TOUGH NIGHT IN THE MOUNTAINS - Snowy Solo Wild Camping on Esk Pike - Lake District UK Snowstorm

[@cruisesandland]

💙🩵 Thank you, as always, for taking me out of my warm and comfy room to enjoy the Snowy Mountains with amazing views. I always enjoy your videos.

[@ervinslens]

This looks and feels phenomenal my friend! Breathtaking presentation!

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Thanks bud. Definitely a pleasure being out in that white stuff👊

[@The45thoffoot]

I served in the Royal Marines in a mountain and arctic warfare unit for 12 years, spent years going to north Norway and always used a 7mm foam mat and I never felt the cold coming from underneath even in -35 in a snow hole or a single piece of cloth.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

Now you're retired, with ocean front property in Arizona.

[@owainprior5767]

Royal Marines rarely tend to reside in Arizona 🤣🤘🤘​@@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

@@owainprior5767 Not even by the ocean? lol

[@Mat-eq8mk]

I served in the Army and got a fair amount of extreme cold weather experience in Canada and Afghanistan. I second this. The standard issue roll mat works fine.

[@The45thoffoot]

@@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism one eye

[@CaliCartelGambino]

I never go on a snow camp without a hot water bottle . Makes a world of difference.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Yes they definitely can be great. I never bother though.

[@CaliCartelGambino]

@@BUSHMANandBLUE Metal water bottles can be an alternative too especially for heating boots but I appreciate that you try and make it tougher than it has to be. British Army foam mats are seriously underrated too, just bulky

[@derekblythe6143]

Brilliant video but i think your mad in those conditions,made me shiver just watching you

[@angelahenry1511]

Have been watching alot of videos of walkers like this one...but yours is by far the best ! Always jolly and blue 🥰

[@fog360]

Good to see you banging on over safety on the mountain. Mountain rescue teams all over the U.K. have been so busy with call out due to people being very poor equipped for snow and cold weather conditions, I’ve just got back from North wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 and seen people try to summit with clothing completely unsuitable for the conditions. Sounds like you had the virus I had over Christmas. Happy new year buddy.

[@blackbetty1647]

Perfect timing!! On lunch at work, something to watch!!

[@andye222]

Can’t beat a good cold winter camp. Love the piano music while you packed your tent away. Good choice. Fingers crossed there’s still some snow left on Saturday when I’m up there 🤞🤞

[@DR10002]

So fun! Happy New Year buddy, I hope its a good one.

[@danexitsstreetview3273]

A proper deluge of snow was forecast so keenly waited for a certain Yorkshireman to head out into the thick of it and upload a video about it.. Once again it didn't disappoint. Cheers Al.

[@matt6477]

Brilliant video - again!

[@THvr46FC]

Hi Al. What a superb adventure. So we'll shot and put together. Amazing. Definitely one of your best. Thank you so much for sharing. Your commitment & Stamina are unbelievable.👍

[@caroloum5323]

Great winter camp. A shame about the mat but i guess you have to try them out. Saw your bag slide down the embarkment Hope it didn't damage anything. Thanks again for taking us up the snow covered mountain. We do not see that here where where i live on the east coast of Aust. Love it 🏕

[@Beetlegirl1970]

Snowy camps are just my favourite!! Wonderful camp Al and much calmer than i was expecting lol xx

[@CaliCartelGambino]

I read that as "camp A.I." and my heart sank hahah . There's no way He's doing that against a greenscreen I thought!!!

[@richardandrews6754]

Happy new year to you and beautiful Blue

[@debbierennox931]

Happy new year to you and your family your brave to be out in that thank you for sharing another fab video 😁

[@tracywesterman4069]

Another great video. Miss Blue but looking at the depth of that snow, definitely a good idea to leave him with your dad. I liked your Rab fleece, looked very cosy. Look forward to the next one.

