GGC - 47 - Top 5 Tips For A Warm Sleep In A Van During A Canadian Winter

[@IkkoGhecki]

In really cold nights, covering your head helps immensely - a scarf or hat are easy; but, I tuck a down pillow up to cover the top of my head. I think you, Paula, will be amazed at how warm you'll be with that pillow... Love your shows!!

[@scottielambert9312]

Love how you two are so into each other and share your passions...can't stand all the negativity on you tube. Thanks for the post

[@BackToReality]

Thanks Scottie, that means a lot. :)

[@rshotrod1965]

Didn't read through all the comments but for the hot hands. You probably already know this, say you have a 10 hour hot hand and only use it for 2 hours, you can put it in a ziplock bag and squeeze all the air out of it and zip it. Then you can reuse it later, by cutting the air supply from it, it deactivates it and it cools down. Bring it out of the ziplock and shake it, it will heat back up. Just a tip for hot hands.

[@survivalhealthandhealingtv5651]

Great Post!

[@leahslovelylife]

Did not know that. Thanks for the tip

[@DavidEFarner]

rshotrod1965 You are awesome!

[@lightdark00]

The more the shake it though, the faster the rusting happens. It's amazing that creating rust on iron particles is so warming. I wash the salt out after use and iron is badly needed in the basic soil here, so that's where it goes.

[@dongray3258]

just your girls beauty warms the world,, her smile is endless and beautiful,,her joy is catching and it goes on forever...

[@bobfmirvine6652]

You touched on what I think is a very important tip, and that is keeping anything that is outside of the blankets warm, i.e. A heavy head covering and keep your arms under the blankets. If your head gets cooler, your body directs the blood flow from other parts to the head, thus they get cooler. Try wearing warm head gear and I think you will be surprised how much warmer your whole body feels. I was born in Toronto, and spent 3 yrs in Montreal after graduating from college in Toronto. Love your videos.

[@TheHillbillyHybrid]

I love how yall love each other so much, such a cute couple

[@evolkmer]

You're an incredibly ADORABLE couple! Thanks for the tips!!

[@LostOnLandAgain]

The electric heating pad is brilliant! Thanks for another great video!

[@gmaneis]

Awesome tips. Going to bed without using the toilet first is always asking for trouble, and wearing clothing while sleeping definitely does not allow your body to use all of its natural "furnace" effect while sleeping. Trust me, I know this, but as you said, this is not that kind of comment! Thanks for posting this informative video. Good to know about all those excellent products.

[@KE4VVF]

Great video!! Eating nuts, sunflower seeds, peanut butter or other foods containing oils, like bread and butter, will stoke the body's furnace to help keep you warmer. Going to bed hunger will make you much more susceptible to being cold.

[@khm2128]

+KE4VVF , I didn't realize that but your point makes total sense. Thank you!

[@lightdark00]

Actually that doesn't work for me. If I want to heat up, sugary stuff does it. The best result is dextrose based candies. Or if you manage to get some sun or hit a tanning booth, that will give extra body heat at night too.

[@justinw1765]

That and concentrated protein. Sometimes I winter backpack, and while it doesn't get near as cold where I live as in many parts of Canada, I've been out in -5*F or so, which in a tent is fairly cold. Sometimes I eat a half pound of Wild Alaskan salmon lox (somewhat erroneously labeled as "smoked salmon"). I don't eat much meat/flesh food normally, but have noticed this really helps.

[@MountainGardenGirl]

Hi Guys, you probably know this already but if you sleep with double sleeping bags inside one another and perhaps line innermost one with comfy fleece and of course the hot water bottle prewarm, you can stay really toasty. Somebody even recommended we use mylar under ourselves to reflect heat back up. Walmart makes a cheap Ozark Trail 9 dollar sleeping bag that x2 makes a huge sleep space. They are not rated for cold but really help in the layer thinking. Thanks for you tips and fun video. Makes us tiny van campers feel like there are kindred spirits out there.

[@vonblocko2431]

Can not believe how positive you guys are, you guys are great.

