ALPKIT BIVVY REVIEW | WILD CAMP | SOTO THERMOSTACK | NEW GEAR | OPEN FIRE CAMP COOKING | CHRISTMAS

After a pretty tough week, it’s so nice to get out for a wild camp. In this video, I get a chance to try out the Alpkit Elan bivvy and test the SOTO Thermostack cooking kit.
Some great cooking and a brilliant night - I hope you enjoy the video!
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[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Nice little overnighter Richard, glad you are on the mend! Great grub as always. Happy New Year. 👍

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks Simon. Really appreciated.

[@richardthomson203]

Great to see you out and about ! I won't be cooking outdoors but will be indoors ! Xmas starter.... Fresh Scottish Scallops with Isle of Lewis Stornoway Black Pudding followed by local Cotswold Fillet steak with trimmings. Desert..... Clootie Dumpling with Whisky sauce ! Thanks for your uploads this year...... haste ye back ! Slange! Richard Indoors 👍

[@williamwelsh82]

Great ‘lift up’ vid Richard - always on the bright side - hope you are on the mend and all the best to you and yours for 2022. 🌈🔥🥩🥪🍲🍴🍷👏🏻

[@chrisandsamlivingthedream]

Good camp there buddy .. cheers Chris & Sam

[@johnabramides8035]

Good to see you back,love the video,John,Sheppey..................................................

[@rmil4531]

I’m so pleased you are well enough to be out doing what you love. Well done. Keep well.

[@rosiecotton8343]

You can use a fresh potato and grate it at camp if you're not needing an ultralight setup. Just put a good amount of olive oil in the bottom of the pan and don't stir them until they're golden brown on the bottom. Merry Christmas from Utah! Hope your health improves quickly!

[@karenpeterson5780]

Good to see you back out, hope you're healing well.

[@jjudy5869]

Be sure to blanch the potato shreds before dehydrating to keep them from turning quite so brown during the dehydrating process. Merry Christmas to you and yours! Merry Christmas to anyone who reads this and everyone have a great New Year!

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Thank you for this Christmas present, Richard. So good to have you back. Take care, and Merry Christmas. 👍🎅🎄🏕️

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks, you too!

[@paridedifilippo3729]

glad you’re back to the camping 👍

[@TonyTony-zd6is]

Hi Richard, Sorry to hear that you've been unwell, I've missed seeing your videos. All the best for a speedy recovery. Tony in Brixham

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@pauldackombe4034]

Glad your on the mend Richard always look forward to your adventures.

[@stevesmith3216]

Good on ya. You always make me smile. Great video.

[@aynsleycooper365]

Richard, great to see your upload. We must tell you that you, and certain others have been a fantastic companion during the last two years. You would have been so whether the oddities that had occurred or not, but either way you've made life better,. Thank you. Be well. J&A&B&T.

[@RichardOutdoors]

Many thanks!

[@claudelabelle7099]

Happy to see you back. Thumbs up on the video. I'm loo king forward to see you cook grated dehydrated potatoes

[@mikebradshaw1851]

So good to hear your voice and see your face, silliness an all. Praying for your rapid recovery and health. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Crack on Richard!

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks Mike!

[@jacquelinejunor9994]

You are a total inspiration Richard, on showing people how to cook beef stroganoff outdoors, and showing that it's not too difficult, with some pre prep. xx

[@MHarenArt]

Great to see you back out! Your meals look super delicous too. Take care Richard, and thanks for sharing.

[@GeirReiulfsen]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Richard 🌲

[@ianofthetaylors6288]

I love it! Going to do a basic beef stroganoff with around 20 ingredients on a camp fire. Superb work sir. Nice to see you out in an Elan. All the very best.

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks Ian, happy Christmas!

[@timfoster6892]

I have the Soto set with the Soto wind master and it is fantastic!

[@exileinderby51]

Really happy to see you back outdoors.

[@daveedwards6567]

Happy new years Richard another great video thanks

[@johnramsell1109]

Happy New year Richard Great video

[@flpirate4565]

Hope you get much better soon and keep on enjoying the outdoors and cooking. Hello from Florida USA

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@colindavis5297]

Great video like the little cook kit

[@craigrobertson6082]

Have just come across your channel and have waded thru a few of your older videos. Excellent stuff, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Canada. The fire trough is a really brilliant invention, well done.

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks Craig and welcome!

