About / Contact

I believe that hiking is very good for your mind and your body. Hiking lighter can give you the option to hiker further and longer.

– What is further and longer you may ask?

For me it’s going further with less. Being lighter I can walk further without putting more strain on my body and feet. Longer being both agewise and kilometers. I also try to pick gear that fits the above statement and also are environmental friendly and sustainable.

At Lighter Packs you’ll find information about trails, planning and gear. I try to write trip reports and reviews when I have some value to add. I try to keep all of my platforms advertisement free for your pleasure.

If you want to ask me something, just drop a comment down below!

All the best,

André

Featured post

The hypocrisy of Leave No Trace

So you’ve just bought that new cheap super-light mini pocket gas stove from China. Two pair of trekking pants and this years edition of trail shoes with that crazy cool color scheme. A pack of 5 charging cables for your phone (because it was cheaper than one) and you’ve upgraded your backpack – all set for this years hiking adventures!

Sounds familiar?
Read more.

If you want to get in touch please use the contact form below, thanks!

40 thoughts on “About / Contact”

ostergard on 29 February 2012 at 10:13 said:

That’s nice!
Does the handset connections work or are they just dummies?

Price tag?

Reply ↓
olaman on 12 January 2013 at 22:09 said:

This might be waaay too late, but do you still have those faceplates?

Reply ↓
- ostergard on 13 January 2013 at 00:15 said:
  
  I will probably be able to help you with that soon.
  
  Reply ↓
  - olaman on 13 January 2013 at 01:25 said:
    
    Nice!
    Care to elaborate?
- ostergard on 13 January 2013 at 01:27 said:
  
  Can’t say that much atm but I’ve been in contact with him for a while and it looks like I might start making them myself in smaller numbers
  
  Reply ↓
ostergard on 29 January 2013 at 08:06 said:

Hej!
Nej det har jag inte. Sålde den tillförmån för någon mindre väska.
Väskan i sig var av bra byggkvalité och rätt bekväm att ha på ryggen.

Reply ↓
Dmitry Goryunov on 22 November 2013 at 01:41 said:

Sorry for necroposting, but do you still have 117 faceplate for sale?

Reply ↓
Martin on 17 August 2014 at 10:00 said:

Tack för en bra blogg.

Har du provat denna, har 1.0 versionen. Lättaste men fortfarande ram smat fullt justerbar.

http://klattermusen.se/produktsida.php?lang=SE&ID=4001&sex=2&curr=SEK

Du kan få låna en av mina om du vill testa =)

Mvh. Wagge

Reply ↓
- André on 17 August 2014 at 13:03 said:
  
  Tack för de orden!
  
  Nix den har jag inte testat. Ser ut som en trevlig rygga men för de vikterna som jag normalt bär omkring på så blir det bärsystemet allt för lyxigt vilket gör att vikten på ryggan sticker iväg. Jag kollar på en ryggsäck som väger kring 400g eftersom den jag har idag väger runt 900g.
  
  Men tack för tipset och möjligheten till lånet 🙂
  
  /André
  
  Reply ↓
Kyle Martin on 17 February 2015 at 08:00 said:

Hi, I am Kyle from the YouTube Channel GoPro Tips and Tricks.

You sent a photo as part of a comment on one of my videos. I have added the photo to the community DIY projects collection. You have been given full credit of course! I hope this is alright, You can find the post here http://on.fb.me/1JmUWig

Reply ↓
- André on 17 February 2015 at 14:48 said:
  
  Hi there!
  
  Yeah, sure, no problem at all. Thanks for getting back to me regarding the picture.
  Keep up the good work with your YouTube channel!
  
  Reply ↓
Tim Chilton on 07 April 2015 at 11:47 said:

Hi Andre,

I Came across your video on Jotunheimen and was really impressed. I am a mountain guide (as a hobby), in the UK and am planning a trip to Jotunheimen this year. I have of course had a huge look around the internet for all the basics, yet I just can’t decide on time of year. Of course I see all the literature about ‘when to go’, but with a family and work, my options are either for First week September, or wait till next year, any thoughts? Cheers, Tim.
https://www.facebook.com/timchiltonadventures
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuplv8-ekV9m1rfMgn6Ufpw

Reply ↓
- André on 07 April 2015 at 12:46 said:
  
  Hi Tim,
  
  Thanks for the kind words about the video.
  As far as info goes about Jotunheimen I think that this is the best place on the web http://www.tilltopps.com/index.php?eng=1
  There’s an English version so you should be ok. Don’t know if everything is translated to English though.
  
  When I was looking for a travel date September should be ok, you might have some more fast shifting weather than if you go in July/August as I did. The trails should also be less populated in September even though they weren’t anywhere near cramped when I was there. The most popular trails in Jotunheimen are Besseggen (everyone walks here) and Galdhopiggen depending on weather.
  
  Hope this helps.
  
  Reply ↓
Tim chilton on 07 April 2015 at 12:57 said:

Hey hey

Thanks for the info!! I guess it’s possible we can travel in June, but early June I think (too snowy?)

