Heavy Pouring Rain Wild Camping! - Getting SOAKED In MISERABLE WEATHER While Out Camping And Hiking!

On this little adventure I set off from the Ben Ledi Car park to climb Ben Ledi and camp on its slopes once again.
The hike was clear and good to begin with but as I quickly gained height it got much colder and the visibility was extremely poor. I managed to pitch the tent up before any heavy rain came and although it was not frequent to begin with when it did rain it was HEAVY!
Throughout the night remained fairly changeable but from 1AM until I reached the car later on it was constant rain and heavy at times. Condensation was also a huge issue due to being in the cloud the entire time. I packed up earlier than planned due to the forecast getting worse. The descent was wet and as you'll see, by the end of the video my waterproofs were soaked right through. Overall a good trip away!
Instagram - / gaz_the_explorer
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Tent Used On This Trip - Terra Nova Southern Cross 1
My Camping Gear!
My Main Tents!
Hilleberg Soulo
Hilleberg Enan
Terra Nova Southern Cross 1
MSR Elixir 1
Wild Country Helm 1
Naturehike Cloud Peak 2
Sleeping Bags
Thermarest Hyperion -6 (Summer Bag)
Rab Ascent 900 (Winter Bag)
Makalu Light Down (Simond) (Mild Winter)
Snugpak Travelpak 2 (Car Camp)
Sleeping mats
Thermarest Neoair Uberlite
Thermarest Neoair XTherm
Stoves
Jetboil Zip
Soto Windmaster
Bakcpacks
Osprey Talon 22
Osprey Talon 33
Osprey Talon 44
Osprey Talon 55
Osprey Exos 48
Osprey Kestrel 68
Location Rating System!
9-10/10 = Elite Category
8-9/10 = Very Good Category
7-8/10 = Good Category
5-7/10 = Average Category
3-5/10 = Below Average Category
0-3/10 = Basically Just avoid this place!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Hi Folks, Unfortunately this will be my last video for a while. I’m unwell with COVID and that combined with my history of Asthma could potentially slow down the recovery a little.. Hopefully I’m wrong though. I was really enjoying making the youtube videos again! If anyone has had covid and is happy to share in the comments then let me know how long it took for you to recover. Anyway, enjoy the video it’s a long one!

[@dougieranger]

I have asthma and I got Covid over Xmas mate. It wasn’t half as bad as I’d imagined, different variant to be fair. You’ll be fine mate, stay hydrated, take NSAIDs for the headache and earache. 👍🏼

[@GazTheExplorer]

@@dougieranger I would be disappointed if I got Covid during Christmas. I think I will be alright. Just frustrating considering this is a great time of the year for camping. Worst bit about it is the sore throat. Can’t describe how much I hate having a sore throat. Atb

[@AirdrieRambler]

It was my birthday a few weeks back. Got COVID the night before - some present, eh? I wasn't too bad this time and was out and about in little over a week, although I was still feeling a bit low on energy. Get well soon!

[@GazTheExplorer]

@@AirdrieRambler Damn that sucks! Someone else said they got it on Christmas. To be fair there is never a good time to get covid. I’m gutted I’ve missed this weekend for camping had two nights planned up at the Ben Lawers range with Monty. Just glad the big man got the Glen Lyon 4 done instead. ATB Gaz

[@WhippetLover100]

Never recovered. But you're fit and healthy.

[@mel63613]

The worst day outdoors is better than the best day indoors!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Yeah Melvin, I can agree with that. Although this trip was miserable it was still enjoyable for sure. ATB Gaz

[@ceanmohrlass]

Hope you are feeling much better soon! Thank you for sharing your camp!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks, and you’re welcome! Always a pleasure sharing my camps with everyone. ATB Gaz

[@173oceola]

I do love the rain.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Love the rain as well Todd. It’s a different experience up the hills for sure when there is poor visibility. ATB Gaz

[@debbierennox931]

Gaz your videos are brilliant and your so brave camping in that miserable weather . ❤️

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Debbie, Don’t mind camping in this weather if the wind is not too bad or I’m sheltered from the worse of the wind. More videos coming ATB Gaz

[@christopherlucas892]

ATB for a speedy recovery. You've done well to avoid getting it until now. There's no one I know who hasn't had it. There's never a good time to get it though. I got it last year just before I was due to go on a trip to Islay which I had to cancel. Hopefully you'll recover soon and get some more camps in before the midges reappear. 👍

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Christopher, Yeah three years without it but I think it was going to eventually catch me. There definitely never a good time to get it but I can get over missing a few weekends if needed. Look forward to sharing content again. ATB Gaz

[@gmac7947]

Well done Gaz thanks once again for getting us up there ⛺️ All day breakfast 🍳…. Classic Loving the Beard 🧔‍♂️

