I Tried Camping Alone in My Car in the Winter & Here’s How It Went

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I'm trying out something new!
I made a camping set-up in my SUV and headed to the White Mountains to attempt to sleep inside my car while it was 17° f outside!
Some of the gear I used for this trip:
Sleeping pad - bit.ly/3sTyzj2
Sleeping bag - bit.ly/3uy6FcG
Power station - amzn.to/47xjwKK
Stove - www.rei.com/product/127968/je...
Fleece blanket - bit.ly/47mul2h
Sleeping bag liner - bit.ly/3sPUYNZ
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[@GarethHampton]

You might have already figured this out but...... Butane won't vaporize under 20-something F (that's why lighters won't work when they are cold), however propane will vaporize to a lower temperature. I think that the 50/50 butane/propane mix fuel canisters do work to some extent when its cold only because the propane vaporizes and flows out of the canister. In theory, once the propane is gone the stove will quit working, despite there still being fuel in the canister. You can then use the same canister in warmer conditions to burn up the butane that is inside. Good job getting out for some cold weather camping! I love winter camping.

[@umaiar]

This is good information. I prefer my alcohol stove, and know that it needs to be warmed a bit at low temps to work. Fortunately this last weekend wasn't quite that cold here, but my dumb butt took a butane lighter to pre-heat the drive if needed. I'm thinking I might better start packing a couple tea-light candles. 😂 Edit: and matches, yeah? Being new to camping, this will be an interesting season.

[@fiskz]

I've had good success using the jet boil in the low teens, I think it helps to warm the canister with body heat first.

[@jadasakura]

I literally adore car camping content! I'm so excited for this era of your channel ❤ stay warm and cozy and safe ✨

[@albertborgman859]

Yep. Oil field workers tried the same thing and had feet amputated. * Glass has no insulation value. A tarp can be stretched over to add about 10 degrees. They sell SUV fitted covers as well. That wind blows underneath taking heat. A tarp could extend to the ground. On the plains of Leith,ND i would have added two layers. The cat type heater buddy kept the SUV warm even with a window open 2 inches. CO 2 poisoning. I'd thought of using pink insulation and of making an SUV igloo. This wind blows a lot. Yet an SUV cover does the job and the wooly boogers cannot see in. * The mummy bag works very well as it fits nicely inside a rectangular camp bag. If your toes are cold your peacemaker might be too. * For extended camping some rear seats and passenger seats unbolt for a mini RV. *

[@polemera]

Hancock is definitely one of the best on the Kanc. We love that spot! The sites along the Pemi make it even better. Thanks for making videos!

[@mikeh3282]

Looks fun. Definitely bring some camp fire materials on your next car camp. Nothing beats the smell of a burning camp fire on a cold night.

[@angiegrove4027]

That's also what I enjoy most about camping and hiking. It's the best way to check out of everything else in life but what's right in front of me.

[@jenniferjohnson995]

Great to see you getting out again. I’ve been camping every month this year, most of the trips in the back of my SUV. I’ve figured out a few things to make it more comfortable. Getting a roll of Reflectix from a home improvement store will help a lot- cut them to the size of each window and put them up when you go to bed. I also have found the trick to work well of heating a Nalgene full of water and putting it in your sleeping bag before bed. It really helps! Those isopro/isobutane canisters don’t work well around or below freezing. You can tuck them inside your jacket for a bit to warm them up to get your water heated. It’s always a good day when we get a Taylor video! Thanks for bringing us along!

[@kaiserwilhelmnh932]

Great meeting you at the shop on Saturday. I could've spent another hour poking around looking at all your Gifts. Thanks for the tip on the Axe and Ale house. The Brunch Burger was very good. See you on the trail!

[@amylipkin2116]

I will be car camping all the way down to Florida. The first night will be 31 degrees. I have an electric blanket and a thick down blanket. Such fun, I love this type of camping!!

