Fjällräven Polar
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Q&A Fjällräven Polar: A call to the curious
The search is on for people to join Fjällräven Polar 2027, a 300 km dog-sled expedition across the Scandinavian Arctic Tundra. Global Events Manager Beatrice Rigois, who participated in 2012, explains the challenges and opportunities of the experience, and how it changed her life.
The search is on for people to join Fjällräven Polar 2027, a 300 km dog-sled expedition across the Scandinavian Arctic Tundra. Global Events Manager Beatrice Rigois, who participated in 2012, explains the challenges and opportunities of the experience, and how it changed her life.
Beatrice, Fjällräven Polar is often referred to as ‘the adventure of a lifetime’. Why is that?
I think it’s the scale and remoteness. It takes people from all over the world away from their everyday lives and brings them to the far north, which is a vast and unique environment. There they learn all these new skills, like driving their own dog sled great distances, caring for their team of dogs, cooking outdoors, setting up camp in the snow, and generally must adapt to life in Arctic conditions. Experiencing nature in this wild way is rare.
I think it’s the scale and remoteness. It takes people from all over the world away from their everyday lives and brings them to the far north, which is a vast and unique environment. There they learn all these new skills, like driving their own dog sled great distances, caring for their team of dogs, cooking outdoors, setting up camp in the snow, and generally must adapt to life in Arctic conditions. Experiencing nature in this wild way is rare.
You’re a Fjällräven Polar 2012 alumna. Can you describe your experience?
I took part in the first Fjällräven Polar after its hiatus. It had been a race, and after a break, it returned in 2012 in its current format. I had an intense lifestyle at the time. I was working a lot at an ad agency, and after having lived in Australia, I was now commuting between Gothenburg where I lived, to Stockholm, where my partner lived. I was craving something outside of the regular grind. Something real. I wanted to be cut off from everyday life and to live in the moment. During one of my commutes, I opened a magazine and there was an ad for Fjällräven Polar, and it really struck a chord. That year, you ‘just’ had to post something about yourself on Facebook. I really engaged the skills of my colleagues at the agency to help me prepare a video, and I was selected.
I took part in the first Fjällräven Polar after its hiatus. It had been a race, and after a break, it returned in 2012 in its current format. I had an intense lifestyle at the time. I was working a lot at an ad agency, and after having lived in Australia, I was now commuting between Gothenburg where I lived, to Stockholm, where my partner lived. I was craving something outside of the regular grind. Something real. I wanted to be cut off from everyday life and to live in the moment. During one of my commutes, I opened a magazine and there was an ad for Fjällräven Polar, and it really struck a chord. That year, you ‘just’ had to post something about yourself on Facebook. I really engaged the skills of my colleagues at the agency to help me prepare a video, and I was selected.
During the expedition, I loved being non-reachable. I spent hours on the sled, just letting my mind wander. It was wonderful. It centred me, grounded me, and I didn’t want it to end. I also didn’t want to go back to normal life, and no one really could relate to that. I’ve learned since that other participants feel the same; that you can’t explain why it feels so special to be out there.
Afterwards, I decided I wanted to work in the outdoor industry and basically told Fjällräven ‘Call me!’. They did and I’ve been working with the company for 14 years now. I never would have thought opening a magazine would lead me here.
In your experience, what is the biggest challenge of Fjällräven Polar for participants?
Being outdoors for days on end, especially in Arctic weather conditions, is new for many. It can be daunting that you will be exposed to the elements, somewhere unfamiliar, for an extended period, and that fear can build up. Our experienced team of mushers and outdoor experts, however, ensures everyone feels safe and confident, and once participants learn new skills and establish a routine, they become comfortable in their new surroundings. The ability to handle themselves in this environment can have a big impact. Keeping warm when it's wet and cold, getting fed when you’re hungry, and feeling secure and safe so that you can sleep, the experience empowers many people to take control of their lives. The consequences of this can be life changing. It certainly was for me!
