Car Jack Tent, Solo Winter Camp Prep in Rain, Hail, Snow, and Northern Lights

This canvas tent camp needs work before winter. I need to gather wood, bend the tent back in shape with a car jack, tighten the tarp and improve my fire pit. I spend 3 days alone in miserable weather, but also beautiful weather. The northern lights are unbelievable ... some of the best I've seen. The food I eat is mouth-watering and every bite is bliss. Waking up to frost one morning and the snow the next makes this one of the best trips I've ever had at the tent.
Here are all of my tiny cabin hot tent videos: • The Tent Shack
Follow me on instagram: / ajayinthewoods
How much experience do I have?
That depends. I am pretty good at starting a fire these days and gathering wood. But I don't really have true bushcraft skills and definitely no carpentry or construction skills or training. I could probably make a shelter if I had to, but that would just come from all the KZbin training (watching) over the years.
What gear do I use?
Canon 90D camera
Rode videomicro
Sigma Art 18-35mm 1.8
Sigma Art 50mm 1.4
Canon 10-18mm stm
I do not live at the tent. I just visit whenever I can.

[@davidmartin5179]

Great video Jay. I have a 20 gallon food barrel at my Cabin and in it I store some matches, extra change of clothes, boots and a few other things in case of emergency. It’s mouse proof and not stored in the Cabin. If the cabin burns and I have to get out I still have some survival items. Love your videos.

[@jaylegere]

Good idea!

[@jeffplant3]

As many here have said already Jay "Awesome video!" You're living the dream and working hard it. I also agree that only too much mustard is enough. Must be heavenly to have that sandwich at your camp. Levelled corner, corn beef, exceptional and spectacular Northern Lights, firewood, camp stove.... it's all heaven on earth. In my opinion, your videos are never long enough no matter how long they are. A great and special video of an awesome time at your camp. Look forward to the next one! Well done!

[@jaylegere]

I love this comment. Thanks Jeff! Sincerely. Jay

[@brianmcintyre6407]

You asked for suggestions, so here's mine. A flip up mini counter top for your front door to rest your arms and coffee mug on. Get a scrap piece of wood, maybe 6 inches wide by about 20 inches long. Find 2 scrap hinges, mount the hinges to the top of the door and the scrap wood. Nail a support block to the door that 2 pieces of wood will act as mini jack studs holding up the counter top. When you're done using it, simply remove the 2 mini jack studs, lower the counter top flush with the door and close the tent up.

[@jaylegere]

This is a pretty rad idea! I love my perch looking out that doorway to the lake. Thanks, Jay

[@brianmcintyre6407]

@@jaylegere Also, I'm enjoying the latest videos. You seem to be much more comfortable and candid in front of the camera as compared to your earlier videos. It's a fun adventure for people like me who cannot get to locations that you can go to.

[@timwilligar2525]

Take the corner of your tent up farther than you think it needs to go. Jam some junk under the corner that's just a bit bigger than you need. It will settle. That corner is heavier than the rest and it's heated. there is going to be a bit of space running away from the corner as well. jam pieces of what ever in those spaces as well. If you don't, all the weight of that corner will be on that one spot and it will sink again. You want as much of the weight spread as evenly as you can to avoid it sinking. Love your vids bud, keep it up!

[@jaylegere]

Yep you are right

[@tWoforgamenot1]

this old boy. thinks it's way cool... enjoyed !. i will Be looking ! :)

[@jklin2987]

LOVE the string lights. That's just what your tent needed.

[@thiagofeliciano8266]

Every time that I’ve a new jay video I go to the kitchen to prepare a good stuff and then to the sofa. Relax and enjoy the show.

[@jaylegere]

That sounds great! Thanks. Jay

[@susanpidgeon9683]

I just love his videos. I can totally see myself halfassin it like he does. He has a great attitude. Eating out of pots... Made me laugh. Necessity is the mother of invention. What I like is he shows you is it can be done. Simple is better sometimes.

[@jaylegere]

Awesome comment!

[@michaelgressel726]

Great video Jay , you know the old saying... he who cuts his own firewood warms himself twice .

[@jaylegere]

Yes. I definitely know that saying. Hah.

