Ep 58 - How to Camp Cosy

[@MrZippoHead13468]

That's a cool story about Lauren's Gan Dads wind break. And thankyou Ben for the reminder of what episode 8 was about I remember it and don't have to go back to watch it again.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Mark. ~ Ben

[@jenniferkelly8913]

When we have a powered site, we use an electric blanket on our monstamat. Luxury!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

That's gotta be a glamping accessory I reckon Jennifer, not a silly idea though. ~ Ben

[@mirandacrossley2525]

We do the same, but use ours off grid just running of our battery box. You'd be surprised with how little power they consume! Definitely a game changer!

[@jenniferkelly8913]

@@mirandacrossley2525 that's good to know. We're in the process of setting up our solar system to enable us to go off grid.

[@fionaludbrook8193]

Great episode. My winter camping footwear. has been a game changer. A pair of Keen's boots bought in your clearance sale and rated to -30 insulation, and a pair of red slippers with a thick spongy sole, waterproof external quilted fabric and lined with a fleecy fabric. Like a puff coat for my feet indoors. No cold gets up into my feet with those on. Have learned the hard way, standing on cold concrete in minus temperatures in Ballarat, at the Observatory at night, was the first time I had chilled to the bone from the feet up. Had to go inside to escape the cold. Next time I had to stand outside on cold concrete, for 3 hours, I opted for gumboots with a sheepskin insole. That helped, but not very flash for the work I was doing with the public. I also have ski pants I put on. A puff coat for my legs, in essence. Long length heavy puff coat with a hood on top and I am set for truly cold weather outdoors. Merino thermals underneath at night and for sleeping of course!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for your insights, Fiona. ~ Ben

[@swagging_sisters]

🙌 Yes! To sheepskins and wool blankets. Op shop finds for kid's or cot sized wool blanket is perfect for your chair👌👌. And you can't go passed the good old hot water bottle with the mum-made fleecy covers behind your back and then for sleeping too. A snuggle-size dog is super in the swag😁🐾. And around camp, uggs.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for your tips and tricks, swagging sisters. ~ Ben

[@peterk671]

I take a hot water bottle (with a wool cover) when motocamping during winter. Also can be used under a jacket when sitting around

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Hot water bottles are a simple and reliable solution for sure, Peter. ~ Ben

[@fatmanoverlanding]

I too am a fan of the age old and simple hot water bottle/bladder. And when re-using/re-heating the same water for the following night(s), no water is wasted and it's ready for use again. 👍

[@fatmanoverlanding]

Condensation is another reason why having a suitably rated sleeping bag for the conditions you're camping at to keep warm, is better than heating the entire tent with heaters. This way you can slightly open the tent to let warm moist air out and have less condensation built-up overnight, and still keeping you warm inside the sleeping bag. A correctly rated sleeping bag goes a long way in keeping you comfy. And if you incl. a hot water bottle bladder inside, it's amazing how much warmer it will even be. So much so, I'm had to unzip my sleeping back on some occassions to cool down.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I agree with you, Fatman Overlanding, you can't beat a good sleeping bag for warmth, also keeps your setup simpler without the need to charge more batteries or carry extra gas not to mention the heater itself. ~ Ben

[@thelazyoverlander]

A VERY timely episode, cold weekend here in WA.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

It's pretty cold and miserable here is SA at the moment too. ~ Ben

[@avachristie8010]

Fingerless gloves all the way …. Totally agree 🙌🏼.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I've got to get some new ones this winter! ~ Lauren

[@paulebbage]

great ep.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks, Paul. ~ Ben

[@HammerRocks]

Besides the safety aspects of it, the main reason why I would never ever put hot coals under my camp chair, is because it goes against my ethos of "tread lightly" when camping & 4WDing. Hot coals under camp chairs is almost like campground vandalism. Leaving the campsite grounds with plenty of burn marks is not good in my books. Bad enough on unkept grounds, imagine if done on lush grassed grounds, it would leave it looking terrible. Hot coals should stay in firepits IMO. If really cold, just dress warmer and/or grab a suitable blanket.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Yeah, fair point, Hammer Rocks, if this is done it should be done with caution and consideration. Personally I also like to keep the coals in the fire. ~ Ben

[@fatmanoverlanding]

I agree with Lauren about fingerless gloves. I prefer them too. I even snow ski on fingerless gloves when it's not wet nor blizzard conditions. I guess I prefer to have better tactile feel when handling things. But I don't agree with her on hot coals under chairs. I've also heard the tip that Ben's friend shared. And I also feel so much warmer when I have a beanie on. Giving me an impresison that we lose a majority of heat through our heads. But I've read this thought is incorrect. The article read, we apparently lose heat evenly per square cm on any exposed parts of our body (irrespective if its our head or legs etc).

