Staying Warm in EXTREME COLD While Living in a Van or Car 2023

[@PixieSpright]

Watched hundreds of Bob's videos, and not getting tired. What a delivery: straightforward and super clear, yet warm and human. Wish my university professors were like that.

[@courtneysands6646]

He's a great teacher, to be sure.

[@izzy2roam898]

Thanks Bob, I use you as an example when people tell me I’m going to freeze in my van. I tell them Bob stayed in a van in ALASKA for 6 years and he made it out alive. 🥶 thank you again!

[@solarsoltice9075]

Thanks Bob. I live out west. It's cold,. with snow. 15 F. I have a Mr. Buddy that I left on low last night. I had a window cracked open. But woke up about 4 AM last night short of breath. The Mr. Buddy was still running, but starving me of oxygen. This time of year, I go to bed bundled up. Vic.

[@thatmichigangirl90]

Down and wool are so worth the money! They're one of those things you buy and then wonder why you waited so long.

[@beckyelliott2871]

I discovered that a weighted blanket would be a perfect to have in Alaska - TOTALLY SNUGGABLE! NO ELECTRICITY NEEDED🙀 The blanket is Sherpa on one side and fake bear fur on the other with a zipper to protect the vinyl bag of sand inside to provide the weight. You can remove the bag of sand if this is too heavy.

[@brucegillies1694]

For a Van , a Tarp over the outside tied down well makes A HUGE difference

[@johnwessinger7768]

Hey Bob! I don't usually say much or comment but I just wanted to say I appreciate all you do to help people learn and how to deal with various and numerous things concerning the nomad life and even regular life such as this video. Thanks again!

[@lostwoodproduction1411]

Poly pro base layers are what they issued us in the army and they work great.

[@lilycat1694]

I love the whole idea of this lifestyle. I am in my late 50’s, do not own a car, working a seasonal job, barely making it. I would love to be able purchase a van and pursue the nomad life. I enjoy watching your videos. I just know when I retire, I will never be able to afford sticks and bricks.

[@Ulbre]

4 years down the track Lilycat.....did you do it....I hope so....let us all know

[@lilycat1694]

Still working, full time now! Upgraded to a newer car.

[@janetkoball44]

Another great one Bob. I again got some great ideas about dressing for the cold weather. See you next time.

[@Bev0149]

I really don’t know what I would do without Bob, you are an inspiration to everyone! God Bless you Bob❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸 My dream is to get a van and live free!

[@maryrobertson5250]

You and me both Bev0149. ⛄🌞

[@wilbwil12]

I always invest in one high quality merino wool base layer. Super soft and doesn't hold odor.

[@annebritraaen939]

We norwegians always do. It's natural antiseptic, and it can absorb ridiculus amounts of water and still keep you warm. It don't even feel cold when you put it on.

[@A10TOES]

For sure! I have 2 light weight merino wool jackets & its all I wear in IN all winter long, I stay very very warm!

[@Hummingbird-ns1fp]

@@verreal don’t forget cedar! A small cedar box or cedar chips in your clothes tote will discourage moths. A great thing about chips is you can replace them when they lose their scent. Those cedar hope chests were cedar or cedar lined for a reason!

[@janicem4382]

Your videos are never too long, just long enough for the information you give.

[@joesierolon5171]

GOD Bless you and your companion dog 🐶

[@brucewmclaughlin9072]

16:09 smartwool socks are like little sleeping bags for the feet on a cold night in a decent sleeping bag. As to heat i used a 13" bluesteel air tight wood stove in my VW panel van through the winter taking a course . Dry heat means no condensation . Yes if you are really stupid you can get the thin metal to above red hot temperatures but looking at the cubic footage to warm up heat was never an issue. Ahhh yes lots of rust holes meant adequate ventilation as well. Like your honest approach to van life.

[@CharlieM-u8w]

Absolutly and next spring I'll be doing this life style . Thanks so much Bob I appreciate all your help . Your experiences.