[@colingordon4]

Speedy recovery Richard, keep looking on the bright side as I believe it really does aid recovery. Thanks for sharing as always and merry Xmas to you, your family and all your viewers 🎅

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thank you kindly!

[@karenclyne4054]

Great to see you back Richard! Take it easy. Great video too.

[@Dingleowl1582]

Good to see you back 👍 hopefully your on the mend and will be back to full flight soon ✌️

[@HermioneGranger-eh3sk]

Lovely to see you back out. The food looked amazing. Hope you heal fast.

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@andywilliment581]

Hi Richard, good to see you’re on the mend and back out in the woods. As always food looked fab. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks, you too!

[@andywhitnell1351]

Evening Rich we’ve just watched your video , it’s brilliant to see you back on our screens looked like a lovely camp, have a great Christmas and take it easy 🎅Andy &Marina

[@paganoutdoors3193]

Cracking video Richard, glad to see your back on the mend, the alpkit bivvy looks very interesting, hope you and your family had a good Xmas and will have a happy new year, good health and safe travels, cheers craig 🌿

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks mate and the same to you!

[@bilbocrackers3246]

Richard, Very glad to see you again. Stay well and safe Sir! (Martin)

[@Curlew-Corner]

Congratulations on a super camp post hospital, Richard. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas.

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks - same to you!

[@richgav]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours. Glad to see you out again 👍 ATB Richard.

[@Jeb-19]

Glad to see you on your feet and out doing what you do so well. Continue to have a speedy recovery and good luck on your next procedure.

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thank you David!

[@michaelmcfarland3300]

Merry Christmas Richard! Thanks for another great video. Happy to see your doing better.

[@jimmyhumble8182]

Great to see you out again Richard brilliant camp 👌 have a wonderful Christmas and happy new year 🍻

[@Andy_ATB]

Good to see you back out in nature. All the best for Christmas & New Year!!

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks - same to you!

[@paulkennedy5021]

Revisited this video Richard as I'm thinking of buying an Elan so I appreciated your thoughts on it

[@anndebaldo7381]

Another lovely video! Sad about the bikes but always love your smile. You bring a lot of cheer into many lives, including mine. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Wonderful to see you back outdoors! ATB!

[@Kenbur]

Happy to see you back Richard. Hope all continues to go well. A nice little bit of kit. Hope you Christmas today was great. ATB

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks, you too!

[@brownsauce30]

Nice one Richard, nice one. Thanks.

[@RichardOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@cortoolei-pearson7702]

Nice to see you back and looking well. Happy Christmas Richard 🥳

[@Scotty-gg4gc]

Merry Christmas from Arizona! I hope your stay up in Phoenix was pleasant. I'm also glad that you are doing well! Again, Happy holidays to you and your viewers! 🎅🤶🎄

[@billymorrison4981]

Nice one ritchard good man 😊

[@paulkennedy5021]

Glad to see you are well enough to be out. That is a sweet little permission. Wishing you and the family a very merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New year 👍🏻👍🏻

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks - same to you!

[@hsaurid]

Good to see you back outdoors, Richard. I was a bit concerned as after your last video, there was the South African Covid outbreak. Then you mentioned having some hardware put in. I hope the injury heals well and would suggest adding bone broth to your diet as it will aid the healing process. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and All the Best to you, your family in 2022!

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks Harry!

[@jerrymacklow1452]

I hope your health issues go away. looking forward to more of your outdoor adventures. Happy New Year!

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks Jerry!

[@oddmanout98]

Thank you for the video Richard. Welcome back. Hope your recovery is going well. Happy Christmas to you and all your family. All the best. Paul

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks - same to you!

[@carolinawoodsman9494]

Great to see you feeling up to getting out again. Hoping you have a speedy recovery. Beef Stroganoff dish looked great and I will be trying your recipe soon. Merry Christmas

[@RichardOutdoors]

So good!

[@codycox2685]

good looking plate of food there.

[@hazieberry5070]

Sorry to hear you’ve been poorly Richard but I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and yours ,and I look forward to many more videos next year ,best wishes Hazel

[@RichardOutdoors]

Same to you!

[@stephenrylands5405]

Hi Richard, glad to see you are on the mend and back with us. What make is the frying pan you used? Looks a good piece of kit!

[@RichardOutdoors]

Hi. It’s from Sweden. I’m afraid I can’t remember the make.

