Winter Camping How-To from a Guy that LIVES in a Tent in Michigan. #23
Vložit
- čas přidán 26. 07. 2024
- I live in a tent in Michigan year 'round and wish more people would give winter camping a try. Here's my advise for those considering camping in the snow their first time. I'll address tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads and other basics of staying warm and safe when sleeping out in the winter.
Because I’ve gotten so many questions about the gear that I use on the channel, here are some of the most important pieces I use every day:
My Favorite Piece of Gear- Chainsaw Helmet amzn.to/3uuW5xB
Granberg Chainsaw Mill amzn.to/3cdRXvn
How I Keep the Mosquitoes Away! amzn.to/3frenvh
Big, Black Log-Peeling Knife - Becker BK9 amzn.to/3oZIeOH
The Trailer I Use Behind My 4 Wheeler- Yutrax amzn.to/3fvO8DK
Bug Net Rooms I Use amzn.to/3uwOK0l
Heaters in My Tent and the Deer Castle amzn.to/3frQ7Jh
Thank you all so much for supporting this crazy endeavor! Without you folks donating to Surviving Ringworm, I wouldn't be able to even consider staying out here in the wilderness a second year making videos. You seriously blow my mind!
/ survivingringworm
(As a thank-you for donating $5 or more a month through Patreon, I will carve your name into the picnic table and show it in an upcoming episode.)
If you don't want to donate monthly but still want to support the channel:
paypal.me/survivingringworm - Jak na to + styl
In Canada, we don't call it winter camping; we call it eviction. Thanks for another great video.
If I lived in Canada I might consider camping like this all winter a punishment rather than a freedom.
What you call winter camping is spring camping in 🇨🇦. Fun!
Lmbo
Basically what it's coming down to for montrealers
In LA they don't call it eviction, they call it paradise
🤣🤣 There is literally nothing in this video that would entice most people to winter camp. I love it 😀
It’s fun because you are with the elements one with nature
I never get tired of listening to these tips you give. I’m 70, a woman plus ill health and I still enjoy camping. I go when the kids are back at school in September. I love it. I did get cold this year and listening to you I realised why. Nothing between my air bed and the floor. Thank you.
That was pretty awesome. Thanks. In the 1970s when I was a child we camped for 8 months. In a tent. In the woods on the side of a small mountain. We owned the property. To date it is the happiest and most treasured time me and my two little brothers remember. Its like we were born to be outside or something. We still talk very fondly of it. We hated when we left. No exaggeration. We thrived there. We are in our 50s and STILL dream of living that way! Its gotta be the way we're meant to live. Some of us anyway. It really is as if supposed normal life is drudgery by comparison. This was in Eastern Oklahoma for reference. Google shows me its still heavily wooded. 😁
I've been living (off/on) out of a tent for about a year and a half now. Going back to the city has very few incentives now - family that I'd stay with are... difficult. I'm grateful for their generosity, but my mental health usually nudges me to the door.
I'm winter camping right now! In Yuma, AZ. 😆 With 35-40 mph winds, I'd say the wind chill is about 55-60 F.
I invested in good gear about 45 years ago, and one of the few things I have left is my down bag. I didn't use it much (none) when I was a working stiff, but it's sure coming in handy now.
Good video!
People in Michigan break out the shorts and t-shirts in the 50’s when spring comes. 😂.
I think I'm about to join you...... For all the same reasons.
Thanks I really enjoyed that. By the way, I find the most dangerous camping to be in the 30-34f degree range. As you know, if there is a chance of rain/slush-rain/hail it’s best to avoid that temp range especially if there is wind too. I far more enjoy 28f degrees and lower and know that even if it is snowing heavy I can still manage to stay dry and warm. 30-34f is just a recipe for dangerous discomfort. Give me warmer, or give me colder. Either one.
This was a fantastic video. Simple, honest and straight to the point.
Fifteen minutes in? He nails it. Don't try to fight the weather. If it is 25-35 no wind no snow? Then go. But if it is 15 degrees and snowing? Don't go. He is absolutely right. You can go from a winter wonderland, fantastic camping experience... to a harrowing survival situation... when weather changes winter. Best advice I have heard in years.