[@ace858]

I think you guys are really great the way you plan things keep it up

[@saoirsesky]

I think that a sheep wool mattress topper would work wonders.Where I am from is a very cold area during the winter and when people didn't have the luxuries of today, they used sheep wool bedding and quilt to survive through the winter and it also keeps you cool in the summertime.There's something great about organic material, be sure to check the percentage of cotton or wool materials inside the clothing and bedding used, nowadays it's all plastic, it looks all warm and fuzzy:) but it may not keep you as warm as a wool or cotton blend would. Keep each other warm and love the videos as well:)

[@iceman22st]

Try to minimize the wind blowing under the van. Even if you have to shovel a bit of snow along the wind side. I've used 18" wide 8' lengths of thin plywood, and just bungee it or pile some snow against it. One time I even used cardboard. You're just creating a wind break

[@peterolley7159]

it's lovely to see a brother and sister get on so well !!!!

[@blakereid2564]

Finally a good video about keeping warm in Canada. Thank you a ton.

[@richardprieto6114]

Blake Reid idiot Canadians. Useless information.

[@lightdark00]

Camping once I didn't realize it would get down to where I was shivering at night. All I slept with in my tent was on a yoga mat with one sheet. Luckily I remembered I brought one of those shiny space blankets after waking up shivering. I used it and then I was so relieved at all the heat I felt. I went back to sleep easily. Not sure I would want to use that day after day, but they are a savior that you can never fold back up as small as it started out. They even are great window treatments for summer to lower the heat inside.

[@TravelingRobert]

Great tips. Thanks. Now I just have to learn how to winterize my camper and we are all set to explore the great north.

[@17025601]

Reflectix panels carefully cut to cover each window, pressed into place INSIDE. Also over any top vent. Makes a huge difference in heat retention or, conversely, keeping heat out in heat conditions. Works!

[@joshbaker2157]

Also under the sheet.

[@motherdaughtersister]

Fuzzy socks and fuzzy blanket - Paula's just like me! My husband calls me a "sleep diva." Glad to see I'm not the only one. (Oh, and I also need an eye pillow - lavender scented preferred. :) ) Thanks for the tips!

[@BevHall]

First I dress for the occasion by wearing a turtle neck under my snuggly one piece onesie pjs. I also need a warm pair of socks. My pjs have a hood which makes it even warmer. The onesie keeps any drafts from going up your back. For even more warmth, a heavy sweater may help, but I usually end up removing it before the night is over.Put an extra blanket under you for added warmth from below and use a sleeping bag. A bag for two is the best since two can heat the place up better. You try using a liner in the bag, or just do what my mom used to do: baste at flannel sheet inside the bag. A solar blanket on top could make you feel toasty as well.The only problem is not wanting to get out of bed.

[@TheMusachioedBrony]

That not wanting to get out of a warm, toasty bed and start the day in a freezing, cold room is a horrible feeling. I literally have to force myself to get up, and the first few minutes are a mess.

[@haroldfitz5146]

Great tips, thank you. One you didn't mention is running an electric blanket (a mere 25 watt draw) on your invertor connected to your battery bank. You can go a long time without depleting your batteries. I put a blanket on top the electric one. Some frown on doing that, but it allows me to set it on low and still be plenty warm. I also have one for my recliner. They both go on with appliance timers. It's nice to sit in a warm chair and sip my morning coffee and at bedtime my bed is warmed up for me. Happy travels

[@arielgailmaclean7596]

making at least one layer of wool blanket and one layer feathers or down on both trunk and bed. these have the best ability for retaining heat while still allowing body to breathe. I bought old down vests and sewed together to line synthetic sleeping bag, works great.

[@FarrellMcGovern]

Nice idea, but some of us are allergic to wool and feathers. :-(

[@RWT2777]

You guys are so gosh darn cute! Thx for the tips. My wife who is the "always cold" one will particularly appreciate the usb heated pad advice. Now off I go to Amazon to find it!

[@DSCKy]

I used to have a big furry bean bag. If you used that thing as a comforter it was amazing. You had about 12" of styrofoam beads that covered from your neck to your knees and it was really efficient at retaining body heat. If I spent a lot of time sleeping in the cold, I would make a custom styrofoam comforter. Also, a sleeping bag inside a sleeping bag works very well.

