Cowboy Camping off a Horse - Limited Gear, Horse Picketing, Axe & Knife Work, Backcountry Bushcraft

I finally get out into the local Chilcotin backcountry for my long awaited solo horse camping trip. After a few hours ride on one of our horses, Sandy, I finally arrived at my camping location chosen for this trip over a year ago - a large meadow with a creek running through it providing feed and water for the horse, and in the middle, a small island of poplar, pine, and spruce, which is where I set up my cowboy camp for the night. While at camp, I made the most of the limited amount of gear I was able to bring without overloading my saddle horse. I built a bed using my saddle pad and blanket, cleared the area with my axe to make room for a fire-pit, built a quick fire with my lighter, cut and set a picket stake for Sandy in the meadow, did some camp cooking of venison and egg shell coffee, did lots of axe work bucking wood for the night, and more. Although the night stayed barely above freezing, as you can imagine I was still cold as hell, resulting in pretty much no sleep - but that aside, the trip went better than expected, and I can't wait to get out on the next one.
Enjoy the new video and keep an eye out for more content coming soon.
Nicholas
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Social Media:
/ wituikbws
#wituikbws #horsecamping
I see nearly all comments on my channel, so feel free to leave a comment with some feedback, questions, suggestions, or anything else you can think of!

[@wituikbws]

Enjoy the new video! This was a fun one to film, but definitely exhausting due to the lack of sleep. Next up is a return to my Camp Deadhorse building series, so keep an eye out for that in two weeks! Leave a comment with some feedback, and don't forget to like if you enjoyed. Thanks for watching! - Nicholas

[@trakyboy5128]

Yes!! Actually I was surprised to see there was no snow on the ground or that the grass, the tops of the grass wasn't completely like frozen or heavily frosted over. Still, a good adventure none the less !! 👍🏽👍🏽

[@wituikbws]

Thankfully not! The night before was -2C if I remember correctly, but this night just happened to stay above freezing 👍

[@liamdawson5629]

Ooo oo😅

[@neinsager3236]

This is my dream. If I had enough money, no need to work, I would live like that every day.

[@peterkunka2694]

Man, oh man, this is awesome cowboy camping. I'm in Arizona, and can just imagine a hundred years ago how a cowboy would wander through and set up camp like in this video. Beautiful perspective from horseback. For food, I'd add beans with the venison (steak), and the eggshells would go in the campfire after a big breakfast... I'd add a little cold water to a boiling pot of coffee to make the coffee grounds sink so they wouldn't pour into my cup. Good stuff, and can't wait for more. Cheers! Pete - KI7LIL

[@Johnnyreengo]

Try tapping the pot instead

[@SlowRiderDucati]

I'm going to use these ideas to go Cowboy camping my way across America on my motorcycle. The mighty Ducati Diavel V4. 😅 I'm strapping all my gear on my steel horse and hitting the road as soon as the snow melts.

[@OutdoorswThatGuy]

Cool 😎

[@johnyosores4022]

I love this style of camping, classical.

[@johnmackinnon1026]

That British Columbia back country is just magical...Great video.

[@hotshot8944]

Wow it's look like a movie or red dead redemption ! A fan from Iraq 🇮🇶✨😎🤘🏻

[@wituikbws]

I was waiting for a Red Dead comment, that was quick 🤣

[@joseph401]

That is a lot of hard camera work off a horse. Thanks for sharing

[@wituikbws]

Lots of up and down, not bad with a patient horse though! Thanks for watching

[@thomasdeshotels8673]

What a well put together video it’s nice and peaceful

[@wituikbws]

Thanks!

[@thomasdeshotels8673]

@@wituikbws make more videos though😂

[@vagus1299]

It's a great trip. I envy you.

[@TB_559]

Amazing

[@ivantavares2524]

Awesome video! Videos like this justifies my decision to cancel cable and all other sources of mainstream content. Independent creators is real “television” now! Great video!!! 👍

[@wituikbws]

Thanks!