[@TheBioExplorer]

I miss my years in Barrow, Alaska. You are right the dressing right is all the difference. I could go walking across the tundra in -60F and not really be cold. I learned that I had to have a wolf ruff on my hood... a deep hood. It helped keep warm air around your face. I tried artificial fur the first year but the cold would just destroy it. I finally had a native Inupiaq lady sew an actual wolf fur ruff on and that one ruff lasted me the next 6 years. I still have the ruff but took it off the coat as I will never need that parka here in SC. I did have snow pak boots with wool inserts and they worked great... but heavy. The same lady made me a pair of fur (beaver, wolf, and seal) mukluks with walrus skin bottoms. So light, warm, and durable! Again they lasted 6 years and were still good. I sold them when I left. They may still be kicking around Barrow. I don't believe in wearing fur for fashion... but nothing beats it for certain things in the arctic.

[@wendyannh]

I never understood the power of a fur ruff until the past year or so when I had to replace my long down coat because I had, ahem, outgrown the old one. The new one has a faux fur ruff on the hood (the old one had nothing), and I’ve been amazed at how much better that is at keeping me warm than even the mix of warm hats and scarves I always had to add with the old coat. I can only imagine how much better a real fur one would be.

[@debradenkers5007]

I look to you because I know I can trust what you say. Thank you!

[@tatraoverland6055]

Please-at the top of everyone's list should be a carbon monoxide detector. I have the Wave 3 and even though they are not supposed to produce much carbon monoxide they do. Most fuel appliances do...and if their venting system goes South the detector will save your life.

[@georgekane1985]

This doesn't apply for everyone, but I think a heat exchanger type heater is safe and can be efficient. I have a Winnebago Travato that came with a TRUMA brand, German made heater/water heater unit. It is more than 95% efficient, and no smell ever. Because the heater came with the unit I do not know what it costs new, but someone who does a lot of cold-weather camping might find it appropriate to buy and install. I have been very happy with mine, that is until last night, when I ran out of propane!

[@kathymack3791]

Great info, Bob. Here's a good tip - when you wash your synthetic fabrics, add baking soda (about 1/2 cup per load). It will help neutralize the body oils that linger. On shirts, make a slurry of baking soda and water and rub about a teaspoon into the arm area, then wash.

[@mkchris9154]

Thank you for the great info. You are amazing!!!

[@catherinemcmartin8275]

I love your video's. I never would have thought about the floor getting cold. You cover the little things that people may not think of. Blessings and thanks.

[@jessewise5868]

I'm seriously considering adding one of the cheap Chinese diesel heaters too my arsenal. Hope you can do a video on them soon.

[@didlidoodles343]

I didn't think it was too long. It was very informative. Thank you!

[@jennhill8708]

As in the old hiking, mountaineering, etc saying goes: cotton kills. Wool is awesome, generating a bit of heat to preserve your toes. Can't beat it!

[@christinestrider6406]

I am very mature age and I have learned a bunch of new stuff with this one video! Thank you so much for your knowledge of cotton and poly pro pros and cons

[@ElinorRumming]

I usually sleep in our Tesla and can run ac or heat all night, but next week I'm sleeping at work in our truck because my husband needs the Tesla. The high for the next couple days is low 30's. This is great info- I feel like I have a solid plan to stay comfortable!

[@glemire7511]

Good advice. In winter, people say that deer wear their "winter coats". Here in Minnesota where it recently hit -56f, the deer are all wearing their winter parkas.

[@mrj-charles6383]

As someone who has done a lot of cold weather camping Layers is a lifesaver even layering with socks when really cold. I have to wear a cotton t-shirt or I am very itchy some kind of weird allergy. I have gotten better and able to wear synthetic on my legs and socks also. I am in a minivan and rarely use a heater unless single digits or below zero when sleeping. I have an auto starter on my van that will run it for about 10 minutes. I usually wake up at least once during the night so I start the van with the heat on high. During the day I use a buddy heater though. My dog I wrap him up at night and usually put him next to me to share body heat. All my stuff is covered in dog hair also.

