Freezing Winter Wildcamp | Helm Compact 1 | 2023

I had been hoping to do a proper cold winter camp as I didn’t manage to get one done last winter, so I headed for the safe option of the Bewcastle Fells. It might only be up around the 1500ft mark but it was still bitterly cold and it was difficult to do the ordinary things.
But it was a good test of my cold weather gear which didn’t let me down, and another chance to test the Helm Compact 1.
I think I prefer the milder camps as I ain’t cut out for this cold stuff !!
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[@jojienoel2594]

Very relaxing camping experience i like it. New $ub here, stay connected friend! 😁🎁👍

[@BorderRambler]

That’s me , I like chilled quiet camps . Thanks for the sub atb Dave

[@agnieszkas7238]

beautiful night sky photos!

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks atb Dave 📷👍

[@The12thSagittarian]

Brilliant as usual Dave. My favourite place. What's happening with the cottage?...is it still locked up?. Love listening to the Grouse early hours of the morning. Looked like a cold one but that's why we do it lol. Amazing stary night shots you got.....looked great. Cheers for taking us along Dave. Take care Mick

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks Mick , not cure what’s happening with the cottage lots of keep out notices and private etc but nothing really much has changed in a year ?? It was a great night on the crags but perfect winter conditions , those grouse were lively in the morning for sure . A memorable camp which I’m glad I made the effort for . TFW atb Dave 🥶⛺️👍

[@anthonypayne1]

Hi Dave, think the YT gremlins are at work again! So I'll repost my comment from 2 days ago. That was a great test for your cold weather gear. I loved the night photography (must have been cold out there) I need to get get some of those handwarmers you mentioned! 👍👍

[@BorderRambler]

No worries Anthony , I had nothing in the held for review either ?? So must be gremlins ! Yes it was deffo a cold one and a good test of gear . The wind dropped off nicely for some Astro photography . Those little hand warmers sure do help tho 😎👍 atb Dave

[@MrJimJD]

Good one Dave. Nice night time shots. I use a rechargeable handwarmer/powerbank - it's surprising how useful they are. I hope your water filter was ok. ATB

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks Jim it as good one weather wise but cold 🥶 handy having that hand warmer tho 👍 water filter was kept under my quilt all night atb Dave

[@northeastwildcamper]

that's stunning place stunning set up Dave wind is a killer awsome nite shot mate as aways mint footage mate I just got same temp tool atb Bryan

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks Bryan , it was a cold one but worth the effort it was a bonus to get the clear skies 📷👍 atb Dave

[@rialobran]

This is one of my favourite places that you camp at, it's very like Dartmoor with that tor. No snow ice below 450m down here though.

[@BorderRambler]

I love it up there Si, my own little Dartmoor lol on another note it looks like Wild camping is going to be allowed still on Dartmoor , albeit not as wide spread as previously ⛺️👍

[@rialobran]

@@BorderRambler Yeah some areas have been cut. Hopefully we wont lose more, but I don't think the future is too bright.

[@thewanderer8726]

Hey bud looked awesome. Thought I new the area at bridestones in the dales obv wrong lol. Amazing spot 👌

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks mate , cold but fun atb Dave

[@justmyopiniontoday7548]

Have you considered this - people tune in because they enjoy seeing you suffer in the cold? 😉 And there are people who just don't accept the idea that particular Osprey squeaks, but just too many people have observed it. A snow hike and camp - one of the Earth's great rewards. Thanks for posting so we can all share.

[@BorderRambler]

oh I suffered lol it looked nice but I really do prefer warmer camps 😎👍 thanks for watching atb Dave

[@velorog]

You are a lucky man Dave. Camps like that are good for the soul; crystal clear atmosphere, dark skies and everything frozen solid. The memories will last for a long time.

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks , yes I will look back fondly at this one. Although at the time I thought I could be at home in front of a roaring log burner. But life is short so I do these trips for the day when I can’t .tfw atb Dave ⛺️👍

[@malgreenley-lakedistrictvi5230]

Really good video, Dave. You had what I consider to be perfect conditions - snow, great light, hardly a breath of wind, and absolutely no one else in sight. The scenes in the forest were outstanding, the still photos were superb. No sunrise to speak of, but you can't have it all.