Being outdoors for days on end, especially in Arctic weather conditions, is new for many. It can be daunting that you will be exposed to the elements, somewhere unfamiliar, for an extended period, and that fear can build up. Our experienced team of mushers and outdoor experts, however, ensures everyone feels safe and confident, and once participants learn new skills and establish a routine, they become comfortable in their new surroundings. The ability to handle themselves in this environment can have a big impact. Keeping warm when it's wet and cold, getting fed when you’re hungry, and feeling secure and safe so that you can sleep, the experience empowers many people to take control of their lives. The consequences of this can be life changing. It certainly was for me!
Do you need outdoor experience, or experience in cold climates, to participate in Fjällräven Polar?
That’s the great thing about Fjällräven Polar: we provide all the equipment, knowledge, and support needed. This high level of event organisation and preparedness really impressed me when I took part in 2012.
That’s the great thing about Fjällräven Polar: we provide all the equipment, knowledge, and support needed. This high level of event organisation and preparedness really impressed me when I took part in 2012.
In my opinion, if you have an open mind, like teamwork, and are in good mental and physical condition, you'll be ready to take on an expedition like Fjällräven Polar. We take care of everything else.
A big part of feeling confident in harsh cold conditions is good gear. How do you make sure Fjällräven products withstand the expedition’s demands?
‘Born and raised’ in the Swedish north, we know cold here at Fjällräven. For over 60 years, we’ve been making gear that makes people feel more comfortable and secure outdoors—even in the harshest environments.
‘Born and raised’ in the Swedish north, we know cold here at Fjällräven. For over 60 years, we’ve been making gear that makes people feel more comfortable and secure outdoors—even in the harshest environments.
Fjällräven Polar specifically has taught us a lot about staying warm. For instance, we’ve learned more about sleeping in the cold, and we’ve also been able to refine how we use synthetic materials, wool, and down to achieve the best insulation capacity for different types of cold weather.
What’s your advice for the next batch of participants before, during, and after Fjällräven Polar?
I’d advise participants to do their ‘homework’ beforehand. As part of the expedition onboarding, we provide plenty of how-to videos and instructional articles, so they can already learn essential skills before they get to Sweden. If they can, they should head outdoors for longer periods of time. If they have access, they should test the equipment they’ll be using. When they set aside time to prepare, they’ll be ahead of the game upon arrival.
I’d advise participants to do their ‘homework’ beforehand. As part of the expedition onboarding, we provide plenty of how-to videos and instructional articles, so they can already learn essential skills before they get to Sweden. If they can, they should head outdoors for longer periods of time. If they have access, they should test the equipment they’ll be using. When they set aside time to prepare, they’ll be ahead of the game upon arrival.
During the expedition, my advice is to team up and stay organised. Participants should pay attention to where they’ve put things and set up a system for how, and in which order, they do tasks. Setting a routine together that they stick with will allow them to stay calm and self-sufficient in unfamiliar surroundings.
On the other hand, when they’re on the sled, they should try to be present and allow their mind to wander. There are few moments in life now where we are not always online and available. Take advantage of the opportunity.
After the expedition, participants should be open to new realisations about themselves and the world. They may very well feel like changing the way they live. I certainly did! Also, pay it forward. They’re Arctic explorers now. Share the experience and know-how gained with others.
Any final thoughts about Fjällräven Polar?
Prepare to gain about 19 new friends! It’s incredible how fast 20 strangers form such strong bonds. When you’re in an unfamiliar place, you’ll only have each other to rely on. Work as a team. Keep an eye on one another. Offer help to someone struggling.
Prepare to gain about 19 new friends! It’s incredible how fast 20 strangers form such strong bonds. When you’re in an unfamiliar place, you’ll only have each other to rely on. Work as a team. Keep an eye on one another. Offer help to someone struggling.
Experience life up north
Explore Fjällräven Polar 2027
Explore Fjällräven Polar 2027
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