What to pack for the Swedish mountains
A week’s fishing in the Scandinavian tundra is an unforgettable experience, but the weather can shift fast, and help might be many kilometres away. A safe and successful fishing adventure demands good preparation. Here’s what to take.
Fishing equipment
There are no tackle shops up here, so be prepared for all eventualities and make sure you take spares. Pack:
- Loop 7x 9ft 6in 5wt fly-rod with an Opti Dryfly reel and floating line for dry-fly fishing
- Loop Trak 9ft 6wt fly-rod with an Opti Dryfly reel and intermediate line for nymphs and streamers
- Spare rod and spare fly-line
- Leaders and tippet material
- Fly boxes — dry-flies, nymphs and streamers
- Landing net
- Forceps
- Nippers
- Polarised sunglasses
- Clothing (layering system)
- Two sets of Merino wool base layers
- Two pairs of lightweight wool socks
- Two pairs of heavy-wool socks
- Two fleece jackets
- Two pairs of fleece or PrimaLoft trousers
- Lightweight hiking shirt
- Waterproof shell trousers
- Warm beanie
- Cap
- Neck gaiter
- Lightweight, bug-proof gloves
- Warm wool gloves
- Primaloft insulated jacket
- Mosquito jacket
- Wading jacket
- Waders
- Wading boots
- Hiking boots
Camping gives you the full experience.
Shelter and sleeping equipment
If you're far out in the mountains, camping is usually the only option, although a few traditional reindeer herder’s cabins are available to rent in certain areas. Bring:
- A tent
- Sleeping mat
- Sleeping bag
- Toilet paper
- Personal hygiene items
- Cooking equipment: backpacking stove with fuel, sharp knife, cutlery, plate, mug and water bottle
Why not make it an enjoyable feast?
Food
After a long day of fishing and hiking, few things lift your spirits like cooking a proper meal. Choose ingredients that keep well, as fresh food won't last long if temperatures rise:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Oatmeal with jam
- Bread (fresh and crispbread)
- Soft cheese
- Freeze-dried meals
- Energy bars
- Snacks
- Coffee and tea
Safety equipment
Never compromise on safety in the mountains:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Oatmeal with jam
- Bread (fresh and crispbread)
- Soft cheese
- Freeze-dried meals
- Energy bars
- Snacks
- Coffee and tea
Things to keep you occupied if the weather or mosquitos get the better of you.
Optional items
These aren't essential, but you could be glad you packed them:
- Lightweight tarp
- Packraft (where appropriate)
- Camp shoes or sandals
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Yahtzee
- Deck of cards
- A good book
IN THIS SERIES
The tackle and kit for a Swedish mountain char adventure
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Karl Önning
Karl Önning is a Swedish fly-fisher specializing in Scandinavia’s salmonids. He is passionate about innovative fly-fishing and fly-tying techniques. As a Loop Tackle ambassador, Karl shares his fishing experiences, practical insights, and fly patterns on social media.