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks Mal , yeah it’s not often we get conditions like that Glad I made the effort and yeah the wind was nearly zero so perfect for Astro photography. Some of the sheltered spots in the forest where are attic like . TFW atb Dave

[@theheightoflife]

Great video mate really enjoyed it and the Helm Compact 1 is a great little tent! Thanks for sharing 👍🏻 ATB... Chris

[@BorderRambler]

Glad you enjoyed it, yes really liking the compact 1 atb Dave ⛺️👍

[@MiriamKennedy]

Wonderful night time shots Dave, your disposable hand warmers were put to good use😍 Smart rather than a 'big softie' I reckon with your electronic hand warmers! You got lots of snow you lucky thing!! Hope we all get another chance at some stage for a snowy camp 😉 Fab!!

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks Miriam , thank god for hand warmers as I really feel the cold 🥶 I was pleasantly surprised on how much snow as I got towards the summit , it makes a change from wind and rain. They are talking about another cold snap in February 🙏🏼🥶👍 atb Dave

[@AlanMETALMAN]

Oh nice bit of snow and it may have only been a local camp but a real scenic one. That big rock was a great bit is shelter for the Helm 1 but tucked up at 17.00 would make it a real long night if you did not get out later. Those night skies were amazing mind and worth the frozen fingers - superb! Bit of a murky morning but again so worth that and the cold for those amazing night shots and time - lapse you got, cheers Alan

[@BorderRambler]

It’s always worth making the effort for a cold snowy winter camp Alan , but hard work just doing the most simple of tasks tho . Still I managed an hour or so out with the camera to break the night up. Hope your are feeling better and back in the hills soon . TFW atb Dave 👍

[@outdoorslifestyle2900]

Stunning camp this one Dave looks a cracking relaxing place to throw a shelter up and unwind 🙌🏼. How you finding the helm 1? Fantastic shelter IMHO. And all osprey packs squeek it’s a safety feature lol. Nice to see you out mate and hope you had a nice Christmas and new year. ATB Steve

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks Steve hope you are keeping well , my go to place for a chilled camp . Really liking the helm compact , a really solid shelter and yes squeaky osprey as per lol TFW atb Dave ⛺️👍

[@fergus..]

Nice video mate, new subscriber 👍

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks for the sub! Atb Dave

[@WiltshireMan]

Cracking astro photography and nightlapse Dave, chrystal clear and dark skies too. I'm getting the itch to go out in the Helm1 again soon:) A nice "Cold One" for sure. I've just brought some of those disposalable Hot hands foot warmers for when I go cycling and motorbiking Sandy

[@BorderRambler]

It was a super clear night Sandy , really dark sky area where I was too 📷👍 those little hands/feet warmers are life savers with plenty of activities they can be used for . Hope you get out in the Helm compact soon atb Dave

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Nice one Dave. Pretty much perfect conditions there. Amazing night shots as always. I totally understand how difficult it is filming in these conditions, especially at night. That’s why I’ve virtually given up on the night stuff. My hands just can’t take it anymore. Really well filmed pal. Respect 👍. ATB - Dave

[@BorderRambler]

Cheers Dave , if that wind hadn’t of dropped off I wouldn’t have left the tent . respect to you for all your winter camps lumping a big pack about the hills. I think I prefer warmer camps , cold and snow camps look great but they take its toll on the body 🥶🥶 atb Dave

[@markexpose6108]

HELLO. LIKE. LIKE. CAMPING. VIDEO.

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks for watching atb Dave ⛺️👍

[@TheRealSteveEllis]

I have osprey packs that squeak an aether and stratos, but not that often or in anyway predictable. I’m sure there is a commonality as the radial doesn’t ever. I assume it’s the tensioned metal back support against the fabric sleeve in a certain humidity but I can’t test it empirically

[@BorderRambler]

Clearly and osprey design flaw , I can never really trace the cause of it either lol

[@northumberlandmountainhopper]

Great camp, loved the walk in through the trees with the snow cover, just watched this while in my bivy at -4 blooming cold, but toasty in the bag, Keep em coming Cheers

[@BorderRambler]

Glad you enjoyed it and I hope you have cool bivi camp 🥶👍 atb Dave

[@Mickoutdoors]

Brilliant video and stunning night shots, really enjoyed it, apart from when you came out the woods on your way back down, that twig on your hat was playing havoc with my ocd 🤣🤣 was so glad when it wasn't there in the last bit lol 😀 👍👍

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks Mick it was a good one for sure , I didn’t notice the twig at the time ? but think I picked it up when ducking under branches leaving the forest hike… tfw atb Dave ⛺️👍

[@snowymatrix]

You're behind a rock on this one makes a change from a wall!😆😉❄️

[@BorderRambler]

Dave always hiding rambler

[@SoloSarahBX]

So interesting to see how the Helm compact 1 performs in freezing conditions. I’m tempted to push mine through this winter! ❄️ great video, thank you, Sarah

[@BorderRambler]

Yes it performed well , I just wouldn’t camp in a super exposed condition and it will be fine ⛺️👍

[@MarkOutdoors_]

A great cold camp. Lovely and fresh to be hiking in it but the temps sharp get to you when you stop. Looked a cracking one! I look forward to the next one as always.

