Hellfire: Wilderness, fishing and freedom at Lake Rången

When our CEO Anders came into the office the other day and started talking about "Hell," we all stopped. It quickly became clear that he wasn't referring to any personal crisis, but to one of his most memorable hiking trips: Hellfire .

This nature reserve, located on the border between Medelpad and Jämtland, is one of the last true outposts of roadless land in the region. Anders told us about a trip a few years ago where he pitched his tent by Lake Rången, in the middle of what is often called southern Norrland’s most dramatic wilderness. For those seeking silence, challenging terrain and fishing that requires little effort to reach, this is a destination that should be high on your list.

The story behind the name: A forest born in fire

The name Hellfire may sound daunting, and for those who experienced the great forest fire of 1888, that's probably exactly what it felt like. But despite the name, this is an area teeming with life – albeit on nature's own, harsh terms.

The area has been marked by fire for centuries. Researchers have found traces of at least 28 major fires since the 12th century. The last major natural fire was in 2005 after a lightning strike, and today the County Administrative Board uses controlled nature conservation burns to maintain the unique biodiversity. The fire-scarred old-growth forest with its silver-gray dry branches creates a backdrop that is unlike anything else you see along the usual hiking trails. Here you are literally walking in the ashes of history, but in an environment that is more alive than a planted production forest ever will be.

The terrain that tests your equipment

If there's one thing Anders emphasized from his trip, it's that Hellfire doesn't forgive sloppy planning. The area consists of over 3,000 hectares of wilderness where boulder terrain is the rule rather than the exception. Navigating between large granite boulders and through dense old-growth forest requires focus.

This is where your hiking gear choice becomes crucial. This is not the place where you want to discover that your shoes lack torsional rigidity or that your backpack has an unstable center of gravity.

• Hiking boots: The terrain is rocky and hilly. We recommend boots with a high shaft and a sturdy sole that provides ankle support as you balance over the boulder fields. "Your feet are your engine," as we like to say. If the engine stalls in roadless country, you're in trouble.
• Weight awareness: Since you often walk outside or on very easy trails, every kilo of your pack becomes noticeable in your legs after just an hour. Optimizing your hiking packing list is not just a hobby for lightweight enthusiasts – it is a matter of convenience and safety.

Fishing at Lake Rången: A silent struggle

Lake Rången is the jewel in the reserve's crown. Standing on the shore as the morning mist lifts and watching wake after wake break the mirror-like surface is an experience that makes most people forget the hard kilometers to get there.

The fishing here is genuine. You don't share the shoreline with hundreds of others. To cast out you need a fishing license from Ånge fiskevårdsområde , which can be easily arranged online before you set off. The lake is known for its fine stock of trout and char, but remember that wilderness fishing requires patience. It's about understanding the rhythm of the lake.

Anders advised packing a light fly rod or a telescopic casting rod to save space. Being able to roast a freshly caught trout over an open fire at Rången's beach is the ultimate reward after a day of hard work in the rocky terrain.

Accommodation: Newly built luxury or total freedom?

Since spring 2024, there has been a newly built cabin at Rången. The old dilapidated hut has been replaced with a modern log cabin, built with material that was brought in by snowmobile during the winter. It is a fantastic security to have as a base, especially if the weather changes, which it often does in these areas.

But, as Anders emphasizes: you only get the real experience when you choose to camp.

By bringing your own tent for hiking, you are not tied to the location of the cabin. You can find that perfect little cape where the wind keeps the mosquitoes away and the view of the lake is total.

Why a lightweight tent is the right choice here

When hiking in Hellfire, weight is your biggest enemy. A modern lightweight tent (weighing under 1.5 kg for one person or just over 1.5 kg for two) allows you to move more freely through the dense forest.

We recently published an in-depth guide on the Lanshan 1 , which is a great example of a tent that is perfect for this type of terrain. It uses your trekking poles as tent poles, saving additional weight in your backpack. Minimizing the weight of the "big three" (tent, sleeping bag, backpack) means you have more energy left over for what really matters: fishing and experiencing nature.

Your packing list for Hellfire

Here is a pragmatic guide to what you should prioritize for a trip to Rången:

1. Accommodation: A lightweight tent that can withstand wind and can be set up in limited spaces.
2. Sleep: A sleeping pad with a good R-value. Ground cold from the rocky ground can suck the juice out of the best sleeping bag. Check out our range of sleeping pads .
3. Cooking: A compact gas stove. Remember that fires in the reserve are only allowed in designated areas.
4. Clothing: Sunscreen is a must. The weather on the border with Jämtland is capricious.
5. Safety: Map and compass. Mobile phone coverage is non-existent in some places once you get down into the depressions around the lakes.

Closing Thoughts: The Balance Between Weight and Safety

Hellfire is not a place for those who want everything served. It is a place that demands respect, but which gives back manifold to those who are prepared.

The most important thing we want to convey to you is the idea of balance. It's easy to focus on the grams of your hiking gear , but in an area like Hellfire, you should never compromise on safety. Packing light isn't about leaving the essentials at home, it's about choosing smarter options that will allow you to do more.

As Anders said after his trip to Rången: "You feel quite small when you sit there by the fire and realize that there is no road for miles. But it is precisely that feeling that is freedom."

Are you ready to plan your own trip to "Hell"? Check out our range of tents and other equipment to make sure your experience is as magical as it deserves to be. See you out there!