[@mikefoehr235]

About the saw cutting crooked...one set of teeth either have more SET than the other or are sharper than the others. Same thing happens on a chain saw. Great video. Your channel is one of the very best on YT.

[@jimf1964]

I’ve watched a few of your videos now, and you’re hardly an experienced bushman, and I usually watch stuff I can learn a lot from, but you’re honesty and desire to just go out and do it, and experiment etc… and share it with us is really refreshing. Plus I get to learn with you instead of being taught. Gonna click that subscribe button🙂

[@upnorthof60]

Awesome video Jay! You have me itching for some canvas tent camping now. Beautiful time-lapse of the northern nights ✌️

[@jaylegere]

Thanks so much. Really looking forward to your videos!

[@bridgetranasinghe1590]

Hi Dave hope you and Vivian are doing good

[@SlipFitGarage]

You both do excellent videos. Thanks guys!

[@harveyhagar]

Hope you are well man...

[@susanpidgeon9683]

You should advertise the man's name who made the stove so he can get some business

[@lucdeslauriers1021]

Northern Light so spectacular! I like to watch again and again your vidéo,all your vidéo! Have a good day Jay!

[@andrewforrest8938]

Those lights really make your tent brighter and the early morning sunrise was amazing thanks for sharing take care.

[@johnzimmerman6516]

I cannot watch your shows without getting hungry. 😄

[@OffGridBackcountryAdventures]

Right on Jay! Another season of winter camping is here. Hope you have a good start to the season! ~ Brian

[@jaylegere]

Hey, Brian! So awesome to hear from you. I am pumped for winter! You ready?

[@rgober60]

Just an idea, talk to builders around you or your area. Get left over insulation, Styrofoam if you can and bring it up as you get it. It can go inside in-between the wood and help you for the winter..you can even put some on the floor for winter to help keep the heat inside better. Hit the thrift stores they sometimes have loads of it and you can also get you a few things to keep there that aren't expensive so if it freezes and breaks its not too much of a loss. Good luck on your adventures. 👍

[@thomaschandler4831]

Good evening Jay ☕😁 warm up my Brother... get that fire going good .... yea I got ya brother... bring an extra set of good clothes and keep them there at camp ... and a simple set of hand tools ....you never know brother.... I'm in the mountains a lot ... and man have I learned the hard way when I was young .... now I've got it all .... you never know if something bad happens ... and how well prepared you are may mean your life or death .

[@emdoubleyew3788]

Been watching for a while, just wanted to say that your cinematography has improved so much, watching you grow and figure out satisfying angles has really been an added pleasure to watching you. Sending good vibes✌️

[@jaylegere]

Thanks so much, Em!

[@arneservatius1982]

I put a tarp over my tent since I leave it up yr around. I recently installed a pellet stove. “High Class” runs auger for 5 days off car battery. Recharge by small vertical wind generator. Have 2 other batteries for lights. Solar panel also $300. Living in luxury. Lazy boy chair bed refrigerator 12vt. I’m on a wood deck 8ft above ground. Carpet inside tent. Insulated curtains keeps tent quiet in storms. Very cozy🤗🇨🇦🇺🇸 Michigan

[@davejoynt6276]

Hi Jay When you cut wood with the buck saw, lay the wood flat to keep more teeth in contact with the wood for a straighter cut. You need to get a chainsaw, leave all that manual sawing to Shawn James. Im glad you are enjoying getting out to your tent, just becareful you dont get caught out there when the lake freezes. It would be a nice video to see how you get out there in your canoe.

[@jeffplant3]

Dave, great comment and especially the reference to Shawn James. Like apples and oranges these two guys but both living the dream. Love the way Jay just keeps it humble and real

[@tanyaa6452]

It never rains in SoCal. Just that little bit of rain segment in your video made me feel so peaceful. Thanks, Jay, you are awesome!

[@jaylegere]

Thanks Tanya. Also, that was hail!

[@tanyaa6452]

@@jaylegere oops, hehe, my bad!

[@nateluthardt]

Thanks Jay! Such a relaxing time, kicked back with my feet up on the desk watching your videos...So peaceful in a crazy world.

[@jaylegere]

Thanks, Nate.