[@OutdoorswThatGuy]

So true , nothing good on TV anymore

[@SMC84601]

''This is my style of camping'' (Awesome Video)✌

[@mattjanzen86]

Looks like that was a nice outing. I enjoyed watching it while eating my breakfast. Thanks for sharing!

[@IrishJoesJourney-jn1fz]

Outstanding👌👌 Very jealous of the huge amount of space you have over there. Loved it Thanks

[@S.A.L.E1717]

relaxing for watching. You did make great video, it is nice to see again, how was before, old west cowboy life with old friend horse and often with dogs

[@DeathsLeprosy]

very underrated channel, keep up the good work!

[@herbsmith6871]

That is living my friend! Very nice 🤠

[@wituikbws]

It sure is!

[@villain1409]

Very nice!

[@wituikbws]

Thanks!

[@pawelduda4168]

Super film! Szukałem długo takiego filmu bushcraftu z koniem Pozdrawiam z Polski👍

[@damianocelli1483]

Please!! Do another cowboy camping with your horse! Greetings from italy!

[@ferdiemontenegro5436]

8:10, woah, I was not expecting that 😯 I can barely move an old tree stump in the backyard 🪓

[@virgilchristopherson3626]

This is what real camping is all about !, I enjoyed this video. You have great camera work. Drounding the fire with water and stirring the ashes good idea, don't want Smokey the Bear after you. I would have brought a blanket for sleeping, but you don't need to bring extra things to weigh you down. Fantastic job !!

[@seewaage]

Cool hat!

[@danbentsen]

My Great grandad worked as a drover from Idaho- Montana- Utah & as far south south as Arizona w/cattle & horses. He walked as a kid up applegate trail & settled w/his family near Cottage Grove, OR. When he was headed home from the south He would draw his pay from bank in Yreaka, Calif in gold coin, he had to be very careful from there home, esp Medford, Grants- Pass. You make a good watch. Looks like you packed very eficantly for your trip. Thanks for your vid

[@BCVS777]

I can’t imagine how much legwork is involved in filming when you are alone! Enjoyed the video!

[@wituikbws]

Lots of up and down when it's done off a horse 🤣

[@ScottRauber]

Loving every second of your vids!!! Thank you sooooooooooo much!!!

[@OUTDOORCRIB]

Very cool cinematics just like watching a movie.

[@wituikbws]

Thanks!

[@Detsteve]

Love the work with the horse. What a well-mannered lady! This made me smile. Thanks!

[@wituikbws]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Vendeevictores]

I thoroughly enjoyed this! Well done all around. Glad I found this channel.

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

Loved it, I got my fence up and wire run got to get two gates and I'll be ready to get the wife and I a horse a peice.

[@wituikbws]

Awesome! Get some good ones!

[@tobiasball5225]

Another winner.

[@Archie144]

I stumbled across your video…. this is exactly what I want to do someday, excellent video also so much better without annoying music playing, just natural sounds great job 👌👍

[@terry5935]

I just suscribed

[@alexdetrojan4534]

Man, I really enjoyed this video. So iconic. Thanks.

[@wituikbws]

Glad to hear it! More coming soon

[@margaretgood580]

Just found your channel and subscribed, cowboy camping love it.. very similar to our Swagman camping in the outback of Australia.. No tent, no tarp, no sleeping bag, just in the open under the stars in front of a big campfire.. very enjoyable video.. stay safe out there.. happy camping 🏕🐴😊

[@mathewweeks9069]

Your awesome be safe out there

[@dogdieonce]

It's my dream life...

[@Jeff-hp3vn]

This is a top of the line video. Keep up the good work. This is how I live and I'm glad I'm not alone I do this with 8 children and a wife.

[@wituikbws]

Thank you! Seems like this lifestyle is a dying art now, especially around here. Glad you're passing it on 👊

[@Jeff-hp3vn]

@@wituikbws there area rare breed of people. Not many around anymore. I teach my kids hunting fishing trapping and archery. All of my kids can take care of themselves and the animals. I don't really know any better I was raised this way. Never had much all we have is eachother.i can't believe it is commong pass the year 2022 and I know we are all not promised tomarrow so I try to teach them.....

