on my article? If so, please write me a comment!

Recommendations for further Reading

With Land Rover Series II to Iceland - ABC for an "Offroad"-Trip

Roadtrip Baltic Sea - 21 Highlights, Tips and Route for Russia & Baltic States

Der Beitrag Vom Spielzeugauto zum Schlüsselanhänger – DIY in 5 Schritten erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.