[@sharonseifert76]

Loved this video and all of your content! I recently started car camping in my 4runner. Thanksgiving night got down to 10 degrees in Mn. I had a twin size heated blanket plugged into my 1000 jackery and it was a game changer. The custom fit weathertec window covers are great for insulation as well. I hope to see more of this type of content. Love learning from others!

[@williambranham6249]

I back packed the AT and have owned a small fiberglass camper. Both were fun. My wife and also car camped to Yellowstone and back home to NC , with tenting if weather permitted. It was wonderful and with the right mindset is like backpacking with many advantages and very few negatives. Glad you had fun.

[@gio_isabella]

Out of curiosity, what did you have for a fiberglass camper ?

[@BeeCharmer880]

I’m trying out winter camping too (for fun) and the best purchase I made was the Yukon 10 sleeping bag. I’ve only hit -12c so far and it’s too warm. Can’t wait for -20 lol

[@TheModernPioneer]

I usually sleep in my car at rest areas when I road trip across the country, so this brought a lot of nostalgic memories for me. I’ve learned to sleep away from the rear hatch of the vehicle because that’s where all the cold air leaks in 😂

[@jadasakura]

Good tip lol! I never thought about that

[@RenegadeNomad]

This brings back strangely fond memories of the three years I spent living out of a Ford Mustang even during brutal winters. I had a 20° sleeping bag and a Mr. Heater propane heater to keep me toasty. Finding safe parking was the real trick in the city. Luckily no one bothered me at trailheads.

[@jadasakura]

My partner and I want to move into a van to save money on rent so we can just buy property but we're still saving up. Is there a brand of sleeping bag you recommend? We're probably going to be snowbirds but it still gets pretty chilly in the desert at night

[@RenegadeNomad]

@@jadasakura You don’t need anything special if you’re just sleeping in a vehicle. I had a $45 Coleman 20 degree bag. It actually kept me toasty down to 17 degrees a few nights. The Mr. Heater really helped. It’s catalytic, so no risk of carbon monoxide. I kept a detector in the car just to be extra safe anyway.

[@williambranham6249]

@@RenegadeNomadI agree that most anything will do. If you are not backpacking then weight is not a consideration. Old army blankets(Army Navy stores) are wool. Moving blankets might can be found second hand. Fix the end of the blanket with a pocket for your feet with diaper pins. The blanket will seem warmer and will not slide off your bed. If you’re trying to save money for property then buy everything second hand. 😅

[@sarahseeksadventure]

I have the weather tech custom for window covers for when I sleep in the car and I’m in love with them. They’re pricey but completely block light out and black out your windows so people can’t see in at all. 100% recommend if you do more car camping!

[@kgwash]

You can also make some from reflectix. Or fleece curtains.

[@caseyodonnell55]

i have tented and car camped through the winter with the same gear,im always warmer in my tent.

[@kristymoore7052]

I love your moonroof and I also love you exbed. I have one and love it! Not just car camping, but staying with friends or relatives when car traveling.

[@RickINFJ]

Your car makes me wanna trade my Pathfinder in! I like how the rear vents are in the headliner. I crush my Ramen too. 👍 Very cool adventure! ✌️

[@1PZfan]

I bought a minivan and furnished it to be able to do some two or three night car camping trips for now. I can sleep at trailheads and be there first thing in the morning to get out and then move on to the next, or park at a campground and drive to any area hikes I'd like to do. Still love the backpacking, this is a different dimension allowing me to cover more area till that time comes when I have more available time for longer trails. Give you lots of credit for camping out in those temperatures, a lot of people get 12 volt blankets to plug in (hint hint😉)

[@williamqueen1628]

Damn campfires are what camping is all about…like the hot chocolate…well at least you had fun😎😎

[@leedanielson7452]

Ok Taylor last comment I promise! We have a cold front coming down here through Central Florida and it’s supposed to get down to 45° the next two nights!!! I’m guessing that would be a piece of cake for you!!!😂🥶💨🥶💨🥶💨🥶💨🥶And I just got my calendar in the mail that I ordered from your store!!! It is absolutely amazing!!! What beautiful scenery up there in New Hampshire!!!!!!❤Thanks!