[@craigpalmer347]

Great lookin food 👌👌 Glad to see ya back out ATVB To you n yours 👍👍👍🍻

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks - same to you!

[@eddiek0507]

Hi Richard, Great to see you back out at it, Take it easy for a while and wishing you a speedy recovery. Best wishes for Christmas & The New Year...☃️🎅🎁👍🏻

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks, you too!

[@tomn8521]

Good to see you up and about again Richard. A fantastic video as always! Happy Christmas to you and yours!

[@georgeodia6324]

Good to see you back great camping spot food looked delicious 😋 merry Christmas and happy new year to all your family 🎅⛄🎄 george & elaine 😃

[@RichardOutdoors]

Same to you!

[@paulchapman7684]

Nice to see you back in action all the best for 2022 have a good Xmas ☃️☃️👍😁

[@alwallsgrove3442]

hello Richard. get well soon. .

[@stewartatwattinahammock1772]

Awesome video Richard and so good to see you back and looking so well. I hope you and the family have a fantastic Christmas.

[@garphykeks]

You are looking well pal. Very glad to see that😉👊💪The outdoors will fix you (and me and our lass send healing vibes) KTF🙏

[@Micky-74-v6f]

Mate, sorry to hear you were unwell! I figured you were on holiday somewhere. Glad to see you back and enjoyed that vid! Have a great Xmas fella! 🐧🎅🌲

[@saraskold9631]

Lovley spot sorry to hear you were ill

[@iwantmooredudley]

Merry Christmas, Richard! 🎄 Glad to see you out camping again. I love the little wooden spoon you are using, by the way. 🥄 Watching from South Carolina, USA.

[@RichardOutdoors]

Happy holidays!

[@stephendavies923]

Great to see you back in action and smiling. A Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you and all your family.

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks, Stephen

[@ArtGardenFoodExpressions]

Some people you just love, and you're one of them. Thank you for this awesome video, BUT, when I saw the Upload, I said to myself>>>what's he doing? He is supposed to be in the hospital. And then you explained it, but I still don't feel any better about this. Please please stay home until you are fully well. Not a single one of us is going anywhere. We will be right here when you get back here. You could have just wished us a Merry Christmas in your Community Tab. So now I will>>>Wish you a Merry Christmas, and a very Safe, Healthy, Prosperous, and Happy New Year.

[@wesleybard6539]

Really amazing. Loved the video. Been waiting a few weeks for one. Wasn't aware that you were unwell, until a few days ago. I wish you a speedy recovery. A Merry Christmas and a prosperous and Happy New Year to you and your family.

[@RichardOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wesleybard6539]

@@RichardOutdoors I always do thanks 😎

[@tooncrier]

Great Camp Richard, glad you are on the mend, good to see you've maintained your correct food portion size too, the Stroganoff looked bloody epic! Have a superb christmas!

[@RichardOutdoors]

Absolutely! You too!

[@johnblock1432]

Great to see you on the road to recovery. If you Chuck some fallen leaves in to the bottom of your hole as well, it will help the soil recover quicker. Merry Christmas Richard

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks 👍

[@lokisdad8626]

I agree Richard, fillet is the way to go with stroganoff, looked 👌. Like the new gear. Hope your holidays are perfect and all that went in comes back out alright 👍. Stay well

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks 👍

[@utubeape]

take some foam kneepads with elastic velcro straps on, then you can kneel on wet mud wherever you want, very handy for camping

[@RichardOutdoors]

Top tip!

[@terrypatterson1481]

Nice vlog Richard, I don't think I could sleep in a bivy style tent after trying in a Blackthorn 1 - Not for me I like a bit of room andmy Tamar 2 man tent is my preferred go to. wishing you a happy Christmas and every success for 2022.

[@RichardOutdoors]

Yep. Good points. However, Bivvy good for a quick stealth camp!

[@simonwoodward438]

Just found your channel on my feed, talking of feed top notch camp food, my type of cooking. Interested to see you using an Alpkit Elan as I've just purchased one and have not had chance to use mine yet. I've used a Alpkit Hunka for about 5 years and it's been brilliant both under the stars or in a tent as booster for a sleeping bag. Looking forward to see more videos.

[@RichardOutdoors]

Welcome aboard!

