Gear Guide: 5 Recommendations for Those Who Want to Spend More Time in Nature

How were the foundations for Solemarket laid?

My sister and I had been dreaming of working together for quite a few years, and when the opportunity suddenly arose to secure a really nice storefront in Gilleleje—where we both live—we jumped at it. We’ve always wanted to work with outdoor fashion, since it’s something we grew up with and know a lot about. We want to make it more accessible to everyone. It doesn’t have to be about survival trips—it can also be about having great gear for those little nature experiences in everyday life. In our view, the outdoor industry is also quite male-dominated, so we thought it would be interesting to enter this market as two women.

How does Solemarket differ from other outdoor stores?

Outdoor experiences don’t have to require a lot of different gear. If you’re going to a summer house, for example, you can simply bring a Jetboil Flash to heat water for coffee down on the beach while enjoying a sunset. It’s not about packing the whole car with gear, but about bringing a few good, convenient products. This approach appeals to many people who find the outdoor life exciting but haven’t known where to start. It opens their eyes to new ways of experiencing nature.

Our multifunctional approach means our products can be used both in everyday life and outdoors, which excites our customers. It’s important to us to offer quality products that serve more than one purpose and are therefore more sustainable.

Read also: Hiking trails in scenic surroundings

What role does nature play in your life?

Nature gives me peace and a break from a busy everyday life where everything has to move quickly and be efficient. My family and I have chosen to move out of Copenhagen to Gilleleje, where we have the water right outside our door. It’s really been an eye-opener to see what nature does for our well-being.

I love to walk. I bring a thermos and just listen and take it all in. We have a dog, so I walk a lot every day. Last year, we bought a teepee that we take with us on family trips. Convenient camping—or glamping—is a trend that really speaks to many people’s need to get out into nature, but you don’t want to be fumbling around in a tent that’s too small. It’s okay for it to be a little comfortable and nice—especially when you have kids with you.

It’s also great to see what happens when you’re not constantly being stimulated. You just pull up and set up camp. The kids quickly find something to do and play, and that’s pretty amazing as a parent when you’re constantly dealing with cell phones and online games in everyday life. Our kids actually really enjoy spending hours collecting rocks on the beach.

What would you recommend getting if you dream of spending more time in nature?

1. Proper footwear

Proper footwear is number one. In the summer, that could be a good pair of sandals or lightweight hiking shoes. The stiffness of the sole is very important here, since a sole that’s too soft will give you sore feet. If you’d like to explore hilly terrain, I’d recommend a boot or a lace-up hiking shoe so your heel doesn’t slip around—otherwise, you risk getting blisters.

2. Temperature-regulating socks

A pair of good, temperature-regulating socks to ensure a comfortable environment inside your footwear. A good wool sock wicks away moisture, and in the summer, a thin sock may suffice—and you can easily find wool socks that don’t itch. Wool is a high-quality material and doesn’t need to be washed very often, so you can simply hang the socks out to air after a hike. You can wear them up to four times before washing them.

3. Insulating Layered Clothing

Insulating clothing is important, and this can be a fleece or a vest. Most importantly, it should be made of a good material that fits snugly, so you’re neither too cold nor too hot. It’s a good idea to think in terms of layers so you can add or remove outerwear as the weather changes.

4. A Jetboil Flash for small culinary experiences

A Jetboil Flash stove is an easy way to create a wonderful culinary experience in nature. You can enjoy making coffee or a light meal at a beautiful spot along your route. Alternatively, you could bring a thermos of hot water—it takes up no more space than a water bottle. At Solemarket, we also have a funnel for brewing your coffee “on the go.”

5. Something comfortable and dry to sit on

A small folding mat or a folding chair for when you take a coffee break or want to enjoy the view. It’s just nice to have a little extra comfort so you don’t get wet or cold on your bottom. It’s also helpful for those who may no longer be physically able to sit on the ground.

Photos: Sarah Lange