[@StephenOverthrow]

Happy new year mate. Yey, what a great start. Good choice just dropping off Esk Pike, as you know it's just a little rocky on top. A few Al bashing comments here on your choice of mat for the camp, but as you emphasised throughout, it was in no way suitable for the temperatures you were in. Also, in my view, you had all the relevant kit to keep you safe through the night. Not a wild camper myself, but I do most of my walking during the winter months, so I have all the correct albeit expensive kit to keep me safe. Keep 'em coming chap! Cheers, Ozzy.

[@lams999]

Ooh, ill save this for late evening viewing! 🙂

[@tristanpage6805]

Really enjoyed that. Braver than me

[@taffman1]

When using the inflator bag for the matt, try holding it wide open and breathing hard across it, not sure of the physics, but blowing across it causes a change of pressure and air is sucked in to the bag.

[@Khizzar-y4p]

Top vlog as always

[@xiaoabrose]

I have the same sleeping pad. R3.4 definitely won't make it in those conditions. For me, no issues down to 1 deg. C. It is very comfortable! Question: I plan to combine with a R2.6 foam mat. For those conditions, do you think that would have been enough?

[@davesmith8534]

Of all your crazy adventures I have watched this one made me feel the most uncomfortable, for you!! It really shows how important your kit is! It honestly felt like something you had to endure rather than enjoy. Here's to the next one!

[@INSOLESandLACES]

Great timing Al, starting to feel a bit poorly myself, think a early night with this video to watch. I alway get excited with regards going into the hills.

[@barryjmccormack]

Really enjoyed that !

[@ianmccaffery3896]

Great vid

[@irmacushing3483]

Loved the video once again! Blue probably had a grand time with your dad! Hope to see you both next time!

[@lindahenderson840]

Oh no your bag fell down the hill I hope you got it easily Love the video as always

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

I was wondering if anyone would notice that😂😂😂

[@Outdoorshuntingshooting]

I’ve Used thermarests for a good few years, did the job, but not that comfy, even when I went to 4cm thick one. Gamechanger for winter camping for me was when I got an Exped downmat 9 LW. I sleep like at home regardless of temps we get in U.K. Yes it’s heavy compared to a lot of other mats, I just walk a bit slower when heading to overnight spot.

[@Marymooau]

Watching this with my coffee. Inside my warm house in Australia. :-) stay warm Al. Another fantastic video ❤

[@delzmzi8362]

U r my mental health he's not here but my cockerpoo xx I love all ur videos makes me smile xxxx

[@simongreenwood4914]

Love your winter camps cannot wait to get out when I am better

[@melkerryberg]

Loved this adventure. Living in the south of Sweden we don’t get that much snow. Kinda have be a storm. About a year ago I was out ready for the snow storm. What a climax it never showed up where I was but next morning I found snow 5 kilometres from my camp site. Bummer.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

😂 yes it’s not that often we get good snow here. I always try get out in it 😬

[@carpyenter7661]

Looks good Alan! When I get caught out I shove the empty rucksack under head end and any leftover contents under my legs section of the mat 👍 works for me 😂 great vid again mate 😎

[@rogermee8283]

Great video, I sometimes put the sleep mat inside my Bivvy bag, but appreciate all bivvies are not that big. We never stop learning. Great job, thoroughly enjoyable watch. ATB.

[@Moffatmountainadventures]

I’ve had that mat for 3 years: it’s a 3 season mat, it’s rated 3.4r so yeah you’d feel the cold at that temperature. What I do to make it work for me all year round is stick a foil blanket underneath it, alternatively they do a black version that’s 6r. Cracking camp Alan, ATVB for 2025 Robert

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

It’s very comfy and I love the valve and pump system. Looking forward to using it more and I might try it with my foil mat to test it again. Cheers mate👍

[@Moffatmountainadventures]

@ I’m a good deal bigger than you and I’ve always found it comfy but yeah when I start to see camps closing in on minus I start packing a foil blanket, i should just buy the black one.

[@Strychninex]

S2S extreme version of that mat would've been a better choice. That one has an R value of 3.5 (at least my version is that). Great camp as always and glad you're back on your feet!

