Hiking Through a City to Stealth Camp | Urban Stealth Camping | Small Plots

This weeks episode of Small Plots is a special one; I leave my apartment in a dense urban center, and hike all the way to my very first official stealth camping spot. The only mode of transportation used is my legs as I wind through a downtown area and surrounding city to my destination in the adjacent suburbs.
I contend with hippies, cyclists, strawberry Gatorade (ugh), and have an encounter with someone I did not expect to see in the middle of the what I was hoping would be an uneventful first stealth camping trip.
Gear used in this video includes my trusty Wise Owl Hammock, Therm-a-rest Parsec sleeping bag and Neo-Air sleeping pad. My pack is the 25L Day Ruck from The Hidden Woodsmen.
Filmed in 4K in Rochester, NY

[@jimsoutdooradventures2748]

I'm glad you had a successful camp. Anytime i come across any kind of camp, I avoid them, I just treat them how I want to be treated . Thanks for the adventure 😃👍👍 Take Care

[@OutlawCamper]

You're bringing me back to my misspent youth in Ra-cha-cha-chester 20 years ago. I love this stuff. Plus, camping! Man alive, this channel is the best random discovery ever!

[@smallplots]

Haha thanks, man! I've got more Rochester and camping in the pipeline!

[@TheActualJesus]

Alright it's 0:55 seconds in and I'm subbing. I like the humor and personality already, let's get it.

[@smallplots]

Hey, I'll take a little flattery. Thanks for watchin, Birch! I'm a big fan of your species of tree.

[@TheActualJesus]

@@smallplots listen this video was great. Personality is on point, the humor kept getting better and the music is original and adds a unique feel. Keep it up, man. Play your cards right and I don't see why this channel couldn't explode.

[@smallplots]

@@TheActualJesus Thank you! Really nice of you to say, seriously. I enjoy doing it, and would absolutely love it if the channel grew. I'll keep at it!

[@rescue8299]

Small plots have you ever considered using a bivy shelter?

[@smallplots]

@@rescue8299 Yes, I have considered it, for sure! My unfortunate problem with small ground shelters like a bivy is just the fact that I'm pretty tall, and don't fit well inside anything that size.

[@ihikealone]

Showed up for the urban hiking, subbed for the ball sweat. 🤣 Great humor man.👍

[@johnscottmills1414]

I’m happy to see you again. Funny as ever. I enjoy watching your videos and laughing at you you’re awesome mate john from Sheffield England

[@RJDCR]

O mah lanta...will there ever be a nuther Small plots....let us pray/.....hope Kevin cometh back sum day

[@joesoutdoorplaces]

How did I miss this? Your first stealth camping adventure. Very enjoyable video Kevin.

[@smallplots]

Thanks, Joe! It's been a journey

[@Professor_Taiga-Vanguard]

"It tastes like ball sweat... it grew on me."

[@msyeah4835]

This was in my recommended, glad it was. You’re great to watch. Love the old couple stalkers, be careful out there 😂 Subbed straight away, take care from the UK

[@jzay1899]

Native Rochesterian here, Great content! You my friend just earned a sub and a notification bell.

[@smallplots]

Hey thanks, neighbor! I appreciate it 😎

[@Britelife50]

Very funny! reminds me of when we were kids in our front yard at night, seeing headlights, screaming caaaaarr! and we would panic scatter and dive into the shrubs. same feeling watching this

[@robduncan599]

Well that was a welcome experience! KZbin in their wisdom, suggested your film . Watched it all . Thank you KZbin. Not a thing you hear often? Your film is just down my street, so to speak . I enjoyed it immensely! Subbed, for sure . Looking forward to the next episode. My situation is very different from yours , living on a small Croft in rural Aberdeenshire Scotland my local wood is less than 200 metre and absolutely completely free from joggers. Yet never camped there , however, maybe just maybe, you are so inspiring, just maybe. Tks again for your wonderful film .greetings from Scotland. Rob .

[@smallplots]

Hey Rob, thanks so much for the kind words! Really made my day. I hope you do get out into your woods, there! One thing that I hope to convey is just how accessible camping can be... it doesn't need to be a 200 mile hike on a thru trail, or a grand journey up a mountain... sometimes it's just nice to find a small plot of woods to relax and enjoy nature, wherever they may be; and you have some beautiful forests over there in Scotland!

[@kenball8526]

I 100% cannot watch you without having the full spectrum of laughter! Thanks dude.

[@smallplots]

Thank YOU ken!

[@CampingwithSamBananas]

Same thing here with the Birch. I REALLY wish there were more of them around. These videos get better and better bud. The part with the deer was hilarious.