[@maxzarges]

Norwegians use (used) feather ticks on their beds. Quite thick if you can find one. They can be used on top of you as well

[@simonneslezak4540]

You guys love each other so much ,it's so sweet

[@Jane-lf8dc]

I love the way he looks at you. You two have such a beautiful love. :-)

[@trishgraham1820]

I want to thank you for inviting us into your home and along on your travels. I'm a "misplaced" Canadian and enjoy the piece of home I get weekly watching your videos. Confession time... your channel is the only channel I subscribe to on youtube and have just created an Instagram account in anticipation of seeing some of those cross country vacation pics. I am amazed how Paula has kept Walter out of camera view to date (she must be a very diligent "plush-mom"). I'm surprised he wasn't dash driving during your trips. I do just love that even Walter is van-sized! :D

[@kathrynkenyon785]

THANK YOU! Took some hardy Canadians to give some good ideas how to stay WARM! Ive been having a terrible time trying to stay warm in Washington state, U.S.A.! Had a freak snow storm this past June at Yellowstone state park, then when I went south to the Arizona desert I discovered how cold the desert gets at night. At least it didn't take very long to warm up after sunrise. Please do more talks on how to stay warm in your van!

[@Dani65ful]

another tip is eat a food that helps produce body heat like Oatmeal, high carbohydrates.. and beans.. .. but other wise I love your tips .. thanks for sharing

[@sidneymailman]

I weirdly enjoy you two from just seeing this one video from you. I'm a shut in if you will but I could put up with you both. good on you for finding each other. lucky you!

[@TheDevorah1836]

These are great tips, thank you.. I will research the heating pad!!! My best tip is PRE HEAT YOUR BED!!!!! Getting into icy sheets is miserable. 2 nalgenes with really hot water rolled around in the bed for 5 minutes makes a big difference. I travel alone in a 90 Westy which is like a sub zero fridge in cold weather I use a Little Buddy heater before bed and nalgene bottles.. Of course, I am not in Canada, when it hits 30F I am at my limit! Love these videos as they roll in, I am planning my next trip which will include LEAF in NC, Socorro and Sante Fe NM and then up to Yellowstone and onto Idaho... so I imagine I will have a bit of cold. big hugs, devorah

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Very nice couple! Thanks for sharing. Happy camping! :)

[@amydixon4493]

You guys are so cute together.. Very informative too!

[@BackToReality]

Thanks Amy :)

[@dre3375]

Great Winter tips on how to stay warm.....I agree with Derick on number 4....lol Stay Warm Guys!

[@24thpresident46]

It's awesome having a cozy set up, and it being snowing and really cold outside.

[@24thpresident46]

The major bummers are driving in icy roads and walking in unavoidable watery slush. Or getting stuck in a simplistic spot of ice, or snow that you get baffled why you are not getting traction... when you have just gone thru 10x uglier spots. 😁

[@MrPavePaws]

24th President you forgot;. slipping on crud while running away from pursuing pimp and recently monetarily shorted midget hooker.

[@jmonte010807]

I watched all your videos up to #47 loved every one. Keep it up and happy travels.

[@darrellblair5818]

You two are a neat and loving couple. So down to earth. I really enjoy your videos. Thank goodness it doesn't get that cold down here in Louisiana.

[@DavidEFarner]

You two are adorable. Great tips. Live long and stay warm🙂

[@lanahallock1118]

Flannel sheets in winter are a big help. Having a metallic or heavy fabric drape closing off the cab from the living area is a big help. Reflectix insulation on windows & vents makes a huge improvement. I have a 125# dog & a 17 # cat. Cat is like a furnace, dog needs a couple of layers of blanket due to no winter coat because he is mostly indoors. Thanks for all your ideas.

[@AUSSIEMADMATT]

Good tips I`ll remember this if i ever travel to cold parts of australia, here in queensland its like a furnace. keep the videos coming, all the best.

[@theinquisitor4756]

AUSSIEMADMATT

[@lizstevens8659]

You guys are really cute! I am so glad I found your channel . I am purchasing a camper van and hitting the road this September I knew nothing about camper vans so I'm a little scared but excited too!.I will be heading up to the Great Northwest from California for at least 6 months to a year Thanks again! Liz

[@katerinakiaha6925]

Love how you two hold hands.