So refreshing to hear from someone who isn't obsessed about gear, and licking the arse of manufacturers. You have done it and are doing it, rather than doing a ludicrous video from your lounge floor about gear you have never used. Outstanding video. Thank you.
Seems like a real down to earth great guy, not caught up in the pissing contest of expensive gear. Thanks for the video 🤠
I work outside year round, and also thrive wearing cotton. Proponents of high tech fabrics may want to think about the environmental impact of the production process for synthetics. Sensible management is the key to success with cotton. Thanks for being brave enough to broach the subject!
This guy knows what's up.
Fellow Michigander here. Great video. Thank you.
I live in Ontario Canada right across the river from the state of Michigan and have been winter camping a few times and some of the times I enjoyed it and there was twice I did not but it was because of where we were at and what we had when I was winter camping. I have even slept in a ice hut on the great lakes Erie, Huron and St Clair while Ice fishing
Good to see you are doing well and thriving doing what you love, Ryan! Best wishes and see ya in the next video! Love your channel!
My dad and uncle took me out winter camping the first time when I was 8 and it ended being almost -40 Celsius for the whole weekend. It was pretty painful but that was the coldest I've camped in since and it made every other trip of my life seem like a tropical getaway. I'd recommend starting out with a pretty minimalist approach, that way every little comfort you add along the way will feel like a game changer. Great video, hopefully it gets some people to break the ice...literally 👍
I love that attitude. I froze my nuts off on my last trip. Hot rocks saved my ass. Next weekend I’m camping in my first hot tent and I’m thinking it’s going to feel like being in a hotel
@@steveb6444 I'm really tempted to try a hot tent out, it'd definitely be a whole different experience. Hope you have a good time 👍
I love winter time. I live in southern West Virginia I’m going to start winter camping this year and I’m very excited about it. I’m going to start in the 30° range and work my way down just like you said. I’m going to try it beside my cabin and if it goes to hell in a handbasket I’ll just go in my cabin and turn on the heat.
Good info, when younger my dad showed me how to make a shelter with limbs and a log laying, love watching your videos
"Don't go to work...ever."
Ahhh, life goals.
I plan to sell my house and camp out on a friend's property until I find my own land. Then I plan to camp there for a good while as I build a small cabin from trees on my land. Some chickens and goats and a big garden should help provide plenty of cheap food. Rice and beans should fill the gaps. Somewhere in there I'm going to quit my full-time govt. job and rely on my side hustle, pressure washing, to provide the needed Babylonian magic rectangles I'll need to pay for taxes and such. Working from home during this "crisis" has made me realize how much wasted space I'm paying for and how much useless stuff I've accumulated over the years. Time for this guy to clean out the clutter and start a life that's a little more streamlined. I've been buying tents and other camping gear I'll need get started. I can't wait to be living in a tent with my wood stove and my 2 dogs and building things with my hands. 16 years in front of a computer screen at work has deprived me of the happiness obtained by creating things with my own hands. Along with other youtubers you have helped me get mentally and physically prepared for the life I've been longing for. Watching other people do it has made it all the more attractive. I might even start a channel to document it all. I doubt I'll come up with a name nearly as good as "Surviving Ringworm" though.
Do it! I admittedly haven't spent as much time at work as most people have but I never really got any joy from it. If you can train yourself to look at every purchase as time you have to sit at a desk doing something that drains the life out of you, it's a lot easier to skip spending the money. If you don't spend, you don't really have to work!
Babylonian sigil magick accurately describes money
I’m fourteen and I’ve been obsessed with wanting to leave society and camping ever since I can remember. I’d like to live a sustainable life on my own one day in the wilderness.
I'm definitely on the right channel and with like minded People.
Wonder Full. Thank You
@@survivingringworm2202 Hello, SR!
Though I very much like your idea, it would be really useful to us, mere aspiring bushcrafters, if you made a video showing or talking about ALL the downsides of that lifestyle, just so people know that it's not all "sunshine and rainbows".... Many thanks, in advance!
I've done a fair amount of winter mountaineering and backpacking. I started out quite interested in optimum equipment and even have a custom mountaineering tent but I agree with your advice not to obsess or overspend on clothing and equipment. Everyone seems to go through a gear head phase before they accumulate enough experience to understand what works.