[@SusieLovesJesus]

@@Jeff-hp3vn Amen brother... Excellent 👍🏻🤠

[@ellafields9424]

8 children - what a brave soul but a very wholesome lifestyle. Almost unheard of these days. Its got to be a tough life but must be so peaceful. I was farm raised and that was tough enough but we did not see it that way back then. Still love the country life.

[@lr5425]

It would be nice to see more of this on horseback.

[@wituikbws]

More to come, next video has three horses in it!

[@jessesumrall2449]

Very good video. Also it was nice to see you take care of your horse first and also thanks that there wasn’t music blaring like most videos have. The sounds of silence was very nice. I will subscribe.

[@projababu1983]

Great👍 Love to watch that kind of calm and cool videos. 🙏 from India

[@wituikbws]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@USNAVDC]

Great video! I almost felt like I was there...

[@wituikbws]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🤠

[@USNAVDC]

@@wituikbws Lots of work went into the camera work on that video....besides all the cowboy work. Great job!

[@wituikbws]

Thanks!!

[@tracykooken2606]

eggcellent camp !!!! worked well 4 both of u !!!!!! I'm sure Sandy was happy to get her warmed blanket back 8) Really a minimalist trip... no cowboy roll !! Which is the first expierence a kid "gets" to do is cut his own size of canvas and wax it. there's plenty of wool blankets in the tackrm to pick from .... sadly we no longer have the horsesor propety. grandfather went and so did the good old days pack n saddle..but alot was pickup from gramps !!!! rules of guns b4 we could hit puberty !!! animal husbandtry, camp does n don'ts etc !! THIS brirngs great memories !!! thanks Nicholas 8) DAD was a military man and there was ALOT of travel and with out grams or gramps to spend summers & even winter with it wasn't guna happen . BUT, ya learn alot as a mil brat also !! 8) sure c alot of country/iesn. You r a blessed man Nickolas !!! even tho life has her NASTY curve balls, look at ur blessings !!!!! a awesome chunk of Gods country right there for u 2 enjoy and make wise use of .... so gorgeouse up there . my sissters n i grew up as wee ones in the deserts. hey, i missed Naomi !!!!! our dogs ALWAYS travelled w the horses no matter what. She sure a good looking dog and Sandy a fine horse but alot older than Naomi. wich is good cuz young dogs need a confident,calm horse. ( expesially when more than a days ride from truck n trailer ! ) ATB my northern amigo !!!! great vid ( of course )

[@wituikbws]

I had no room for one unfortunately! I was working within the "20% of the horse's weight on their back" rule, so I was pretty much at my limit once I got the axe and rifle on there. A bedroll was just too heavy on this trip, but in the future I'm sure I'll figure some way out to bring one. I'm glad this video brought back some good memories! Thanks for watching!

[@artur-bushcraftandwildnature]

Hello, my friend! you have a strong horse! Your forests are beautiful and gloomy! be careful, good luck!!!🔥🔥🔥

[@szeryf7983]

Bardzo ładnie dziękuję za wspólną przygodę super pozdrawiam serdecznie 🤗👍👏💪🐺🐾🏞️🥇☕🍰💚

[@jameswatson7136]

Have to get out my copy of Three against the wilderness. Always enjoy your videos.

[@wituikbws]

So do I! I haven't read it for awhile 😁

[@deriandoody2426]

That's a nifty lighter you got there. Cool video, very well done. Earned a sub and a like

[@wituikbws]

Thanks for the sub!

