SOLO HEAVY RAIN CAMPING | A Wet Camp In A Warm Tent! | MSR ELIXIR 1

Another wild camping trip but this time it's a new location for you all to enjoy. I personally enjoy coming to Cruachan Reservoir now that I've been here more than once and I would recommend it as a good summer hiking option.
The camp involved a nice dry walk in with good views and sounds of the river and surrounding mountains. Once the tent was pitched I had a couple hours left of daylight to enjoy. The rain came in once it was dark and although it was on the heavy and consistent side I really enjoyed listening to it. Overall a very good camp!
Tent Used On This Trip - MSR Elixir 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
Backpacks
Osprey Talon 22
Osprey Talon 33
Osprey Talon 44
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]

Excellent camp this was folks. Camped under my favourite mountain Ben Cruachan at a fantastic reservoir. Not sure when my last camp in rain was since I prefer the better weather for filming but it was enjoyable. See you next week.

[@brother_azzedine]

I love the sound of the rain up on the tent.... Thats' the serenity for me... Usually I go camp when weather got bad till I got my sleeping bag stolled 🤣🤣need to get a new one

[@GazTheExplorer]

Enjoy the sound of the rain on the tent as well. Always want to have the tent up before it rains though like on this trip ATB Gaz

[@brother_azzedine]

@@GazTheExplorer definily yeah or you will have a wet camp both side in and out 🤣🤣

[@GazTheExplorer]

@@brother_azzedine Definitely 💯 👍 🌧️ Thanks for watching pal.

[@seanmurphy6139]

Brilliant video.Thanks for sharing.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Sean, Much appreciate the support. ATB Gaz

[@davidoneill7356]

Cracking watch as always mate lovely wee spot.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers David, Yeah it is a fantastic spot for hiking and camping pal. I’ll definitely be back. ATB Gaz

[@173oceola]

Cool. ❤

[@gmac7947]

Brilliant Gaz 🏕. Thanks for taking me along once again ❤👏. Amazing work 😊

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks for tuning in, another trip uploading for tomorrow which I would say beats this camp. ATB Gaz

[@bbop3557]

Nice1 Gaz👍Cracking wee spot mate👏

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers pal, It was a good find that spot. Shame it’s near a track but the track did prove useful throughout the trip I suppose. ATB Gaz

[@deepwoodguy2]

After escaping the high tension wires and the sheep, you found a great place to tent... And the rain coming down is a plus (love the sound)...Then in the morning you can take a refreshing swim in the calm, beautiful Reservoir. ☃☃👍👍

[@GazTheExplorer]

Excellent reservoir for hiking and camping. It had a very calm feel about it throughout this trip. Will definitely be back again. ATB Gaz

[@deepwoodguy2]

@@GazTheExplorer and ATB to you also

[@Jenjenilou]

Thanks Gaz, really enjoyed that 😊

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Pal, Much appreciate the support on the videos, ATB Gaz

[@leemorrison55]

Yes Gaz. Glad you’re back out and about 👍🏻 was starting to worry about you 🙏💪🏻👍🏻👌🏻

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Lee I just needed to sort myself out mate. Took longer than expected but the first few videos are done which was the hardest part. ATB Gaz

[@daleingram5706]

Great wee spot Gaz 👍👏

[@GazTheExplorer]

It was a good find back in the summer, thanks ATB Gaz.

[@ronniemathieson17]

Great vid Gaz. Nice wee spot for a Winter camp. 👍

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Ronnie, It was an awesome area for camping and hiking. Will be back again next winter. ATB Gaz

[@lappin19]

another great vidoe mate👍🏻

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Lappin, This trip did go well👍 ATB Gaz

[@scotthillier1067]

Loved the scenery . Very different from here in central Ontario Canada. Scotland camping is definitely on my bucket list !

[@GazTheExplorer]

Hope you eventually get out to Scotland the scenery is good. ATB Gaz

[@jasonwhite745]

Great camp Gaz!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Jason, It was a brilliant trips away pal ATB Gaz

[@Paul-ct1wd]

Great stuff again, Gaz! Always good to see you back out

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Paul, Always good sharing content with everyone as well. ATB Gaz

[@grahamscothern4319]

Nice one Gaz looked an awesome spot ! Cheers Graham

[@GazTheExplorer]

When I first saw it I walked past it with no intention of camping. I’m glad I turned back and went back to it. Awesome views throughout the evening for sure. ATB Gaz

[@stonechat8123]

Your enjoyment ,enthusiasm and passion for Wild Camping really showed in this Vlog, really looking forward to your warmer weather Vlogs! Hell I might even do the jump from being an Armchair Wild Camper to being an actual one-who knows!⛈

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks pal, I’m passionate about the Ben Cruachan area now. Always enjoy visiting the highlands. Warmer weather trips are much bigger than my winter trips so the videos will most likely be longer. Got plenty of big trips lined up solo and with others and look forward to sharing them on KZbin. Thanks, ATB Gaz