[@smallplots]

Thanks, man! I really appreciate it. Yeah I get way too excited when I see a birch because it's always a crapshoot. Not only is the bark invaluable, but they're a very striking, beautiful tree. And those deer had me freakin out haha. I was positive somebody was sneaking up on me, my heart sank into my belly.

[@Dave64track]

Great content I love your banter and the sense of adventure stay safe and I will see you in the next as I have subscribed thanks for sharing.

[@ernststravoblofeld]

Makes me appreciate my light brown, non-beacon-like hammock.

[@smallplots]

They saw that thing from space!

[@wwcwcp09]

At the point the Nats hit your face and had spat them out I DIED LAUGHING because not only were you so funny leading up to your nat encounter, you had me laughing because your name is Kevin...and another Kevin (Hart) 🤣 had the same thing happen to him as a kid...in an adult body, and when he was a kid who's mother was screaming "Somebody save by BAAAABBBBAAAAAHHH!!!" 🤣🤣🤣😂😂

[@wwcwcp09]

I'm still laughing, BTW. Do you know how funny you are? 😄

[@wwcwcp09]

Thanks for the like!!!

[@greenhill004]

I briefly worked at the RIT BN bookstore and took that trail every day and right there I'd skid out on my bike at least once a week in that exact spot you cut out. Here's a hint, I wouldn't care if you are in the woods. Never knew there was that much space back there.

[@smallplots]

Haha hilarious

[@jennifermolloy2732]

Thank you for making me laugh! Awesome vid.

[@smallplots]

No problem Jennifer!

[@shawnforpresident5198]

This was filled with big money excitement

[@smallplots]

The budget was in the millions!

[@phillipg7315]

Just found your channel, love the content especially this stealther! I’m about 90 minutes away over towards Utica Rome, looking forward to more!

[@smallplots]

Hey Neighbor, thanks for watching! I pass through Rome every time I go to the ADKs. Copper City!

[@CunnerOutdoors]

Lol when you thought the deer was a person, reminded me of the one time years ago i was walking along a trail, home from a pool hall after a few to many and saw what i thought was a group of guys walking towards me in the dark, and almost fought a herd of deer lmao.

[@smallplots]

Haha yeah man, they can look like people! I was like, 100% positive someone was sneaking around. If it weren't for seeing the last deer ( I think there were 3) I probably would have kept thinking that all night haha

[@chriscurry2540]

😭🤣🤣🤣😂

[@mikeinthebush7832]

Hi Kevin! Nice Stealth camping, and a very nice mustache! I also tried "the stealth" about a month ago, and would definitely do more. Keep up the good work! Greetings from Sweden!

[@smallplots]

Hey Mike, thanks so much! I love your channel, you have a great personality and your Sweedish woods are gorgeous. Cheers!

[@mikeinthebush7832]

Wow! That escalated quickly on the Bromance meter! Thanx a lot, Kevin!

[@timmusic7674]

takes me 1minute to get yo my local woods, I loved the video mate...

[@joanscheidlar8887]

Just found your channel. Love ❤️ it!

[@razifmahathir2437]

Hi Kevin. Greetings from sunny Malaysia 🇲🇾. Just found your channel today and loved the humour as well as the content.....so I subbed and look forward to catching up with the backlog. We've been under controlled lockdown out here again since January and only now are we on a gradual relaxation of movement controls . My overnighters have been confined to nights in the hammock out on my patio under the tarp. Always hot out here all year round but marginally cooler during our rainy season (oct - feb). Look forward to your next video. Cheers buddy and stay safe 😷. ATVB from a Brit expat now living in Malaysia 😷🏕🇲🇾

[@smallplots]

Sunny Malaysia sounds amazing right about now! It's been raining for days here in upstate NY haha. It's definitely been tough getting out with everything going on, sometimes you just gotta scratch that itch and camp on the patio! Thanks so much for your kind words and for watching my vids. Much more to come 😎

[@wafflesnfalafel1]

very nice - my wife grew up there, (dad was an IBM man.) She quickly moved to Santa Barbara. :)

[@markwisniewski2227]

Subscribed! I live in Rochester near the ABC street area and I love this type of stuff. Discovered you through Steve Wallis. If I see you I'm going to stop by to say hello.

[@smallplots]

Hey, thanks so much Mark! If you see me out and about, definitely do say hello!

[@Jonebee7771]

Just found your channel, subscribed 👍🙂 and Citra is one of my favourite hops 🤣👍 big IPA fan from the UK

[@smallplots]

Hell yeah man, thanks so much for watching!

