Can Am Defender Alberta Ruby Falls UTV Ride and Camp

Check out www.amazon.com/shop/theempori... for links to gear used in this and other videos.
Hi everyone, recently Esme and I took a trip to the Rocky Mountains in Alberta to ride the Ruby Falls trail in the Can Am Defender HD10. We had a great time and tested out some new equipment including the new TETON Vista 1 Cot Tent. This is one of the best rides I've ever been on and hope to return again soon!
We hope you enjoy the video! Michael & Esme!
Ruby Falls Staging Area - Lat 52.866902, Lon -116.948733
TETON Vista 1 Cot Tent - tetonsports.com/product/vista...
/ the_emporium_youtube
teespring.com/stores/the-empo...
We make a small commission from Amazon sales and this really helps us out with purchasing future gear for adventures!
Best wishes Michael & Esme 🐶

[@wg5768]

Probably the most beautiful scenery and excellent trail riding that I've seen!

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

It really is! Thanks! 👍

[@phyllismulkey3778]

beautiful place

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thanks Phyllis - It certainly is. I'm luck to only live 3 hours away. I'd love to move closer.

[@MOUSEBOWEN]

Awesome beautiful place and beautiful video. Love your videos

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@sallyfrenette9643]

Very much enjoyed this. What a beautiful place.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it Sally!

[@johngergen1215]

Nice video Michael. Thank you.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@davidclark4469]

Watching you make coffee reminded me to tell you that I've been doing French press coffee lately. We have a coffee brand here called "Community Coffee." I think it's from Louisiana. You may have it there, or may have encountered it in your travels. French press is probably not suitable for your kind of camping, but it only takes about 6 minutes to make it if you time several activities correctly and simultaneously. Grind thr beans, boil the water, pour it over the grounds in the carafe, stir the coffee on and off for four minutes, depress the plunger, and pour. Probably the best way to make coffee that I have found. Beautiful scenery, nice ride, and all-around good time!

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Hi David! I use a French press at home (we call them a cafetiere) and its a great way to steep the coffee for the best flavour! Thats a great idea - I should look for a 2 cup unbreakable one for camping! 👍 Thats for the idea! 😉

[@alcopower5710]

Awesome content 👍

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thank you 👍

[@shannonpelletier736]

Love the Channel. Your like the Bob Ross of the out doors. Keep it up and looking forward to more AB and eastern BC videos.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thanks so much Shannon 😊

[@outsideinalaskahawaii5987]

Nice video. Glad you got the new Vista. Teton will replace due to the tear. I spent 3 days in Seward Alaska on my XXL cot and pad. But set them up in a ten man extreme tent. It rained the whole time but I was there to fish for a years worth of food. Slept like a baby but snorkeled from the tent to truck every morning to get to the boat. We had to leave the cots in the back in the rain on the way back to Anchorage, Set them up in the garage, left the door open, and they were dry to put away in about an hour. Great cots. Appreciate you turning me on to them. I have three in Alaska and two in Hawaii. My brother and buddy laugh at me for getting them until they spent the night on one. Not laughing anymore and grateful. Also my buddy had a leg operation where for over a week he couldn’t get upstairs to bed. He set up an XXL with a universal pad under the XXL pad using twin size sheets and slept in his living room until healed enough for the stairs. He was very glad to have access to my cots. I have two of the green vistas but really like the full to the ground rain fly. Hope they get other than yellow. Let your leader Esme know I said you did good. Thanks again.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thats awesome! There is "nothing" like getting a good nights sleep when you are out camping, it just makes the whole trip so much more enjoyable! That fishing trip sound like a lot of fun/work getting that amount of fish! I'm glad TETON moved to making more colours and they do make the "elite rainfly" in green! I'll have a video on this very soon! I also use my XXL cot as a guest bed with the Outfitter XXL Camp Pad. People have never complained about the comfort! 😄 I'll let Esme know and maybe she will give me a treat! 😁

[@outsideinalaskahawaii5987]

@@TheEmporiumOutdoors 🤞Esme treats you for being good boy. Thx for the tip. Shopping Teton today! Wish they sold the elites on Amazon so you could link to your influencer page. With me you sold five xxl cots, pads, five universal pads for inside the Vista tents and seven vista tents, five elite rainfalls and going back for two green ones. Add three deer hunter -35 degree sleeping bags too. Never had complaints on cots comfort and that includes a guy missing three discs in his lower back. Kept him functioning for four days fishing and camping. 👍

[@marksjunction69]

Hey.....my daughter and I are heading to Ruby Falls on Wednesday inspired by this video.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thats awesome Mark! We are heading back in a few weeks to ride the Box Canyon trails! It's an amazing ride! 👍 Let me know how it works out! Also when you hit the river head right, don't go straight on! We almost lost the trail! 😄 Check out www.gaiagps.com for Topo maps - Its free to sign up.