[@BC-zh6ru]

Thank you for everything you are doing to help people - God bless.

[@ramvanbobby3889]

I've learned over the years the most expensive thermos stocking caps sox and jackets that fits snug underneath your clothes keeps you warm IAM still learning new ways to stay warm ty Bob great video as always 😀

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

One thing I can't say enough, go to a military surplus store and buy your cold weather gear. It's proven and tough plus it's less expensive than name brand gear. I have wool underwear that is from 1982! Yes it is still in great shape and with under armour it's the warmest you can feel. They also have pants with liners and layer'd jackets. Add a wool sweater, also available and you can handle some severe cold weather. I regularly sleep in that gear with a couple of wool blankets outdoors in Ohio and have never been too cold to sleep.

[@joeu7167]

There is a solution for heating your van that a lot of vanners are going to now. Diesel heater! The Chinese are now producing a diesel heater similar to the Espar which sells for around $200. It produces a dry heat so you do not have to worry about condensation, you can sleep with it running and is much cheaper to run.

[@grantspitler12]

I have the 12 volt 5kw diesel parking heater now made in China cost $145. I have it in my travel trailer, will never go back to propane heater again. Removed my propane furnace for more space.

[@randywilson6869]

Joe U what is the name of it and I don't understand how they work

[@Invictus13666]

To be clear, you'll still have condensation issues: that will happen when hot air meets cold surfaces (steel). The Chinese Espar copies just won't be putting all the extra water vapor into the air that burning propane does. But a living breathing human organism can put an awful lot of moisture into the air by themselves. Other than that tiny quibble, spot on and good advice from Joe U.

[@joeu7167]

@@Invictus13666 true people do create condensation but the way the system works is it recirculates the air through the heater which in turn dries the air

[@Invictus13666]

@@joeu7167 You didn't really read or understand what I wrote did you? Okay. Well skip it then. You still had basically really good advice. Carry on!

[@projectmustardseed857]

I have been through training courses on foul weather. Your video is the best I have seen on cold weather clothing and layering. It is very easy to follow and demystifying. Thank you for sharing your experience. You are a jewel amongst the rough.

[@cdb4464]

Very helpful, dear Bob. I lived in an old, partially insulated RV in Boise for a winter and my merino wool hoodie and tight pants were invaluable. This kind of wool is not itchy to your skin, at least not for most folks. It's specially processed. I bought mine on sale at Sierra Trading Post. Definitely gonna insulate my new van w/ Polyisocyanurate-R7 as you recommended. For high winds a fully or even just deep cold an insulated face mask (like a balaclava)works well...-not too pretty looking but neither is frostbite! Also one of those wool hooded neck-cowls. Kept me cozy at night before the heater kicked in ;D

[@NWforager]

1 freezer suits are great , they are basically walking sleeping bags . *2* i notice that polypropylene starts holding odors when you dry them on higher heat like cooking the smells in . Several AK fisherman have noticed this . 3 Cork Flooring kees floor from getting too cold somehow . 4 Military 'Bearsuits' (ECWCS)are dirt cheap on ebay fleece pants and jacks for under 60 bucks i got . Too warm with a rain bottoms and top .

[@kvjqxzz5905]

condensation/humidity: if you have the electricity/battery resource for it, then a 600watt Peltier-style dehumidifier will take a substantial amount of moisture out of the air and kick out 600watts of waste heat too. A good combo for a damp apartment or van.

[@maribethspence9458]

Thanks for that great tip :-)

[@LinnHamilton1987]

Hey great tip, thanks much!

[@mechellehutchens1629]

Thanks for the info, Bob. I used your link and purchased the Baffin Down (Alternative) Booties. I LOVE THEM! I knew my feet were a little chilly, but they were actually very cold and with these booties, I am much more comfortable. I've been making jokes when I am outside that I need to hurry and get back home so I can wear my new slippers.

[@livilou6165]

Thank you Bob you are a good caring man, thank you for all you do to help so many hurting people out there with little money to live on, you are such a blessing, praying God will give you what ever you need to continue blessing others.