[@danielchais4603]

Katerina Kiaha Don't love how you hold hands too much to public it's flaunting it's over compensating it's forcing a captive audience into your intimate space

[@allenjohnson4310]

Danielchai S - excessive public hand holding. You got to be kidding me. I was young once. When we were first married we held hands a lot just like them. Not to be flaunting. Just because it felt good. You need to chill out and just be happy for them.

[@brendabardell-resch6869]

Danielchai S I

[@Dangerous_Peace]

Allen Johnson right! People are so weird. Who complains about a couple holding hands in their video but a lonely ass lame.

[@kodiakwoodworks9359]

Angel Brown I agree I think they are a very wonderful couple and I'm very happy for them. Their cute and the world would do well to copy this model called love. They are just nice fun people and they make the world a much better place each time they interact with it.

[@leesmith9299]

Making me cry about my sad lonely cold single life.

[@24thpresident46]

Get a Walter 😊

[@alangeldart4942]

i hear you lee!

[@MrPavePaws]

Alan Geldart Alan, Lee. Lee, this is Allen. I'll leave you two now.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

LOL.. My dog Capone is an excellent companion - and keeps me warm at night! I highly recommend one!

[@servicarrider]

That;s funny stuff right there.

[@brittpetersen143]

trying to plan a future van home for me and my animals. Canadian winters and hot summers are my biggest concern. videos about temperature control are very important to me, so thanks!

[@rustiva14]

Very upbeat and enjoyable video. Keep it up!

[@fredsandford7649]

Thank you so much guys this video really help me a lot I'm doing my first winter in my RV I normally go south but I was stuck in Wisconsin due to my mother's failing health

[@wish1were]

my first visit to your channel, oh my you ppl. are to Cute for words. great job thx for sharing, a new fan called Rhonda

[@daviddansereau1793]

You did a very nice job on this posting. Thank you.

[@markbennett8927]

U 2'cant be for real....can u ? So lovely and so happy and soooooo......clean!

[@vagabondstew]

Excellent information. Thanks to you both. I'll be checking out more of your vids just a little bit later.

[@64maxpower]

Canadians really are nice people. Paula looks like a young Mary AnnSteenburgon

[@arbeeex]

If you haven't already thought of it you might try a space blanket (ebay or walmart?) as your top layer as it is thin and aluminized which will reflect your body heat back at you. . . . . . . . . . Years ago I spent several weeks in the winter in an unheated room in an old house in Maine. Layers worked somewhat but I lost heat from my head. I put a bath towel around my head with a small opening by my mouth which worked well after I got used to it. I have been sleeping that way in the winter ever since going on thirty some years now.

[@mathewrupp8568]

Space blanket will trap moisture the last thing you want to do.

[@kkhan7481]

you guys make a lovely couple, happy campervanning! stay warm :-)

[@thanhhaivu110a]

You two are a neat and loving couple. Thanks for sharing

[@jenhul1]

Dogs are the best. :-) Ever wondered about the expression Three Dog Night?

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Yup... Love mine. Keeps me warm and cozy without all the fuss! :-p

[@Trang-xq9fn]

Fantastic idea with using the USB heating pad. I could even have one with me while waiting for the bus.

[@mikewagenblast8504]

Polypropylene undergarments work and layering them works very well. Campmor is a good online point of purchase. Thank you for a very good video.

[@In_time]

I feel like a third wheel on a first date😅😅

[@jenniferlegrow504]

😂

[@bonniecastro1549]

The hand holding and baby voice is so annoying

[@PeterTran1997]

e

[@prestondeanes4390]

@@bonniecastro1549 Inmy humble opinion, the world could use a lot more hand holding.

[@francisa751]

Thk God I'm not in that freezing Canadian winter. Thk for the tips, useful, as always.

[@elainefleureton5536]

Great tips. Keep holding hands!