[@suszh8981]

another brilliant video Gaz, loved your videography, we live in such a beautiful country, we're very lucky. Nice rainy camp too, yeah it will be nice in the summer, but I absolutely hate the midges though haha

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Susz, I’m the exact same and hate the midges😂 I do prefer to be on the move throughout the summer months instead of camping but summit camps is something I’ll do more of this year hopefully. Thanks for watching ATB Gaz

[@nickywhyte4238]

Some good uploads recently Gaz, nice to see familiar faces out and about. Not seen many rain vids lately, enjoyed as always 😁👌

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Nicky, Hope you’re well it’s nice to hear from you😄 I’m trying to get back to weekly uploads again. Recently I’ve managed to master avoiding the rain on my camping/hiking trips. Hope you’re still planning on uploading to KZbin too👍 ATB Gaz

[@MrSparkies]

Another great video, showing the lovely scenery and a bit of useful info too.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Martyn, Very nice scenery for sure. Worth the long walk through the woods to get to the reservoir. ATB Gaz

[@the_stuart115]

Brilliant video as always 👍

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Stuart, Long videos but fun to make. Cheers Gaz

[@the_stuart115]

@@GazTheExplorer yeah I can understand that, plus that’s me back uploading. Me and John done the Easter egg for origins not to long ago

[@GazTheExplorer]

@@the_stuart115 Seen that earlier Stuart. Origins was a good map back in my days playing.

[@lomino6478]

Fantastic video, you have become a great presenter. That bonus footage was awesome. All the best Gaz, Ian 👍

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Ian, Never thought I would ever share that end footage to KZbin when I filmed it back in July. Definitely enjoy sharing my adventures so glad you like my presenting style. ATB Gaz

[@ervinslens]

What a scenery my friend, this looks phenomenal. Your shots are so nicely executed! Love it 🔥🔥

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks pal, The area was stunning for camping and of course hiking. Really glad I had the chance to revisit it again for a camping trip. ATB Gaz

[@TheHikingCatdad]

Very nice campsite! Thanks for a great video Gaz!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks mate, It was a superb location for sure. ATB Gaz

[@murchiesmountains2820]

Excellent Gaz 😍👍..I love Ben Cruachan..Great spot you had there buddy 😁👌🏻..I’ve got the MSR Hubba Hubba NX..Defo my favourite tent..You can’t beat the old MSR..Great video mate and good chat. Cheers Robert

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Robert, For low level camps you can’t go wrong with MSR tents. I’ve had the Elixir 1 for quite a few years now and I’ve always rated it. The space is what I like and it helps with the filming in poor weather. Ben Cruachan remains as my favourite Munro but I have a feeling that will change this summer. Plenty big routes to be done. ATB Gaz

[@debbierennox931]

Beautiful scenery Gaz thank you for sharing

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Debbie, Yeah this location is stunning and I’ve enjoyed my two visits there. ATB Gaz

[@ceanmohrlass]

What a beautiful place! Love the moss and river down over the boulders ahhh... crumbled cookies still taste good :) Good to pack for all conditions for sure. Love the mist rolling above the water very cool! Oh that bonus clip.. Amazing!! Thank you for sharing!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Pal, It’s definitely a stunning location for camping and hiking. The cookies were amazing even when crumbled. I would always pack for varied conditions at this time of the year. The clip with the mist was my first Timelapse on the channel. Thanks for watching always appreciated. ATB Gaz

[@beebeb3524]

4:41: "I should find a flat place to set up my tent." 4:43, exactly two meters to the right with same wee rocks on the left "˜So that's me set up." AHAHAHAAHAH. I love it.

[@beebeb3524]

"Talking to the sky," Gaz, your comedy is fire today. I love this channel.

[@GazTheExplorer]

@@beebeb3524 One thing I always want is a flat spot. I was well happy when I managed to get the tent setup where I did. The views were amazing. To be fair talking to the sky worked a treat. The rain stayed off for me eating👍 Thanks for watching pal, glad you enjoyed my video. ATB Gaz

[@swedishhobo2995]

Nice one bud. Happy to hear you like the Elixir 1…cause I just got one 🤓 Haven’t tried it out yet though but that will soon be sorted out 💪

[@mustang-hovercraft]

Been watching lots of your videos, it’s spurring me on to get out there, when & whilst I can. I’m never more relaxed, content, with a freedom from responsibility & worries than when I’m in a tent somewhere, anywhere. What a spectacular place that was, truly humbling. You're lucky to live relatively near to such natural beauty. Well done on your video production, I know it must take plenty of effort and time, but the ends results are something to be treasured. Can I ask, do you ever worry about your car? Oh, and did you get to see the Aurora? All the best.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks pal, Unfortunately I’ve missed the northern lights over the last few days. It was busy on the hills where I stay so I’m king of glad I missed out in a way. I’m very relaxed on my camping trips and the views are always a pleasure too. The car is usually parked in areas I trust. A part of the research for camping is where to park a car safely. I just trust people will leave it alone but of course I do sometimes worry about leaving it. Thanks for watching, ATB Gaz

[@LordHays]

Another great video, Gaz!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks pal, much appreciate the support. ATB Gaz

[@stuartjones4175]

Hope the weather is kind to you Stay safe

[@GazTheExplorer]

The rain was kind to me on this trip. It made a big difference having the rain coming down after I pitched the tent. Usually I’m soaked before the tent is up on trips. Thanks ATB Gaz

[@dougieranger]

Good times despite the rain Gaz. I have to say, I love the A82, it’s my favourite Road in the UK mate. Horses for courses and all that I expect. How’re you getting on with the Hubba?