[@markdephilippo1404]

Somebody smoking weed and laugh my ass off great video Kevin

[@envyx3296]

I enjoy you video keep the good work buddy 👍

[@cernunos8153]

Nice video man. Followed for future stealth camp outs.

[@smallplots]

Thank you! More stealth videos coming, for sure!

[@jdmvanlife]

Your videos impress me every time. Actually really like the background music.

[@smallplots]

Thank you man! Gotta break up my rambling somehow haha.

[@TruesdaleTV]

Good vid my fellow stealth camping buddy from across the ocean lol 👍⛺ I just subbed. 😉

[@smallplots]

Hey thanks man! I love your channel. Your van looks like the chillest place ever, I love it!

[@TruesdaleTV]

@@smallplots cheers pal. I made the best I could with wat I had just lol. Weather is getting better here so will get a few tent and hammock vids made soon as well 👍

[@wesleylandreth]

I think I'm the 100th subscriber lol love your videos

[@smallplots]

That's amazing! Thanks so much, you rock!

[@ashlabs1778]

Trail running is very popular and common - I used to do it all the time. Usually in groups but when you are alone, you are hyper-focused on your feet to not trip on a root or rock. The fire likely is what caught his eye and he took a pause to confirm if it was trash or not. Back in my AF days, they would set us loose in the woods with a trash bag to pick up anything we could that wasn't supposed to be there.

[@TamarackoutffitersCo.]

Just found this and I needed it thank you

[@smallplots]

Im so glad, caleb! Thank you so much for watchin

[@willstonvelo8100]

liking your style, all the best from England, Americana at its best, urban stealth sweet regards Will🍻👍

[@smallplots]

Thanks, Will!

[@RJDCR]

the Deer ...Whose this guy ???...Kevin...I'm Kevin !

[@willstonvelo8100]

Cool vid, funny last wild camp I did with my mate Pete, we where woken up in the morning with the sound of a high power rifle, here in the UK theirs not the quantity of guns like you guys have in Usa ,we met up with the guy and he was cullin the local deer population on the estate we was on, we was in the remotest place we could find but that's not that far from anyone

[@MegaSusanc]

Awesome as always Kevin. You crack me up I tell ya 🤣 😂 you're hilarious 😂 😁 🤣 It tastes like ball sweat 🤔 ❓️ 🤔 ❓️ 🤔 ❓️ What exactly does Ball Sweat taste like? 😳 lol ☠️ 😅 🤣 😂 😬 EEK I'm sorry 😞 I'm really just teasing ya. But that's a good one 😆 🤣 😂 😹 KEEP ADVENTURING GOD BLESS YOU 🤗HUGS🤗

[@napoleonzigrer6800]

Great video and omg i can see myself there 35:07

[@petemaxson7373]

Looking forward to joining you sometime in the future! Plot would have to be a bit bigger Ha!! I enjoy the videos!

[@smallplots]

Thanks Pete!

[@BotanyDegreePilkerton]

u make me lol ty for the chuckles 😁

[@smallplots]

😎👍🏻

[@hanspur1980]

Build your fire in a Dakota hole. Then no one sees the flame no matter what cover the terrain provides. They might smell the food though! Here in California no one would notice you, among all the homeless, but they would certainly annoy you handing out blankets or sandwiches.

[@bagariusyarrelli7142]

The jogger turned around because he smelled smoke🔥which travels a long way from the camp fire. You need to use smokeless wood, Kev ;-{)

[@glennencarnacion3360]

Recommended because I like camping stuff, subbing for the humor. Please specify the Gatorade flavor so we can avoid it LOL. My favs are old school original Orange, Mango and Green Apple. You sample a lot of Gatorade raising three kids who do team sports and activities! Keep up the great content.

[@smallplots]

Haha thanks, glenn! It was the "fierce strawberry" flavor, I believe. It was super chemically. I got the green apple recently and it was awesome!

[@bobhead6243]

Hi Kevin , congratulations on your first Stealth camp . a cammo net can be handy for that kind of camp.

[@smallplots]

Definitely need to up my game in that department. Thanks for watchin, Bob! New stealth camp this Tuesday, and my tarp is at least green this time haha

[@dellyboot2703]

Just subbed up. Like your style! x

[@aztrail1]

This was a good learning experience for you I believe.

[@moosehand8721]

Upstate NY is the Oz of the northeast. Would love to night drive some of the back roads up there in a boogie van, I drive a big rig up there now and then but a van with a bed would open up a whole new adventure.

[@NaomisAdventures]

New subscriber. Thanks for sharing

[@terrencegibbons3351]

That is a great location to stealth camp and it will be even more private after the leaves grow out of the trees and shrubs.