[@BorderRambler]

It as a memorable one , I’ve forgotten how cold it was already 😂🥶 TFW atb Dave

[@ootnboots]

Nice one Dave, looked the perfect night but cold . Some nice astro photography too ...good stuff ..cheers Stevie

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks Stevie , very cold but worth the effort and a bonus of clear skies 📷👍 atb Dave

[@DanOpdal]

Thank you for sharing your adventure! Beautiful country, Dave. Cheers!

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks Dan , it was cold but very beautiful atb Dave

[@DanOpdal]

@@BorderRambler You're very welcome, my friend!

[@AndyWardle]

Looked lovely there. No wind no rain. I couldn’t cope 😂😂 a familiar spot but cracking nonetheless. Good to see ya back out mate. Look forward to 23 adventures 👍

[@BorderRambler]

it would be nee good for you Andy as it was all too quiet 😂 a safe place for a winter camp , happy camping atb Dave ⛺️👍

[@AndyWardle]

@@BorderRambler 😂 I’d be lost. I’m hoping for a nice more relaxing camp tomorrow in Cheviots. So that’ll be 9000 mph gusts. 😆

[@BorderRambler]

@@AndyWardle enjoy 💨💨💨💨

[@whenigotothemountains1203]

Enjoyed as always dave. Cracking conditions - I love the stillness of the winter camps. Atb gordon

[@BorderRambler]

Glad you enjoyed it, got to camp when it’s like this 🥶👍 atb Dave

[@BurtonOutdoors]

Nice one Dave, astro photography was excellent, at least it wasn't too windy. Nice to see you write the cook times and ml on the front of you DH meals 👍 They are so difficult to find especially on the STE ones.. I do the same. Lee

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks Lee , I nicked it from you 👓👍 The wind thankfully dropped for me to take a few snaps , such a clear night . Atb Dave

[@craig3401]

Some stunning views with that sunset.its definitely worth carrying that extra weight to keep warm.

[@BorderRambler]

Yes the extra gear is needed on these cold camps that’s for sure . TFW atb Dave 🥶👍

[@Dr.D00p]

So, i just got one of those Neo Air Xtherm mats after they went on sale (£155 in Large) after hearing so many good things about them and TBH, I'm not really sure about it. They're made of just about the most slippy material I've ever had on a sleeping mat, especially when lying on those foil mats and unless its inflated to nearly full, it kind of bends all over the place from half way down to the foot end. Not used it in the wild yet but I can imagine on anything but a perfectly flat pitch (how often is that possible!) I'm going to be sliding all over the place in the tent. I can't fault the comfort or warmth but I'm in half a mind to send it back.

[@BorderRambler]

it’s a learning curve with them , never over inflate as it as then a surf board ! I find that if I put my light AF mat between foil and sleep mat it doesn’t move . for the winter camps it’s a must for the R value alone 👍 atb Dave

[@MarkSweeting_]

Is this Bewcastle Fells did you say? Looks brilliant place. Great tent btw. I’ve got the Helm 2 and love it

[@BorderRambler]

Yes it is, can’t go wrong with helm series of tent . TFW atb Dave

[@seanmurphy6139]

Great video, thanks for sharing your trip. I appreciate how awkward it is to film these in difficult conditions. When you said, at least it's not raining, I fully expected a thunder clap and a hammering of rain on the tent.

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks Sean , yeah I could quite easily not filmed and stayed in the warm of the tent . But good to look back on 🥶⛺️👍 atb Dave

[@steveoutdoors6522]

Yep that was a fantastic camp there just right thank you 👍

[@BorderRambler]

Glad you enjoyed it TFW atb Dave 👍

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

I'm really starting to like these Helm Compact one's Dave, there's what looks like a decent inner in it and the height room looks ace also. Some stunning astro photography on this one too matey! Areas look so amazing when the snow is on them don't they. I definitely need a XTherm for these winter camps haha. Thanks so much for your very kind shout out too mate, I really do appreciate that and I'm glad you enjoyed the vid. Top video Dave as usual mate.