[@kitcarr4668]

If you guys can live with the slightly crinkly sound then place an inexpensive silver survival blanket under the bottom sheet - that will reflect your body heat back up and prevent it from being absorbed by the mattress. I;d also suggest ( if you can get in Canada - it's common here in NZ) is good quality merino clothing ... it's available in at least 4 layers, base, intermediate and outer and outdoor. It's fabulous in terms of light weight, wearability, comfort, moisture wicking ... and better than polypropylene and other synthetics .... it stays fresh smelling ( ie it doesn't smell sour and stinking even after prolonged wearing ) It also hand washes easily and will retain shape so long as it's dried flat and needs no ironing ! ps enjoyed your vids :-)

[@BackToReality]

Wow, thanks for the tips Kit Carr! :)

[@kitcarr4668]

Welcome ... I;ll not mention hat it's summer and we're basking in the heat while you deal with the chills of winter ! Lemme know of you ever visit NZ!

[@GregHinzeworkinprogress]

Another good tip is eat before you sleep. Carbs generate heat thanks for sharing peace

[@tabcan]

Here's a typical winter in Georgia. Usually the first day is cold...then the season ends on the second day when it warms up again. :-)

[@sierraroseprzybyla3333]

GREAT tips! -one of the things that I have found (and maybe didn't get touched on specifically) is to put a few warm layers underneath you too. Sometimes your mattress isn't insulating enough (too thin like my futon, etc.) and it's important to add a few insulating layers underneath, too! :)

[@BackToReality]

That is a really good tip as well! Thanks!

[@topnotchreviewer1429]

I really liked your video. Your content was useful and informative. No drama!

[@Ron4885]

lol, "We're not 'that' kind of channel" ;-)

[@17025601]

1. Sleep naked. Body heat warms bed. 2. Double-sided Polarfleece blankets(s). 3. Inexpensive down-filled topper (Costco). 4. Bed-sized quilt. 5. Head cover (beanie, watch cap, wool hat, etc.). Layer as needed. Weight is not what does it: many lighter layers insulate better. Long experience!

[@lottietunes3541]

Sleep naked in WINTER???!!! That depends on your INDIVIDUAL metabolism!!!

[@ratedasmr7811]

LOTTIE TUNES what you're supposed to do is surround yourself in your clothes and a blanket

[@jpeagle4]

GizmoBee1702 great insight thank you

[@emzirek]

North American inuit( Eskimo) sleep naked under animal skin /fur share body heat to stay warm overnight

[@lukester478]

Doesn't really depend on metabolism, sleeping bags work best when there is minimum space and clothes between you and the bag. It works by reflecting the heat right back at your body. When choosing clothing to wear to bed, consider thermals, and if you end up being really cold, a down jacket or fleece on top. not much else. ANY cotton is only going to make you colder then being naked (believe me ive tested this accidentally, froze one night, toasty the next, in a tent in the mountains). Woolen socks and a beanie are really useful too.

[@amyjo1293]

Shear blanket is a must for me. Great tips.

[@AlexFoster1454]

Thank y'all so much for sharing your tips!

[@taurus-astrobike104]

U guys Are GREAT !! Thank you for sharing ur tips on staying warm !! Ur a Wonderful an Fabulous couple !! U make Me Smile :-):-):-):-)

[@BackToReality]

Thanks Taurus, that is very sweet of you to say. :)

[@susanaaires3979]

Walter IS cute. :D Another great vid, guys!

[@walt-sh7ju]

Everyone needs a Walter to snuggle up too 😉 Thanks for uploading Didn't know there was such thing as a USB powered electric blanket.👍

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Great tips! I know backpackers do the Nalgene hot water bottle trick. I'll have to remember that. My heater broke in my RV and I bought a Mr. Heater Buddy, but don't leave it on at night. Woke up to 25 degrees in Nevada this morning. You're brave for sticking it out in the Canadian winters!!! Thanks for another helpful video!

[@deeka2001]

Carolyn's RV Lif

[@rjrnabisko]

Need a thurd

[@patof0872]

I really like your channel....the "voyage" you did in the eastern part of Québec and Labrador was amazing!Me and my girlfriend woul'd like to do just like you but with the kids we'll have to wait a few years till they have theyre own house.Tanks for your tips and sorry for my poor english writhing...Patrick from Quebec City,Canada!

[@serkanister3620]

I m wishing you two endless happiness.

