First solo woodland camp. I thought i was alone…

My first solo woodland wild camp, started off very chilled. Found the perfect spot, which allowed me to have a camp fire and sit back and chill. When it got dark, things started getting weird. I tried to ignore it and carry on about my business, until the car horns kept blasting for ages. Then two voices in the woods very nearby heighten my senses and changed my relaxed mood. You just never know what’s lurking deep in the woods late at night. #hiking #outdoors #nature #wildcamping #camping #explore #solo #adventure #wilderness #campfire #edgy #dark #alone #campfire #bushcraft #camp #fire #wildlife #contentcreator #mentalhealth #woodland #woods #uk

[@wayne.s]

Hi rob, great video, first time viewer, you looked so chilled out by the fire with that tinny in ur hand, stay safe.

[@Rob.hikerman]

Thanks Wayne, appreciate it. Always chilled when there’s a tinny in hand matey. ATB

[@robshirewood5060]

Hi Rob just subscribed, good luck with your channel. I bought a packet of that pasta and just left it in the cupboard, forgot all about it, will have to cook it this weekend, your meal looked great. I do not know about your history or background, so i might be "preaching to the converted and wise" Always best when stealthy to reduce the profile as much as possible, no big fires and obvious lights, low profile meals, not too scented, i avoid curries etc, noise discipline, majority of kit in the rucksack, only necessities out, no bright colours, shelter easy to get down fast and stuff in the rucksack, sleep gear the same. It might seem insane but i approach it from a "military" type of thing even in civvy situations, having been bounced a few times in the past and got out quick. You probably already know that. Know where every bit of your kit is at all times and never leave anything that might be used as a weapon against you lying around, even if nearby, stealth and concealment. i always walk with a walking staff too great for crossing streams or obstacles or slippy terrain, and makes a great quarterstaff to fend off animals or a deterrent to errant "hoomans", good if you get injured too as a support. It does wonders for the state of mind too, as it means you are in control, and like my instructors told me many times "silence is golden, is favourite, stay in control and command of the situation, and you will be good to go". It is always wise to be a little afraid it sharpens the instincts, and to never get complacent. Always turn negatives into a positive lesson and use it. soloing whether military or civvy is a mind opening experience, and I found the solitude very beneficial after spending days working inside medical facilities. Stay safe, stay wise, stay healthy, and be lucky. ATB

[@evathibodeau8454]

Hola, from Virginia USA Stay safe & Healthy 😊

[@margiblackwell6811]

First time viewer here. Gave you a sub and wish you much luck! =)

[@Rob.hikerman]

@@margiblackwell6811 thanks a lot Margi 🙏🏻

[@alanrogers9589]

Great vid show how you put up tarp next vid 😎👍👍

[@Kev.B.4311]

Nice one Rob, I've camped for 50+ years, in some form or another, be it big or small tents, caravans, trailer tent, van & around the block again...!😄 But I only began wild camping / rucksacking in March 2022... My life as I knew it kind of went down the pan in November 2021 & I've struggled mentally & also physically since... Has been a hard time, so getting out in nature, just me & the dog now, helps free my mind for a short time...🙏 I mostly woodland camp & have been sprung by dog walkers on a few occasions now, but only because it was so nice that I stayed until late the next day...!😄 I don't think I'd light a fire in a place that I was unfamiliar with, but when I do have a woodland fire, I use a small steel slot together burner/mini fire pit thingy, with small bits of wood, which is easy to control, extinguish if necessary, is also easy to move it & leaves no mess to clear up other than a few ashes to dust off it...👍 I've gathered quite alot of kit over 2years & have learnt alot from using it all... Must have been quite unnerving to hear 2 people wandering about there in the dark...!😯🤔 But at least you survived the night...!🤣 Good luck with your next adventures & have subscribed...👊

[@Rob.hikerman]

Hey Kev, thanks for the comment. 50 years, that’s a wealth of experience and nights spent under the starts buddy. I’m new “ish” to woodland camping, I spent my first four years camping in the mountains. Albeit small mountains compared to the big ones around the whole. But it’s about using what you have and enjoying it, which I fully do. Take care of yourself my friend

[@debraculshaw7067]

Hi Rob, just discovered your channel, watched first video and subscribed.Really enjoyed it, liked your relaxed approach. I agree that men should talk more about how they feel, I am a woman and most of us don't shut up about how we feel lol But seriously, talking is good and can be incredibly beneficial. Think you were brave to stay knowing that people were so close, I subscribe to a lot of wild/outdoors campers and it is always their worst nightmare, strangers possibly with bad intentions. Even the ones who do all the paranormal investigations agree that it is people who put the fear of God into them, so be careful out there, especially when alone. All the best for the channel, everyone has to start somewhere and then grow, and a lot of people really love this sort of content so I am sure it will take off for you. All the very best Debbie in the North West of England.