[@denisefoxcroft8920]

Gee, I really get ultra jealous when I see the food you Bushcrafter/campists cook up. No recipe books on hand. But, am the world's worst cook and surprised my sons survived my cooking. No wonder they're into noodles and hamburgers. Your tent like home is soooooo cool. And that stove is like a blessing. Glad you enjoyed it. We sure did. Keep the mouse 🐁 around. If elephants are scared 😨 of mice then maybe bears 🐻🐻‍❄️ are too. Anyway...enjoy your wild adventures. Happy future camping 🏕.

[@michaelmcdonald6727]

I only got one comment Jay, this video made me smile! Thanks much for sharing your video with us!

[@jaylegere]

That's so great to hear. Thanks for sending this comment!

[@acimbobby]

maybe you are not the biggest viewed but you have a great presentation on here and its real life and learn as you go. You have progressed a lot I would say. Your wood store can never be too big. Your tent is a bit to easy to see from the lake, how about some CAMO netting or some green paint that wont damage the material. Just the front. lol

[@ericleung5716]

Nice place! Having some drinks with friends in the tent overnight would be wonderful!

[@Spooker580]

Great video Jay. It's refreshing to see you get excited when a plan comes together. Lord knows it's not always that way. Get yourself a big pack of paper plates. Cuts down on the dirty dishes and you can burn them in the fire pit or wood stove. You're doing great work!

[@jaylegere]

Thanks, Mark. Jay

[@dunk22]

Another enjoyable video Jay, you say you were concerned about weight and didn't bring extra pants. I always carry pajama pants and shirt. in a ziplock for cases just like yours. They weigh nothing and have saved my bacon a few times over the years. Nice for lounging around camp in as well. Stay safe brother. Look forward to the next video.

[@jaylegere]

Thanks for the suggestion, Jimbo!

[@jetman258]

Yeah, an that sandwich looked great!! Woo

[@seeker0ftruth312]

Hi. Been watching you for almost 3 hrs straight. I don't even watch vids like this. But glad your channel showed up. really made my night.

[@chaddeplazes6620]

Silky saws seem quite efficient! I learn a lot from watching your videos.

[@jaylegere]

Good saws indeed!

[@davebetker8788]

Hit a thrift store for cheap cutlery/dishes/utensils and pots to leave on site, no great loss if stolen....

[@rawkneepeefrompleasantvall2853]

We've had a particularily Hot and Dry summer here in Minnesota, I'm sorta looking forward to Snow, probably be around November fifteenth this year, we've had some hard winters and I hope this one isn't quite so long. Great video. There's probably more "set" on the one side of the bow saw, means the teeth stick out just a bit farther on the right side so it saws more on the right side, maybe you hit a nail sawing something and the teeth are just a mite dull or missing set on the left, you can reset teeth on an old bow saw by putting it in the vice teeth up and use a crescent wrench to bend them very carefully tho'.

[@stephenmoore2754]

Probably a Chinese made blade. I bought one new and it would saw in a circle.

[@millvee1005]

This video is a keeper, those northern lights are both mysterious and beautiful, oh and breathtaking. Great video altogether.

[@mototurkey5289]

Longer trips and longer videos are great. Glad you decided to be prepared for the possibility that things could go badly. You handle yourself well, but hypothermia is a killer and can happen really fast when things go wrong better to be prepared and not need than to need it and not be prepared. Cheers Jay!

[@jaylegere]

Thanks, Chris

[@joannsawler2804]

Aurora Borealis! Camp Fires! Beans & Oatmeal! Crisp morning air! Pantless in the Woods!! PERFECT!!! :)

[@jaylegere]

It was a great weekend.

[@peewee.3138]

Standing there in the door drinking your coffee almost reminded me of Dick Proeneke!

[@jaylegere]

Ha. If I was half the man!

[@peewee.3138]

@@jaylegere it was just the way you were standing there it reminded me of him in the PBS movies of him. He was one tough, resourceful man!

[@robinc5103]

I love how he keeps things neat and tidy

[@bryanr.3241]

Jay , your videos are incredibly improving all the time. I love the longer videos , especially in winter. Matthew Posa does some 2 hour and even longer videos and I love watching the things I don't get to do here in South East Pennsylvania. Keep em coming Jay ✌

[@jaylegere]

Thanks so much Bryan!