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks Ant , it’s on a par with your bobcat pal 👍 Skies really opened up on this one that’s for sure , yes that cold really sucks the heat out from below the mat on these cold ones 🥶 TFW atb Dave ⛺️👍

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

@Border Rambler yeah I like the look of that mate. I'll looking for another shelter to try. I what the Alpkit hooped bivi also. Not enough money or space haha

[@snowymatrix]

Winter wonderland Dave!❄️😁❄️

[@BorderRambler]

Supposed to be normal weather Saturday 😂

[@snowymatrix]

Good one Dave, enjoyed watching it while eating my dinner after work good stuff❄️❄️❄️🍺🍺

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks Snowy , hard work these winter camps roll on spring lol 😎🍺👍

[@DaveGoodman1959]

Well done Dave, you did better than I faired Monday night. Brrrrr 👍

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks Dave, did you bail or fail ??

[@DaveGoodman1959]

@@BorderRambler Between 4pm and 8pm my body temperature was not rising making me think with 12 hours to go I should pack up, but I warmed up and was OK. I put it down to age mostly but will get a better foam matt too. Tek care Dave

[@davidhudson7590]

Real winter camp buddy not for the faint hearted for sure deffo gonna do couple cold camps and test my new gear out

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks , yeah everything is do much harder to do with cold hands etc . Good to look back on tho ⛺️😂⛺️👍 atb Dave

[@davidhudson7590]

O I got a mouse in my osprey aswell fairly common I gather realy can piss u off at times haha

[@BorderRambler]

Notoriously squeaky bags, but they are a decent pack , thankfully the snow underfoot was drowning the noise out lol

[@thegeordiefellwalker8878]

Nice one dave & nee wind👍but as me old man used to say it was a bit Nicky nacky noo.(cold) lol❄️💪done a nice 8 miler on Hadrians wall yesterday in similar winter conditions 👌

[@BorderRambler]

Nee wind Geordie but very Nicky nacky noo,🥶 Roman wall not that far as the crow flies from this camp so it will have been similar conditions 👍

[@overthehillwildcamper]

A great video, looked like a lovely trek up there, have the crags where you camped have a name.

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks Yeah Christianbury Crags ⛺️👍

[@Ash12530]

Great camp Dave! 👍🏻 I did my first snow camp, and first outing this year last night in my native Derbyshire, also in my new Helm C-1.. I had 40mph winds from 9pm until midnight, with a -10 windchill, so my stargazing lasted all of about 5-mins before I was back in the tent! 🥶 Loved it though, it’s been on my to-do-list since starting wild camping back in January of last year..❄️⛺️

[@BorderRambler]

Good stuff not sure about those winds tho 🥶🥶🥶 , to be fair if I had them I wouldn’t have ventured far from the warm comfort of my bag lol tfw atb Dave

[@Moffatmountainadventures]

Brilliant camp Dave. Very envious as I’ve been itching to get out and camp while the snow’s down. Hoping for my first camp of the year next weekend if my Diary stays clear 🤞

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks mate , my days off fell good for once and pretty perfect conditions albeit a tad fresh. 🥶🥶 I hope you get out for the 1st camp atb Dave

[@kevinsimons9264]

Another great video and camp. Love the helm one myself. Had an issue with mine 3 months after I got it(zip) Even though I didn’t get it from Terra Nova and the zip aren’t meant to be covered under warranty Terra Nova sorted it. Great service. As for a cold camp went to the Peaks in December so know how you feel. Great video 👍

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks for the info Kevin , it’s good to hear the customer services sorted your issue out. Yeah cold camps always harder work that’s for sure . Atb Dave

[@mortyoutdoors7109]

Gorgeous winter scenery Dave and beautiful night shots👌🏻, certainly looked cold, worth it for the video and memories though mate👍🏻

[@BorderRambler]

Cheers Ian , yes rather chilly 🥶🥶 and deffo worth the effort tfw atb Dave 👍

[@LezleysAdventures]

they really are a tidy looking tent

[@BorderRambler]

For the money you can’t go wrong Lezley

[@SteveRiley-ch2rn]

Hi Dave, I’ve been binge watching your videos. Spot on, and thanks! I’m just getting back into mountain hiking and camping after a long sabbatical and looking to update some gear. Regarding the Helm 1 do you feel there is sufficient room inside to be comfy on the king winter tent bound nights, and also for cooking in the vestibule? I’m torn between this and the helm 2, and the Nortent Vern 1 - so trying to get some opinions from people who’ve used them. I’m sure you get lots of questions so no dramas if you don’t get chance to respond. Keep up the great work!