[@GaryScott-pdx]

I have Columbia coat with the reflective liner and it does keep me warmer than a comparable weight coat without the reflective layer. I like it because I can wear a lighter coat and stay warm when I’m out taking photos.

[@joniloverin7343]

Thanks Bob, Im back outside Bend Oregon where our High today was 28 low will be 16, getting colder and snowier!! I will head south next winter for the full winter!! It was a nice 5 week break. Up here I live in Smart Wool all winter. I know a lot of folks are really getting hit hard. I appreciate all the info you share with us, thank you!!

[@lspthrattan]

OMG I was just thinking that it's crazy to freeze your butt off in Minnesota or something if you live in a VEHICLE. Good grief, people, watch the weather forecast and be outta town before that cold front hits! Thank you so much for putting that at the top of your list. It's about time someone said it, obvious though it may be. Good info overall.

[@nigelbunney711]

Firstly I love your videos. You have a way of getting information across in simple English and you cover everything, good points and bad…. Talking about staying warm, have you done anything on Diesel Heaters? Stay safe and keep the videos coming, they are awesome…. 😃

[@mommadw2010]

I have looked at almost all the videos you have made I look at 3 or more a day. and I am learning a lot. My goal is to be out there in the next 2 years with myself, 3 dogs and my boyfriend. I am much nervous but not afraid. I am so hyper I wish I could start now but there are steps we are taking.

[@divinentd]

One disadvantage I discovered with synthetic fibers like polypro/fleece, is that they melt very easily! Growing up in Maine we had campfires in the woods year round. There were a few winters at boarding school when it was almost every night. I had a pair of wool paints, and a pair of fleece pants. The wool pants were the ones that didn't have a bunch of holes melted in them by sparks from the fire.

[@jobenmenachem2269]

Bob, thank you many times for the youtube about this very important issue and for opening this ongoing discussion about how to be warm in cold weather. Many thanks indeed. Jonathan (Denmark)

[@SweetLou0523]

Northern Indiana resident here, when I left work at 5am on the 30th, it was -45 with the windchill. We had multiple cars refuse to start, one couldn’t even crank over with 3 cars all connected to it at the same time, it was beyond crazy. My nose was exposed for all of 15 minutes while working on the different cars and it felt like I had a sunburn when I woke up the next morning. If I never experience that kind of cold again, I’ll be happy. Of course today, it was 50 above and we were all out in shorts so, welcome to Indiana I guess. I’m super glad I had a Prius though as it fired up no different than if it was summer. That being said, I have an ambulance I’m currently converting for full timing, and had prepped it for life boat duties if the power should fail as it would be nearly lethal. I have the often mentioned, Chinese espar clone in it and it works brilliantly. Outside it was -45, inside it was about 60. Of course I also have a inverter generator and electric heater should the diesel heater fail, and it being an ambulance, I can always idle the motor and use the giant built in heater but that’s a last resort.

[@crazgirl80]

We go camping in October in the foothills of nc for four days and it's layers, layers and layers. Changing socks before laying down at night keeps them toes warm. The first time we went camping to an SCA event we did not know that air matteras turned to ice beds. We learned that you needed to insulate underneath the bed and insulate on the bed. I think before the night was over I had on my knit pants and tee shirt with turtleneck. Two pairs of socks, one of my long Medival tunic dresses over that. Then when I had to go to potty I put on another dress and my coat. I had a hat and gloves. Now I am the fleece throw queen. I look fleece everywhere I go. I have learned laying. There is trick to that to, carry more than you think you will need. Cardboard will help insulate in a pinch, due to the channels in the cardboard. One other thing I do with a 50x 60 fleece throw is put half under my pillow and the other half I bring over my head in the event my hat will not stay on. The only problem I had after adjusting all covers is I could not get my kness warm. Solution, make leggings from old sweater sleeves for bed time.

[@LinnHamilton1987]

Brilliant, I love this tip!