[@antoniocarlosjr.4669]

Excelente video. Um bom acampamento de cowboy. Videos assim fazem falta no KZbin. Ótimo trabalho. 👍🇧🇷

[@SusieLovesJesus]

Thanks for the relaxing trip Nicholas 😊 This was my kind of an outing... Puts me completely at ease. Absolutely loved the horse, Sandy is it? And I definitely would've brought the dog (Naomi?). She'd always be my constant companion 🥰 But I really enjoy your videos brother. The old tried & true ways are the best ways in my humble opinion 🤠 Can't wait for the next adventure you have planned in our Almighty LORD GOD'S beautiful back country 🙏🏼 Happy trails 🌿

[@BrettVaughnB100]

Nice ... I do this often but just a little further south lol oh and I had to edit .. on a mule

[@wituikbws]

No one uses mules up here! It's quite surprising considering the terrain and what horses like this one are used for which is packing/riding in the mountains. Cool channel by the way!

[@ellafields9424]

@@wituikbws don't they still use mules in Jasper Banff.?

[@wituikbws]

@@ellafields9424 I'm sure people still use them all across British Columbia, but haven't heard/seen anyone using them in the Chilcotin which is where I'm from

[@280919811]

Real cowboy

[@claire_A-T]

I remember a western movie where the Indian says to the white man that his fire was unnecessarily big and a waste of wood and it still holds true today!

[@wituikbws]

Wasn't near big enough actually. I was out there without any sleeping gear with the temperature barely above freezing. Would've been best to make a long log fire

[@kiwi_comanche]

As good as it gets. Great video brother!!

[@wituikbws]

Thanks man!!

[@OutdoorswThatGuy]

I think it went somewhat like this ~~ ₩hite man make big fire sit far away ... Injun make small fire sit close ~~😂

[@gerrycoleman7290]

If the horse is properly prepared, tying a loop around the lower leg when picketing works very well.

[@jdsunshinefarms119]

I liked this and subed the channel. Used to love to do this when I was younger.

[@patriciawituik7728]

So good to see another one of your awesome videos Nicholas. We are looking forward to seeing more of your amazing work. Love the shots of the morning skies, so beautiful!

[@wituikbws]

Thank you! ❤

[@grsfdghwrsfrhrwtgrefguiwhe6622]

Thanks for all the beautiful cinematic shots, must've been a hassle with getting off&on the horse so much to set up cameras!

[@wituikbws]

It wasn't so bad actually! When I would get off I'd take 2 or 3 shots in the same area so it was worth the time 👍

[@kevendrover2442]

Just found your channel great Content. Haven't tried the horse camping yet where i live in Newfoundland be afraid someone would shoot me for a moose. Lol stay safe

[@wituikbws]

Welcome to the channel! I worry about the same thing out here 😆

[@EatCarbs]

Beautiful horse. Love the area as well. Thanks for the video

[@wituikbws]

Thanks for watching!

[@guemesferrytrail2380]

Wow, this is the video i've been looking for; solo with horse. Wonder how you trained Sandy not to get tangled up in the line overnight? And how you did all that work without gloves on, just tough i guess. Look forward to more with horse camps.

[@wituikbws]

I didn't do any of the training for Sandy, that was done by the local rancher/mountain packers (the professtionals) that she was bought from. I just get to enjoy all their hardwork with no wrecks or other bs (for now, looking to get a much younger horse) 🤣 There will be a lot more to come soon!

[@trakyboy5128]

Hey Nicholas I'm sorry that I'm laughing so hard at you because you chose not to take a swag roll or a cowboy roll with you to sleep in !! that's hysterical,, laying on top of the ground I'm surprised you didn't make what's called a long fire ,, which I have NO doubt you know what I'm talking about,. To keep the whole body from head to toe warm but anyway that part was funny !!!! 😂 but I'm sure the horse Sandy appreciated the nice warm blanket in the morning LOL.

[@wituikbws]

I would've brought one if I had a packhorse, but with all the other gear I had on my saddle, it was just too heavy and bulky to bring along. In future videos, I'll likely have to pack in gear to camp off camera over the course of a few rides, unless I somehow get another horse to pack. Either way, it's getting into -20C at night, so roughing it like this really isn't an option anymore 😆

[@waynemcmillan5970]

Nicholas, Have you ever encountered Sasquatch camping out?