[@gregfountain675]

A "classic" bushman and blue video. Out in "the beast" ( I actually miss that tent now) 😂, digging it out of snow and the theme tune back at the end finally! just wish you were out wit mut. Seriously though........veggie breakfast with pasta....?? Great stuff mate 👍

[@lifesahobby]

You should try three layers of that emergency blanket. And one over you . Youll never look back . They are a vacuum , a very thin vacuum , sealing a piece of foil between them . But cold needs particles to move , and the lsck of particles inside a vacuum are what make them unique . I have never in 39 years of camping slept as well as when using three of them under me . I reckon as the ground searches to reach equilibrium i can hide my body from it by using three and thats how i feel like im in an open air hotel even in 2 below freezing i use a two season sleeping bag . Tske care brother Believe me , three of them is just goldielocks .

[@KittenKiller-g7z]

On it bro 💪

[@lifesahobby]

@KittenKiller-g7z be the club brother

[@turdwarbler]

Absolute nonsense. The blankets dont have a vacuum in between layers your own common sense should let you work that out. They are vacuum packed to reduce size but thats all. Cold doesnt move anywhere. Heat moves from where it is to a colder area and it moves in 3 ways. 1) conduction 2) convection 3) Infra red radiation So if your body has an emergency blanket wrapped around it and it touches something cold, you will get cold very quickly, as these blankets do not contain a proper thermal barrier By stopping any air currents around the body you reduce and prevent heat loss by convection. The metalised surface of the emergency blanket reflects back to your body any radiated heat which as you get colder is less and less.

[@lifesahobby]

@turdwarbler put your fingers in the holes Thomas.

[@lifesahobby]

@@turdwarbler research vacuum-metalized polyethylene . It may be good idea to update the common sense locally . it is classed as a High-performance thermal protection system Because it has hardly any weight and works like a thermos flask on a micron level. i suggest the best effort is to, like i did, attempt using three in the field. You will love it. There is little or no conduction from the ground with three foils .

[@juliecoppin4165]

Fab video Al

[@briankirkup]

Good one Allen you certainly get on a high in the snow. You cannot beat it. Stay safe. B. K.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

I just miss the snow. We seemed to have loads every year as kids

[@slowsteve3497]

A foam cell pad under a thermarest works well.

[@pclpclpcl1]

I have the same tent, rock solid.

[@robertashcroft5846]

Tried posting a link for you Alan. We spoke in Keswick, next day. I mentioned 'Blizzard Reflexcell' foil blanket technology. Really effective, worth carrying as Emergency backup. Stay safe 👍

[@Neontrifle]

Flippin eck! there's some monies worth in all that gear you've got round you.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Yes it’s well expensive but designed for expedition use across the arctic and Everest etc. Top gear though👌

[@tracymac1111]

Thanks Al, looked like a tad more challenging for you this time…. Recovering from flu and not having the necessary bed for the climate conditions. I had the bug over Christmas too, I still have not recovered fully and lack energy, so I imagine you are still getting over your bout too, yet there you go climbing mountains while the rest of us are still struggling to get upstairs without being out of breath and exhausted lol.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

😂 yes it definitely knocked me for 6 but I’m back too it now. I hope you feel better soon.

[@wandawarthog5724]

Loved the video. Happy New Year.

[@Paul-of3ut]

Really enjoying this but how can that possibly be fun in the cold, roll on spring and I be back up there. Thanks for the upload. Perfect

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

😂 I always prefer winter camping. Probably because I prefer a challenge. Thanks mate

[@xix94]

Epic video was up Ben Nevis the other day freezing my ass off but I did dam loved it 😂

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Tough up there in winter. I bet you loved it👊

[@adge_ventures4915]

That beautiful blue bas*ard is still alive 🤣 Top camp and video Al and i think a good shout to leave blue at home 😁 Have a great 2025 mate! Adge

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

He would have enjoyed this one but the next camp was seriously wild so he was better being at home wrapped in his wool bed😂😂😂

[@MrDavidh37]

I had that mat got cold in April so sold it 👍 Great vid as usual thank you 🙏

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Comfy though👌

[@ChrisBentley_lives_for_camping]

The sea to summit xt mat you have, only has an R value of 3.5. You wouldn’t catch me out in minus 2 or lower on one of those

[@kathleenorr9237]

Thought you were bound to be out in the weather somewhere!