[@judithlacoste7986]

Bonjour from Montreal, Quebec CANADA! Great job once again, thanks! I confirm Baffin footwear are manufactured in Canada, inspired by the natives leaving in Baffin Island in the Canadian arctic. Regarding wool, seriously consider Alpaga wool socks. As warm as traditional sheep wool but they do NOT get wet. More expensive than wool but worth the extra.

[@Janet_scribbles]

We had a 17 degree night a few weeks ago and we stayed warm with merino and a puffy down alternative comforter and another blanket. We run the engine for a few minutes and warm up real fast in the morning. Our van is well insulated and cooking heats it up pretty fast. Even down to 40 degrees we are comfortable with no heat.

[@Flyboy737]

Great Video Bob! Being from Alaska I thought you would have mentioned the Muk Luk Boots. I was stationed in Alaska for a year at a remote Air Force Radar site NW of Fairbanks back in the early 60's. Part of our Arctic clothing gear that we wore when outside was the Muk Luk Boots with the Wool inner liners and wool socks. As I remember they did an excellent job of keeping my feet warm in sub zero weather. We also did the layered clothing thing. The outer jacket was an Air Force issue Arctic Parka then layers of other wool clothing underneath it.

[@Chris-in-ky-ky4ckp]

Great info as usual! Just a heads up for people who may have wool allergies Alpaca is generally considered better than wool to keep you warm and is also considered hypo-allergenic. But, alas, it is even more expensive than wool due to very low production rates.

[@mrequi1]

The cheapest alcohol stove can be made with a metal coffee can, a roll or two of toilet paper (or dry sand) and .99 a pint rubbing alcohol (don't buy the dollar stores 50% stuff, go for the 99%. A pint will burn at full force for about 4 hours, which could heat a van for days. It's so hot, you can only burn a few minutes at a time.

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Bob. Yeah you can't beat wool for keeping feet dry and warm. Or warm when wet as you say. I found a couple wool sweaters at thrift shops. 3 bucks each. Just put on a thin under layer if wool makes you itch as it does me. Sheepskin lined boots keep feet just right too.😁 also thrift shop finds.

[@annettefournier9655]

@@Jj-gi2uv Scotts should know about damp cold for sure. 😉

[@realname499]

@@majesticbutterfly laundry.

[@57bebe]

I look for wool every thrift shop visit. I’ve acquired 4 wool blankets, several base layer pieces, a couple pairs of wool pants, a hooded cape and even an Ibex wool lined jacket. Scores for sure!

[@thetwowheellifeplus4065]

Get warm, be a snowbird. I love it. Turn the key and drive away. Best advice ever!!

[@sandragraham4905]

Great tips ! I live in a cold area of Canada and dress accordingly. Downfill is my best friend in winter ! Alot of people aren't aware that to get maximum warmth from downfill you must read the label of the down product to see what down value is in it . Alot of downfill products have feathers and down . The more down or 100% down will keep you much warmer , the same goes for duvets. The smaller the pockets of down the more warmth value . Aslo you can wash down garment in cold water with NO soap just water ! Down is the under layer of the bird which has the warmth value , the feathers are just a shield . The down has a natural oil that keeps it waterpoof as well as hold body heat in. Detergent willl wash the oill off and decrease the downs warm. To dry down the best way is to dry in dryer on high heat with tennis balls or the best way is clean running shoes to punch the down around to get all the down dry . Make sure it is dry all the way threw !!! Also for foot ware Baffin is the very best for minus temps! I have found that boot insoles with reflective boot liners are by far the warmest especially for ice fishing !

[@mccallbecca]

Thank you for the info. I’ve been wondering how to wash down filled items. Helpful!

[@jimrodda]

Hi Bob, I think people should look into motorcycle thermals, they are designed against wind, mine fit like a leotard, very tight but very warm, just an alternative 😁

[@aspiecelia1]

Or snowmachine gear.

