Going to Finland

[Nonsuch]

I am going to Finland in a few weeks time to spend a few days in the country canoeing etc and also (re)visit Helsinki. Does anyone know of any good Finnish gear I should pick up while in Helsinki ? I guess it's probably more expensive there than here but you never know.

Thanks in advance
NS

 

[DavidJT]

You could have a browse on this website...

http://www.scandinavianoutdoorstore.com/en/

They have some nice tarps / Baker tents...

http://www.scandinavianoutdoorstore.com/en/teltat-ja-majoittuminen/laavut-ja-louteet/

Otherwise handicraft items I suppose. Have a great trip

 

[Doc]

Hi Richard. Good plan!

I did see branches of Clas olsen (the Swedish hardware company) in several Finnish towns - thy had some camping and fishing gear, but nothing that I really wanted. Prices were ok-ish.

I also trawled a secondhand shop looking for a vintage puukko without success.

Iisaaki and Marttinni puukkot were widely available but not really cheaper than here. I suspect fishing/shooting shops might have a better range but I didn't come across any in the time I had available.

 

[Nonsuch]

Thanks both for the suggestions. I'm very excited (and hoping the BAA strike doesn't get in the way)

NS

 

[SDJC]

Hi Nonsuch

I used to live in Helsinki - theres some good walking there. If you're into your really rural stuff then I'd recommend a trip to Vaasa (a city on the West coast - maybe 1-2 hour internal flight). That's where the archapelago is, and where a lot of Finns have their second homes (chalets etc).

When I was there my friends just had all of the usual European brands (Marmot, Jack Wolfskin etc) but I don't think they were necesarily all that cheap!!

Hope that helps

Stuart

 

[Nonsuch]

Many thanks for the tips
NS

 

[Kevin McNamara]

nothing is cheaper here, nothing.
but education is free.

 

[Nonsuch]

Well, I'm here now and I can tell you that beautiful wooden kuksas are about £4 and carbon steel basic puukko knives (very similar to a Mora) are 80p.....if you shop around. Had a great few days on the water and in the forest - more later

I also just met the Finnish Finance Minister !

NS