Tips for Embracing Winter from Hildur K.
Our friend Hildur Karlsson offered her thoughts on discovering the magic of the winter season. As an outdoor lover raised and based in Sweden, she has a unique perspective on embracing nature in all its seasons. Read her thoughts on connecting with the outdoors through the shortest days of winter- whether you’re snow camping, skiing the slopes or simply trying to add a bit of coziness to your daily routine.
Which Snow Peak items do you find yourself using most often in the winter?
I love the Tabiki Fire & Grill,I use it in all seasons, but it gives winter camping that extra cozy vibe. I’ve also recently added the IGT Camp Kitchen to my setup so I’m really excited to try that later this winter. Cooking food outside is such a treat.
How do you reconnect with nature during the cold & short days of winter?
Growing up in the north of Sweden, cold winters have been a part of my whole life. I perhaps didn’t enjoy them as much as a kid, but I think all the time spent outdoors when I was young still meant so much to me even if I didn’t always realize it at the time.
Now the short and cold days are probably my favorite time of the year. I can’t explain the beauty, but there’s just something that happens when the temperature drops below –20 degrees and you have a few hours of sunlight that just gives the most magical light. It’s like a little fairytale.
What are your favorite parts of the season?
I love the start of winter, when it’s usually the coldest and the trees just fill up with snow. I think it’s the most beautiful time to be outside and it makes me really appreciate the good days. If I’m further up north, where the mountains are bigger, then the end of winter is also really lovely.There’s lots more hours of sunlight, fun snow to ski and tour in - you can do a lot in one day.
I love the start of winter, when it’s usually the coldest and the trees just fill up with snow. I think it’s the most beautiful time to be outside and it makes me really appreciate the good days.
If you camp during the winter, what is your go-to setup?
I try to keep as warm as possible - camping in winter is very new to me so I’m still learning a lot and taking all the advice that I get from friends. But it’s essential to have a really warm sleeping bag, mat and clothing. I also like to boil hot water for my thermos and sleep with it to keep the heat in the sleeping bag.
I love to bring the Tabiki Fire & Grill with me, if not for cooking, then to make a little fire—it just adds that extra joy to gather around the fire.
How do you combine style with function when dressing in the winter? Are there any Snow Peak pieces you would recommend?
Layers are the best. Nothing is fun if you’re freezing, so layer up and you can still play around with your own style even in the cold days of winter. Every piece I have from Snow Peak is of such great quality. Here’s a few clothing favorites of mine from the website right now:
I love these winter outfits right now:
Indigo C/N Parka in white, matched with Double Face Fleece Skirt in green, I love skirts over pants so add a layer of warm pants underneath. I also love wearing the Breathable Insulated Jacket in white on top paired with TDS Niobium Concept 3 shoes. If it's extra cold add FR 2L Down Jacket in green + FR Down Mittens.
At Snow Peak, we often talk about Noasobi or the art of outdoor living, what does this mean to you, and how do you experience it in your own life?
I feel like all of us would benefit from spending a little time living outdoors. Life becomes very simple in some ways when you spend a night or several nights outside—you put up your camping setup, cook food on your outdoor kitchen, eat with friends, read a book, do the dishes, go for a walk or a hike, cook food again. At least for me it makes me really appreciate the little things and also reminds me that life isn’t so serious all the time.
About Hildur: Hildur Karlsson is a digital creator, focusing on movement, nature and lifestyle. She shares joys from her life at home in Northern Sweden and while traveling to new and known places she loves. Follow Hildur’s adventures on Instagram.