[@marksjunction69]

@@TheEmporiumOutdoors Thanks for the tips Michael....I programmed your GPS Coordinates in my Garmin and I do have Gaia Maps on my iPad. This will be our first trip out with the new machine. I will send you some pics.

[@marksjunction69]

@@TheEmporiumOutdoors Thanks for that tip...easy to mess up if you didn't know. We had an amazing trip.....just my daughter and I. The upper trail is really aggressive....we did a day trip. I'm glad I bought the XMR.

[@mudbugdave796]

Great trip you guys had Mike 👍😊

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thanks buddy 👍

[@skirrsq]

Our son just bought a ski house in northern New Hampshire in the white mountains looking forward to the fall and winter great video

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

He's a lucky guy! Thats a beautiful area! 👍

[@redsorgum]

Great adventure, the tent looked great. Those vehicles look fun to drive.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

They are! - If you every get the chance, have a go!

[@RatdogDRB]

Love the new colors offered by Teton for the new Vista 1 line. Too bad about the bug screen being torn. About the only difference I noticed from video is the addition of the gear loft. Hope they offer that full skirt fly in better colors too. I figured you'd be interested in knowing about those bad boys. My new (replacement tent should get a working out on Labor Day weekend. So looking forward to that. Nice trip for ya, thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Yea that's not typical of TETON to miss that QA issue but its all good! Finally a green tent! 😄 I also have the elite fly but will do a compare in the coming weeks from the old to the new! Hope you get the replacement in time for the trip! 👍

[@RatdogDRB]

@@TheEmporiumOutdoors Oh, the replacement is here... for over a month now. I just need to get out and use it. I was surprised that they didn't just send me a new pole section, they replaced the whole thing.

[@stephanelachance6195]

Hi Michael and Esme!! My tent is actually a 12 x 12 winter tarp garage for cars on a wood floor with woodstove and full bed. It sure is comfy and convinient! But your cot and tent set up is starting to rub in and push me out of my "palace" and pack my atv. Really enjoyed this video, the set up, the landscape and especially those beautiful falls...WOW!! Those falls are for sure the best morning shower in the world !!! Wish you had recorded some audio of those falls. Thank you for taking us along on this camping trip. Take care and I wish you and your familly the best .

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thanks Stéphane! I feel the same way! Now that the summer is slowing down I want to get back out camping as much as possible! Next time I take a trip back there I'll be sure to get some better shots and audio 😉

[@AlaskaBushratJohn-st7sm]

Hello Micheal and Esme, good to see a video from you two. That was quite a trip and a wet one. I gotta say, no way I could sleep in a cot tent, too small for me. I like the videos when you are cooking over an open fire. Food tastes really good over a fire. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it John! I think you would fit in this cot tent - Its pretty roomy being almost as big as the cot (85" x 40"). Everything tastes better on an open fire 😄 Totally agree!

[@nancydempsey359]

Breathtakingly beautiful! Hope all is well and look forward to your next adventure!

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thank you! You too! More videos very soon!

[@SCOTIAN_]

I need to leave SK and really ride in that area, what a beautiful place.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

You should! Its worth a trip out and there are lots of camping / fishing spots too! 👍

[@SCOTIAN_]

The Emporium Outdoors think I’ll work on a buddy of mine who quads as well and get out there. Thanks !

[@riittaharo6165]

So beautiful falls, mountains and rapids. Pleasant you can put you tent on the bed. Nice to see you and Esme camping again! 🇫🇮

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Meillä oli hauskaa, eikä liikaa virheitä! Toivottavasti seuraavan kerran kalastamme puroissa! 🇨🇦

[@mr.fisher3973]

Wow!!!! Those mountain views are out of this world!!!! So beautiful.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Its like a post card! Its just very peaceful and wild! 👍

[@TheMissbehaven1]

Yeah!

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Hope you like the video! 👍

[@TheMissbehaven1]

Yes! Landscape is so beautiful love Esme she looked like she had a good too! Good to see you all!missed you all! Take care!

[@ganymedeszm]

Ahoj Michael a Esme skvělé video jako vždy 🙂🌲🌳👍🌲

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Díky kamaráde! Jsem rád, že se vám to líbilo! 😄

[@TheMissbehaven1]

I love your videos! Gives me an escape from my world working in heathcare! Feel like I'm living on the edge every day and if the edge gives way! I thank God for people like you and Esme and simon and all the dogs who bring joy and comfort. Thank you!

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thank you so much for watching and doing the job you do!!! Everybody appreciates healthcare workers and the risks you take everyday! 😇 Remember you will always have friends here on KZbin ❤️

[@shaneflickinger]

Nice to see you camping in a different environment. Great looking area. Thanks!