September could be workable though 🙂

One of many planned trips to some wonderful places. I’ll check out the link you sent and very much appreciate your reply

Tim

Reply ↓
Drew on 06 June 2015 at 18:33 said:

Great blog, Andre! I love the focus on ul gear! Lots of great photos as well!

Reply ↓
- André on 06 June 2015 at 18:43 said:
  
  Thanks Drew! I’ve stopped by your blog a few times before, great stuff in there. Thanks for the kind words.
  
  Reply ↓
  - Drew on 06 June 2015 at 19:15 said:
    
    Thanks, Andre! I look forward to seeing more posts in the future!
Torbjörn Elvhäger on 30 July 2015 at 10:15 said:

Hej. Ramlade över era filmer när jag sökte jotunheimen. Riktigt bra filmat och härliga resor. Själv har jag inte kommit till ultralight stadiet utan föredrar att vandra tungt. Men jag gillade verkligen det tältet ni hade i jotunheimfilmen. Var kan man få tag i ett sånt. Mvh Torbjörn Elvhäger

Reply ↓
- André on 30 July 2015 at 11:41 said:
  
  Hej Torbjörn!
  Tack för de orden.
  Tältet som används är ett Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) UltaMid 2 som du kan hitta om du följer länken.
  https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/hiking-climbing-shelters/mids/ultamid-2-person.html
  
  Det kostar en del men det är värt varenda krona! Notera att du måste ha bra vandringsstavar för att hålla uppe tältet, gärna med “Flicklock system”. Black Diamond är de bästa på marknaden där. Har man inte flicklock varianter är risken stor att stavarna trycks ihop under hård vind då Cuben Fiber materialet inte har någon stretch i sig som Silnylon. Eftersom det inte stretchar så tar det inte heller upp någon väta och blir tyngre under vandringen. Smart!
  
  /André
  
  Reply ↓
Viktor Storelv on 14 April 2016 at 22:28 said:

Hi:) i see that you have the cumulus quilt. Would you say that this suits a side-sleeper/wide-sleeper? I am 177cm and 85kg.

Want a quilt for temperatures above 0 degree celsius. And if it gets colder, i can put some warm clothes on.

Cumulus can make this wider, with 10cm or 22cm.

So my questions for you:
1. Which quilt should i buy, 250/350/450
2. Should have them make a wider quilt for me, so i dont get cold spots?
3. Do i need them to make it longer?

Thank you in advance:)

Reply ↓
- André on 15 April 2016 at 21:10 said:
  
  Hi!
  
  Yes I indeed do have one of those and I’m quite like you in that sense that I use it in the same way.
  
  You’re about 9cm longer than I am and a bit heavier. You should most certainly go for a longer version, I think the Cumulus website states that too. I have the normal one and that suits me just fine but for you I think it’ll be too short.
  
  About width I’m not sure if you need to get a wider one. For me the standard is good enough and I don’t feel cramped when sleeping in it. Maybe you should contact Cumulus about that? Their customer service is really good.
  
  Regarding warmth, that’s totally up to you. Personal preference. I use the 250 and that’s good for me.
  
  Good luck!
  
  Reply ↓
  - Chris on 05 November 2016 at 21:57 said:
    
    Hi, just to add to this I have one of the Cumulus comforter square quilts. I have their M350 version rated to -4C I got that for its super versatility through both summer and winter. In summer you can just have it fully open (square) so it’s easy to kick it off and on to regulate heat. In winter I tested it in a back garden test one night to -6C with it fully synched up and we just slept under a tarp so fully open sided to the still cold night. It worked just fine with an extra layer on underneath. Great quality products from cumulus really pleased with it. I use it with a thermarest xtherm mattress so it’s a great system for all seasons.
  - André on 06 November 2016 at 21:04 said:
    
    Looks nice, for me personally I like the quilt but that’s because I generally have cold feet.
Theis on 12 August 2016 at 11:35 said:

Hi André,

Planing a trip on the John Bauer trail in early October.
We won’t be able to cover the full trail as we only have 2 days.
Can you recommend the most beautiful spot on the trail?

Like your posts.

Thx

Reply ↓
- André on 12 August 2016 at 12:32 said:
  
  Hi there!
  
  I’d say that the most beautiful part of the trial is in the North going from Gränna through Röttle.
  
  Map:
  
  Click to access John+Bauerleden%2C+hela+leden.pdf
  
  Reply ↓
  - Theis on 23 August 2016 at 09:09 said:
    
    Thanks André,
    
    Are there any other trails up there, in that area (about 2-4 hours from Helsingborg) that you can recommend too? Looking for inspiration and it’s always nice to hear it from other people that have enjoyed their trips.
    
