For the last seven years running, the World Happiness Report (WHR) has ranked the five Nordic European countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden—in their top-ten happiest on earth. The question of why is a complicated one. The long, cold Nordic winters may not spring to mind as happy times, but clearly, the opposite is true. And the answer may lie in a Norwegian word most Canadians will find hard to pronounce: Friluftsliv (free-loofts-liv).

 

 

Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen coined the term in the mid-nineteenth century and it roughly translates as “open-air living.” Ibsen himself and many of his characters sought fulfillment by spending time in remote, rugged places where wilderness was close at hand.

While the term may be rooted in northern Europe, it’s a concept that many Canadians should be well able to comprehend.

The modern concept of Friluftsliv encourages spending time in wintery nature, away from electronic devices: deep-breathing in the crisp air, destressing, and exercising. It’s a concept that will certainly help us weather the pandemic’s colder months.

As the Norwegians like to say: “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær.” Translation: “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.”

Smartwool is the opposite of bad clothing. This is clothing made to improve everyone’s Friluftsliv. If only Ibsen could’ve worn some. We picked two new Smartwool items for women that will serve for anything from hiking, skiing, après ski, and every adventure in between.

 

 

Women’s Shadow Pine Colorblock Sweater

Both colorful and comfortable, Smartwool’s Women’s Shadow Pine Colorblock Sweater is perfect for every social occasion. With soft, responsibly sourced Merino wool, and rolled edges at the sleeve openings, this lightweight everyday sweater will help warm you up and steal the show every time you wear it.

Features

Lightweight crew in a single layer jersey knit.
Rolled edges at sleeve opening.
55% Recycled Polyester, 30% Merino Wool, 15% Nylon.
Style: SW016395.

 

 

Women’s Merino 250 Baselayer Pattern 1/4 Zip

Smartwool’s new and improved Women’s Merino 250 Base Layer 1/4 Zip is here to bring you a better-feeling, better-performing, and better-looking garment. As one of their heaviest base layer tops and best base layers for cold weather, this garment uses 100% responsibly sourced Merino wool, shoulder panels, and a flatlock seam construction to help minimize chafing as well as keep you comfortable and temperature regulated as you enjoy high-intensity skiing, hiking, running, and more.

Features

100% Merino wool fabric made with an interlock knit for enhanced comfort, breathability, thermoregulation, and odor resistance.
Fit updated to improve functionality while enhancing aesthetics for a range of body shapes.
Back body seam wraps to front for body-enhancing fit.
Crew neck with raglan sleeves.
100% Merino Wool.
Style: SW016375.

Check Smartwool’s latest collections of snow socks, baselayers, and midlayers here and at select sporting goods retailers.