[@GazTheExplorer]

This was a good trip away pal. Enjoyed the walk up the mountain path. Always good showing the mountains in Scotland to everyone. ATB Gaz

[@lappin19]

Great video again Gaz👍🏻 get more of the camping videos uploaded during the summer mate it’s great seeing you out and about filming them

[@GazTheExplorer]

Think there will be a mixture of hiking and camping videos but there should be more content as a result. Glad you enjoy my films pal. ATB Gaz

[@debbierennox931]

Your videos are brilliant Gaz thank you for sharing

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Debbie, more to come in the future. ATB Gaz

[@suszh8981]

and btw the video is awesome, I actually loved the cloud, that was an amazing amount of effort you put into that vid, between filming and editing it was totally amazing

[@GazTheExplorer]

For some reason I think the low cloud made the mountain even more beautiful. The confinement of being in the cloud and only having the slopes and cliffs on Ben Ledi for views added something different in comparison to my recent adventures. This trip was a special trip away. Really glad I went now I never thought I’d have covid less than a week later. ATB Gaz

[@kellydunn200]

Another really enjoyable video, get well soon ❤

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Kelly, More videos to come once covid is done with me. ATB Gaz

[@Trail-Runner-Dean]

Great one ☝️

[@thomasshortall2028]

Nothing but respect Gaz, get well soon. Tom in Dublin. New sub 👍

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Tom Keen to get better as soon as possible to get the content up again. Thanks again. ATB Gaz

[@ervinslens]

Amazing trail bud, this looks simply stunning. Such a picturesque trail, atmosphere and foggy landscapes are brilliant!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Yeah it was stunning pal. Even with the low cloud I still found it to be very scenic. Just a stunning place! ATB Gaz

[@adge_ventures4915]

Always good to get out Gaz. Sh*tty weather makes things more satisfying once you're home 🙂 Stay safe and well mate, Adge

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Adge, Editing the bad weather trips is a lot more enjoyable than the good weather trips. It’s definitely a good feeling getting home from a poor weather camp without any significant issues. Overall a good camping trip away. ATB Gaz

[@camperp195]

Top man gaz for going out in that,slightly jealous!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Pete, I had a lot of fun on this trip. Ben Ledi is a good choice when it’s a wet day because of the mountain path. ATB Gaz

[@duncan3144]

Another great video. Hope you make a full recovery from Covid.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Duncan, Early days the now but I’m hoping to get back out some time in April. Just depends how the next couple of weeks go pal. ATB Gaz

[@mw...]

get well soon, amigo

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks, Hopefully back out as soon as possible. ATB Gaz

[@frooster1186]

Great vid gaz 👍 April is my favourite , still too cool for the midges but with the clock just going forward the daylight is decent and I find the wind is usually OK too 👌 Actually just picking a hill for my first of the year in a couple weekends time .... can't wait 😎

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Frooster, Hope you enjoy your camp when you get around to doing it. April is my favourite month for camping with the perfect balance of daylight. Usually May onwards until around September is when I start my bigger hikes away. Atb Gaz

[@robbiesmith2525]

I like the hot tent camping vids.

[@GazTheExplorer]

No worries Robbie, Don’t have a hot tent though. Not my style of camping. ATB Gaz

[@angelfishtiger]

Hey Gaz, hope you feel better soon. Give your immune system a boost with warm honey, lemon and ginger drinks. Gargle with warm salt water for your throat. This will help 😊 Another cracking video. Thanks!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Angie, I tried the salt water trick for the first time a couple days ago and it worked but probably one of the worst things I’ve tasted. Glad you enjoyed the video. ATB Gaz

[@StoatingaboutScotland]

Awryt gaz mate. Iv watched you for a couple of years now and your confidence in front of the camera has got so much better. My old yt name was jayjay86 but you and monty have inspired me to start documenting my adventures so iv started my own wee channel. If i ever see you guys on the hills or near a loch il jump over and say hello. Atb bro 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⛰️🏕️

[@GazTheExplorer]

I remember your JayJay86 account mate. Always nice to hear that my content has inspired others to get out there or start up their own channel. I have been recognised on many occasions and at different locations now so if you ever do see me then definitely say hello. Talking to the camera when I’m alone is fairly easy now but I’m hoping to deliberately film in front of others when out on the hikes to improve my confidence more. I’ve learnt a lot of vlogging techniques from watching a KZbin channel called The Macmaster. He does not do camping but the way he presents his videos is what I’m aiming for. Anyway thanks for watching pal. ATB Gaz

[@vodka_muncher1047]

Speedy recovery

[@GazTheExplorer]