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thanks for watching! It was a welcome break from the bugs 😄

[@Jax4umalta]

what a beautiful place. I was suprised to see you eating meat! I did a little fishing last week on my camping vacation. cought a few blue gills one perch and about a 12 inch pike on a number 2 meps spinner. As you saw on my instagram I landed an awesome camping spot. Not quite as spctacular as your mountains but beautiful none the less. Cheers Michael.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Hi Jacqueline - I went back to eating limited meat as I was not feeling 100% great on just the veggie diet plus Esme eats most of the stake! I've been following you on Instagram and love the pictures! That sounds like a great haul on the fishing! You could teach me a thing or two I bet! 👍

[@benterwellen]

Tent an cot looks like a nice setup..........Two thumbs up really enjoy your videos, and showing us what helikon tex is offering.......

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Awesome, thank you Ben! I have lots of gear followup to do - Some of the Helikon-Tex gear has become permanent in my setups! and I really enjoy using them! 😄

[@buckmartin2525]

What an absolutely beautiful place. I am envious.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

It really is! I want to explore there more now I know what's available there!

[@robmechanic]

Thank you. What a beautiful location!

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

It really is! Glad you liked the video! 👍

[@mindymcintosh9865]

Beautiful country!

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

It really is!

[@mssixty3426]

Spectacular scenery! Informative, well-done video, as always. Cheers!

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😄

[@kalimakahikina6975]

Keep up the awesome job. Love your videos. I look forward when you on take me your adventures. I love your precious companion. Thank you again.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thanks kalmia! That is a very kind comment! 😊🐶

[@The_Arby]

Beautiful scenery Micheal :-) Hope your both good mate...Good to see you out and about with Esme as always :-)

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thanks 👍 We had a great trip!

[@Celtichunter2434]

Looks absolutely fantastic dead jealous. Keep the Videos coming, all the best from Hereford uk.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thanks Michael! You should come to Canada to visit one day. Its spectacular! 🇨🇦

[@Celtichunter2434]

@@TheEmporiumOutdoors Sorry about the late reply, ill love to get out there one day. all the best keep safe

[@heithdotysadventures7824]

Great vid . Next time bring a pan and look for gold .👍🤔

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

I was literally looking on amazon for a good one!? 😳 Get out of my head! LOL 😄 - Any recommendations on a good set?

[@heithdotysadventures7824]

Garet pan and classifier

[@heithdotysadventures7824]

And no . I will not . 😏😁

[@heithdotysadventures7824]

A large pan is easier to learn on . 10 to 14 inc .

[@heithdotysadventures7824]

I have a 14 and like it . I have been looking to get a 8 inc tho. Just for doing super fine stuff

[@Rwjudy48]

Enjoyed this as always, Michael.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Many thanks Robert! Have a great weekend!

[@chadmcleod8856]

Michael, because of your review I bought a 2020 Can Am Defender Ltd. Love the machine and thanks to you for your honest feedback!! Chad

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thats awesome Chad! Glad that's working out for you. Its a very capable machine! Now all I have to do is figure out how to get the commission from Can Am! 😂

[@BIGBOONES]

That cam am is definitely more comfortable to ride than the Argo. Thanks for bringing us out on your beautiful trip have a good one

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Yup! Plus the Argo wouldn't have made the river crossings! It would have floated away down stream! LOL 😄

[@barbaraurban9824]

Love Esme I wish someone would compile a calendar " camping dogs of KZbin" .she could be the centerfold! The roads we see you on in the spring and summer,are they the same in winter?

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

That would be awesome! 😄 The landscape changes so much between the seasons it's hard to see them as the same. This is a new area for me but you will see it again in winter! 🐶

[@davidgintz652]

Hello Michael and esme. How is everyone in? Thankyou for a great awsome video Michael. I been waiting. Well that sucks a brand new tent with a hole in it, other than that I like it. I can't wait for another awesome video from you. Yall all take care and be safe.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thanks David! That was unfortunate on the tent but ohh well - I'm sure they will replace it as it was damaged from the factory! I love the new colour! Anything but Yellow! 😄

[@wisoutdoorsman1862]

I enjoy your videos thank you Have you considered the polaris big boss 570 or can am outlander 6x6? If so i am considering them and would like to know your opinion I would be doing very similar activities in northern Wisconsin and upper peninsula of Michigan 😊 thanks

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

To be honest I haven't come across many of either units on the trails but I did find an article comparing them side by side (tinyurl.com/y55am2r9). I'm a fan of the 570 Prostar engine on the Polaris, having that unit in my old Rzr - Very fuel efficient and lots of torque plus the AWD system on the Polaris is very good. I think either one would be great to ride! Best thing is to do a test ride with each dealership and find out which one is more comfortable - Thats always high on my list! 👍

[@Rainy78]

Awesome! I have a UTV myself and was possibly looking to move to Alberta. The question is, are there many spots to drive UTV around legally. Thanks!

