Samuli Raappana
A hunter at home in the deep woods
Samuli Raappana is a hunter who spends practically all his free time, and much of his working time, in the backwoods. Sustainable hunting with a dog and game management are more than a hobby for him: they are a way of life. In his local game management association, his roles include large carnivore contact person and hunting supervisor. As well as hunting, he enjoys ski trekking and other wilderness pursuits, and ski trekking has taken him as far as Svalbard. Below, he explains in his own words how it all began and what he wears in the forest when the weather swings from hard frost to summer heat.
Freebird
Learning from Grandpa
I was drawn to hunting and wilderness life when I was very small. I spent much of my childhood in the forests of Ilomantsi near my grandparents’ home. My grandpa played a big part in getting me excited about wilderness skills. I was practising with a puukko knife and making fires when I was very young.
Later, as a teenager, I had a longer break, when hunting and other wilderness pursuits took a back seat and other hobbies took up more of my time.
“But I soon realised that the forest is my element.”
My hobbies moved back to the forest, and today hunting and wilderness life have become a big part of my identity. I hunt mainly in the forests of Central Finland. Ski trekking and other wilderness trips take me mostly to northern Finland and the other Nordic countries.
Nature teaches you something every day
My best moments in the forest have more to do with my dog’s successes than my own achievements. A dog is your best friend in the forest and an extension of your own senses.
Nature teaches you something new every day, and you never feel finished or that you know enough. Hunting has grown my respect for nature and animals throughout my life. I have taken on many responsibilities in my local game management association, and most of my free time goes on them.
“I would like to dispel prejudices about hunting and lower the barriers between different groups for the sake of our shared interests.”
From Svalbard to the elk hunt
In hunting, your gear and clothing have to be durable and reliable, because they need to work in very different conditions.
“If you’ve ever gone in to a dog baying an elk in winter, wearing thick clothing meant for standing at your post, you know what it means when your sweat starts to freeze.”
I have used Svala base layers ever since we compared lots of different kit before a ski trek to Svalbard. I wear my Airbase set almost all year round and nearly every day. In colder weather in spring, autumn and winter, I use the Polartec Power Stretch Pro set. I have skied a lot with just the Polartec hoodie as my outer layer, and its wind resistance was a very pleasant surprise.
Samuli’s layers from hard frost to summer heat
What is the best Svala product and why?
Samuli: “The Airbase set, without a doubt. It works in any weather. When it’s warm, it adds airflow and stops the layer on top from sticking to your skin. In cold weather, it’s the best insulating layer I’ve tried. Airbase weighs next to nothing, and it’s the foundation of everything I wear.”
What has been your worst clothing mistake and your most memorable success?
Samuli: “Back in the day, I didn’t understand the importance of layering and thought one garment would give the best result. Because of that, I’ve basically thrown money away. My most memorable success is probably the first time I was out hunting in January and was neither cold nor hot.”
What are your tips for layering when hunting?
Samuli: “Invest in your first and second layers. Your old outer layers will probably get a new lease of life as a result! You’ll also need to pack far fewer clothes for a trip when the same clothes work in all kinds of conditions.”
Samuli’s favourites from Svala
Samuli is a Freebird who shares his best tips with the Svala community on clothing that works in challenging conditions.
Follow Samuli
Follow Samuli’s adventures: Instagram
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Svala Freebird collaboration
We have a commercial partnership with Samuli Raappana. He tests Svala products and shares his experiences in his own words.