[@MichelleStubbings]

I received a Frost Guard as a gift years ago and I love it! The guard greatly reduces the amount of time it takes to clean off the car after a snowstorm or night with heavy frost. Helpful hint, make sure the bottom of the cover touches the hood of the car and the guard completely covers the windshield wipers....it keeps the snow and ice off the blades of your windshield wipers, so you don't have to clean them off or deal with frozen blades.

[@rangerbri]

The dog had a Philadelphia Eagles coat on!!!

[@all-to-Him-I-owe100]

Okay true southern gal here. You make cold weather camping and hiking look so easy, but I know better! I have hiked many miles in over 100 degree temps, but it gets cold and I am a WIMP! The second I couldn’t make a hot chocolate I would have been driving off! (Although since I am from the south it would have been at a very slow pace 😂!)

[@fretlessed25]

People who car camp in the winter seem to have alot of issues with condensation building up and freezing inside the car. Some people use a Little Buddy heater but those also add condensation while running and of course you have to worry about Carbon Monoxide so most have a CO alarm in the car if they're running a heater. I just car camp in the summer and leave the window open a bit with a bug screen stuffed in the open part.

[@aaallllen]

Under 25F, unless you have a inverted capable stove, it's helpful to stick those isobutane canisters in a bowl filled with water.

[@Jtwes]

Nice lunch break video. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikestevenson4101]

If you want to cheat a little with the power bank use a heating blanket, if tucked in well it's like a heat cocoon :)

[@pepawg2281]

Great video, nice idea! Now we can see content from Nahamsha all year long!!

[@jasonjones5213]

Car camping even just for a weekend is fun.I love it.

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

I'm so intrigued for car camping. They even have the trunk attachments that make a tent or screened area. I love this. Thanks for sharing, can't wait to see where this goes. 😊

[@tomellis3218]

I liked your car camping video, I plan to try it. I agree car camping is a way just to get away from the diversion & mind spinning thought of daily life. It is simple, safer than just single in a tent & like you pointed out if it is not going well just hot into the front seat & drive off… no campsite tent takedown . But I would sleep with my head away from lift-gate. 😊

[@jk-cj2ly]

This looks so cozy and fun. What a great idea!

[@leedanielson7452]

OMG Taylor! 17° that is way too cold to be camping!!! You know I think my 30 years of living in Florida has kind of softened me up… I spent my first 35 years growing up in the upper peninsula of Michigan and I think I was a lot tougher then..L0L 💨🥶🥶🥶🥶

[@sorentopipe7263]

I LEAVE MY SORENTO RUNNING ALL NIGHT LONG WITH THE HEAT GOIN KEEPS IT SO COZY INSIDE PLUS ITS CUTE TO SEE THE TAILPIPE PUFFING OUT THE WARM FLUFFY SMOKE ONE MORNING IT WAS SO COLD THE TAILPIPE HAD A BIG ICICLE HANGING OUT OF IT SO CUTE LOVE YOUR SUV TOO ALOT OF ROOM

[@stalesunday]

how fun! i'm a huge steve wallis fan so this is right up my alley!

[@Self_Proppelled]

Full van conversion coming soon, maybe overlander. Eva zu Bbek you have competition

[@robbinwhaley9378]

Great video!! Thanks for sharing.

[@ffstopP]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. I love winter car camping. Thanks.

[@dannythecamper4186]

Nice video, on really cold day, so let's keep on hiking 😊

[@wendygrw]

Enjoyed this video. You were brave to sleep overnight in 17 degrees! Looked like a cozy sleep system to get you through the night in comfort. There is a gizmo called a Roadie that is a window tent that is good for car camping (not in winter). Goes over an open back seat window and has bug netting and a small awning, and has privacy. Great for ventilation on warmer days/nights.

