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What drives someone to venture deep into Arctic Finland—alone, for a month—armed with just a packraft, backpack, and wilderness grit?
In this episode, I sit down with Finnish adventurer and political scientist Albert Weckman—also known for his YouTube and Instagram project Wilderness Bastards—to unpack his epic 300km solo expedition through the wild heart of Finnish Lapland.
We cover Albert’s early connection to Finland’s vast archipelagos and forests, his formal survival training in harsh Arctic conditions, and the mindset shifts required for long solo adventures.
Albert shares the highs and lows of his month-long trek through four remote regions:
- The Vatsari Wilderness, Finland’s wildest terrain bordering Russia and Norway
- The daunting Lake Inari, Finland’s third-largest lake, known for brutal winds
- The swampy and mountainous Hammastunturi Wilderness
- The tranquil Lemmenjoki National Park, where his journey concludes
We dive into the unexpected moments—like a chance meeting with Bosnian fishermen who offered him beer and a Snickers—and explore deeper themes: mental resilience, the myth of needing expensive gear, and how solitude in the wild transforms your perspective.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be totally alone in the Arctic, this episode delivers.
What You’ll Learn:
- How growing up in Finland’s archipelago shaped Albert’s adventurous mindset
- The brutal reality of survival training in minus 20°C with no food or shelter
- Why planning safety in remote solo expeditions is absolutely non-negotiable
- Packrafting lessons from crossing Lake Inari with 40kg of gear
- How adventure isn't about fancy equipment—but simple, deliberate experiences
Resources & Mentions:
- Wilderness Bastards (Instagram & YouTube): Instagram | YouTube
- A Life on Our Planet by David Attenborough
- BioSur Foundation, Costa Rica (Rainforest Conservation): Website
- Lake Inari: More Info
- Lemmenjoki National Park: More Info
Thanks For Listening.
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