[@Rob.hikerman]

Debbie, firstly..thank you for subbing me. More importantly, what a lovely comment and I’ve fully taken it onboard. One step and one day at a time 🙂. Thanks Debbie, glad you liked the video. I really try to keep it real and be myself. Take care

[@FXTrader247]

Be careful out there, no one knows what lurks in the darkness

[@johnhowe4221]

Got urself a new subscriber Rob..relaxing video..stay safe my friend.

[@Rob.hikerman]

Thanks a lot John 🙏🏻 You too buddy

[@elizabethmckenzie322]

Hi Rob enjoyed your video lovely dins you made glad all went well nice camp stay safe 😊❤

[@Rob.hikerman]

Thank you I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@NikkiEvernight]

Nice video mate ❤ and a decent canp. I was camping alone once under a tarp. I was woken by light. 2 torches moving over my tarp from 2 n people... I kept quiet and they moved off. Nervous though for a bit!

[@Rob.hikerman]

I can imagine the thoughts going through your mind at the time! Squeaky bum time! Cheers Nikki 🙏🏻

[@JaneManning-xe7js]

Well done 👏❤

[@Rob.hikerman]

Thank you, hope you enjoyed it

[@DavidWoods-of2ct]

Rob stay cool n sensible when faced with danger are you in uk

[@marekoybetchay]

what a good meal for camping maybe i can try to cook that too when i go camping solo

[@Rob.hikerman]

I just throw random things together and make a good feast of it. Kills time and help to relax and enjoy the camp

[@davidhudson7590]

Only the living can hurt you and they cant once there dead nice spot and camp too

[@Rob.hikerman]

Spot on there David and thanks

[@stanoliver8567]

Enjoyed your vid Rob ,pretty frightening on your own takes some metal .yeah hold the wood with another piece whilst chopping ,watch jimmy lundys vids .stay safe mate

[@Rob.hikerman]

Cheers buddy, glad you enjoyed the video. Yeah the darkness can play tricks on your mind. I’ll start putting the wood against other wood (which I’m doing right now 😂). Currently on a solo woodland camp. New content out Friday evening. Cheers again for the comment mate, take care

[@peteoutdoors5791]

Hi rob what did you think of your woodland and how far do you go in ?

[@DavidWoods-of2ct]

Rob if you ever hear voices say the Lord's prayer out loud their probably just local teen-agers screaming their head off

[@joanned9029]

I’m new to your channel I did enjoyed it must been a bit scary for you hearing them voices

[@Rob.hikerman]

Thanks for the comment Joanne 🙂. I’m quite a chilled guy, but it certainly did heighten my awareness, especially that late in the night. Maybe game hunters 🤷🏻‍♂️ hopefully no voices tonight when I return for another camp.

[@jeanneoconnor6630]

Totally agree, reading the Bible and praying is good therapy as well as being with nature, away from society. We all need a breathing space.

[@Rob.hikerman]

Yeah, getting away from the chaos for some serendipity and simplicity

[@kimmcglen-bull5661]

Enjoyed your video, Rob...there were a lot of orbs and lights, were you camping in a Fairy Fort...if the wood you were burning was hawthorn, you could have annoyed the fairies! There are ancient woodlands, we do not know what has gone before us. 😊😊😊

[@Rob.hikerman]

No fairy was harmed in the making of this video, next time I see orbs and lights…I’ll be sure to say hello and pay my respects. Glad you enjoyed the video 🙂

[@bridgeenmcaughey6401]

Well done, hopefully the 1st of many for you

[@Rob.hikerman]

Thank you 😊. Oh I’ve got a fully packed year of adventures planned. New video out tomorrow

[@Bluejay1968]

Plenty of kindling and one of those telescopic fire bellows makes it a easier lighting a fire. Personaly i prefer camping in woodland to anywhere else.

[@Rob.hikerman]

Mountains for views, woodlands for camping for sure! There’s just something about being surrounded by dense woodlands.