[@javiergimenez9621]

I was waiting for this one, great content as always

[@wituikbws]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@林恩逸-p6q]

謝謝你🙏

[@CarharttCowboy]

I live your cowboy camping vids the most. Why picket your horse rather than hobble it?

[@wituikbws]

Glad you enjoy them! Since there was only one horse on this trip, there is a pretty good chance she would leave for home in the middle of the night. She can pretty much run in hobbles if she wants too 😆

[@brancobill2796]

Parabéns pelo vídeo companheiro!!! Ficou o autêntico cowboy americano 👍adicione o cantil de madeira redondo na sela ! Top demais seus vídeos 🇧🇷

[@wituikbws]

Obrigada!

[@kimcheval1]

C’est vraiment très très beau! Méchante job à filmer tout seul 🙏 c’était où? Moi du Québec

[@pawelduda4168]

❤

[@viniciusalves1466]

great camping and thks for sharing....just wondering how old is Sandy?

[@wituikbws]

We were told she was around 13, but it turns out she is in her early twenties. She definitely hasn't slowed down though which is nice

[@motorsports1133]

❤️🌹🌹From egipt 🇪🇬

[@morkoblooper7991]

I would love to do stuff like this ssooo badly

[@BobAdventure]

Like my friend

[@wituikbws]

Thanks!

[@raymondsanchez808]

off topic brother, but i like the jeans you got on. what kind are they, if you don't mind me asking? awesome content!

[@wituikbws]

They're just good old cowboy cut Wranglers. Not the most comfortable since they dont have any stretch, but they last forever

[@michaelroth6273]

My son and I go cowboy camping a lot but we don’t travel as light as you. I was impressed and got some good ideas. I do prefer a saw to an ax though. I’m wondering what you do when it rains and how did you stay warm at the temps you were experiencing? I really enjoyed the video. Thanks.

[@wituikbws]

Glad you liked the video! I don't enjoy traveling as light as I did in this video, but with one horse and the added weight of camera gear (I carry it in a small backpack), it didn't leave me much room for extras. Since this video, I usually carry my slicker and a wool lined vest on my saddle for rain/warmth. The small gum blanket I used as a ground sheet can also double as a shelter if needed. In reality though, I didn't stay warm at all on this trip or any other time I camp off my horses without a pack horse. I call it cold camping now instead of cowboy camping 🤣

[@billr9319]

I enjoyed the video but something caught my eye when you were making coffee. I noticed the barrel of your rifle was not open on the end. Is the rifle just for show?

[@wituikbws]

I put electrical tape over the barrel to keep stuff out, especially for snow in winter. I rarely ever shoot it since .45-70 is so expensive so the tape stays on pretty much all year

[@alphakingkong993]

A beautifull video , Amazing content , next Time please don't forget to give your horse plenty of water and to Care for her first thing before even caring for yourself , no horse is suppose to stay without being able to graze or to drink for more than 40 minutes then the gas in their belly start to burn them , also be a bit more gentle while putting the saddle on, keep going tho you're doing Amazing

[@wituikbws]

There are reasons I do things the way I do which I have no interest in explaining in the comment section of KZbin, but thanks though 👍

[@ellafields9424]

@alpha Very curious Where the 40 minute rule / limit for horses graze n water came from. Most horses work or are on the trail 4+ hrs before a long break. Except watering @ streams as they cross. In 7 decades around all kinds / breeds of working horses thats news to me.

[@1952Obiwan]

Woonder what the eggshells are for in the coffee

[@wituikbws]

From what I read they help reduce the acidity of the coffee for a smoother taste, not sure the legitimacy of it though, I didn't notice a difference

[@DzidekTahoe]

🔥🔥🔥👍👍

[@petertrafford7677]

Great vid but can I suggest you get a saw

[@wituikbws]

I have one, they just aren't as useful to carry off a horse so I didn't bring it

[@andrewgorden1041]

Another great production. Always love your simplicity. What is the benefit to adding ground eggshells to your coffee? Keep up the good work.

