This year, the Finland, Naturally team is embracing the “Sleep Outdoors Every Month” challenge, and for February, the spotlight is on Marja Lahti from the Koli Nature Center Ukko. Marja plays a vital role at Ukko, engaging with visitors, guiding them through exhibitions, and overseeing the Ukko Shop. True to her adventurous spirit, she recently spent a night outdoors on Räsävaara hill in Koli.
On February 22, 2026, Marja embarked on her outdoor escapade with dreams of sleeping in the observation tower atop Räsävaara, under a canopy of stars. However, as fate would have it, the weather took a turn, and she was greeted by gusty winds and falling snow.
“I ended up finding a cozy spot on the western slope of Räsävaara, sheltered by spruce trees,” Marja recounts. “It turned out to be a stunning location, offering a view of Koli’s highest hills.”
Exploring Räsävaara
The Räsävaara observation tower, while situated on privately owned land, enjoys special permission for its existence and the surrounding trails and shelter. Today, it stands as a cherished attraction for many. Under Finland’s Everyman’s Right, you can camp on private land, provided you remain respectful of the environment.
“I chose a spot without any saplings nearby and made sure not to damage any trees. The snow helped protect the ground, minimizing my impact,” Marja explains, offering valuable insights for anyone contemplating an outdoor overnight stay.
Räsävaara rises over 300 meters above sea level, consistently blanketed with heavy snow each winter, making it one of Marja’s go-to hiking locations, conveniently close to home.
A Hammock Adventure
For her winter night in Koli, Marja packed an array of essential gear: a hammock, tree huggers to protect the trees, an underquilt for insulation, a tarp to ward off the elements, a sleeping pad, a sheepskin borrowed from her cat, a winter sleeping bag, and a sleeping bag liner.
“The most crucial piece was my reliable winter sleeping bag from Swan. And I must give a shout-out to my cat for lending me the sheepskin for the night!” Marja chuckles.
Marja’s hammock, a single-person model by Ticket to the Moon, was complemented by a DD Hammocks Underblanket for added warmth. She also packed an emergency blanket for extra insulation, along with a headlamp, spare clothing, fire-starting tools, and a first aid kit — which thankfully went unused. She even carried a Thermos filled with noodles and another with herbal tea, ensuring she was well-prepared for her adventure.
Marja had contingency plans, ready for any surprises the night might hold.
“I’ve only ever slept in this hammock during summer, so this was my first test in winter conditions,” she shares. “My backup plan was to use the lean-to shelter near the tower or even to call a friend if things turned challenging.”
Weather Woes
While the forecast suggested the snow would let up, the evening brought relentless snowfall and increasing winds.
“As I hiked towards Räsävaara, I glimpsed the moon and stars peeking through the clouds, but they quickly vanished. Climbing the final stretch, it became clear that seeking refuge in the tower or on the summit might be out of reach; the wind was fierce, and I was showered with snow from the trees,” Marja recalls with determination.
At the tower, Marja paused to take in the beauty of the swirling snow and the distant glow of Koli village before descending to the lean-to shelter.
“On the way down, I discovered a sheltered spot on the hill, calm and perfect for a view of the village and the peaks, ideally facing east for the morning sunrise,” she says with a sense of achievement.
The night brought a clearing of weather, with temperatures dropping further.
“I didn’t have a thermometer, but it likely dipped to around -10°C. The village registered -15°C, but hilltops can be surprisingly warmer as cold air settles into valleys,” Marja notes.
Breakfast on the Go
Though chilly toes interrupted her slumber, Marja slept soundly between her cocoon of warmth and tranquility.
Come morning, as the alarm sounded shortly after seven, she eagerly anticipated the sunrise.
“From my hammock, I watched the sun rise, casting a glow over Koli’s hills. It was the highlight of the trip, an experience full of beauty and peace, while the distant calls of birds filled the air,” she reflects.
The only hiccup came when she had to squeeze her already-frozen toes into shoes that had succumbed to the night’s chill.
For breakfast, Marja savored a sandwich, chocolate muesli bars, and tea, which had remained hot in her Thermos throughout the night.
“I wrapped my sandwich in my sleeping bag to keep it from freezing,” she laughs.
As the sun climbed higher, she packed her gear and took one last look from the tower before heading home. The sun brought a warming touch to the air, a hint of spring on the horizon, Marja reflects.
Daylight transformed the surroundings.
“In the dark of night, I missed seeing animal tracks, but by the morning, they were everywhere. A lynx had wandered near the lean-to, and I spotted tracks from a least weasel and a stoat, along with a hazel grouse bursting into flight nearby,” she marvels.
Lessons from a Winter Night
This inaugural winter night in a hammock revealed practical insights about her equipment.
“Since my hammock and underquilt are from different brands, they didn’t align perfectly. I had to get creative with tightening them together. While I’ve tackled this on previous trips, the bulk of the winter sleeping bag made it more challenging — it kept trying to escape, leaving my feet exposed,” Marja explains.
“That’s why my toes got cold during the night. I should have secured the underquilt more closely; however, in the middle of the night, adjusting everything seemed daunting. So, I simply curled up to warm myself,” she adds.
What did this night teach you about sleeping outdoors — or about yourself?
“It reminded me of the less glamorous aspects of winter trekking: frozen shoes, fumbling with gear in the cold, and the amount of time packing and unpacking,” Marja reveals. “Yet, the breathtaking sunrise, the views from the tower, and the sunny walk home reminded me of the beauty of winter trekking: the stunning landscapes, the tranquility, and the satisfaction of managing through it all.”
Marja notes that while a hammock can be fun in winter, it may not be the ideal solution for the coldest nights.
“I felt warm enough, but if temperatures dropped further, I might have struggled to stay cozy. If conditions permit next time, I’d rather sleep under the open sky — or find shelter indoors.”
“And I learned that you can never have too many spare socks! I would have loved several pairs of warm socks on this trip.”
Who would you recommend this kind of night outdoors to?
“Spending a winter night in a hammock is best suited for experienced hikers with good gear and the ability to sleep in the cold. It’s essential to know your capabilities and the landscape, adjusting plans when needed. Had I not had prior experience with winter shelters, I wouldn’t have chosen to sleep in a hammock overnight,” she advises.
This article has been translated with the help of artificial intelligence and may contain errors.
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