[@leslieaustin151]

Been missing you Richard. Sorry to hear about the hospital trip, but a good job the medics are on hand when we need them. Get (really) well soon. And sad to hear about the bike theft, but that’s a fact of life too, these days; perhaps it always was (I once knew a bike thief.. seriously!) a good video as always. Hope you and yours stay healthy and have a good Christmas. We’re past the shortest day now.. pip-pip! Les

[@DaveDoesOutdoors]

Nice 1 mate - your on the beef stroganoff when we do a camp! That looked spot on! Good to see you out Keep well and have a good Christmas Atb 🎅👍🏽

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks my friend.

[@stevebayley8624]

I don't know why but I only just caught up with this video Richard. Good to know you're on the mend, I remember how frustrating it was when I was waiting to have heart surgery a few years ago and was told "Don't go anywhere that an ambulance can't reach you"! I never wanted to get out in the woods more 😀 I'm all good now but those months really dragged. I really enjoy your channel so please don't be offended if I make a couple of suggestions: It looks like you might benefit from learning a few tarp set up knots, have a look for my friend Paul Kirtley's KZbin channel and see his knot playlist, I think you'd find what you see useful. 2) It's not a great idea to put stones in your fire unless you are certain what type they are. Flint and chert have inclusions that can cause them to explode when heated, and water permeable stones can also explode if water inside them boils and suddenly expands. I've seen this happen and super heated shrapnel flew out in all directions for 7m or so. Not conducive to a relaxing camping experience! No disrespect intended; I can't fly a plane or paddle a canoe in a straight line!

[@RichardOutdoors]

Top tips - thanks Steve. I was booked on the expedition canoe course with PK but had to withdraw. Hoping for next year!

[@stevebayley8624]

@@RichardOutdoors I really hope you can get on the course Richard, Paul is a fantastic bushcraft teacher and Ray is the UK's best canoe coach. It's lack of practice on my part, not a failure of Ray's coaching which is responsible for my rubbish padding technique! Paul's a good cook too and there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved in cooking if you're so inclined. You won't go hungry! I've known Paul, both professionally and personally since his Woodlore days, he's a good chap and has a wealth of first hand experience to pass on.

[@kurtmartele]

take care off yourself Richard , another great video ,greetings from Belgium

[@rogerbond7811]

Spuds are about the cheapest thing you can buy so if you can dehydrate your own even better. Thanks for the videos. Merry Christmas to you.

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks - same to you!

[@paulseeman6481]

Smashing video Richard that bivvy looks good and a reasonable price too. Glad you seem to be on the mend. I’m sure that Stroganoff helped!

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks 👍

[@grahamscothern4319]

Hi Richard Firstly didn’t realise you have not been well so sorry to hear that and I good you are doing ok. Your evening meal looked amazing !! Made me so Hungrey looking . Love the look of a bivi just not sure I could be that enclosed . Atb Graham and merry Xmas 🌲🧑‍🎄

[@43963]

I was just wondering this morning where Richard was, but there you are! Thanks for sharing your bivvy overnighter in a cold winter night. Your fabulous cooking makes me very hungry. Good to know about the Alpkit bivvy when 'there is no place for us in the inn'. The SOTO thermostack looks pretty handy although i'm afraid you can't warm your hands when holding a hot chocolate. Stay safe and healthy Richard. Merry Christmas and a happy and very outgoing 2022!!

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks so much!

[@Fastpack_Dack]

I aspire to make camp meals as good as yours Richard, they look amazing👌🏻 Really good video mate, pleased to see you back out. Merry Christmas to you and yours, and all the best for 2022, cheers. Mark

[@RichardOutdoors]

We’ll have to do a joint camp mate! Happy Christmas!! 🎅

[@Fastpack_Dack]

@@RichardOutdoors 100% mate👍🏻 All the best.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Good to see you up and about again. That bivvy looks to be the best light ish weight hooped one I have seen. Especially with the foot up lift up point to stop feet getting cold/wet. Only thing that stops me buying is deciding between investing in an expensive tent that weighs the same and typically the same size but way bigger inside for the rainy days. I have an Irish army bivvy bag but no hoop. Must resist buying every single camp kit 😂

[@RichardOutdoors]

I wouldn't recommend the Telemark 2. Worst tent for condensation I've ever had!