[@wituikbws]

Looks like I forgot to reply to this? As far as I know, the eggshells help reduce the acidity in the coffee when they're boiled together 👍

[@joha7484]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@kennethspeering2922]

Where did you get your wagon? Truely enjoyed it and look forward to watching all your videos.

[@wituikbws]

Local horse, raised on the range and used as a packing/guest horse for an outfitter

[@happybidhan2.0]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@thebudgetingcowgirl4113]

What do you pack to feed the horse? Or just let it graze as you ride?

[@wituikbws]

My horses don't graze until their work is done for the day. I just picket them in some grass overnight like shown later in this video, but I will have to pack in some feed in winter for them if I'm out in the snow

[@AT-sf5bb]

This video was excellent. Quick question - where did you get that knife? I am looking for a stag handled camp knife and yours looks really good. Thank you!

[@wituikbws]

Custom design I made and had built by Mike Jones Knife & Tool

[@OutdoorswThatGuy]

​@@wituikbws and again lol ( the 🔪 )

[@johnzellers495]

I just found you today. I watched a couple of your videos. Very interesting. I'm curious why dont you ever talk in your videos?

[@wituikbws]

I've never felt the need to with my filming style. I usually just show what I think is worth showing

[@MichaelJArg]

No firearm, late at night Grizzly snacks Horse and rider.....Oh never mind there it is....

[@wituikbws]

Always carry one that time of year 👊

[@CaribGrackle]

really nice content, you've got yourself a subscriber! curious to know what what's the make and model of the bowie knife your using?

[@wituikbws]

Thanks, and welcome to the channel! The knife is a custom design I made and had built by Mike Jones Knife and Tool out of Quesnel, BC.

[@CaribGrackle]

@@wituikbws thanks!

[@OutdoorswThatGuy]

​@@wituikbws You sure get alot of that bout that 🔪 , ,

[@OutWithTheWildThings]

Where do I get an axe like that?!

[@squatchmercantile]

I absolutely love your channel. It's exactly what I wanted to see. I'm a woman, and I write about cowboy (girl) camping and survival. I hope to meet you on the trail one day and learn from you. Thank you for your vlog! I added you to my vlog list and hope you get some views and subscribers from it. Very cool. (Love your horse and would like to know more about him..)

[@ethanthurman3989]

What saddle are you riding with

[@sharonglett654]

Looks like fun, but I was concerned about your horse. It looks like she has or had an ill fitting saddle by the sores and wear on her withers, as well as a spot on her side in the cinch area. She has very high withers, she may need a better fit, that setup could be painful for her. 😢

[@wituikbws]

The spots you saw on her wither and cinch area where caused long before we got her. She was used as a pack horse for mountain trips her whole life, at some point she had a pretty bad fitting saddle and cinch as you can tell

[@OutdoorswThatGuy]

Good observation 👍

[@rafterL78]

Plus the tom thumb bit, aka jaw breaker.

[@chrismurnin722]

That coffee looked like it would raise the dead! 😂 What's the egg shell do? Or is it just an acquired taste?

[@wituikbws]

The egg shells (allegedly) reduce the acidity of the coffee. No idea if it actually does or not, but it taste pretty good! 👍

[@chrismurnin722]

@@wituikbws My grandpa left me a pot almost identical to the one you used. I'll defegive the shells a go.

[@hughgeorge1538]

Hi Nicholas. Nice video! Question...do you shoe your horse for your backcountry riding? Thanks, Hugh

[@wituikbws]

Hello, and thank you! I do get her shod but I don't do it myself. She usually has a full set or just her fronts

[@12xyzzy]

What axe is that you're using?

[@julieduree9210]

I use hobbles.

[@wituikbws]

I do too, but not for a single horse unless you want to walk home

[@Ironbark_Bushcraft]

What was the cup you used to drink your coffee out of?

[@wituikbws]

Not sure!

[@michaelredhorse8752]

No hobbles?

[@wituikbws]

Not on this trip, I picket off the halter