The Best Scandinavian Tent Brands (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland)
This extensive guide will demonstrate why the Scandinavian tent brands are some of the finest in the world, and how to choose the right one for your exact requirements.
Camping in Scandinavia
Scandinavia is an excellent place for camping, as it offers a wide variety of landscapes and outdoor activities. The region includes countries like Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland, each with its unique natural beauty and outdoor experiences.
Scandinavia is known for its beautiful wilderness areas, including mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers, which provide a great setting for camping. The region is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
- Camping in Scandinavia
- The Summer Season
- Camping Infrastructure in Scandinavia
- Best Scandinavian Tent Brands
- Best Scandinavian Tent Brands – Hilleberg (Sweden)
- Best Scandinavian Tent Brands – Helsport (Norway)
- Best Scandinavian Tent Brands – Nordisk (Denmark)
- Best Scandinavian Tent Brands – Fjallraven (Sweden)
- Best Scandinavian Tent Brands – Bergans (Norway)
- What Should You Consider When Buying a Tent?
- Can you go Wild Camping in Scandinavia?
- What is Friluftsliv and What Does it mean?
The Summer Season
The summer season in Scandinavia is a great time for camping, as the weather is mild and the days are long. The midnight sun in the far north of the region makes it possible to hike and camp 24 hours a day. During the winter, the region offers an excellent destination for winter camping, cross country skiing and other winter sports, provided you have the right gear and knowledge.
Camping Infrastructure in Scandinavia
Scandinavia also has a well-developed camping infrastructure, including a wide variety of camping sites, which range from basic facilities to more luxurious options. Many of these sites offer amenities such as toilets, showers, and fire pits, making it easy for campers to fully enjoy the wilderness.
In summary, Scandinavia is an excellent place for camping, with its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife and well-developed camping infrastructure. The region offers a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels, from the novice camper to the experienced outdoor adventurer.
Best Scandinavian Tent Brands
Some of the best tent brands from Scandinavia include Hilleberg, Helsport, and Nordisk. We have also added a selection of other brands that we rate highly.
Hilleberg is known for producing high-quality, durable tents that are suitable for a range of outdoor activities, including backpacking and mountaineering.
Helsport is a Norwegian company that specializes in four-season tents and other camping gear. Nordisk is a Danish company that produces a wide range of tents, including lightweight backpacking tents and larger family tents.
All of these brands are known for their commitment to quality and attention to detail.
Best Scandinavian Tent Brands – Hilleberg (Sweden)
Hilleberg is a Swedish company that was founded by Bo Hilleberg in 1971. Bo, who is a passionate outdoorsman, began by designing and making lightweight, high-quality tents for backpacking and mountaineering.
The company’s first tent, the Rogen, was released in 1973 and was an instant success. Since then, Hilleberg has continued to innovate and expand its product line, and is now considered one of the leading tent manufacturers in the world.
Where are Hilleberg from?
The company headquarters is located in the small town of Rättvik, in the Dalarna region of Sweden. Hilleberg’s tents are designed and developed there, and the company’s production facilities are located in Estonia.
Are Hilleberg Tents Reliable?
The company’s focus on quality and durability, as well as its reputation for designing tents that are easy to set up and take down, has made them a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. Hilleberg’s tents have been used on expeditions to the poles, on major climbing expeditions, and on long-distance treks around the world.
Hilleberg tents are known for their high-quality construction, utilizing high-strength, lightweight materials and utilizing a combination of dome and tunnel designs. They are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations, and are suitable for a variety of different activities, including backpacking, mountaineering, and car camping.
Best Scandinavian Tent Brands – Helsport (Norway)
Helsport is a Norwegian company that specializes in outdoor gear, with a focus on tents, sleeping bags, and other camping equipment.
Where are Helsport from?
The company was founded in 1951 by Helge Rønning in the town of Fosnavåg, on the west coast of Norway. It started as a small factory producing tents and other outdoor gear, and over the years, it has grown to become one of the leading outdoor equipment manufacturers in Norway.
Helsport has always been a family-owned and operated business, and they have been making outdoor gear for over 70 years. The company’s products are designed and developed in Norway, and are made from high-quality materials, with a focus on durability and functionality.
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Helsport Tents
One of the most popular items from Helsport is their tents. They are known for their 4-season tents, which are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the Nordic wilderness.
They offer a wide range of tent options, from lightweight backpacking tents to larger family and base camp tents. The company is also known for its high-quality sleeping bags and outdoor clothing.
Who Uses Helsport Equipment?
Helsport products are widely used by outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and professional guides, and they have been tested in some of the most demanding conditions on earth. The company’s commitment to quality and functionality has earned it a reputation as one of the top outdoor gear manufacturers in Scandinavia.
Best Scandinavian Tent Brands – Nordisk (Denmark)
Nordisk is a Danish company that specializes in designing and manufacturing camping gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and other outdoor equipment. The company was founded in 1901 by three Danish brothers, Jens, Peter, and Anders Sørensen, in the small town of Brande in Denmark.