[@jimrodda]

@@aspiecelia1 hi, snowmachine gear? Is this for skier's? If so it could be more expensive, but a great alternative ⛷

[@stanleythomas8457]

@@jimrodda ...for snowmobile riders

[@aspiecelia1]

@@jimrodda Snowmachine gear is for riding in cold, windy situations and then the moving snow mobile makes it way colder. Some is expensive. Thrift stores may have some warmer jackets. I recommend all clothing from a thrift store be placed in a sealed plastic bag, washed and most important placed in a drier to kill potential bed bugs before placing in a vehicle or home.

[@aspiecelia1]

Also outside work gear designed for construction workers may be easy to find in thrift stores, etc.

[@eeverett2]

Regarding BO, I find that hand sanitizer really neutralizes BO. It works instantly. Whether we are talking about arm pit odor or foot odor, it really works.

[@LinnHamilton1987]

Hey good to know! Thank you for sharing this tip.

[@bustershaw9230]

Another great video.

[@melindasykes6704]

Any garment made from animal fiber (hair) will always be the best choice to keep warm. If you can find wool, mohair, merino, angora, cashmere, especially wool and goat fiber where the natural oils haven't be removed or if the oil has been replaced, it makes for a natural waterproofing for anything made from the animal's fiber. Just thought I'd share. I learned this when I was looking into spinning animal fiber for yarn. Still may do that when I can obtain a good spinning wheel.

[@angelsmurfwingss.5368]

This is so funny to me.. I live in Chicago and we deal the temps below zero, & the wind BURNS you ... Yeah it's so bad here..

[@karinjoseph2823]

Hey Bob. I out ran the polar vortex by 2 days going from Wisconsin to Florida. It pays to watch the weather which I hardly ever did before deciding to travel in a van. I drive at night when it is coldest and sleep when it is warmest in the winter and do the reverse in summer. Still scared of propane but I will use it to prewar when I am getting bedded down.

[@annag467]

wowwww okay i didn't know any of this. THANK YOU! - Los Angeles, CA

[@rebeccagibson1196]

Excellent advise for generally keeping warm even if your living in a home in the northeast or Midwest 👍👋

[@Itsisawnotiseen]

Another great video by the man we all know and love! Bob!

[@wolfdogma6746]

You’re a good man Bob 👍🏻❤️

[@wolfdogma6746]

And those sox are my most favorite in the universe ✌🏻😄

[@aspitofmud6257]

Thanks again Bob.😊

[@phonemd1]

Hi Bob, I have that same coat, bought it at the colombia store in Bend, and I can tell you that reflective interior really works!

[@firstgoinpostal]

Sleeping bags can be had cheap on EBay/Amazon($8-$10). Hang them like curtains over the windows/walls.

[@LinnHamilton1987]

Great tip, thanks!!

[@forestanderson3267]

one big thing that you didn't mention is to use a fan to push air to the floor it doesn't take a big one mount the fan up high and point it at the floor this works in just about all RVs and will increase your heater efficienty greatly I currently live in a 18 ft prowler travel trailer it isn't insulated well and I stay plenty warm even the floor is nice I learned this trick years ago when I lived in my camper in Jackson Hole Wy. and it was 25 below outside but with just a small heater like the Mr Buddy set on low it kept it at around 60 to 70 in the truck camper I had

[@xunil76]

even though it's not the cheapest option out there, there is a solution to the condensation building up between your insulation and the outside wall: spray-on insulation. that stuff will adhere directly to the sheet metal so there is zero air gap, which will stop the buildup of condensation. now, you do have to find something to do with all that moisture now, because it still has to go somewhere, but a good vent fan should take care of most of it...preferably down low (heat rises, cold falls), so it's not sucking out all your warm air. also, having a vent down low will take care of any carbon monoxide that will accumulate down low as well.

[@RobJuni]

I truly hate the cold weather. As someone who worked outside my entire life, cold was always the worst. Keys to staying warm were blocking wind. Goretex golf pants work great. I have a similar jacket, and some Underarmour tight shirts that work great. But nothing, yes nothing, can keep my feet warm. I've tried it all, heavy Sorel boots, wool socks, etc....still gets cold.