[@deejaymalta]

I watched this whole thing without clicking forward once. I follow a lot of amazing Canadian campers, and you are right up there with Camping with Steve, Foresty Forest, and My self reliance. 15 years ago I wished I could go to Yellowknife to be a firefighter there. Didn't end up happening, but you make me wish it had.

[@jaylegere]

This is a big compliment and means a lot to me. Jay.

[@karlsomers1145]

Great to see you back in the woods Jay👍

[@CallMeMrChainmail]

Regarding the saw: it's almost always you. To confirm that; first check that the frame isn't bent or crooked, if there's minor warping in the saw blade it shouldn't matter too much because the whole point of a frame saw is that the tension pulls the blade straight. Then check the teeth on the saw to see if the teeth on one side stick out slightly more than the teeth on the other side. If the teeth look to be even, it really is just you. If the teeth are crooked or they stick out more on one side you should be able to fix it by just bending a couple of the offending teeth back into place. Remember that it's possible that the offending teeth have been bent in towards the centre, not just bent out so might need a punch to push them out and not just a hammer. Before you waste your time trying to fix it check to see if the teeth are hardened; if the unused teeth in the corners of the frame are a bluey colour they'll be hardened, if you're not sure you can just take a file to a couple of teeth, if they don't file easily then they're hardened. If the teeth are hardened buy a new blade. If there's nothing wrong with the "set" of the teeth (how far out they stick on either side) then it's probably you. If you can cut straight with other saws it's likely that over time the blade has become blunt and you've been compensating for that by using more force without realising and it's the change in your sawing technique (to apply more force) that's causing it to always curve in the same direction. The same caveats apply for blunt teeth as they do for crooked ones.

[@jaylegere]

Thanks for your tips!

[@heithdotysadventures7824]

Good job catching the Aurora Borealis Jay . Its is impressive to say the lest. Im surprised you didn't heat that sandwich up being you have the dropin griddle. And good to see you get a head start on wood for this winter . It really will help out in the long run .I enjoy the squeaky wood stove door 🤭😏😃 . Its soothing 😌. Mine dose the same .

[@jaylegere]

Now I want to go back and make another one and throw it in the stove!

[@karlsteffen7804]

Definitely like and need more of these longer videos!

[@jaylegere]

Right on. Thanks for watching!

[@Hardwiretag]

Jay, have missed your content over the summer months...glad you are back! I have to say as a city dweller in the hearth of London UK, when you said "do you want to see something beautiful (or however you expressed it) and opened the tent door....wow.....just wow. Stunning!

[@jaylegere]

I'm so glad you liked that! I love doing this stuff and I love it most when everything is in a blanket of snow.

[@trevorc6554]

👍👍🇨🇦🇨🇦great to see a channel keeping it real and posting videos as much as you can and keeping everyone updated on your plans

[@jaylegere]

Thanks, Trevor. Can't always get out there, but I definitely post as much as I can. Jay.

[@olderandwiser333]

Really impressed with your versatile woodstove.

[@remoteyukon]

Great video, loved the northern lights time-lapse.

[@jaylegere]

Thanks, Charlie

[@thomaschandler4831]

It's smart to pick up all down fall wood .... that's a big pile brother ... that's the most important thing you can do .... lots of fire wood 😁🔥

[@michellerobert3238]

Great vlog Jay..😉😄 nice to 👀see you back at your Happy place.. Really enjoyed it.. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 P.S. Hi to the Lady C. Until next time.. Take care.😎

[@bedrospeterbedrosian2387]

Glad the weather is starting to get colder to get some more videos from you, Jay! Stay safe and God bless you and your loved ones!

[@jaylegere]

Cold is best!

[@marianfrances4959]

@@jaylegere LOL!

[@angiedaoust]

Love that plywood on your laps! Great idea!

[@jaylegere]

You are the first one to notice that!

[@stephanelachance6195]

Hi Jay !! Man that was a really nice video. I like watching your vids cause I have a similar set up like yours. I even have a wood palette porch too. Camping without a stove is misery...camping with a stove is luxury...and if you add a wood floor than you can almost call it home !! Take care.