[@TXMEDRGR]

Your car looks perfect for car camping. I'm glad you were able to stay warm, that was a cold night.

[@andymytys]

Surprised that you didn’t rock a Nahamsha cap during the vid.

[@onelovemon1784]

Awesome winter head gear.

[@satendersingh8130]

Me and my 1.5 yrs old baby see your videos

[@richardross7219]

For cold weather car camping, cut out pieces of insulation such as reflectex to fit each window. It will give you privacy and keep you warmer. In warm weather get bug screens that cover the car windows so that they can be open partly. Even in the winter, crack one window a little. To keep the car warmer in cold weather, cover the hood and grill with an old comforter and tarp. This will keep the engine warm and easier to start for many hours. I'd say that over sleeping shows that this was a success. Consider having and knowing how to use a small portable battery jumper. Mine can charge from the cigarette lighter and lets me have a small cooler/heater in the car. Good Luck, Rick

[@richardmcphillips1447]

Great video, thanks!

[@goody2shooz61]

Great job on the car camping, an activity I like to combine with long road-trips. Nice car too!👍I would suggest a small electric heater powered by your battery bank and set on low might make for a slight improvement in the vehicle's interior, perhaps reducing or eliminating overnight condensation. I've really enjoyed your videos, and watched nearly all your AT trail reports this year, so much so that I searched & watched your previous AT thru-hike videos with your trail partner. I've also enjoyed your one-day road trip video (have done the route myself) and your local day hikes. Your content is great, and your videography is amazing, thanks for all of it! 🙂

[@Victory1981]

I like that brand of hot chocolate. I’ve had good times sleeping in my car on road trips at rest areas or spacious parking lots. I get a hotel when I need to shower 🚿.

[@satendersingh8130]

Video quality is marvelous

[@Amy-gi7jo]

I loved this! Thanks for braving the cold and sharing. It looked like a fun start to some new adventures. Would you do it again? And, just curious, did you also block your other windows? Any condesnation issues?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I had some frost on the inside on the moon roofs when I woke up, but condensation wasn't too bad! Some of the other windows were covered with sun shades for some added privacy, but others weren't. I'll make some improvements for next time! This trip was super last minute. I decided that morning to go haha

[@Amy-gi7jo]

@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Nice! And thumbs up to the other window shades for privacy. Thanks again.

[@mikemoll]

Camping with Steve vibes from this video. 😊

[@charlesjohnson9662]

Well, I certainly associate myself with your comments about why camping is so different than “at home”. Good insight.

[@n.d.6430]

Wow , that is quite the adventure! Oh I wish you were not alone or share that you're alone . I'm glad you have a dog ! Too many crazy ppl in this world . Plz protect yourself !!! Be careful!!

[@jdds1165]

Butane stoves don't work as well as Propane in cold weather. Probably what happened

[@caraoosterhouse7348]

Nice roof window for car camping!

[@maubeecat2910]

Home improvement stores sell Reflectix by the roll and you can cut it to fit each window. Privacy and insulation all at once! You might switch to a white gas stove since they are so easy and reliable at super low temps. I’m glad you had a good time since car camping is a fun way to extend the season, year round if you want? 🚙 ⛺️ 🔥

[@zzlee14]

The fuel in your stove is right on the edge of not vaporizing properly at those temps. A naphtha / colmanfuel liquid fuel stove works better at those temp. Buy a baking tray and make a wind screen that will help both with wind and also contain heat from the stove. :)

[@hbikerbob7210]

I love to car camp when traveling, much cheaper than hotels

[@josephb2894]

I did car camping about 10 years ago in super cold weather as well. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Now that I understand different products a little better I would love to try different down products and see which works best. P.S. my sleeping bag at the time was only rated for 30 deg so I won't be doing that again unless it's one that's good well below zero 🥶😅

[@MrsJoyism]

Your canister will appreciate being warmed in your pocket until immediately before use. Then set it on a small piece of some kind insulation, like reflectix or blue foam pad, while you're using it. Some of the canisters are marked as being better for cold weather.