[@Fellgoodcamping]

Great winter video, you never disappoint and great to see you testing kit and systems. Do you still use your Abisko Lite 1? I know the 2 is bigger and probably better for those longer nights but would the 1 be warmer?😁

[@camping_guru_uk]

Love your vids, I even carried on watching when I heard Blue wasn't coming out 😂. Can I ask is there a reason you tend to use a tunnel tent over say something like the Hilly dome style. Cheers Gary

[@burrianaUK]

Good to see you up in the mountains in the snow Al - we missed it by a week 😕 Can I just mention - it would be great to see more on the route and surroundings. It’s good to get an idea of what some of the paths up are like. I haven’t done Ruddy Gill before 🙂

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

It’s not a bad walk up to Great End although the other route takes in sprinkling tarn and styhead tarn which are lovely.

[@jondoyle4398]

Miss Blue ! Belting dog 🐕 ❤

[@Nanaimouk]

One huuudred and eeeeeeeeighy!!

[@ExploreAboveAndBelow]

Brilliant video as always Al, i love true winter camps. I guess you only had single poles fitted as the tent was a bit out of shape in the morning. I have the same tent and after going up a mountain on Saturday night and enjoying a blizzard I think I'll get a second pole set 😁 Keep up the great work my man and stay safe.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

It was just the weight of snow pushed it out of shape. I do have a 2nd set of poles. Great tent 👌

[@ExploreAboveAndBelow]

I have to say I'm well pleased with the tent, mine was rightly covered in snow and wind beaten but still stood up to it. I'm sure the second pole set must make a good difference, have you found that?

[@seamusmcbride2832]

Kind of amazing what you do for a few subs and a handful of scribers....

[@webbsmotorhomeadventures1231]

Yet again another great vlog

[@jondoyle4398]

Always love your content ! Busy lately, nursing mum & dad . Both now passed. 🙌 so it's good to take my mind off shit 🙈👌👍🥂 happy new year !

[@jondoyle4398]

P.s. am nearly 70, so you can see what a good innings they had 😋😅🙏

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Sorry mate for your loss. You deserve a medal but also a rest after all your hard work. Keep that positive outlook👍👍👍

[@jondoyle4398]

@BUSHMANandBLUE thank you 👌👍🥂💪🇬🇧

[@jp-wd9qy]

Hi. So I watched about 30 of your videos, over past few weeks. And you got me wanting to go camping. I haven’t been for ages, so am a novice. Do you recommend anywhere apart from my back garden in the south of England. I live near to Stonehenge.

[@raelenecronin1827]

Where is Blue??? He's the reason I watch!

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

😂 safe and sound at home😂

[@DemiGod..]

Takes alot of bottle to take a tunnel into the conditions you do. Had a nammatj and Nallo, they both were frightening in bad weather compared to the Tarra, a geodesic tunnel that I had before.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

It’s always pretty solid but not as good as a geodesic tent design. I have the Terra Nova quasar but it’s too heavy for a solo camp.

[@runthomas]

i do winter hill and west pennine moors all the time and for him to scoot up those mountains without panting like he is gonna die.....means he is either bullshitting and holding back the harsh breathing...or he is fit as a butchers dog.

[@StephenOverthrow]

If you've watched his previous videos (I've been following him for around 3 years), you'll come to realise that yes, he's as fit as a butchers dog, and no bullshitter.

[@CAGS2013]

What boots are you wearing on these winter walks?

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

These are the Berghaus Storm Trek which I bought for £60. A bargain!

[@CAGS2013]

Thanks. Ah Nice one. They decent ? Was looking at these or some Scarpa mescallitos Great vid as usual. Stay safe

[@littlegrandadoutdoors]

Nice one Alan.... glad you're feeling better after that bug,,, that would have affected your body's heat regulation olso!!!. Am thinking about selling my abisco light 1 and buying the abisco light 2 .... was wondering, what's your thoughts on that ???? . Take care out there.

