It is important that you get as much information as possible about your hiking destination in advance and prepare for your trip thoroughly. Knowing your route and sticking to it and knowing what the weather and warnings in effect  has in store, will help make your trip a success.

Take into account the different seasons when packing equipment and food. In winter, your energy consumption is higher and you need to eat considerably more than in summer.

The most important equipment when hiking are a knife, matches, a map and compass. They should be taken along even on the shortest day trips in addition to food and drink. A sleeping bag and a tent is part of a hiker’s basic equipment. Hammastunturi Wilderness Area is a challenging hiking destination, so almost all trips require overnight gear.

Packing list - Overnight backpacking

You should also take your own fire alarm with you, just in case, because moisture and the cold weaken the functioning of the fire alarm batteries.

Especially winter campers should take their own axe and/or saw with them when they leave for their trip.

Dress for hiking in colorful clothes and according to the weather.

Before setting out on a trek explain your exact route to someone reliable. If your route changes tell your contact as soon as possible. Remember to also tell them when you have returned from your trek. You can leave your route information at your place of lodging. Mark down your visits in the huts' and tepees' guest books. In emergencies the markings serve as aids to helpers. The area's rescue service has been organised according to statutes and it can be reached through the emergency exchange. Remember to give notice of your arrival so that the searchers are not called out unnecessarily.

The weather may change rapidly on the fells. A quickly forming fog or blizzard may cause dangerous situations.

In winter, trekking is very demanding. Harsh weather and poor light in the middle of winter cause difficulties. The temperature can drop to -40° and during the darkest part of winter there is sunlight for only a couple of hours. The cold is increased significantly by wind chill.

Orienteering skills are essential. Be prepared for emergencies such as having to camp out in the forest.

Avoid hiking alone. In emergencies a hiking partner is immeasurably valuable.

You should be careful when fo

Please note there may be a risk of an avalanche in ravines.

Make sure you pack a first-aid kit. If you face an emergency on your hike, e.g. get lost, get injured or observe wildfire, call 112 and report an emergency. The area is covered by the statutory rescue services, which can be reached through the Emergency Response Centre. More information on how to act in an emergency.

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