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@RichardOutdoors yes when I saw the review you did ages ago with the scarp and it looked like it would only be useful as a total 4th season rent if snow and the vents were tiny. Such a shame as so light and a decent size. I think the terranova pioneer2 might be the one or the scarp 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@Mohdock]

Great video, the meal looked amazing, I'm going to have to try one of your recipes. Only change I would make is to swap the rice for Idaho instant mash. Got fed up with rice 30-40 years ago when I lived on curried rice and porridge from the dry goods store (anyone remember them), when wild camping on long distance backpacking trips. What amazes me is that the pack weights were no different then, 10lbs without food and water, not much has really changed in 40 years.

[@RichardOutdoors]

I'll give it a go!

[@melclarke4186]

Hello Richard, I didn't realise why you have been out of action recently and hope all is going well. Really enjoyed your video as always. Thank-you for all your hard work and content this year. Wishing you and your family a "Very Happy Christmas". Best wishes Mel Clarke

[@RichardOutdoors]

All the best Mel - thanks!

[@stephenpwilson1930]

I didn't know you were around Keighley. My brother lives just out of town. It'd be nice to meet up with you some time . Take care and get strong again ☺️

[@w1ldcraftman]

Hi Richard, great to see you back and that you are getting better :-) Brilliant vid so you have not lost your touch. Can i ask the make of the frying pan please? Soz if you have said else where and i missed it. Hope you catch the bike thieves.....!!! Merry Christmas to you and family. Stay safe and well.

[@RichardOutdoors]

Jagerstekpanna. Swedish 👍

[@hammerhound168]

Hello Richard, glad you posted before the holidays. Gives me a chance to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. Nice to hear you are getting well. Food looked good. I am still eyeing that fire trough of yours, great looking well thought out gear. Now how do I get one smuggled into the states?

[@RichardOutdoors]

Happy Christmas - no smuggling needed...happy to post!!

[@BinManSays87]

You should try a Zippo hand warmer man they're insane I've had mine for about 8 years or so because I work outside and for what it cost it's one of the best things I've ever bought, but even before I lost the filler/measurement I had my 12 hour version last 18 hours

[@Samuel-jq6tx]

Richard Outdoors Food Trough Mini arrived today and it meets all expectations. Thankyou! I have a PECO stove on its way from Switzerland otherwise, based on the quality of the ‘mini’, I would have ordered the Fire Trough- but we’ll see! Slightly off topic I recall you using a DRONE during your recent Scottish adventure in support of the fight against Alzheimer’s . May I suggest it’s incorporation with some of your videos where appropiate and, as with other products you use/test, a review or suggestions as to which one to purchase. Your videos and enlightened approach make the former a joy to watch. Thankyou!

[@RichardOutdoors]

Thanks Samuel. Lots of good suggestions there.

[@Rogar0]

Wow, that looks just like we make in Hungary Richard; paprika, chilli flakes, sour cream just missing the Pálinka (brandy 52%!!) lol ⛺️👍🍷😂

[@GraysOutdoors]

Sorry to hear about the kids bikes. What a shame that we cannot trust people to not steal children’s toys. That elan looks good. ATB. Grays

[@chrisrobson8540]

so I'm assuming you're now a camping terminator........over the years I've come to the conclusion that more mess means more flavour.....and that looked bloody tasty......take it easy richard enjoy chrimbo and new year and hope you heal yourself up well.....and thank you for a pretty iffy 2021 made more enjoyable👍 Oh by the way ive done some reasearch......a few tricky calculations......calculus......mathematical computation using logarithms and imaginary numbers.....and i think i can say with a good 12- 87% certainty that those doo-dads from the pound shop......were a pound............glad to help👍🤣 sorry to waffle on (grrr beer lol) would you be able to expand your camping permission to a permanent fire pit?? save a bit of time and work 2nd edit and i really hope to see those thieving turd biscuits getting tasered and maybe ever so slightly very heavily bitten by a police dog on the next series of police interceptors wow havent written that much since school🤣😛🤣🍻

[@judithfaber2667]

Your post made me laugh on a grey wet miserable day! Thank you

[@chrisrobson8540]

@@judithfaber2667 I think we should give the beer it's fair due as well but glad to make someone smile

[@paulrichmond3348]

You've just got a new subscriber mate. :)

[@RichardOutdoors]

Welcome!

[@surreyarborist]

I would need ear plugs in with that running water thro the night. Atb.

[@RichardOutdoors]

Yep, I did.

[@ronpownall2074]

Thought you were still in the states Did Simon lend you the hat;-) Best wishes.