    Cheers
  - André on 29 August 2016 at 19:43 said:
    
    I like Omberg. That’s about an extra hour North of Gränna.
    But you have some good trails around Ystad-Österlen. And you also have Denmark, go and check out this blog http://nielsenbrown.com
chris on 04 November 2016 at 14:33 said:

Hi Andre,
I live over on the west coast of Norway just outside of Bergen and have recently found your blog and read a few articles.
Specifically I wondered if I could ask for some help regarding your Hyperlite ultamid? I am considering making my own ultra light tent using silnylon but the design of which I’m thinking to base quite heavily on the ultamid as I like their design, I’ve also been looking closely at the Mountain Laurel Designs and Locus gear in Japan. Specifically I’m trying to gather more information on how to form the top peak on these tents and how they are fabricated and sewn together so it looks clean and well made. I know the Hyperlite is cuben fibre but the principals are the same, and I know they are also reinforced in the peak using dyneema ripstop which I too plan to use for mine.
Your help? I wondered if you can take some quite detailed photos of the peak of your ultamid for me both inside and out so I can see how its made / folded / stitched or indeed welded seeing as its cuben fibre.
Hope you can maybe help in some way,
Thanks
chris

Reply ↓
- André on 06 November 2016 at 21:07 said:
  
  I think you should go on trek-lite.com and ask there. A lot of members are making their own tents and you’ll probably get better info from them rather than asking me to be completely honest. Good luck!
  
  Reply ↓
  - Chris on 06 November 2016 at 21:15 said:
    
    Thanks, I’ll have a look
Daniel Attwell on 14 March 2017 at 09:46 said:

Me again
Hello Andre
I’m writing to ask for some advice on places to visit in Sweden and Norway.
I plan to spend 3-4 months bikepacking/off road bike camping/villmarkssykling – I’ll be travelling light and fully equipped camping gear – and really enjoy open wilderness, forest, mountains, and a great diverse range of landscapes.
I also know cycling is off limits in National parks of Norway and presume this is the same for Sweden; I am also told I can follow existing trekking routes by bike but I also think these will be busy in Summer (I’ll be visiting from June to September) and so maybe off trail is best?
It seems you do not cycle but I’m more interested in your overall experience of landscapes and great places to visit in these countries. Can you give me a rough idea of some areas, places, routes, and landscapes I should see. I like a bit of a challenge but cannot directly ride up mountains…yet!

Reply ↓
- chris on 14 March 2017 at 10:26 said:
  
  For Norway take a look here on this site:
  https://www.ut.no/
  You can maybe google translate the site which will help but click near the top where it says ‘kart’ in Norwegian this is Map.
  You can then see various routes over the whole of Norway for walking, biking, paddling…. etc.
  
  Reply ↓
- André on 14 March 2017 at 19:17 said:
  
  That link that Chris posted is quite good for Norway. The Swedish fells are quite available for biking as far as I know. Not really tuned in to that thing so I can’t really comment.
  
  I did however see many tracks of bikes when I visited Vålådalen last summer.
  
  The Swedish Tourist Association might be of help for finding good tracks to ride.
  https://www.swedishtouristassociation.com/
  
  Reply ↓
Daniel Attwell on 14 March 2017 at 20:57 said:

Many thanks for your help and good ideas, I’ll give all these a try and add this to my research

Reply ↓
Mark on 04 January 2018 at 04:16 said:

Was starting to plan my route for TGO’18 and was searching online for guidance on OS Maps vs. Viewranger. Thrilled to find your vlog — thanks!

Reply ↓
- André on 04 January 2018 at 11:36 said:
  
  Hi Mark!
  I’m glad you found it useful. Make sure to check out both apps if you intend to carry your phone as a GPS for the hike.
  
  See you in Scotland I guess 😊
  
  Reply ↓
  - maree51 on 04 January 2018 at 15:29 said:
    
    Thanks Andre. I’m inclined not to use GPS, in which case I will probably just use OS Maps for route planning. Hope to cross paths!
  - André on 04 January 2018 at 17:13 said:
    
    Speaking from experience, I’d still recommend having the option to in a bad weather/visibility situation as Scotland is quite flat and therefore it’s harder to take bearings if it comes to that.
Jens Mårtensson on 18 February 2018 at 13:44 said:

Hejsan, du har dun skor med dig under visa av dina vandringar. Hur är dessa, blir dina fötter kalla ändå? Några andra saker man ska tänka på med dem?

Reply ↓
- André on 18 February 2018 at 16:05 said:
  
  Hej, detta är ju väldigt individuellt. Jag kommer enbart att sova med dem så de ersätter mina traditionella raggsockar jag brukar ha på fötterna. Jag brukar i regel inte frysa nämnvärt om fötterna. Det finns ju olika tjocka dunskor att välja på. Jag har tagit lätta och korta utifrån min erfarenhet.
  
  http://sleepingbags-cumulus.eu/uk/categories/jackets/accessories/cover-boots?gid=176&vid=1
  
  Nackdelen kan ju vara om man svettas mycket om fötterna eftersom det är dun. Dunet har ju större risk att börja klumpa ihop sig över tid och tappa funktionen. Då får man lufta dem och fördela dunet igen. Detta är ju inget som kanske händer på en helgvandring men denna risken finns ju inte med ett par ullstrumpor.
  
  Så håll dem torra, precis som sovsäcken är väl vad man bör tänka på.
  
  Reply ↓