[@smallplots]

Yeah, it wasn't too bad! It'll be interesting to see how getting through the thick underbrush this summer will be, it gets nasty and prickery out here haha. Thanks so much for watching/subbing!

[@cheneybros]

perhaps there are some smaller logs you can put over those creeks...could you not make a fire block with some of the dead wood around there? or maybe build a small shelter outta all the deadwood...indica gummies would get you some good sleep! cheers n beers!

[@chriscurry2540]

🤣🤣😂 lmao! Yes! The pink Gatorade is terrible!😂

[@smallplots]

I never even finished it. I dumped the rest out in the morning haha. It tasted like cough syrup mixed with chemicals and a dash of gasoline

[@Minnesotaqueen1969]

I have, obviously, not seen all your videos, but do you mention railroad tracks in each of them? lol. love the channel.

[@smallplots]

I dunno prolly

[@leeappleton7416]

How did you not set fire to the woods 😂 you had no brick or stone around the fire

[@PlantManC]

Firelay needs more clearance of the duff at least. Still, fun video

[@Ruberoidberg]

Say hi to Billy if you step on him while searching for a stealthy spot! GJ

[@bigearedmouse17]

What's the difference between an outdoor channel with 250 subs and 250,000 subs ? Nothing apparently ! Great work keep up the good work.

[@johningle8439]

Start them at home from new softwood cuttings, info can be found on the internet. Do about a dozen, good survival would be six to eight.

[@eb1410]

Lost that old couple....It was HIPPIES!! I died..

[@eb1410]

...butt dialed my mom.

[@ducks_love_bread]

I was hoping this would finally be the ultimate grey man someone finding a stealthy place inside a city the such as between a bush or hedgerow and a building like a bank or a business of some sort and being comfortable and safe possibly even while they are open but the goal is to find a spot inside city limits and to be comfortable and safe from prying eyes.there are city's so big that even a full day of walking still won't bring you to any kind of open space.

[@smallplots]

I'm always on the lookout for a stealth spot in a dense city area, but the truth is there simply aren't that many options where I live; thus the jaunt to just outside the city limits, as safety is a factor. Thanks for watchin!

[@ducks_love_bread]

@@smallplots I liked the video i am sorry if i gave the impression I didn't or was somehow disappointed.i wasn't disappointed at all.i found there was alot to take away from the video and i appreciate your Time and effort to entertain and educate us.....maybe in the future if circumstances permit you could try my suggestions...i just was thinking a video like that right now would be great for homeless people dealing with the pandemic in my city there are people sleeping in doorways on sidewalks without any type of gear and no better ideas on what to do or where to go..i never understood why people stayed in the city homeless unless there is a habit involved but me I am going to the woods get some brook trout mushrooms and whatever berries in season..do you know what people pay for a meal like that???i dont know to each their own right maybe they just dont know that option exists although I live in washington and most people can at least do a little fishing..anyhow thanks for your time be safe man

[@plutoplatters]

i would make a loop for my pack to go around the tree next to hammock... as to raise the pack off the ground as to NOT BEND over retrieving contents

[@Rustyfingaz]

0:44 lmao im new to this channel, but im already enjoying the videos.

[@smallplots]

Thanks fingaz!

[@plutoplatters]

"there's someone here" ha !! cannot believe how often I utter that here in "San Diego ,Ca" !!! (Usually they're ON a PHONE and never notice anyone)

[@randyhaight7202]

Great video, I subbed.

[@smallplots]

Awesome, thank you!

[@OuchMyKnees]

The ball sweat grew on you 😭😭😭

[@chicubbys]

It’s turns out they weren’t old people at all, they were hippies. Lmao

[@BotanyDegreePilkerton]

i'm with Margaret's sister, if i happened upon a camp, i'd retreat

[@benjamincl2409]

6.6k view with 370 Sub!! channel is growing! Good content!

[@greywolfoutdoorshomestead9962]

I think it's cool you are close to me.i live in dundee ny right between two of the finger lakes.

[@leeappleton7416]

You make me laugh bud 😂

[@Doris-lw5te]

Nice stealth camping. Remided me of Steve Wallis channel.

[@smallplots]

That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me in my life

[@plutoplatters]

I'm thinking a darker tarp shade would be less visible than light colors... medium-dark

[@UltramarineAfterglow]

so people are leaving their appartments now? good :)

[@kingofthedots3835]

Have you ever considered tree filled freeway interchanges ?....I've seen some luxurious ones !...suggestion I 71 at 275

[@smallplots]

It's definitely on my list! That particular one might be a bit far, but definitely one of those coming up eventually

[@plutoplatters]

A friend of mine would freeze a steak for the pack...just for the 1'st night in camp... great idea i think

[@smallplots]

Yeah, I've definitely done that! Especially in the heat of summer, so you don't have a steak sitting around in a hot pack.