The gear phase can go years too. It's fun to shop it, collect it, give some of it to fam. Just a lil experience is priceless.
Im going through gearhead right now, getting the best gear possible but, I expect them to last a long lifetime
So sad, but very true.
Great explanation of winter camping! Thank you, this was Very insightful and informative. Down to earth, realistic, and good for everyone. I especially like how you explained that a person doesn't need to be rich to winter camp, can use what you have to get started. Your experience is invaluable, you've got a new subscriber for life.
Finally a non-vlog style video with the info I need
I am truly grateful for you sharing your information as I take my last steps into permanent tent living. I'm from Jackson Michigan, but plan to explore as I become more skilled in this way of life.
This was my first time watching your content and loom forward to seeing what other helpful tips and tricks you have to living free in nature. Thank you. 🙏🏿
I just like watching these videos while sitting in Florida in 55 F weather thinking you guys are nuts.
Thanks so much. You answered some critical questions for me re cotton, camping at 30 and not 20, uusin a tarp, avoiding storms, hand warmers, and 4x on fuel.
A tip few tips of my own. Make sure your car battery is heavy duty and not old, use snow tires, consider camp sites with electricity and use a low power heater like the desk heater from Honeywell, buy a marine grade extension cord. Algonquin park here I come!
Thank you sir. Stay safe.
i'm out here watching this video while sleeping outside in 28°F 😂✌ no fire tonight. just my pack, my pad, and sleep system on my groundsheet. i feel like a part of the Earth. lookin at the stars and my breath like clouds of mist on the phone screen. very epic
Great video. I have my first December solo camp coming up and you’ve made my mind up for me; I’ll be sleeping under the stars, tent will now be set up as backup only. 10x more excited now, cheers!
Heading out soon to live the life as a nomad. Thanks for sharing your way of life. Way cool!
I love watching your blogs. I actually learn from you. Thanks
Thank you! A video with real information without trying to sell me this and that. Much appreciated!!
It's also great for anyone who doesn't like dealing with the bugs when warm weather camping. I am a big fan of winter camping. Nice video
Super down to earth guy, he kept it very simple.
I've been in Michigan for 63 years. You go right ahead and injoy yourself.
Fantastic! I really liked that splitting kindling trick (laying blade on wood, wrapping hand around handle/wood together, and dropping both on stump). I'll definitely remember that trick! The making curls too... Thanks 😊
Great video, I was born and raised here in Michigan. My dream is to have property up north one day. I love camping also, that's about mostly what I think of every day. I haven't been winter camping in over 20 years, a buddy and I camped out for a weekend in northern Michigan, it was 17 below. I still had a great time, didn't have a hot tent then. I was just using a Coleman tent. but I can't wait to go again. I recently bought a hot tent and stove. Great to see a fellow Michigander on CZcams. Thanks for the video.🏕👍
This is my first video from this channel, it just popped up for me. I am so excited to see the others. WOW. I enjoy camping and am against overlanders and glamping (except where someone would not have the opportunity otherwise, like my mom or something).. and this is some great technical knowledge. Thank you for sharing this and I look forward to seeing more.
Glad u are thriving thru winter Mr Ringworm.
I love winter camping. It is so peaceful and quiet.
Man, am I glad your channel popped up on my suggested videos today. I grew up in the U.P.
I’ve been homeless for the past three months now living out of a tent after losing my job, I’m getting ready now for 50/30 degrees next week, it’s getting cold fast. I’m just thankful I was able to get some work for a couple of weeks last month and made enough money to buy a nicer tent with an air mattress and two 20 degree rated sleeping bags and quite a bit of other stuff. Thankfully the coldest it gets here is around 15 degrees for about two days and stays around the 30s-50s most of the winter in Washington. Your videos have been very helpful.
First time watching. Don't live in Michigan, but I would have loved it when I was younger. Even tho I'm in my 60's now, I plan on going camping again come spring. I used to love to camp and fish. My advice to anyone, don't let life get in your way. Enjoy the experience and like he said check the weather.
Well said!
“Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.”
