Hilleberg Akto & Taking The Pooch

[DocG]

Very envious of Ivanhoe's remote lake.

Just back from Scottish Highlands - inland from Ullapool. Akto out in freezing overnight conditions. Worked fine with 3 season down bag and the usual trimmings. Don't think a dog would have improved the situation in a damp tent, however, so alternative model probably a good idea. Have you looked at a Macpac Minaret? I've used one for years with no problems - Akto for solo or non-sharing trips, Minaret for shared trips = success for me. Did like MSR offerings when living in Canada, but not up to date with models so can't comment. I prefer to bivvy when I can use a fire or am not going into the high hills. There's always space for friends and pooches under a 3x3 tarp. Now I've managed to make my own canvas one, we can be heated with a fire and not lose waterproofing or material in the process Just my twopence worth.

This am watched sun warming river bank and producing the effect of steam across the surface of the running water. No photos but excellent memories.

All the best.

 

[RobbieD]

Very envious of Ivanhoe's remote lake.

Just back from Scottish Highlands - inland from Ullapool. Akto out in freezing overnight conditions. Worked fine with 3 season down bag and the usual trimmings. Don't think a dog would have improved the situation in a damp tent, however, so alternative model probably a good idea. Have you looked at a Macpac Minaret? I've used one for years with no problems - Akto for solo or non-sharing trips, Minaret for shared trips = success for me. Did like MSR offerings when living in Canada, but not up to date with models so can't comment. I prefer to bivvy when I can use a fire or am not going into the high hills. There's always space for friends and pooches under a 3x3 tarp. Now I've managed to make my own canvas one, we can be heated with a fire and not lose waterproofing or material in the process Just my twopence worth.

This am watched sun warming river bank and producing the effect of steam across the surface of the running water. No photos but excellent memories.

All the best.

Thanks for the info. Sounds like you were putting the Akto through its paces! Damp dog + damp tent = misery!

 

[RobbieD]

Don't worry! Me and my friend had ours out to compensate!

Real wilderness! Extremely hard to find lake in very remote area.

The terrain is so tough that you can't walk around the lake. There's even warning signs trying
to discourage you from even trying!

The shelter rests out on a small cape with very steep cliffs.

I bet you haven't seen any shelter like this. In winter time we even put a "door" on it!


The Guest Book only has two other entries beside me and my friend, for the whole last year!

04:00.

PS: Did I mention I bought an extra full length surplus Thermarest on Ebay? For $ 9.90.

Some cracking views from that Akto!

 

[Squidders]

Don't worry! Me and my friend had ours out to compensate!

Thanks, that made me feel loads better about it

 

[Squidders]

I bet you haven't seen any shelter like this. In winter time we even put a "door" on it!

PS: Did I mention I bought an extra full length surplus Thermarest on Ebay? For $ 9.90.

I saw a few of those in Finland when I was there... VERY handy places, even for a lunch stop.

I didn't notice your PS... The ones i'm still waiting for (Thanks All Outdoor) are Neoair Dream Large mats. they're nice - really nice. but I hope you're happy with your thin cheap old mat

 

[RobbieD]

I saw a few of those in Finland when I was there... VERY handy places, even for a lunch stop.

I didn't notice your PS... The ones i'm still waiting for (Thanks All Outdoor) are Neoair Dream Large mats. they're nice - really nice. but I hope you're happy with your thin cheap old mat

I have to ask are these common place in Finland/Sweden? I know Ivanhoe said that the shelter had hardly been used within the last year, but these look great shelters

 

[Squidders]

I have to ask are these common place in Finland/Sweden? I know Ivanhoe said that the shelter had hardly been used within the last year, but these look great shelters

They are fairly common yes. I think Ivanhoe is in a very remote location where even a lovely shelter like this would not see many visitors.

I must admit, I have not seen one as closed in as this in person, most I saw in Finland were more open fronted. I have seen in photos some on the AT in America some more closed in ones though.

 

[RobbieD]

They are fairly common yes. I think Ivanhoe is in a very remote location where even a lovely shelter like this would not see many visitors.

I must admit, I have not seen one as closed in as this in person, most I saw in Finland were more open fronted. I have seen in photos some on the AT in America some more closed in ones though.

Would it have been local park rangers who would have constructed them, or locals? Maybe in more remote locations it might be locals to help a traveller in need?

 

[Squidders]

I'm afraid I don't know about their construction and maintenance but the ones I saw always had a small store of processed wood and kindling which we replenished before leaving so I think there is a wider appreciation and involvement with them generally.

I'm very jealous of countries with small populations, room to breathe and beautiful landscapes.

 

[RobbieD]

I'm afraid I don't know about their construction and maintenance but the ones I saw always had a small store of processed wood and kindling which we replenished before leaving so I think there is a wider appreciation and involvement with them generally.

I'm very jealous of countries with small populations, room to breathe and beautiful landscapes.

I was going to mention this small store of processed wood - clearly visible at the side of the photo shown by Ivanhoe. Really helpful to the weary traveller and certainly appreciated. I can only agree with you on that score, there is getting less and less room on this small island that we inhabit. I think we all need time to think, breathe and enjoy beautiful landscapes.

 

[Ivanhoe]

Shelters like these are very common in Sweden and in Finland. I was refering to
the closed off design of this one, with a fourth wall and a small door opening.
It's very seldom used outside of this area...



Almost all other similar shelters have three walls and are completely open to
the lake. The wind won't go in there, as it is closed off on three sides.

Two different ones of these shelters.

The shelter in my first post, with four walls, is acctually located on a hiking trail, Östgötaleden,
but it is so hard to walk that part of the trail that very few do...

(These two pics are stolen from an official municipal blogg!)

http://www.malexander.se/Bloggar/Blogg.aspx?id=1&bpid=42

 

[RobbieD]

Crikey - no wonder there were only two entries for the shelter in the first post when there are steep cliff sides like this to traverse! Looks like well worth the effort though!