[@jaylegere]

Hi Stephane! Sounds to me like you have an awesome setup! Thanks for commenting. Jay.

[@keithcotnoir6331]

Awesome video Jay! Great choice in having a fire ready to start hen you arrive at the camp

[@deanmartin9358]

watching this while enjoying my birthday ..theres nothing like a log fire

[@marianfrances4959]

Oil-soaked saw dust, huh! I'm not sure I've seen that lake view before...very nice...and the granite...and that tent! 👍😎🇨🇦🌲🔥🪶

[@carlafabbro4541]

nope us michiganders Miss seeing the Northern ligts,, Iam 62 and ive seen then 2 times in my life, winter we no all about lol

[@DaddyyCrab]

Good to see you back Jay.

[@shortsweettoo]

Mmmm. Slumgullion. One of the best camping meals around.

[@WhiskeyGulf71]

Funny that ! Early in to the video i was thinking about how long it takes the lake to freeze to the point that you can ride a snowmobile on it, i was thinking that you could get trapped on the island if the lake surface froze overnight. As for your winter arrival routine of sawing up logs etc etc, there is no reason you can’t still do all that but at the same time just have an emergency log pile that ready to go anytime.

[@jaylegere]

You make a good point!

[@alancall5113]

Don't you just love fall keep it coming J good work

[@jaylegere]

I am loving fall at the camp

[@cleocat1763]

You crack me up! Pants-less in Canada.😂 The Northern Lights are beautiful!!

[@rb3158]

Hey Jay, suggestion for you, some graphite grease on those stove hinges would be a easier on the ears. Everything is looking awesome for winter. Can’t wait!

[@jaylegere]

Haha. I know. Surprisingly, you are the first to mention this.

[@Stinger9516]

I’ve been looking for a canvass tent with a wood stove for a little over a year. My kids are getting to the age where I’d like to take them out camping at anytime. Nothing like your tent but just something to get out and keep safe no matter the weather. I really enjoy your videos. Thank you

[@jaylegere]

Enjoy tenting! There's nothing like it.

[@stoutkm]

Great time lapse of the northern lights Jay. I watched that portion over again about four times. I agree with you, the northern lights were very intense. You had some beautiful shots of the landscape throughout the video too. Thanks. Best Regards

[@jaylegere]

Hi Kevin! Always like getting comments form you! Have a great night.

[@user-hb8be5wb4q]

When I was assigned to Korea in 1968, because of the Pueblo theft. Their were so many people in all services coming in that each service intake had tent quarters. I lived in a tent for over 10 months of my 13 months, 7 days, 4 hours. I was in the U.S.Air Force, no fancy quarters here. They put some up, but I was perm party, TDY got the new barracks. Overall I preferred the 8 men tents, better! Tents were put up by Red Horse in the fashion shown. But were 20x30. Two diesel burning heaters, real comfy!

[@jaylegere]

Wow. Thanks so much for sharing this story. That's amazing.

[@thomaschandler4831]

Now that's a sandwich 😁🏆

[@rosemaryclose1069]

Hi! Jay nice to see you back at the cabin ... that sandwich looked really delicious...looking forward to all your new winter videos... northern lights were beautiful....

[@jaylegere]

The sandwich was top 10!

[@rockycvs3]

An hour vid. Oh...i know what I'm enjoying tonight.

[@nathanieltraveny2263]

Love your videos jay

[@craigculver1933]

New subscriber here, Really enjoy your videos and over all outlook. Sure is nice to see a good guy out there having fun. Best wishes.

[@jaylegere]

Thanks so much, Craig. I can't wait to get back out there and make more videos. It's my favorite place!

[@brendansmith8319]

Great stuff, that Montreal smoked sandwich looked amazing! Beautiful time lapse of the lights!!

[@jaylegere]

Was delicious!

[@johninalaska4437]

Hi Jay, I enjoy all your tent videos because, you keep it low key and you keep it real. I have watched many Bushcrafters and only like a handful. You are always going to have someone who feels their way is better well, you keep doing you. Your way is much more fun. Love the Northern Lights. Haven't seen any here yet but then again, it's been raining for days. Keep on keeping on.