[@MegaSusanc]

Hello Rob, I'm a new subscriber, and to be honest, I almost didn't stay and watch the video and subscribe 😬 😳 But wait, it was only because I thought this was a silent film, were the person just doesn't talk at all and at the beginning 🤔 you didn't say anything, I thought, "Oh no" why? Lol, but you did start talking, and I was glad I stayed a little bit longer, hehe because it was awesome After you started talking. Tarp set up was pretty cool, and your dinner looked emm emm delicious 😋 just scrumptious 😋 It sounded like it got pretty scary at the end 😳 😬 how close do you think 🤔 the people were to your camp? Do you think they knew you were there? 🤔 I wonder if they would have messed with you if they did run into your camp yikes 😬 😳 Thank you for sharing your awesome adventures. You are a good man. You truly are. KEEP ADVENTURING GOD BLESS YOU! PS, I can't wait to see more of your videos.

[@Rob.hikerman]

Haha it probably made more than a few people click off, but I’m glad you stuck around and watched 🙌🏻. Thank you for subbing. New video out now. Thanks for the comment Susan 🙏🏻

[@sallyconway2493]

I would like a conversation over coffee with you. 😊

[@DerrickHikes]

Hatchet man strikes again! Great video Rob!

[@Rob.hikerman]

Hahaha thanks Derrick 🙌🏻. Back out on a solo tomorrow night 🤘🏻

[@baz111]

hi rob loved the vid now subscribed this is all new to me as just started this at 60yrs old trying to find woodland to camp in seems to be a mission

[@Rob.hikerman]

Thanks Baz for the sub and I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Living in the city, you’ve got to do some research or drive 20-30 miles out to find somewhere half decent.

[@juleesadventures7925]

Stop holding the log when you are chopping it hold it with a stick brilliant video first time I’ve seen you❤

[@Rob.hikerman]

I’ve had a lot of comments on holding the log when chopping. Noted and I’m still learning with the bushcraft skills. Tonight I used other logs to support the one I was chopping. Thanks for the advice 🙂

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Nice video 👍🙂

[@Rob.hikerman]

Thank you 🙂

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

@@Rob.hikerman 👍🙂

[@juleesadventures7925]

Rob more please

[@The_Versatile_Camper]

Congrats Rob on your first solo wild camp.... I enjoyed it, and watched all the way through 😊 Well done for standing your ground and not bolting it. I'm doing my first tarp wild camp this week and yes it's a solo 😂🫣

[@Rob.hikerman]

Thanks a lot mate. It’s funny how safe you feel in a tent, but when you have a tarp, you feel a little more exposed 😂. Is this the roundabout challenge you’re doing with your brother? Look forward to it haha. Thanks for watching and commenting as always Danny 🙏🏻. Have a great day dude

[@The_Versatile_Camper]

@Rob.hikerman not a roundabout challenge, but it is the first video of the challenge, he started it and challenged me 😆

[@Rob.hikerman]

Look forward to the video and the challenges 😂 may the best man win 🤣

[@The_Versatile_Camper]

@@Rob.hikerman cheers 👍

[@grahamwhiting924]

​@@Rob.hikermanI'm different, feel trapped and don't like the fact I can't see what's going on around me when in a tent tho feel ready for action and like the fact that I can see what's going on all around me when under a tarp. Don't get me started on hammocks, can't stand them 😂🤣 I just use my 3x3 meter camouflage tarp and I'm sticking with it. I have thermal binoculars for spotting weirdos trying to mess with me, great investment.

[@carol_ann_living.in.the.moment]

Great video Rob and well done for sticking it out, not sure id have been brave enough. Look forward to seeing more 😊

[@Rob.hikerman]

Thanks Carol 🙂. It’s the risks you take when solo camping in the woods 😂. I wasn’t going anywhere. I’m glad you enjoyed the video 🙌🏻

[@RobinLennon-zq6cw]

Rob the only thing that gets me through my mental is Jesus Christ and watching camping videos helps alot so please stay srong look to Jesus for all u need. Keep up the good work ill be watching all ur videos i promise. Love Robin Bordeau ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Rob.hikerman]

Thank you Robin

[@MegaSusanc]

Great comment GOD BLESS YOU

[@jacquesleconte8152]

Amen to that brother Jesus is the Real Deal and when you know you know. Bible fills you up it's amazing. Godbless

[@davebolan7282]

Never existed. Man made created bs. Keep your imaginary friends to yourself.

