29 Jun Mads Tolstrup, the “Professional Outdoor Sleeper”
Besides being a proper Danish camping nerd living on the scenic island of Møn, Mads Tolstrup is a gold mine of knowledge when it comes to the outdoors. Meet our first Campanyon ambassador and one of the explorers we take inspiration from for his continuous dedication to preserve our nature’s beauty.
Who are you, Mads Tolstrup?
I’m a 29 year-old Dane, originally from Copenhagen’s woody surroundings. I moved out of the city in August 2020 to be around nature in my everyday life. I now live on the Island of Møn, where I have my studio.
What’s your job – like, your real job?
I don’t just sleep outside. I’m an outdoor lifestyle & adventure photographer and consultant. My tipi is my photo studio, just out there in the garden. I also help outdoor businesses improve their game. I find what you can do with gears and products in various situations.
Where does this slightly obsessive passion for the outdoors come from?
I think growing up around nature makes it kind of obvious to go out with friends and explore when you’re a kid. It doesn’t go away just because you get older. I also spent a bit of time in the Danish military, which introduced me to new ways of being in touch with the outdoors. You test your limits, build shelters, walk hours in the wild trying to survive. After that, I realized I needed to be out more often.
Aren’t your parents worried about your “Into the Wild” lifestyle?
Ha! No, they are really supportive. My dad has always enjoyed it; we actually do trips together. My mom, on the other hand, probably worries from time to time. Especially when I’m in the mountains. Like that time I went to the Himalayas. There was no service up there, and she got no texts for three weeks. Or when I was in Atlas, Morocco. Probably the scariest adventure I got myself into. We went climbing the highest peak in the area, and decided to do it in a one day stretch – versus the normal two. So we arrived pretty late at the summit, and thunder suddenly came in really quick. You could feel the electricity in the ground. Luckily we got down safely. That’s probably the sketchiest thing to do when camping… to go up the mountain during a thunderstorm. Please don’t do this!
What’s your favorite season to camp?
Winter to early Spring, and late Autumn. Because there aren’t any mosquitos, and no people! But it’s also about your senses. They really work with nature, especially in winter. They’re not held back by light and noise pollution. You gotta be aware of your body temperature, embrace the darkness, warm up in your ‘bed’, adjust your sight to the stars… Did you know on Møn you can count 5,000 stars, versus just a hundred in Copenhagen? It’s one of the darkest places in the world.
The one place you’d recommend to stay at in Denmark?
You can actually stay at Morton’s at Dark Sky Camp for some stargazing. It’s such an experience. Møn has its own Dark Sky Park and community to protect nature from light pollution. Every new building is meant to follow strict guidelines. They can only have direct lights pointing to the ground. When you look at Copenhagen, light pollution grows by 3% each year, it’s crazy. Buildings and brands have these light impulses, they want to show their name to the world. But people are starting to realise how badly it reflects on you.
Be humble. As a human, you are on its premises. You can really feel its power, especially when you sleep in a tiny tent. Play by its rules. Look up and see the amount of stars. It’s the best symbol of humility, see how little we are and what the universe gives us. Don’t leave any footprints, especially when you come with your gear. When you go home to your modern life, take that back with you. The same should apply to your daily life and consumption.
What are the most enjoyable and difficult moments when camping?
For me, the best part of camping is about gathering a group of friends, hiking all day, putting up your small camp, taking off your boots, and getting dinner ready. That whole camp vibe is super cool. If I have a tough day, I’ll just reflect on it during the blue hour – that tiny 30 minute slot right after sunset and just before sunrise, when the light is on the horizon. It’s just perfect. The most challenging part is always linked to the weather. No exception. The rapid change of weather conditions, the pouring rain… that’s a tough one to get along with. Everything is getting wet, you start getting cold. Some gear can help you keep dry.
What’s in the pipe for 2021?
My goal is to explore every corner of nature in Denmark this year. Tap into sustainable tourism. We have tons of small islands here in Denmark. You can kayak in between. I wanna go to spots where I used to go when I was a kid.
What do you tell people who are afraid or not at ease with the idea of sleeping outside?
Go with some of your greatest friends, some who are more experienced. They’ll know how and where to take you. Camping is a new way to connect. And be assured the shittier the weather conditions will be, the better connections you’ll have!
Why have you agreed to be a Campanyon ambassador?
You represent the things I really enjoy. How we like spending our time outside. Being able to go out by yourself but also meeting super cool fellow outdoors men and women and hosts. We have a lot of things in common.
Top items to take with you when camping
You’ve got an average of 171 days of rain in Denmark. So prepare accordingly!
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- Waterproof clothing – shell layers. Always dress for rainy days. Bring different layers cause it can be sunny the next hour. Wool layer first – especially in the Nordics – it can breathe as well as keep you warm.
- First-aid gear – you never know what can happen: Nasty burn from bonfire, fall and hit…
- Equipment to make bonfire.
- Basic food that you have in your own home. I guarantee it will taste much better after a good day of hiking when you’re all tired and wet. Nice coffee & cake are must-haves.