[@jaylegere]

Always great to hear from you John! Winter coming to us northerners really fast now!

[@Heeman5]

Put an appropriate sized rock/boulder directly at the corner of your tent. Position the jack about a foot away from the corner and place a piece of cut 2x8 wood and place below the jack for a solid base. Or you could have just used the 2x8 wood plank for a lever/fulcrum to raise the corner.

[@thomaschandler4831]

Keep up these long shows we love them

[@brentneighbours]

I like your vids, keep up all the hard work. Thank you.

[@jaylegere]

Thanks for watching!

[@elwoodtaylor1092]

Hello Jay this video is one of or maybe the best yet start to finish being outdoors at the tent making awesome food frosty mornings and gathering firewood and then put the icing on the cake with the beautiful northern lights what could be better, stay safe and say hi to Crystal

[@kenmatch8303]

It's good to see fresh new videos at this time of year. Any time of year... enjoyable, relaxing video 👍😎

[@milehighed52801]

Awesome video, Jay! Nice productive trip. I enjoy these fall season videos and the longer ones. Thanks for sharing.

[@jaylegere]

I'm loving the longer trips and videos too. Very enjoyable to be out there as long as possible.

[@adriennefraschetta5391]

Great work with the Jack and the wood. Another thing you should think about is building a pantry on stilts to keep your food safe from critters.

[@BarefootSully]

Love the longer videos Jay

[@jaylegere]

I really enjoy them too. Thanks for commenting, Andrew

[@flyinggyros9745]

Great video. You might bring a few wooden hangers for drying out your clothes. And maybe a real can opener.

[@frederickhillegas2115]

Your tent look so damn cozy with those lights on! All you need now is your significant other LOL

[@jaylegere]

Agree!

[@navytroll]

As always Thanks for taking us along for the outing.

[@MAJJJJJJ]

Oh shit those were the best northern lights I have ever seen too .thanl you so much very cool stuff wow.

[@danjennings6817]

Happy to see you back with the winter vids Jay. Thanks Dan from Jersey

[@paulcarter7445]

Great videos. Some drone footage of the surroundings would be icing on the cake.

[@jaylegere]

Looks like a few people are wanting drone footage. I'll have to start seriously thinking about getting one.

[@moeq5978]

I felt like I was watching a movie and really enjoyed it.

[@jaylegere]

Awesome! Thanks. Jay.

[@tedhockstad243]

I am looking forward to a great winter of video.

[@jaylegere]

Me too!

[@frankstdenis509]

Loved it, keep the longer videos going. I know you like to keep it somewhat natural, but I tend to agree with the chain saw comments. This would allow you more time for the tent fixes and nature shots. Keep it up.

[@jaylegere]

Yeah, the chainsaw will be coming back in winter and permanently staying at the camp. The hike is too long and arduous to carry out a chainsaw this time of yr.

[@bigh3709]

Nothing beats a roaring fire. Love your videos Jay!! You do a lot of cooking, Food Network should be calling you for an outdoor special. :)

[@jaylegere]

Ha. Food Network could use a good balogna and mustard sandwich every once in a while.

[@brianmckenzie8993]

ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS jAY!Keep'em coming sir!

[@jaylegere]

You bet! Thanks.

[@susangreganti7184]

We love watching your videos!

[@sheilacorkum7245]

Looks so comfy

[@keart65]

Excellent video! I like the longer video as well. The northern lights are just beautiful! Thanks for sharing them!

[@johnrobinson8955]

That corner of the tent that sunk because it is the heaviest part of ur tent. And as spring time came along the ground thawed and that corner just sunk a little more then others.

[@jaylegere]

Agree!

[@gregabreu7346]

A really good video the morning lights awesome can’t wait for the next one.

[@pkharper3525]

Amazing Video Jay, the rain may have sucked but it’s well worth the trip. Having fun is always a good time. Loved the Northern Lights they are so beautiful. Thanks for taking us with you, Stay Safe

[@jaylegere]

Hi PK!

[@mbathome112]

Another great couple of days at the tent. Awesome light show. Thanks Jay. Cheers