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks Steve , I do really like using the helm 1 for the winter nights . I feel it suits my needs but I know some people prefer a larger tent . I have tried and sold my 2 person tent and went back to one person. I found there was enough space for cooking etc . Especially as you have the vestibule on the other side to stash boots and your rucksack . I have had the Akto twice and sold it on as it is has a low headroom and flaps a lot . Not sure on the nortent as I haven’t came across this one as of yet . I love my helm 1 and it doesn’t break the bank if you can get on a deal . Happy tent hunting atb Dave ⛺️👍

[@SteveRiley-ch2rn]

That’s great, thanks Dave - decision made. All the best!

[@lloydcozens9346]

Hi Dave, What is the quilt you are using please? That night sky looked beautiful :-)

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks it’s not cheap 😂 ugqoutdoor.com/top-quilts/bandit/ But works for me never cold when using it 👍

[@lloydcozens6601]

@Border Rambler which one is it? I've looked at quilts in the past but worry I'll get cold when below freezing with drafts when I roll around!

[@BorderRambler]

Mines the bandit 850 quilt with extra stuff and part zip foot box - 12c variant

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

Great camp Dave I've just got that tent and the hexpeak v4a as I couldn't decide so hopefully be out on a camp in the hill's in a few weeks time atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍

[@BorderRambler]

Cheers Jimmy , plenty of tents to choose from now then 👍 TFW atb Dave

[@donnavansenior]

Great stuff Dave, definitely looked a chilly one but what's the point of having 4 season gear if we don't use it lol. The forest looked amazing blanketed in snow and sunset from the crags wasn't too bad either.....then the star shots! Wow!! Without sounding weird....what do you wear for bed? Do you keep your down jacket on? A thoroughly enjoyable watch, hate it when it's grouse o 'clock though, noisy beggars and loved the fact you retraced your snowy steps back through the forest. Llama Annie's taken me a similar route and I'd be totes lost trying to do that by myself, it's a brutal hike up there so kudos for doing it in this weather with a heavy pack.

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks Donna , perfect conditions really and yes some of the untouched parts of the forest looked amazing . normally I Kip in my hiking kit minus the jacket but this one I had my down booties, down kegs and down jacket on as it was that cold 🥶🥶 , grouse just telling me who’s hill it is lol . Yes it was a heavy pack for me at around 16/17 kg and felt by the time I reached the summit 😂 tfw atb Dave

[@donnavansenior]

@@BorderRambler Crikey that's a lot of down for bedtime 😂 I had -2 at the beach and was cosy with a pair of merino leggings, my thin hiking t-shirt and thick woolly fleece jumper, plus a hat and insulated softie slippers. I wimped out with an alpaca bag liner and extra down blanket as well as my bag though ;-)

[@BorderRambler]

I’m a cold arse Donna , I have been known to tog up in merino thermals tho 😎👍

[@albertlee9238]

Gorgeous night scenery with music ! How do you stay fit carrying that huge backpack ?

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks for watching , I do a bit of running and cycling when not hiking/camping atb Dave

[@ChrisJB]

Fantastic winter conditions Dave. It seems such a long time since I saw the stars on a camp...🙄 Can I ask what settings you use on your Go Pro night lapse? I've never used it yet! ATB, Chris

[@BorderRambler]

Thanks Chris and yes stars on a camp it’s been a while lol interval - auto high bit rate shutter 15 sec if moon out , 20-30 sec if no moon white balance - auto min iso -100 max iso - 1600 sharpness - medium colour - natural I use linear but you can go wide give it a go but an hour will only give about 4-5 seconds of footage 😂 powerbank needed for sure , good luck atb Dave

[@ChrisJB]

@@BorderRambler Brilliant....thanks pal. 👍

[@OAKROADSKETCHES]

Is that the Cheviots...

[@BorderRambler]

No

[@stephenfletcher6464]

just wondering how you dispose of the hand warmers, re environmental impact??

[@BorderRambler]

They come home with me and I put them in our refuse bin

[@kenken-ss7jn]

Is this tent better than the MSR

[@BorderRambler]

Very similar to be fair , msr better for 3 season , Helm a bit more robust for wilder camps . MSR is lighter and packs smaller and still in my armoury for future camps ⛺️👍

[@bernardscott1783]

What sleep system mate?

[@BorderRambler]

Foil sheet from treadlite gear, themarest xtherm sleeping pad and my UGQ bandit quilt rated to -12c and I find this works well for me . If it’s really cold I will put my thermals on and use those throw away cheap feet warmers. Atb Dave

[@Frillar]

hand warmers are must have? interesting that i've survived so many years of winter camping without them.

[@BorderRambler]

I’m a cold arse so for me yes 😂