[@Miles-lq7vc]

Great trip. Be safe around bums. Carry pepper spray

[@Miles-lq7vc]

It will make a grown man weep like a child.

[@andyfreer1343]

Enjoyed kevin

[@smallplots]

Thank you, Andy, I appreciate it!

[@darryltinney5142]

The Old Canal is actually Red Creek. You walked very near my house, lol

[@smallplots]

Red creek is a little more west and doesn't run along Lehigh Valley trail

[@darryltinney5142]

@@smallplots I watched the rest of it today and I noticed my mistake. But you were in my neighborhood!

[@Quaid_Nasty]

0:53 I was hitting my pipe🤯

[@shawnsadventures2852]

I had a girl yesterday running by me same deal, she didn't see me till she almost past me and Looked back at the last minute. Spidy sense....

[@diligentsun1154]

How do you plan your camp sites? What kind of map do you use?

[@smallplots]

Google maps and plat maps to see land ownership

[@terrencegibbons3351]

Subbed

[@amberpicklevlogs]

New to your channel love watching your stealth camping hope to see may more stealth Adventures. I want to start a KZbin channel but don’t know where to start I have a GoPro but no computer to Edit the videos on if anyone can help that would be greatly appreciated this is for my fiancé keep on stealthy things and keep up with the great videos

[@smallplots]

Thanks Amber! Definitely more stealth camping in the future

[@rob4b]

Try a dakota fire next time respect for getting out there.

[@davidsimons5944]

A thought occurred: I wonder how many wooden telegraph or power poles get brought down by beavers!?

[@smallplots]

I imagine it probably happens, but i bet they treat the wood with something that the beaver may find not so delicious.

[@cqrnivalvoid8295]

what is the difference between a secret camp and a stealth camp?Great video.You are very funny.

[@smallplots]

Hey thanks! The difference, at least to me is a secret camp is a camp where maaaaaybe I'm not supposed to be, but it's basically 0 risk with easy access. With a stealth camp, it's more around people and risky, with no super easy access. Thanks for watching!

[@perfectweather]

👍👊

[@Daxum42]

7:52 hahaha "gnats"

[@smallplots]

The seasons first gnat cloud. Ah, so glorious

[@furryface1057]

these fangled health drinks always taste foul , just get cola or a nice black cherry softdrink and some pringles

[@SQWIB]

I feel your pain on the sticker bushes, I just finished a stealth camp on I-95 and PA 63 jug-handle and got tore up pretty bad, great times, lol. It's funny that folks may get more weirded out by a someone stealth camping in the woods and wouldn't look twice at a homeless person in the city with a fire in a steel drum! But for the most part no one really cares and would just avoid you like the plague. My only concern is like you said, rowdies, you never know when them youngn's are out partying in the woods and decide to stir things up a bit. As far as the authorities go, my line is, "The wife kicked me out"!

[@smallplots]

haha awesome excuse. Yeah man, for some reason I can't get the thought out of my head that some wayward teens are gunna start throwing rocks at my hammock while I sleep haha

[@LETSGETUTILIZED316]

Please start clearing out those leaves thoroughly so nothing else catches on fire.

[@iaincraig4871]

Blue shirt, lime green and lemon yellow hammock and light grey tarp = Not stealth camping. Other than that, cool vid. Just subbed. 😉

[@smallplots]

Haha yeah definitely not the greatest colors to be stealthy with. At least i didn't wear my bright orange camping pants!

[@jeffh2826]

Lucky you didn’t start the whole woods on fire building a fire with all those dry leaves.

[@smallplots]

Not that lucky, the whole forest burned down and destroyed millions of lives

[@plutoplatters]

I'm thinking a 1/2 pint of some whisky... vs. 3 large cans of beer.... i like beer too.... just sayin

[@smallplots]

For me it's not about how quickly I can get drunk in the woods, I just really like sipping a beer when I'm camping, so I'll deal with the weight haha

[@xymonau2468]

Take more water with you.

[@waynegray2284]

Thats funny u live in Rochester new York where I live in Rochester Kent UK

[@smallplots]

Really all the best places are Rochester

[@greywolfoutdoorshomestead9962]

It would be cool to stealth camp with you sometime.

[@smallplots]

It would be really cool to do a subscriber camp down the road! Maybe for a subscription milestone or something. Stay tuned!

[@aabbushcraft]

Never tasted BALL SWEAT🤔

[@smallplots]

It tastes like fierce strawberry Gatorade

[@perfectweather]

@@smallplots 😂