Appreciate it, Thanks, ATB Gaz

[@stonechat8123]

Ever considered a remote coastal wild camp, stunning scenery and views as well as seals! You don't really get midges on the coast! Anyway just a thought, all, the best with your recovery, make sure you are well rested as Covid really does take it out of you!🐬

[@GazTheExplorer]

I enjoy remote camps and a coastal camp is something I’m due to attempt again. Might look into potential places for the summer. I’ve always fancied a mountain camp on a summit near the sea. The views look great on the Munros nearer the sea. As for covid, I’m hoping to have a new video up next Sunday and starting a new series in May, well hopefully I’ll do it. ATB Gaz

[@Kev_Russ]

Gaz, your defo keen like. Well done for getting oot in that. Me and Robin binned a wild camp yesterday after 6 hours of rain and snow., Nae visibility on the Corbett Stob a'Choin. Speedy recovery with covid. We both had it last July.. My misses has asthma and she felt chesty when she had it. Ended up getting steroids from the docs. 11 days before she was negative. Everyone is diff tho. Am sure you'll be back oot soon. 👍

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Kevin, I was not really motivated to do this trip that day. It was the Comic relief film with Rylan Clark that motivated me to get out in the end. I knew it would be a hard trip but picking a mountain with an excellent path really helped. If I’m correct in saying Stob a’Choin is the mountain opposite Beinn Tulaichean. It looked an impressive mountain when I first saw it. Hope you and Robin get better weather for your next trip. Although bad weather is sometime good you can’t really beat a summit camp with sunsets and sunrises. As for covid, my Dad tested positive in July last year too. It took him 14 days to finally get a negative test. I’m hoping to get out again in the next two weeks but will need to play it by ear. Thanks for sharing your experience with covid mate. ATB Gaz

[@Kev_Russ]

@@GazTheExplorer Aye that's the one. Meant to be one of the finest views in the Southern Highlands. I'll defo return to it.

[@GazTheExplorer]

@@Kev_Russ Think Stob a’Choin will be an after work camping option for me after my Saturday shifts since it’s not to big a drive. If it is as good as Cruach Ardrain for views the I’ll happily camp its summit.

[@AirdrieRambler]

Nice not to have to carry in a ton of water. I did a coastal camp last week and was cooking from fresh, rather than my usual dehydrated dinner. I took in FOUR LITRES of water - and used the lot! My favourite Wayfayrer was Fruit Pudding in a Butterscotch Sauce. Sadly long discontinued... :(

[@GazTheExplorer]

I think I should have a go at making my own meals for camping. I’m sure it would make for interesting and entertaining content because I’m terrible at making meals. Still if Wandering Where can make good meals while he is car camping then I’m sure I’ll be good at it. Definitely the best part of making dehydrated meals is the lightweight side of it and how easy it is too. I will say the Wayfayrer desserts are good. Atb Gaz

[@ronniemathieson17]

Miserable conditions Gaz but it keeps the fitness up 💪😀

[@GazTheExplorer]

The conditions can be enjoyable if you’re on a good mountain. Thankfully Ben Ledi is excellent for poor weather trips. ATB Gaz

[@murchiesmountains2820]

Top video Gaz😁👍kept my . attention the whole video which is hard to do in mist..Good craic and an excellent video mate considering the weather Cheers Robert

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Robert, I’m quite good at talking rubbish these days😃 Ben Ledi being a good wee mountain helped with this video. Plenty of good camps around the mountain path to choose from. ATB Gaz

[@murchiesmountains2820]

@@GazTheExplorer Quality chat bro😍..I love that neck of the woods Gaz😁👍

[@murchiesmountains2820]

Ben Ledi was my first solo hike in heavy snow and extreme wind chill..I made it up and down so it has great memories for me😍

[@dougieranger]

Still better than being in the office mate.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Always better getting out in the mountains. Staying inside the house is no longer an option for me. Well until I got covid😥

[@uuu-bv8vo]

Give it a month u be back out great video

[@GazTheExplorer]

I’m hoping to be back in the next two weeks but probably a month before my next upload. Thanks, ATB Gaz

[@stealthandysteath1069]

Hi Gaz, last night camping in the hammock. It was great to start with, but the rain came an did stop until 8 this morning.. Hard rain as well. What type of season?? I like em all to be honest. Winter is great for clear sky's an the star's are great. The northern lights, oo mate I'd love too see that. But too me any camp, is a good camp. Tc mate.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Andy, Yeah I agree with the winter and the clear skies. I’ve had some excellent winter trips over this winter and the clear skies have definitely been the biggest highlight for me. ATB Gaz

[@stealthandysteath1069]

@@GazTheExplorer o ya I forgot to say. A snow camp. Missed it this year. As I live in Haverfordwest an don't get any really..