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I might have to try fingerless gloves on my next winter trip, Fatman Overlanding. Thanks for the info n heat loss, I think it's safe to assume that any exposed skin is a 'cold spot', and if we can cover that up then we will stay warmer. ~ Ben

[@tleej26]

Definitely gets cold down here at the bottom of the South Island of NZ. Big fan of using decent woollen blankets under then over good sleeping bags on stretchers. Good thermal tops and pants and other warm clothing are a must even in Summer here because the weather can suddenly turn very cold. Rain pants and gumboots too as it’s easier to stay dry than get dry. A spare wool hat under your pillow to sleep in if needed rather than wearing one that maybe quite damp from being outside in the cold. I also put thick furniture movers blankets on the tent floor which make a huge difference stopping the cold coming through🏕🇳🇿

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Your setup sound really cosy, TJ. ~ Ben

[@miraboi1]

14:30 yess was just wondering about that setup

[@SnowysOutdoors]

It looks pretty cool, super expensive though. Probably not a hard DIY job. ~ Ben

[@justjamie72]

Hey there, I’m really enjoying your channel and all the info is great! I’m wondering whether you have an episode on novice campers, like myself? At the tender age of 50, I’ve decided I want to set myself up for some local camping. I live in Brisbane, so I’ll be doing hinterland and coastal trips. I need information on what basics I need to get myself started. I’m looking at a Coleman Instant Up 4P Lighted Darkroom tent for starters. What advice would you give, for a quick getaway, say three nights? I’d love an episode covering the bare basics. Thanks heaps, looking forward to seeing more videos and helpful tips. Thanks very much

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We've recently had a discussion about creating content aimed purely at the bare basics, Jamie, we'll discuss it further and see what we can put together. If it comes to fruition it may be a while until such an episode is published though, so please feel free to reach out to us with any questions you have so we can help you get out there and enjoy the camping lifestyle soon. The instant up 4P is a great tent for all round camping. You'd also need something to sleep on, sleep in, sit on and at and something to cook with, along with some lighting. This would get you started, then as you camp you can add items that will enhance your style of camping. There's no point in buying all the fancy gadgets upfront, until you know you need or will use them. We do have a fair bit of information on our blog too, you can browse that info here - www.snowys.com.au/blog/. ~ Ben

[@justjamie72]

@@SnowysOutdoors thanks so much Ben! I’ll definitely check the blog out👍🏼

[@chadingerson6354]

Been using a diesel heater for almost a year and can't go back . Currently sitting in my oztent , tshirt on and 6degs outside in the Flinders.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We've heard good things about diesel heaters, Chad, something we are looking into. ~ Ben

[@Rohan-go4oo]

In Qld, end of Autumn, I would call it 'one dog' nights, my border collie is fluffy and clean. I guess in winter I may need the services of my blue heeler pup, if it is classified as a 'two dog' night.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Haha, I'm sure the dogs love it too, Rohan. ~ Ben

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

Hey, Lauren. What are those heat holder socks like that you mentioned? I get the coldest feet EVER, and finally solved it with Arcata Knit boots from Bogs (OMG, they’re so good) but I’ll be needing something for bed when we’re camping in our van (WE GOT A VAN!!!). If you reckon they’re good for your cold body, maybe they’ll be okay for me, too. I think nobody really understands how cold I can get, and I feel that going by what you’ve mentioned maybe you get as cold as I do.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I really like them, and have loads of pairs. I get Reynauds in my hands and feet, and these really help. I like the woollen blend ones, and its definitely good to put them on before you get cold. I find once my feet or hands start to get cold, it can take ages to bring them back up to normal body temp! ~ Lauren

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

@@SnowysOutdoors I’ll look them up. Thanks!

[@brentonpaterson7047]

Just ordered a pair of the reusable hand warmers. See how the kids like em.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Hope you got yourself some too, Brenton. ~ Ben

[@brentonpaterson7047]

@@SnowysOutdoors nah. I don't feel the cold that much. Plenty of blubber to keep me warm.

[@paulelliott682]

CAMP COSY : IS THAT A SUMMER CAMP OR A BAND CAMP ? LOL

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Haha, nice pick up, Paul, I hadn't read the title from that perspective. ~ Ben

[@mozeca83]

Heat loss thru head is circa 10%. Other body heat loss would depend on body size shape area body fat distribution, body position, blood pooling (e.g. Seated with legs and feet exposed wearing pluggers), alcohol 🍻

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks, mozeca83, seems the old 30% rule is a thing of the past. ~ Ben

[@mozeca83]

@@SnowysOutdoors if bald like me then it's accurate. 👍

[@BradGryphonn]

Cold? Yeah, I'm fine as long as it's above 23...C... It's been hovering between 12 and 19 here for a week and I'm rugged up. I'd be wearing gloves if I wasn't typing and working on electrical stuff.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Haha, I like the warm weather too, Brad, but it is only 14 degrees in Adelaide today and I'm still rocking the shorts. ~ Ben

[@BradGryphonn]

@@SnowysOutdoors bbrrrr

[@BradGryphonn]

That's my paradox. If I want to or need to move around and do stuff, I get claustrophobic in a jacket. I've found that if my lower half, especially my feet, are really warm, and I'm wearing a singlet, t-shirt and good jumper that I can pull up the sleeves of is okay when doing stuff. The jacket goes on after I've finished doing things. I have a pair of Wolverine boots that are really warm and waterproof. Oh, and two pairs of socks.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I prefer to keep my top half warm, Brad, but do feel restricted when doing too much in a jacket. Once I've stopped doing thing I like to put the layers on though, before I cool down too much. ~ Ben