I remember that Jack London story.
When I was in my late teens we only had a tarp and sleeping bags. Slept by the fire all night in 30-40 Fahrenheit at night. Best times ever!
thank you! I have always wanted to camp in the snow because it is magical. This gave a lot of great tips for getting started. I am going to try it. I love backpacking and camping, and this is a great extension of that.
I can appreciate this….Illinois here and ready for some winter SUV camping! Thanks for the video.
Thank you for ur video it allows me to live through you while im working and dream of my next camping/backpacking trip.
Winter camping is great! I have camped all year round in the northern part of the Manistee National Forest in Michigan. The only time I have ever gotten cold and froze my butt off up there was in August. Yes, in August! I forgot to take warm stuff to sleep in. It was in the high 90's during the day, but at night, it got down in the mid and upper 50's.
I love to be on the outside.
I stay 10 -12 hrs at a time the whole day and more . Don’t use any heat . But stay s few days at time it’s challenging because I love the hot coffee on the morning . God protect you .
I keep watching your videos .
We bought 30 acres in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and next year I want to do a teepee for the winter. We bought a saw mill and are building our cabin but I've always wanted to have a tee pee
Great video can't beat winter camping
Great video!!! Love summer camping and can’t wait to do some winter camping! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Great to hear someone else say it. I've been wearing cotton in the mountains of Idaho (-20f and 3-5 meters of snow) since the 70's. Usually a cotton teeshirt, old school cotton blend waffle style longjohns and usually a wool shirt. Then layers and a wool stocking cap. Never died.
Well not YET. I'm sure cotton will get the better of us one day. We will probably be sitting on the couch and develop a sudden allergy to it and drop dead. The tech fabric folk will have the last laugh then!
Thank you for solidifying why I hate snow. Liked and subscribed.
subbed for very honest yet pertinent information. love the straight forward no b.s!
I love love love winter camping.
Love your approach and attitude.
We did our very first winter camping along Pictured Rocks shoreline about 5 years ago. Being our first time, we froze! Mainly because we were not prepared for zero degrees combined with high winds. But I LOVED It! So much so that it has become our annual February snowshoe trip. Next month will be our 5th trip.
Now with better gear, we no longer get cold while sleeping. And we only use a summer tent. Much prefer the ventilation of a summer tent vs. a winter tent. Much cheaper too.
Regarding wearing cotton though, I do want to caution anyone: although wearing cotton around camp is fine, and comfortable, I would never recommend wearing it while snowshoeing into a camp, because you WILL sweat while snowshoeing, no matter how many layers you remove. Any cotton will just ABSORB the sweat and STAY wet. Whereas a synthetic or merino wool base will dry MUCH FASTER. So if you are car camping in the winter, or just hanging out at the camp once you set up camp, sure, wearing cotton can be very comfortable. But while actual hiking or snowshoeing, it can make an otherwise fun trip miserable.
Loved your video, views on equipment and life as well. Subbed and cant wait for the next one!
Practical suggestions well appreciated! Thanks! 👍👍
I'm about to head out for a few months in PA. Thanks for the great video. Big help
Great tutorial with great advice! I love your low-key approach without the whole “I’m right and anybody that doesn’t agree is an idiot!” attitude. “If the weather is going to be bad, don’t go.” “Bring 4 times as much fuel as you think your stove is going to need if you’re going to melt snow.” Advice like that will save misery, and maybe lives!
I’ve always loved camping, and I’ve lived out in the woods since 2005. In a small house, but out in the woods.It’s a little like camping, but with reliable water and electricity...well, semi-reliable.
I just found this channel and I love it!
Way to live the "simple" life, really inspiring. We make things so complicated in this material world, where only economic growth count.
You said it! We are all obsessed with collecting $ and garbage while at the same time knowing full well that it won't fulfill us.
My favorite camping trips were with my best friend at North Higgin's Lake near Grayling, Mich. In February in a tent without a heater.
Excellent video - Thanks for making this!
Thank you for your very useful and practical information based on your experience. Very much appreciated from Scotland 🏴
Glad you found it useful!
Was just in Scotland a few years ago. Seemed like a soggy place to camp!