[@ginamartindale8095]

Lol. You are both great and very funny. Thank you for sharing. 👍🤘✌😁

[@brendamarine1694]

sleeping with a down comforter will make life a lot easier. At home or when we lived in our motorhome, I used a hair dryer and warmed the sheets and blankets before getting into bed. When available heat bricks or rocks wrap in foil then in wool blanket place at the foot of the bed. The bricks will radiate heat to help keep you warm.

[@bcp583]

Great ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnacord5664]

One time we had a power failure here in Carson, rendering my gas furnace useless. I filled two hot water bottles with hot water. I put one on my stomach and the other on my chest. I slept well that night.

[@FarrellMcGovern]

If you don't want to run your heater all night, want to run it at a lower setting, curtain off your sleeping area. That is how those canopy beds from the days of olde worked....by creating a insulated space within a space. After you get the van warmed up, turn down or off the heater, close the curtains. Another trick I learned from winter aircrew survival course I took...if you are planning on going to bed shortly after entering your shelter, strip off your outer layer, and lay down on top of your bed. It won't be any colder than any other part of your shelter/van, and it will rapidly warm up under you. Then strip down and get into a warmed up bed!

[@dad44w]

"ON MY SIDE!" funny stuff guys. Great video I just sub'd, Bob

[@BackToReality]

Thanks for the Sub, Bob!

[@jennamacleod2650]

You have great videos. Thanks a lot!

[@dblaandy]

try a wool blanket when ever i go out when its cold i put a regular blanket then a wool and its wow warm most sally anns or value villages will have them at a reasonable price

[@susanyeates4282]

I think you both are great take care and be safe xx

[@shawnwilliams3597]

You can also use a hairdryer put it on hot high and blow hot air under your sheets and in your pillow case just before you go to bed and the sheets will be nice and warm it really does work.

[@glenschumannGlensWorkshop]

I highly recommend flannel sheets and flannel pajamas. Extra blankets (which you mentioned) are very helpful.

[@frithar]

Blankets as tapestries. Worked in the medieval castles. :D

[@roberterickson77]

You're the intelligent, clean cut Ricky from TPB.

[@va7dgp]

When I drove big truck. I had my Wife with me. I used a 2500 Watt inverter and an electric Blanket. Unless it was way below -10. I didn't run the diesel motor. I was able to restart the truck with out any issue. I think I notice solar panel on the van. Using that to power a battery bank you will have enough juice to power electric blanket and a real coffee maker. Under the counter style. Just my 00.02 work

[@PaddyWagonTravels]

Great tips - thanks for the informative video!

[@lukesnyder9471]

I am buying a van and turn it into a camper this year when I get my income tax back. Everybody thinks I'm going to freeze to death in the van and it has been a pretty hard winter. But I kind of look forward to the challenge

[@LuisGarciaSprout]

How cute. Holding hands the whole time haha 😇😇😍

[@slickmongercash7788]

My God man, the way she looks at you... she's truly in love with you, even living in tight quarters. Lucky man and lucky woman :) I'm curious how you deal with fumes and off-gassing of products in such a small space and if you have maybe considered solar heaters to keep the van warm during the day? That could be a viable and cheap option to keep everything in the van toasty toasty warm all day during sunlight, making ti easier to heat again once home.. like a thermal heat battery in a way. Could likely have enough room on roof along any solar panels that are already there for elec.

[@ExpediteTravels]

Awesome video Fellow Canucks🇨🇦 😎👍 very informative and your subbed

[@karolinajohansson6522]

Nice tips 😀 living in Norway so this helps my planning for vanlife...

[@ManWander]

Snuggling for warmth is one of the best things about being married! Good tips... thank you! Hey, I wonder, do you need to worry about condensation at all?

[@survivalhealthandhealingtv5651]

A Frequency Machine is also great for getting your circulation going...warm hands and feet in about 9 mins and you can use a Hair Dryer to warm your body up and your clothing and under your blankets for a few mins and fall asleep really​ fast!

[@petermyers479]

My grandparents used to place a couple red bricks in the oven. Take them out hot, wrap in fabric and fall asleep warm. New Englanders. Grammie heated red clay flower pots on gas stove with proper ventilation in trailer. Pot radiates heat while getting hot. Shut off stove, pot radiates warmth for hours.