[@Ldnlenzadventures]

Nice one, the first one is always fun. Just found your channel, enjoyed the video

[@Rob.hikerman]

Thank you 🙏🏻. I’m glad you enjoyed the video 😊. Technically it’s my first solo in the forest, I’ve done a solo in the mountains. If I had to pick which I enjoyed more, I’d choose the forest. Where you don’t get the glorious views, you get nature at its very best. Glad you found the channel 🙂

[@Darenrizla]

Thanks Rob for sharing, we all carry our demons but at least your dealing with them, fair play for getting out there I’ve all the kit and still haven’t got out there I’m hoping to get out soon,I stumbled across your channel and subscribed , thanks mate for sharing I look forward to more

[@Rob.hikerman]

Firstly, thanks for the sub 🙌🏻. Secondly, thanks for the comment. Sharing is caring mate 👍🏻. New video coming out in the next few days

[@SteFortune]

Great stuff, I think once you do your first wold camp then you dont look back, new subscriber here 😊

[@Rob.hikerman]

Thanks for the sub and I appreciate the comment. I’ve solo camped in the mountains, just not woodlands. I’ve picked out another spot for a solo, so watch this space. Ps I’ve subbed back 👍🏻

[@SteFortune]

@@Rob.hikerman You are welcome and thanks for the sub, if you are looking for a good forest to camp, I always go to a forest in Northumberland called 'Harwood Forest' it's a great place to camp, me and my friends have started building a camp there

[@RobinLennon-zq6cw]

Rob i think ur doing a great job and i also think its good for mental health. I also am a thinker so i spend alot of time outside i feel it does me good. I would love to chat with you so i want you to know we can talk anytime you like. ❤❤❤❤

[@davidhudson7590]

Enjoyed your vid new sub talking will always help more than stewing in your own piss if was sombody about thel be as scared as you dont be put off buddy onwards and upwards dont wallow in past you cant change it but you can learn from most of lifes mistakes to make you a better person inside and out atb ,davey

[@Rob.hikerman]

Cheers Davey, and you’re absolutely right mate. Appreciate the sub and comments. Look forward not backwards 💪🏻

[@leemichel8199]

Know how you feel brother about your mental health ,its so hard to tell people how you feel ,sometimes you feel you have to be the strong one whilst bottling it in ,also believing no one else can understand you ,or they compare their lives to yours ,im here for you to brother if you just need to explode one day ,im a good listener ,great channel God bless you and your family and happy camping 🏕 😀 😊 🙏. Lee

[@Rob.hikerman]

Really appreciate the kind words Lee 🙏🏻. Yup you’re totally right, it’s a dog eat dog world these days. Hope you have a great day and thanks for watching. All the best

[@OnlyUpNorth]

Hello! Your video popped up in my feed. Good job on it. Looked like a great relaxing time you had and I’m not going to critique anything you did. It’s camping, no such thing as doing anything perfect, right? Especially with beers. (Was that Coors you were drinking? 👍🏼) Anyhoo, you got a follow from a fellow backpacker. Keep on keeping on! From the US! Take care ⛺️

[@Rob.hikerman]

Critique away! Everyday is a learning day. There’s the right way, and there’s my way 😁. Glad you liked the video and subbed 🙌🏻. It was Coors! Watching the weight haha. I’ll likely have a few on tomorrow nights solo camp 🏕️

[@OnlyUpNorth]

@@Rob.hikerman yes, correct! There is only one way to camp properly and that would be your own way! I thought I recognized that can! I love Coors! I like it with a little tomato juice. We call them red beers. 🍺 Thanks for your reply and taking us all along. Looking forward to more camp outs! 👍🏼

[@juleesadventures7925]

You look and sound like an easy man to talk to regarding mental health wold love to chat with you ❤

[@richardhutchings4799]

Great video keep it up

[@Rob.hikerman]

Thanks for the comment Richard, I really appreciate it and I’m glad you liked the video.

[@Sticksoutdoors]

Great video sir new subb here .. I left the woods in the night a couple of weeks ago because someone kept walking around me 😂😂 well done to you sir Also I have the same mattress it kept going down but the caps wasn’t on properly once I sorted that it was fine .. not saying your as dumb as me but you never know 😂😂😂 Take care sir💪

[@Sticksoutdoors]

💪💪💪

[@Rob.hikerman]

Cheers for the sub and thanks for commenting. Camping solo in the woods can play tricks on your mind. However I know what I heard 😂. As for the mattress, the caps were buttoned down tightly, but I’ll double check on tomorrow’s nights wildcamp haha.

[@Sticksoutdoors]

@@Rob.hikerman top man💪