[@xix94]

If I winter camp I use a ultralight camping cot and a thermal Mat

[@Marymooau]

Would you ever attempt Mt Everest??

[@slowsteve3497]

-2 Celsius or Fahrenheit?

[@tubulzr]

That must have been nasty, having such a cold night. Nice spot and hike though. While I only have experience with my 3,3R mattress and slept comfortably in 1/2°C sofar, I've found that there is a pretty big price to pay regarding full R-value, by not inflating it fully/on the edge of comfortable.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Lovely mattress but definitely not as warm as my similar R-value thermarest.

[@kevinmassey6403]

Do a camp up Lost Valley Glencoe in winter

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

I did camp there in winter but wasn’t that snowy. Amazing place though

[@svengta4337]

Still enjoyable to watch, but not quite the same without blue

[@lifesahobby]

🦾🔥👍

[@briandearden7585]

Where's Blue!!

[@thebiglizzard6701]

I'm so jealous, the snow is beautiful 😍

[@jankarel6454]

It's a beautiful place. It's too bad you can't somehow convince all the midges to come camping with you in January so they would freeze their little feet off and not be able to leave home next summer.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

😂 the devils spawn! I wish as they can ruin the summer camps

[@rabnawaz6507]

Where is blue???

[@profchitra3084]

Where's husky?

[@turdwarbler]

that mat only has an R value of 3.2, that really not great for what you are doing. Also play the what if game; What if your sleeping pad gets puncture and goes flat, what is your plan B ?. Have you even thought about it ?.

[@seanking6409]

Your better than gbo (if you know who that is)

[@medievalladybird394]

Who wants to watch this in crappy AI German? Do I really have to switch languages every effing time?😢 Yes, I do, grmph 😅

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

😂 sounds like you might need to change your settings😂

[@medievalladybird394]

@BUSHMANandBLUE Dunno, summat new as it seems. Some videos are automatically synchronized (see description box) depending on the country you're in. I'm in Germany, so I get "German". All I have to do is change back the language in the video. I still hate it.

[@The45thoffoot]

£500 for a bivvy bag, that’s obscene.

[@ewi57ty]

Meantime me 25 december on top of ben nevis sleeping in a tent and walking out to piss in a bare foot . You guys making huge mistake being in a tent all gear up. Take off your clothes and jackets and let warm air heat up your tent.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

Al, of all people, you should know to ensure that your kit included an at least 10F extra buffer. That's not setting a good example for those watching. To test kit, you want to do that by your house or at least by your car, with other kit nearby. Not on a mountain top. When adding to a low R value air pad, you need to place a closed cell foam pad on top. The reason why it needs to be on top to work is because the ambient air will still be cold from the sides. This is why placing addition pads under it, will do very little. You should have at least carried a closed cell pad with you. Safety first, Al. People are watching and learning from you.

[@newington7061]

Ive just watched your wild camping videos.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

I only see a positive message mate. Many don’t understand heat loss through the ground.

[@boolay75]

Strange decision to take that mat mate, but I guess you only find out by testing! X therm all day long, if it’s not broke etc. ….ATB and HNY.

[@therossendalerambler-mikei7294]

Jeez that looked a cold one 😂

[@StephenOverthrow]

Aw, come on mate. Although you're quite correct in your statements here, Al did mention from the off that he wanted to test out the sleep mat in those conditions. I agree with Al, you're only going to find out it's limits in the conditions he was in. He also emphasised a few times that the mat was in no way suitable for the conditions he experienced. If viewers don't wish to take his valued advice, then I'm afraid that's their problem.

[@flyersluver4eva]

Oh god if I didn’t have eye floaters I’d love to go on a snow camp .. dam Covid vaccine ..

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Gutted mate. Get out and do what you can.

[@hurrichad8871]

where is the dog?

[@green9543]

I watch outdoor boys 🫡with all do respect where is the bushcraft ,as you say it you call your channel bushman

[@Martycycleman]

Cheers Al and a Happy New Year. 😊