They started off producing tents for the army and later on expanded to the civilian market.
The History of Nordisk
Nordisk has a long history of producing high-quality camping gear and over the years, it has grown to become one of the leading manufacturers of camping gear in Europe. The company has always been family-owned, and the company’s products are designed and developed in Denmark.
What Types of Tents do Nordisk Offer?
Nordisk offers a wide range of products, from lightweight backpacking tents to larger family and base camp tents. They are known for their high-quality construction, utilizing high-strength, lightweight materials and their attention to design details.
They also produce a range of camping accessories such as sleeping bags, furniture, and lighting.
Who Uses Nordisk Equipment?
Nordisk’s products are used by outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, backpackers and campers, and they have been tested in some of the most demanding conditions on earth. The company’s commitment to quality and functionality has earned it a reputation as one of the top outdoor gear manufacturers in Europe.
Best Scandinavian Tent Brands – Fjallraven (Sweden)
Fjällräven is a Swedish outdoor clothing and equipment company, which was founded by Åke Nordin in 1960. Åke was an avid outdoorsman who was frustrated with the lack of functional and durable outdoor gear available at the time.
He decided to create his own, and began by sewing backpacks in his basement. The company’s first product was the robust and durable backpack named “Number One”, which was made of a heavy-duty fabric called “G-1000”.
What Does Fjallraven Mean?
The company name “Fjällräven” means “Arctic Fox” in Swedish and it was chosen because the fox is known for its ability to survive in harsh conditions and adapt to its environment, which reflects the company’s values and its products.
Where are Fjallraven Based?
Fjällräven is based in the small town of Örnsköldsvik, in northern Sweden, where the company’s headquarters, design and development teams, and production facilities are located. The company’s products are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the Nordic wilderness and have been tested in some of the most remote and rugged environments on earth.
Fjallraven Equipment
Fjällräven is known for its high-quality outdoor clothing, backpacks, and equipment.
The company’s most popular product is the G-1000 fabric, which is used in many of its products, including backpacks, jackets, and trousers. The company also offers a wide range of products like tents, sleeping bags, and camping accessories.
Why Materials are Fjallraven Tents made from?
Fjällräven tents are made from a variety of high-quality materials that are chosen for their durability, weather resistance, and lightweight properties. The most commonly used material in Fjällräven tents is their proprietary G-1000 fabric.
This fabric is a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, which is treated with a wax-like substance called Greenland Wax. This treatment makes the fabric water-resistant and windproof, while still allowing it to breathe, which helps to keep the interior of the tent cool and comfortable.
Another material used in Fjällräven tents is lightweight and durable aluminum alloy for the tent poles. These poles are designed to withstand high winds and heavy snow loads, and are designed to be easy to set up and take down.
Fjällräven tents also feature a variety of other high-quality materials, including durable, water-resistant zippers, breathable mesh windows and vents, and UV-resistant fabrics for the tent fly. These materials are chosen for their ability to withstand the harsh conditions of the Nordic wilderness, and are designed to provide a comfortable and reliable shelter for outdoor enthusiasts.
Overall, Fjallraven tents are made with a combination of high-quality, durable, and lightweight materials. The tents are designed to be easy to set up and take down, and are built to withstand the harsh conditions of the Nordic wilderness, making them a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and professionals.
Fjällräven has become a well-known brand in the outdoor industry, with a reputation for producing durable and functional gear that is built to last. They are known for their commitment to sustainability and their use of eco-friendly materials and production methods.
Best Scandinavian Tent Brands – Bergans (Norway)
Bergans is a Norwegian company that specializes in outdoor gear, with a focus on backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, and other camping equipment. The company was founded in 1908 by Ole F. Bergan, who was an avid outdoorsman and an early proponent of the Norwegian concept of “friluftsliv” (translated as “free air life”), which emphasizes the importance of spending time in nature.
Who Uses Bergans Equipment?
Ole Bergan began by producing backpacks and other equipment for the Norwegian army and quickly expanded to the civilian market. Over the years, the company has grown to become one of the leading outdoor equipment manufacturers in Norway. Today, Bergans’ products are designed and developed in Norway and are made from high-quality materials, with a focus on durability and functionality.
Bergans’ products are used by outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, backpackers, and campers, and they have been tested in some of the most demanding conditions on earth. The company’s commitment to quality and functionality has earned it a reputation as one of the top outdoor gear manufacturers in Scandinavia.
Is Bergans Equipment High Quality and Durable?
Bergans is known for its high-quality outdoor gear, including backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, and outdoor clothing. The company’s most popular products are its backpacks, which are known for their durability, functionality, and ergonomic design. They also offer a wide range of camping accessories such as tents, sleeping bags and outdoor clothing.
Where are Bergans Based?
Bergans is headquartered in the town of Hokksund in Norway, and they operate a number of retail stores throughout the country. They have a strong reputation in the outdoor industry and are known for their commitment to sustainability and their use of eco-friendly materials and production methods.
What Materials are Bergans Tents made from?