[@MrSparkies]

Just goes to show that a wee bit of rain won't put GazTheExplorer off a bit of walking and camping. Shame no views, but you ain't gonna get perfect picturesque every time, but you did get some nice shots in there. Look forward to your next trip.. I would love to see the northern lights though.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Martyn, Always worth getting out in the rain for a camp. Enjoyed listening to the rain from inside the tent. The amount of times I’ve decided not to go out then regret it later in the evening I knew I had to make the effort for this trip. Northern lights is the dream for me but it’s a bit of luck getting out the same night it is meant to come. ATB Gaz

[@beebeb3524]

I don't think I'd camp in the summer in Scotland with the midges unless I was wearing a beekeeper suit.

[@GazTheExplorer]

After my experience up in Geldie Lodge with the midges I think if I’m camping in summer it will be higher level camping such as summit camps. Got plenty of summits I’m hoping to camp at this summer. Definitely agree with you that midges ruin summer camping in scotland. ATB Gaz

[@dougieranger]

Stay away from water and shade, that’s what they like.

[@GazTheExplorer]

@@dougieranger Yeath 100% agree with that. Geldie Lodge had the River next to where I was camped and it was bad. I really wanted to get the two Munros done there so just dealt with it at the time. ATB Gaz

[@dougieranger]

@@GazTheExplorer Headnets are marvellous inventions.

[@GazTheExplorer]

@@dougieranger The Head net helped me on the Geldie Lodge trip for sure.

[@Steven17011980]

Another great vid Gaz,thinking about getting a southern cross 1 tent what’s your honest Veiw on it?cheers and get well soon mate

[@GazTheExplorer]

The Southern Cross 1/2 is a good option if you’re not worried about space inside a tent. I agree with Paul Messner that something like a Nallo 2 is great for space in the winter months. Anyway, the main reason why I bought the Southern across 1 is for its strength while also being lightweight and simple to pitch. The inner design is not great but the outer fly is a brilliant design. I could type all night so I might talk about the tent in more detail in my next video. ATB Gaz

[@Steven17011980]

@@GazTheExplorer cheers that would be a good vid,you look like you have had it out in some testing weather conditions and it’s held up well👍

[@gregoryoutdoors]

Still better then being lazy at home! Good effort pal.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Absolutely spot on Gregory. This trip was an enjoyable wild camping and hiking experience and much better than staying in the house. ATB Gaz

[@mulreid]

Hi Gaz. I’m thinking about getting a Southern Cross. You haven’t used the tent since this video and I wanted to hear your thoughts on it. How does it compare to your other tents? Do you prefer it over the soulo? Any feedback appreciated.

[@GazTheExplorer]

The Southern Cross 1 is ideal in the winter and strong enough for most of the conditions I face in Scotland. From my experience the tent does let snow under the flysheet into the vestibule area. The main reason I’ve went back to Hilleberg recently is I prefer the inner design inside a Hilleberg tent. The Southern Cross 1 inner sags too much and the bathtub floor is not high enough in my opinion for dealing with any potential puddles forming. I also find the inner a little bit narrow too. If the weather is more settled in winter I usually take the Southern Cross 1 because it’s not too heavy but if there is any rain or wind forecasted then I usually take the Soulo or Nallo since I’ll spend more my time inside the inner. My conclusion is the Outer of the Southern Cross 1 is good but the inner of the tent needs massive improvement. I’m much more comfortable in a Hilleberg anyway. Hope I’ve helped. ATB Gaz

[@mulreid]

@@GazTheExplorer Thanks for coming back to me. I may ring Terra Nova and see if they are planning to do anything about the inner. I have seen people do some mods to make the flysheet open wider using magnets. Cheers for the information. I really like the look of the tent due to the low 4 season weight and the small footprint.

[@johnfarrell8332]

Sorry Gaz .I like you but i would like to see something likev Monty did in a forrest with a fire.Love forrest survival stuff.Not keen on anything without a fire Good luxk Gaz .

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks John, I think me and Monty are enjoying the hiking side of things at the moment. If I’m honest I don’t see me doing much in the forests these days. Thanks anyway, ATB Gaz

[@fraserconnell21]

In Scotland we prefer early spring and autumn for camping purely because of the wee beasties 🦟(midges) cheers Gaz and atb. Fraser 👍

[@GazTheExplorer]

Agree with your comments there Fraser. Summer is good but the Midges spoil the camping side of it. Atb Gaz

[@fraserconnell21]

@GazTheExplorer I hope the kung flu doesn't weigh too heavy pal.👍

[@GazTheExplorer]

@@fraserconnell21 Here’s hoping Fraser. Time will tell but keen to get back out already.