Inside the package was a pair of the legendary Lars Falt Guide Gloves from Hestra. I've wanted a pair for ages as they are widely used by those who 'do' rather than just rated by the armchair heroes of the internet. Hestra started out making gloves for Swedish lumberjacks and progressed by way of military supply to skiers. Lars Falt (aka Lars Svält) is an absolute legend himself, having taught survival skills to the scandawegen special forces for the last 40+ years, and several of the current generation of survival teachers (Gary Wale, Ray Mears, ect.) learned their chops around his campfire. As for the gloves themselves; think of a pair of unlined motorcycle/work gloves, with removable woollen liners. During our recent cold snap I've warn them every day and yep they are as promised the warmest toughest gloves I've ever seen.
It's worth a mention that if you (like me) fancy making the trek to his campfire, Gary from
Nordmarken Canoe is the organiser for the
WIESS course (The Wilderness Experience International Survival School, est. 1963) where Lars Falt still teaches. This one isn't for the faint hearted, it's in two parts, ten students at a time, one in the summer and one in the winter. As a clue to what's expected of you, no kit list is provided. Men in one pile, boys in another.
More soon
SBW
7 comments:
Those sure do look nice and tough!
My instructor whos become a buddy to me,is a close friend of Lars,and im always asking about this swedes ideas and thoughts from him. Its kind of a weird that theres not much stuff sold with his name,as he's still widely known person and might do a buck or a few by branding his name,you know. But then again,its also kinda cool that not everyone sells everything from firesteels to kuksas,bearing their names branded on them. Lars has good books, that are pretty hard to find here,i only have one yet.
Those gloves look decent indeed,and theres not much gloves with removable liners,atleast i dont know about others excisting....and i think that especially leather gloves are like dead race,in most stores around :).That kind of pair wont light up and burn when toying around campire and with good care,proper wax and oil,they might be long lasting indeed.
Please send em to me :)
Perkunas
Maybe we'll finally meet around his campfire?
SBW
Kari
Obviously I've only had them for a few days, but they seem really good so far, of course I'll let you know
SBW
Well it would be a great honour to meet persons that have affected this scene,i wont deny :).
Got mine a couple of weeks ago, and so far, these have served me well on my walking trips in the woods. Been down to minus 23 degrees Celsius, and my hands and fingertips have been comfortable inside. They seem to be very sturdy, and I love the classic leather/wool combination. I am actually thinking about getting a second pair, even though I think I will have a hard time wearing out this pair. I also love how they form and soften up with each use. Great gloves! I got the offwhite/natural color. In my opinion, they will only look better and better with use =)
Hey Bushnoob
Great screen name! and welcome to the campfire.
I'm very taken with mine too, and yes oiling them does make them loads better, the colour and smell are now both much richer. I'll be interested to see how they hold up to actual work, but so far so excellent.
SBW
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