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Heat Experience at Femundløpet – Heated Clothing in Extreme Winter Conditions

When the dog teams set off on the long and demanding stages of Femundløpet, a dedicated team works behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs safely and smoothly. From checkpoints and timing to logistics and coordination, the work requires endurance, experience and the right equipment – often in extreme winter conditions.

This year, as in previous years, Heat Experience has been part of the team, equipping members of the organising crew with battery-heated clothing to help them stay warm during long days and nights in the cold.

But what is it really like to work behind the scenes at one of the world’s most demanding dog sled races?
We spoke with Robert Rudsar, Marketing Manager at Femundløpet, to find out.

A Day Behind the Scenes at Femundløpet

Behind the spectacular scenes of Femundløpet, a different kind of endurance test takes place. The day starts early, often before sunrise, with preparations at checkpoints, deployment of resources and coordination between teams. The atmosphere is marked by intense focus and a strong sense of community, where everyone shares a common goal: to ensure a successful execution of the race.

What does a day behind the scenes look like?

– The morning starts with a feeling that anything is possible. I move through the area, coordinate with volunteers and feel proud seeing how all the small details come together to create the bigger picture. It’s a day filled with quick decisions, smiling encounters and a strong sense of community that fuels both the competitive spirit and the stories that live on. It’s hectic, exciting and incredibly meaningful.

What is the most rewarding part of working with Femundløpet?

– The most rewarding part of working with Femundløpet is being part of a community filled with passion, dedication and raw determination. Watching the mushers and their dogs overcome extreme challenges, meeting the incredible volunteers and sharing the unique atmosphere with the audience creates an enormous sense of pride. The days are intense, but moments of togetherness, achievement and true wilderness magic make everything worth it.

Cold as a Constant Challenge

Femundløpet takes place under some of the most demanding winter conditions in Norway, and it’s not only the mushers who must deal with the cold. Those working behind the scenes also face major challenges when temperatures drop below zero.

How do winter conditions affect the work during the race?

– Winter conditions make the work both challenging and exciting. Cold temperatures, wind and snow affect everything from technical equipment to logistics and progress. Working outdoors for hours requires proper layered winter clothing. At the same time, the harsh winter conditions create authentic moments, spectacular visuals and an atmosphere that makes Femundløpet truly unique. It’s about being prepared, flexible and always having clothing that keeps you warm.

What are the biggest challenges of working outdoors in cold weather?

– The biggest challenges are technical issues, physical strain and logistics. Cameras, phones and other equipment lose battery quickly, and fingers become stiff when handling them. The cold drains energy, and long days outdoors require proper clothing as well as enough food and drinks. In addition, snow, wind and poor visibility can make transportation and communication demanding.

Strategies for staying warm during long days and nights?

– Absolutely. Layering with wool as a base layer, insulating mid-layers and windproof outerwear is essential. Warm boots, wool socks and quality mittens keep extreme cold at bay, and I often use heat packs in gloves and boots for extra comfort. I also make sure to stay active, drink hot beverages and eat enough energy-rich food – which isn’t always easy during such an intense event week.

Experience with Heat Experience

To explore new ways of combating the cold, several team members were given the opportunity to use Heat Experience’s battery-heated clothing during the race.

How did you experience using our products in a work setting?

– Using Heat Experience products in severe cold made a noticeable improvement in comfort. The clothing keeps the body warm and protected from biting cold, while providing even heat without feeling heavy or bulky. The products adapt well to body movement, and you avoid the uncomfortable chill that can occur after long periods outdoors in low temperatures. This made it easier to focus on the task without worrying about the cold, improving both productivity and well-being during the race.

How can battery-heated clothing help the team going forward?

– Battery-heated clothing allows us to maintain a stable and comfortable body temperature, which is crucial to avoid fatigue or reduced focus. This increases productivity, as we don’t need to take breaks to warm up, and it reduces the risk of cold-related health issues. For the team, this means better collaboration and fewer distractions, allowing everyone to stay comfortable and focused on the task.

How important is proper clothing for performance and comfort?

– Proper clothing is extremely important for both performance and comfort in cold conditions. Clothing acts as a barrier against the cold, and we work long hours in harsh winter weather. During the 2024 race, temperatures reached minus 35 degrees Celsius at the start. If clothing isn’t suited to the conditions, it can cause you to become either too cold or too warm, which affects both concentration and energy. Functional clothing that provides good insulation while allowing freedom of movement makes it easier to maintain high performance over time.
Explore our selection of clothing with integrated heating here.

Conclusion: The Importance of Proper Winter Clothing

Femundløpet is a reminder of how demanding winter can be, and how important it is to be well prepared. With the right clothing, you can fully focus on the task at hand – whether that’s ensuring the race runs smoothly, cheering on participants or standing at the starting line yourself.

Thank you to the team behind Femundløpet for letting us be part of the experience in 2025. We look forward to this year’s race and to continuing the development of heated clothing that makes winter a little warmer for everyone who loves being outdoors – no matter the temperature.