[@johnkinsel5027]

You need a fire you just have to light. The Swedish Torch is a 12 x 16 log that burns from the inside out. A friend with a chainsaw can make you one in 30 minutes or less. They are usually stuffed with birch bark, so you can get it going with one match.

[@FemaleVillageElder]

Sporks! Good for Ramen, or whatever.

[@GraeGloomvale]

It was likely too cold for your fuel cannister. When they get low, they stop functioning as well in the cold. May want to look into white gas as I hear it functions better in the cold. Or propane as someone else said.

[@alexleitheiser5722]

The boiling point of butane is right around 30 degrees, so that's why butane stoves don't work well in cold weather.

[@clintonroushff7068]

You can heat the canister by keeping it inside your coat before using...

[@petermaine]

Thanks for this video, Taylor. I'm wondering about condensation/icing on the inside of your windshield and windows when it was so cold outside. Did you have to wipe/scrape your windshield before you took off for home?

[@tomdoe4962]

Not sure I get the point but thanks for sharing :)

[@Tosadar_Outdoors]

Good sharing 🔥👌🤘🍻💯

[@kenmachine9951]

Hey Taylor love your 🎉 video 📸 I think you are awesome 💯😎❤ Ken NC

[@leedanielson7452]

Taylor, I’m thinking car camping would be more fun if you were snuggling up with your loved one….Just sayin…😂🥰🥰 I did enjoy this video though!!! Who would’ve guessed that? 😂

[@Onnitfan1]

What is your opinion of the Palisade?

[@michaelchady8313]

We started calling car camping where you actually sleep in your car "car car camping"

[@Melissa86studio]

What’s a good lightweight small camping tent?

[@PedroNord]

🦋

[@westaylor5508]

Ramen noodles are hard on your digestive system. I have switched over to Asian rice noodle meals that are just as easy to prepare as ramen, but way easier to digest. You might consider doing the same.

[@seppvomberg6370]

Hello Mrs Nahamcha Hiker, could please Tell the bed lenght in you car? Whar car is it? Good bye from Germany, Stefan

[@williambranham6249]

Hyundai Palisade If you Stop the video and enlarge the picture the login and model of the SUV can be seen . You’re welcome.

[@fiskz]

Which campground did you stay at?

[@wturn5354]

Hancock camp ground?

[@oliverwashington850]

😎 What you do about safety you by yourself how do you go about it?

[@belarusian8380]

I’m an avid bicycle tourist, but I think an overnight car camp would be fun too!

[@johnsandell4501]

What folks with their new car will do to show it off. Always enjoy your episodes. Continue to enjoy yourself.👍👍👍

[@debsmith7050]

😊

[@gregvinci5201]

Premier thru hiker to hobo camping.

[@waynehaylett6662]

Can't believe you don't have thermal window covers and curtain to block out driver and passenger side

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I only decided to go on this trip that morning

[@codyhikes4054]

Worst case scenario, I can just turn the car on ☠️

[@ashrule2034]

girl put outros on your videos 😂

[@dowdawg]

I like vehicle camping in the seasons no one else likes

[@drewfarmer6449]

*Don't be thirsty. Don't be thirsty. Don't mention how pretty she is. You're better than that.

[@leedanielson7452]

First!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

i thought you would be!

[@jdds1165]

PS car camping is miserable 😂

[@leedanielson7452]

I would probably try car camping if it was like 70° or so…😂

[@jadasakura]

Car camping is hella fun

[@leftyjeb]

Great video. I'm just getting into car camping and I really like your sentiments on your reasons for camping @6:20. I'm a New Englander. Would you mind sharing which campsite this is? Or any other winter camping sites that you'd highly recommend? I'm hoping to find a couple spots where I don't have people on top of me, but I'm allowed to be there. Thanks.

[@BetoRobertson-hz1fj]

Why do you end your videos with no warning that crap drives me crazy