Bergans tents are made from a variety of high-quality materials that are chosen for their durability, weather resistance, and lightweight properties. The company is known for its use of modern materials and technologies in their products.
The tent fly is usually made of a waterproof and breathable fabric, such as polyester or nylon with a PU coating, that is designed to keep rain and snow out while still allowing interior moisture to escape. This helps to keep the interior of the tent cool and comfortable.
The tent poles are usually made of lightweight and durable aluminum alloy, designed to withstand high winds and heavy snow loads. The poles are designed to be easy to set up and take down.
The tent floor is also made of waterproof and durable material, usually nylon with PU coating, that is designed to keep moisture and ground water out of the tent.
Bergans also uses high-quality zippers and mesh windows and vents which allows for good ventilation and helps to reduce condensation.
In summary, Bergans tents are made of high-quality and durable materials such as waterproof and breathable fabrics, lightweight and durable aluminum alloy for the tent poles, and waterproof material for the tent floor.
These materials are chosen for their ability to withstand the harsh conditions of the outdoors, and are designed to provide a comfortable and reliable shelter for outdoor enthusiasts.
What Should You Consider When Buying a Tent?
When buying a tent, there are several factors you should consider to ensure that you choose the right tent for your needs:
Purpose
Consider what you will be using the tent for. Will it be for car camping, backpacking, family camping, or mountaineering? Different tents are designed for different purposes and will have different features.
Seasons
Consider the time of year you will be using the tent. Three-season tents are suitable for spring, summer and fall, while four-season tents are designed to withstand harsh winter conditions.
Capacity
Consider how many people will be sleeping in the tent. Tents come in different capacities, from solo tents to large family tents.
Size and Weight
Consider the size and weight of the tent. If you are backpacking, you’ll want a lightweight tent that packs small. If you are car camping, weight may not be as much of a concern.
Weather Resistance
Consider the weather conditions you will be camping in. Look for a tent with good ventilation, a sturdy rainfly, and a waterproof floor to keep you dry in wet weather.
Ease of Set-Up
Consider how easy the tent is to set up and take down. Some tents can be set up in just a few minutes, while others may take longer.
Durability
Consider the quality of materials and construction of the tent. Look for a tent made with high-quality, durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of camping.
Brand Reputation
Consider the reputation of the brand. Research the company’s history, quality standards, and customer reviews to determine if they have a good track record of producing quality gear.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose a tent that is well-suited to your needs and will provide you with a comfortable and reliable shelter on your camping trips.
Can you go Wild Camping in Scandinavia?
Wild camping, or camping in a wilderness area without established facilities, is allowed in most parts of Scandinavia, but with some restrictions.
Wild Camping in Norway
In Norway, for example, the “Allemannsretten” law allows for anyone to camp anywhere in the wild for one night, as long as it’s not close to a house or cabin, and that you’re not on private land.
Wild Camping in Denmark
In Denmark, wild camping is generally not allowed, with the exception of some national parks, where it is allowed with a permit. In Finland, wild camping is allowed in the wilderness areas, but not in the national parks and protected areas.
Wild Camping in Iceland
In Iceland, camping in the wilderness is allowed, but it is important to be aware of the sensitive nature of the ecosystem and to follow the principle of “leave no trace”.
It is important to note that wherever you decide to camp, you should always follow the local laws and regulations, as well as the principles of “leave no trace” to minimize the impact on the environment and to respect the rights of land owners.
Wild Camping in Sweden
In Sweden, the “Right to roam” law grants the same rights as in Norway, as well as the possibility of staying for a few days in one spot as long as it’s not disruptive for nature or wildlife.
Additionally, it’s important to be prepared for the specific conditions of the wilderness and have the necessary skills and gear to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.
What is Friluftsliv and What Does it mean?
Friluftsliv is a Norwegian term that translates to “free air life” in English. It is a concept that emphasizes the importance of spending time in nature and has been a fundamental aspect of Norwegian culture for centuries.
The term was first coined in the late 19th century by the Norwegian author and playwright Henrik Ibsen, in his play “The League of Youth”.
Friluftsliv is not just a way of life, but it’s also a philosophy, that promotes the idea that people should spend more time in nature to improve their physical, mental, and social well-being. The concept is rooted in the belief that people are not only physically, but also mentally and spiritually, connected to nature.
Friluftsliv activities include outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, skiing, and cycling. It also includes the traditional arts of foraging for wild berries, mushrooms, or herbs and practices of living off the land.
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The idea is to be self-sufficient, to use natural resources in a sustainable way and to be in harmony with the environment.
The Friluftsliv concept has been widely embraced in Norway, and it is considered an essential part of the Norwegian culture and identity.
The country’s rugged landscapes, mountains, fjords, and forests provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities, and the Norwegian government has invested in preserving and promoting the natural environment to encourage the population to enjoy it.
Friluftsliv is not just for Norwegians, but for everyone who wants to improve their well-being and connect with nature. The concept can be adapted and practiced anywhere, and it’s a reminder that spending time in nature is essential for the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.