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Depends on which part of Alberta - To the SE (Medicine Hat) not much at all - SW (Calgary) Yes, Ghost PLUZ, Porcupine Hills PLUZ - Edmonton area - Lots of crown land to the west and north to camp and ride. Further North its mostly crown land so good access. Hope that helps!

[@MrMikebarrie]

Another great video. But be honest. You bought that tent only because it was green instead of yellow!

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

You got me! LOL 😄 The green colour is the biggest upgrade! 👍

[@mrsmith9964]

Would this be bad in the rain because of the fly being short....

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Hi Mr Smith - They also sell an Elite Fly which comes all the way to the floor. However, I've never personally had issues with the short fly but I think it is more for when using the tent on the ground not on a cot! 👍

[@emf333]

Yeah, in that tent configuration, seems like rain would pool in the cot. A fly that extends past the cot edge should be standard.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

They have the "elite fly" which is to the floor as an option. Even with the shorter fly - I haven't run into many issues with water pooling 🤔

[@gritzd5070]

Where's the other dog?

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Simon was at home. He is still recovering from being not well recently! 👍

[@gritzd5070]

@@TheEmporiumOutdoors Oh cheers.. Wishing you all well!

[@kingofbratz3626]

Great video. I'd be interested to see a video on what "tool/parts kit" you take with you on your adventures?

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thanks for the idea! 👍

[@jew0182]

Well you’ve had the rzr 570 the pioneer 500 the argo an now the defender. Which has been the best or your favorite???

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thats a very good question 🤔 The rzr570 was fast & very fun to drive, the P500 was very solid/practical and just easy to transport and got me into lots of new areas (Esme loved it), the Argo was a disappointment but was good in some situations (mainly spring run off) but the Can Am Defender meets more of my current needs than all the others. To be honest I'd take any of them out again as its the experience I enjoy and the vehicle is just a part of the whole trip 👍 Awesome question!

[@jew0182]

@@TheEmporiumOutdoors I understand what your saying! Have you seen the new pioneer 520? Has a bed now. I wish it were out when I got my P5. I like the P5 but I’m not in love with it. Still to date as we’ve said in the past the perfect one isn’t out there yet. The P520 could be. Add power steering front and rear lockers little bigger engine perhaps and give it more speed. From what I’m reading the 520 is still only about 40 mph tops. Also need cab option. If I were up in your neck of the woods I’d defiantly have the full cab enclosure. Still love the midsize polaris rangers but just can’t do it. Questionable build quality and reliability. Sometimes I think I probably should have kept my Kymco UXV 450 it was a really solid buggy well made. Just was afraid of obtaining parts down the road.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

​@@jew0182 I have seen the 520 but I don't think they got it right. I wish they had made a P600, 600CC engine, full lockers, 50" / 54" convertible width (reversible rims like the Argo) and 6 gears plus a sump box 😄. Now that would be something!!! The other unit to look at is the Textron Prowler 500 - never seen one personally but they are slightly larger than the P500. I think this is actually a Kymco rebadged. 🤔

[@jew0182]

@@TheEmporiumOutdoors I agree Honda still didn’t get it quite right. Yes textron is Kymco. The dealer network is what’s killing the Kymco name. Kymco builds A TON of parts and engines for all the other manufacturers but their own network of dealers is subpar and same with textron. It’s unfortunate. I should have probably kept my Kymco UXV 450 though. Come to think of it textron is actually tracker now (bass tracker boats..)

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

@@jew0182 Interesting! You would think with Arctic Cat that they would have better support now! I know Textron has been growing by acquisition over the years. Its now a very big company! 🤔

[@Blackshuck73]

Being from the east coast, I always wonder if you worry about bears or big cats on your overnights?

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

I'm vigilant because of the small dogs as they would be just snacks for the bears, coyotes and cats - But I always run a fire and make lots of noise. This seems to keep them away, plus I always keep a printing tool with me 😉

[@Blackshuck73]

The Emporium Outdoors 👍🏻

[@fcernst]

Never thought of setting a tent on a cot before. Great idea..I'll have to see if any of my tents fit on my XL cot. What cot are you using? I enjoy your videos!

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Hi Frederick - The tents are designed to be used on a cot or just as regular tents too. The cot is the TETON XXL outfitter cot. Check out some of my earlier videos on the topic or you can look at (tetonsports.com).

[@todds4273]

I thought you were vegetarian michael

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

I was for 3 years but I've retuned to eating limited meat until hunting season this year. I just wasn't feeling great as a pure veggie to be honest, despite being careful with my diet. I'll return to it some point in the future as I do have serious concerns over large commercially farmed animals. 😔