One Michigander to another, love your content, I'm staying and learning, hope to head to UP week after next for a nice snowshoe get away...Thanks for the tips :)
Seems as though you might have needed those snowshoes!
I've always wanted to winter camp. I ride the UP all winter on my snowmobile. Would be awesome to camp while up there
Great video and well-timed. Thanks!
Just an idea, I have seen military surplus clothing and equipment for cold-weather be very good and robust at his job keeping you warm. The Polartec fleece EWCS level 1, base layer longjohns and going all the way to Level 7 parka and bottoms that are rated for pretty much anywhere on earth, as cold as it gets. As far as cold-weather and your sleeping bag set up, military surplus has some good answers there also for great prices. You can get a Gore-Tex bivy, as the first part of the 3 piece military sleep system, add your sleeping bag and a pad and be pretty good. You can add layers the colder it gets by incorporating extra layers wrapped around you with a wool blanket, and even space blankets, layered into your sleeping system.
I live in the tropics... and we don;t have winter... lol.
I haven't used a scarf or gloves for eighteen years - and don't miss them...
But I love watching all your videos... so thanks for creating this channel.
Did it last winter in Canada at - 29c during the Polar Vortex. It was absolutely incredible!! Not super warm but didn't deter me.... going back out this winter. Thanks for the info
We put mylar bubble wrap on the floor and the sides of the tent. It raised it 20° without any heat source.
you are as refreshing as the forest you are in. first outdoor CZcamsr telling me not to spend more money. subscribed!
I love the the idea of the sinking fire. I'm going try that if Utah get's a bit more snow this winter.
I have always wanted to do this!! Thank you!
This is a great detailed video! Thanks
This is some of the smartest most common sense stuff that your sharing here ,thanks
I was like so glad to see another video!! Great information! I love this Channel!!
Thank you!
I love the outdoors as well and love to winter camp. I'm also from SE Michigan.
New subscriber, love your videos. I live in Northern Wisconsin, winter is my favorite time of year, it’s the best time to camp, although I enjoy using a hammock instead of a tent. Thanks for sharing your story. Happy trails.
You know the cold too then!
Winter IS a great time to be outside...
I was in the Boy Scouts in the 1960's/'70s and our scout master (my dad) planned camping trips once a month year round. No foam pads or air mattresses to sleep on. Just a cold weather mummy bag inside my summer bag. The kids loved it... well, most of them. The grownups on the other hand usually ended up sleeping in the back of their vehicles.
Why is it that kids can find the pleasure in just about any outdoor activity but adults crumble at the smallest change from their normal routine?
We did the same thing in Scouts in 80’s we did use straw but we used canvas gi pup tents
And I bet you had a great time too! Doesn't take a lot of $ or fancy gear to have a great time in the outdoors.
Awesome-Keep up the videos. Following you and looking forward to your successes!
Great video and very solid advice. I'm in my 50's and I sleep outside in snow tent or no tent and wear cotton clothing. Just bring dry under clothing to change into.
Glad to hear there is someone else out there that is just outside because he loves it. Doesn't take hundreds of dollars of fancy gear to sleep in the woods!
Wow great tips, for winter camping. Thanks.
I'm going. Thanks for the video.
Just found your channel love it. The Nalgene as a car jack is super impressive I ran mine over before (I had several laying around) it didn't shatter haha I went right over it
Lol!
The removable liners tip would have came in handy 25 years ago when my boots and socks froze solid overnight in Marquette while sleeping on a bluff over looking Lake Superior. A lesson was learned that morning and a long cold snowshoe back to my car.
Just was camping in Idaho mountains and winds blew in. Tent was staked but still trying to leave. Went searching around the site and found several large rounded rocks and placed them in the corners of the tent and it really helped. It was also snowing at the time.
Not much fun at the time I assume but I bet you still enjoy the memory of it!
Hope you are doing well this week. Also in Michigan, been trying to push myself to enjoy the winter wonder land (which i always do once I'm finally out). Thanks for the content.
I think everyone needs the occasional kick to get out into the winter. But once you are there, you remember how great it is!
Just the video I wanted to see. I'm ready to try it!!