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Dougie, It’s the Elixir 1 I own from MSR and it’s always been a good tent when I’ve used it. Had it for over three years now. The A82 is stunning but when it’s busy I prefer the A9 or A86. Hope you’re well, ATB Gaz

[@dougieranger]

@@GazTheExplorer I am well brother, thanks. Aye, it’s murder when it’s busy, coaches and trucks, F1 wannabes and Sunday drivers. Dead scenic as you say. Slàinte mhath. 🥃

[@tbo2120]

Hi mate! Loved the video. Any updates on the Elixir 1 during the night? Did it let in more water or was it okay? Hope it was dry enough in the end buddy. Looking forward to the next one!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Pal, The MSR Elixir was fine after that clip. Not sure what it was but I don’t think it was rain getting in. Don’t even think there was condensation at that point of the video either. Next trip will hopefully be shared on Sunday but my mate Monty just uploaded a video that I’m in up Earls Seat. Thanks for watching, ATB Gaz

[@tbo2120]

@@GazTheExplorer appreciate the reply mate. Curiosity got the better of me, always good to see you boys having a dry one. Will check out Montys before bed! Cheers buddy

[@cahillp3]

Excellent Gaz. Keep it up

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Paul, thanks for tuning in. ATB Gaz

[@MontyOutdoors]

We'll be camping visiting both when the longer days return! Can you camp on either or near?

[@GazTheExplorer]

You can camp at either side of the reservoir but the other side has a horrible boggy path coming off Stob Daimh. It’s a high camp near Ben Cruachan I’m hoping to do at the end of Autumn. Hope you’re back on KZbin now mate. Look forward to our next trip.

[@MontyOutdoors]

@@GazTheExplorer I mean on the munros. I'm really only interested in high camps when the long days are back!

[@GazTheExplorer]

@@MontyOutdoors Stob Daimh is the more grassy of the two so would be better for camping. Watch the clip at the end of this video and you’ll see it’s a fairly narrow walk up high.

[@dbrook7763]

Gonna try those cookies Gaz

[@GazTheExplorer]

I enjoyed them Brook. I would recommend them for sure. ATB Gaz

[@dimitargrudevv]

Hello, really like the video. Can I ask for what camera you use?

[@GazTheExplorer]

No worries, it’s the GoPro hero 11 with the rode wireless go 2 microphone system. ATB Gaz

[@dimitargrudevv]

@@GazTheExplorer thanks!

[@mountain_del1863]

A wonderful mountain range. You had a prime spot right enough. Hows the car parking? Is it still pretty limited? ATB mate.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Mountain Del, The car parking is limited in comparison to other locations with proper car parks. On both occasions I’ve been I was there early for my trip back in July and for this camp the weather forecast was poor which probably put most people off. I would definitely arrive early for this area. ATB Gaz

[@mountain_del1863]

@@GazTheExplorer ta Pal. ATB

[@OutdoorKlinge]

Can you leave the door open while rain?

[@GazTheExplorer]

I’ve done it in the past but the inner will get wet depending upon n wind direction.

[@Colinrussellscottishwildcamper]

Looked a great location👍🏕

[@GazTheExplorer]

It’s a great place Colin. Ben Cruachan is a stunning mountain. Not a bad area for driving too👍 ATB Gaz

[@cahillp3]

Do update us on the tent leak please

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thankfully never came to anything. There was a drip but not sure what caused it. Only happened once to be fair. Never mentioned it in the morning unfortunately forgot to bring it up. Thanks Paul, ATB

[@cahillp3]

@@GazTheExplorer Thanks Gaz. Interested because my Elixer 1 arrived last week. Have yet to give it a blast.

[@GazTheExplorer]

@@cahillp3 I’ve used the Elixir 1 in heavier rain than this trip Paul. It’s a fantastic tent for low level camps and also has plenty of space and storage inside. It’s one of the very few tents I consistently use. Hope you enjoy your camps in it.

[@cahillp3]

​@@GazTheExplorer Thanks man. I Lived in Scotland for 6 years in Aberdeen and Montrose. My favorite climbs are Beinn Chìochan, Suilven and the Ballachulish horseshoe. I miss Scotland Deeply.

[@GazTheExplorer]

@@cahillp3 I’ll be camping up Suilven this year at some point maybe even in the next month or two so stay tuned pal. I would miss Scotland if I moved out.

[@camperp195]

Amazing gaz,simply awesome scenery,glad you enjoyed it bud 👍

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Pete, The best scenery on a wild camping trip in a while. Glad the rain waited until it was dark. ATB Gaz