[@cruisepaige]

I have those same Smartwool Socks! It IS expensive so I learned how to knit so I could make my own.

[@renee4495]

Yes! The reflective really works. I have a Columbia coat that has no down or insulation in it at all, but the whole lining is reflective. I used it in the Northern part of North Dakota in December. It kept me extremely warm. I still have it in Utah, but it’s too warm. I use it as a travel pillow. :-)

[@renee4495]

The reflective is called Omni Heat. It works.

[@lboogiegaable]

Thank you Bob. You are appreciated.

[@SaintTrinianz]

Wish it was that easy. I have a van payment to meet and the van build has been a virtual money pit. I had to pull the insulation down from my ceiling around Thanksgiving due to condensation and a stubborn leak around my MaxxAir. Temperatures quickly dropped to a point too cold for adhesives. For this reason, I couldn't use my Wave 6. I suffer from mold toxicity so can't risk moisture damage from excess condensation. Have been sleeping well in then van to about 5 degrees, which is exactly what my Kelty bag is rated for. My hammock is a toasty nest of down sleeping bags and fluffy blankets but it's too cold to do anything but sleep in the van. When it comes to subzero temps, I have to sleep in my office where I have insomnia, fatigue and chronic pain. None of this happens when I sleep in my van. I am a licensed massage therapist with a thriving medical massage practice (neuromuscular release of neck, shoulders, lower back, hips and feet) Wish I could figure out how to do this on the fly. Need to build a circuit somehow I suppose. My battery bank should arrive in March so I have hope for spring progress. Thanks for the many tips and encouragement, Bob!

[@BarbinAZ]

Best warm and clingy bottoms are equestrian breeches. They make them in polar fleece for winter riding. Go to a used tack store that carries English tack. You will find piles of breeches from almost new looking to totally trashed and super cheap. When its the bottom layer who cares.

[@mhend235]

Thanks Bob, you are such wealth of wisdom.

[@rebeccatreeseed410]

I lived in Alaska in the late sixties, I used battery operated items. A mylar sheet under your bedding will keep you warm. About $2 each. Mine lasts all winter, 3 months. l also have a down mattress and blanket. I loved my down jacket in Alaska, and wool ski knit sweaters made by mom. Under that a nylon knitted top. Layers are good. We got down to 0 degrees F with high winds this year. I will buff up my winter wear. I knitted a long two strand poncho with a hood, just finished! I can toss it over anything, and it is nice for sitting around in the evening. I have wool, which will become another poncho.

[@mkgg9637]

A solution for having dry heat avoiding moisture being pumped into into your living space would be to get a vented propane heater that vents all the exhaust and moisture out. These are usually several hundred dollars more than catalytic heaters. There 2 makes of vented heaters i am aware of. On that is bigger and half thr price : suburban its called i think. The other more compact. And twice the price of the suburban is the propex.

[@branchsnapper2228]

Not a second too soon, the snow just started here in the UK, thanks Bob

[@heidi1224]

Wow...Parker, AZ...I worked there at the hospital lab in the summer of 2005. I stayed at the rv park right by the casino. I absolutely hated it. Im from Minnesota, and I moved to MN from KY because I got tired of being hot all the time. By the time it started getting cooler, I was SO ready to go home. I was working as a traveling tech, and I was there for July, August, and September. I heard it is nice in the winter and spring. Thx for all the good tips! I can use them at home in MN. Happy Trails!

[@georgeburke7215]

I have a carhartt jacket for cold weather. I used to ride a motorcycle It would get down in the mid 20 s in the winter. I would wear that coat with just a T-shirt under it when riding my bike and I never got cold. Carhartt is the way to go. I paid 70 dollars for it and have had it for over 7 years and you can barely see that it has been worn

[@lagunn327]

I enjoyed this video, more important it was also very informative! Thank you

[@Jolly.Mermaid]

I have a sleeping bag that is warm up to -15 below. It's warm inside it. My heat went off and it was -11 I stayed warm!