😢😢😢❤❤😢😢😢 that's always good to have a good sleeping bag keep your head warm and your feet warm and you'll be fine. No matter the weather. Although some people can do amazing things
Great videos I just started winter camping this year in New Hampshire. I started at 35 deg now I’m down to like 0 or so it’s great. Thanks for the tips
Awesome! Glad you are enjoying it.
Me too! Started in October been going every weekend since only gripe is alot of access points to campgrounds are off roads that are closed in wintertime little larry road in the white mountains are by far my favorite spot. Right now I'm using hancock campgrounds on the kancamagus till I can find something more remote
Im from Hampton Beach. I have camped in Iceland, Canada, NH and Idaho. I don't like slush
I live right beside you in Port Huron and have never considered camping in the winter. However after seeing this very informative channel I will except the challenge. I've always wanted to try and have most of the gear but the sleeping bag I didn't know the proper bag to get. guess I am going shopping today. Love the content keep it coming.
So glad to hear that you are going to try it!
Get the warmest down bag that you can reasonably afford (or double up sleeping bags) and you are sure to love it!
Me and some buddies used to get together years ago and go off-roading during the winter months and camp for the weekend. Some nights kissed the 20* to 10* temps and we survived. Always enjoyed the luck of scheduling a weekend and we ended up with snow. This was in Pennsylvania and/or Western Virginia.
Always enjoy your videos.
And even if you end up shivering all night those are probably still some of your cherished memories, right?
Does anyone ever remember a year later the night that they were comfortable at home in their bed?
@@survivingringworm2202 Yep. Still remember the details.
Love this, thank-you! ❤
Sensible advice. Great video. Thanks.
I bought my clothes and sleeping bag from Northern Outfitters and never looked back. It was great at -50 degrees in the Arctic muskox hunting and the sleeping bag has saved me many times. The bibs have also made some cold-weather deer stands very comfortable. Or, just laying on the ground in the snow for geese.
Gear makes all the difference!
The first time I was winter camping, it was around -3C at night, I was alone and I was around 3 km to the nearest village by forest road/trail. I used really crappy gear as I had little understanding of what is needed to sleep warm at winter - single layer tent, 2cm thick summer inflatable pad, old sleeping bag rated to 0C comfort limit.
My Walmart-grade sleeping pad was very thin, and to add to this fact, it has flattened at night breaking in multiple places. As I was feeling very sleepy and it was still around 4 hours to the first train to bring me home, I've decided to stay. I've put all my clothes on me, my backpack I've put under the flattened sleeping pad. It was still pretty cold, but I managed to sleep couple hours turning from one side to another every few minutes. So, I would say my first winter night in the woods I've got the point of "extreme" rating of sleeping bag - the sleep you wouldn't want to have, still you can survive it.
I've woken up at around 5am, quickly has packed all my gear and have rushed to the first train in all the clothes which was on me. I was very quickly sweating like crazy. I was lucky to get to the train in the last minute. I was feeling super thirsty and sleepy, same time I was still sweating like hell.
Fortunately, there were no health issues as the result of my first winter camping.
Was it the last time I've camped overnight at winter? No, not at all - in two weeks I've spent my first time under the clear sky full of stars at -5C. I had two foam sleeping pads and a very thick and heavy sleeping bag.
Now I have super advanced gear to which I've came to by spending numerous nights in the woods in freezing temperatures down to -20C.
My go-to gear for winter overnights in the woods now is: Therm-a-rest Xtherm Wide (+ very thin foam mat to protect it from the ground), TheNorthFace Inferno -29C sleeping bag, tarp (I rarely use tents outside of mosquito season). It is a pleasure to sleep in underpants only when it's -15C outside (not as much of a pleasure to "go outside" at night though :D).
P.S. The tent would benefit from having guylines attachment points in the middle of the sdes for them to hold snow a bit better. I have the same issue with my tent - it doesn't hold snow (especially wet snow) well.
It's been a minute since you posted anything I was thinking maybe you gave up but I'm glad you didn't, you doing exactly what I'd like to do!
The videos have slowed down now that it's cold because I now have to leave RW to do the editing. The winter makes my laptop unusable!
Cool video or um cold video. Great story about the snow pack walls.