[@goldsteinist]

I know it’s kinda late answer/question but could you share the brand name please? I’m living in Scandinavia and building my own caravan (campingvogn på dansk) Im sure I would prefer to listen to advices here rather than the mountain shops where they are only interested to sell their most expensive items..

[@paulericson6871]

My solution to condensation in my 95 nissan king cab 4x4 is to crack 2 windows parallel to each other at all times. I arrainge wool blankets in strategic places throughout vehicle especially over dashboard. When frozen water develops in side i chip it away before thawing occurs and simply sweep ice out. Then when i start the day i open vehicle both doors while i breakfast etc...

[@maribethspence9458]

I've never camped in the dead of winter before, but when my youngest son was in the Boy Scouts I was sometimes asked to chaperon a camp out in October...which in Iowa can sometimes feel like the dead of winter, especially at night. So a lot of this I did know, I did not know that about cotton though. And my youngest son and I are actually allergic to polyester...i'm not as much as he is and can wear it for awhile. Usually we need a layer of something between us and it though. And sometimes a blend of poly and cotton doesn't seem to bother our skin as much as straight poly.

[@theacase8738]

Worth looking into: during ww2, the Russians stayed warmer than the Germans in the harsh cold. Germans wore wool. Russians wore cotton. In extreme cold, there is little moisture. Also contributing to the matter for the Germans was that they wore metal helmets. This, conducting heat (loss).

[@jamilikins5185]

Im watching your video tonight while youre talking about cold...youve got it down for sure..i live in anchorage now for 9 years..buf uve lived further north where it gets even colder and also grew up in juneau where its mych more wet...and cold..you know how to do it...irs -20 right now..71 degrees where you are right now sounds pretty. Nice too..fun listening to you..i like your chanel..thanks..

[@LindaWolfe20]

I like your video very good advice.. In the cold I don't want finger less gloves just not my cup of tea...I have a pair of black jogging paints that are so warm wool.. I hope they never wear out.. had them at least 10 years now but only wear them in extreme cold. Happy Trails!!!

[@tyson1fan487]

Yes it's -45 with the windchill here in Michigan -17 before it

[@onelove2909]

When living off grid , insulation is essential. A good home stone built rocket or cast iron wood burning stove is invaluable as is wool.

[@zanesutherland406]

I sleep with 1-2 wool blankets. Shop around at thrift stores, garage sales, auctions. Same if you are looking for wool sweaters and pants. I have an old woolrich one that I really like, as well as a wool lined Carhartt that really work well.

[@ferky123]

I would also say some kind of outer layer that's windproof so the wind flows around your legs instead of through your pants.

[@ameliaraymond9672]

Yep I'm heading from northern California after Christmas to seek warmth! Gotta do the holidays but meantime I'm watching you closely for these miserable cold tips! I guess I'm not cut out for even 45° let alone subzero temps!

[@ReflectedMiles]

Carharrt _insulated_ coveralls if you're having to be outside or in an unheated / minimally heated space in bitter temperatures. They can make all the difference.

[@Jamcam99]

Good advice Bob on the differences between materials.

[@Chiefkahuna2]

What a great source of information.

[@koekjeerbij1181]

To warm up the body from inside, eat raw garlic, within the hour your body heats up, they used it when working outside and eat garlic before to keep warm. I eat almost all cold food keto lots of fat (and no heatingsystem in my house) and put in garlic everytime, it works wonders.

[@michaelchiesa6142]

Very useful info about insulation, especially for a place like tropical/sub tropical Queensland Australia... Apparently it nearly got down to about 20c/70f last night... Yes the winters here can be brutal, I'm especially concerned about having a coconut fall out of a palmtree onto my head, though that would save me the cost of a lobotomy, an essential prerequisite in order to relate to the less intellectually gifted members of society here in northern Australia... To paraphrase the writers of the Monty Python movie 'The Life of Brian', while the Roman's were nailing "Brian/Jesus and co" to their crosses; a spontaneous chorus of 'Always Look On Bright Side Of Life...'