If I had to start all over again

[@PaulMessner]

Apologies for the delay but tent raffle will be live tomorrow 👍🏻

[@angrycamping]

"As long as you're getting out and enjoying yourself, is more important than the gear". This needs to be a t-shirt 👊🏻

[@alexandergutfeldt1144]

@@strickostrickoAttitude is more important than gear once you are over a minimal level.

[@alexandergutfeldt1144]

@@strickostricko I did not write of 'enjoying yourself', but rather 'attitude'! Not the same thing! Your attitude towards hiking in a downpour has a much bigger influence on your enjoyment of the experience than your gear. The qualifier just says that you do need some minimum level of gear, since no amount of attitude will allow you to survive a blizzard wearing a tshirt and shorts

[@PierreFarrugia]

paul include malta for the raffle pls

[@PierreFarrugia]

when Jo is going to start talks to our partners to push us more to go camping 😂 I send mine 😅

[@ProcyonAlpha]

Love how you just crack on and get out there regardless of weather, mad respect

[@Cornwall1888]

KZbinrs get the most money in December so at least he’s getting time and a half 😂

[@RJ-pu8yh]

I follow a fair few wildcampers on youtube and i love the inspiring content they all bring, one thing that often crops up though is forgetting to pack items for an overnighter. The simple remedy for this is a checklist berfore you leave home surely? I have a list for cooking, eating, sleep system, tent system, packing, food, medical, i have lists for lists lol

[@nanciparoubek3256]

I always enjoy the honesty in your videos, no tent or tool can do all or be all for everybody, but we get to see the pros and cons-and in all kinds of weather with you

[@DeanRead]

Thanks for your kind words Paul 🙏 Hope you have a great Christmas and an amazing 2024 👍 29:09

[@Da33ler]

Agree with you about the zero drop shoes. I’ve suffered with my knees for quite a few years so bought some Altra Olympus 5’s with the hope of some relief . At first I thought I’d made a mistake because my feet and shins were aching at around the 3 mile mark. After a couple of months of persisting I can honestly say that they’re the best shoes I have owned. No more knee pain walking and descending and can walk for miles in them. I picked up on Paul using them in the summer. Great channel Paul, love watching your vids 👍🏻

[@marcomcdowell8861]

Got me in the feels when you said the missus. "Follow your dreams, I'll support you". That's a queen there. Hold on to her forever.

[@glyn_mtn]

A lovely insight into the side we don't really get to see of you Paul. You just keep on doing what makes you happy, you've given me personally many hours of happy viewing and some very good advise and info. Have a very merry Xmas, DO NOT skimp on the mince pies, and here's to next year - Cheers!

[@cragdoo71]

tell you what, the cinematography was on point in this video. Nice editing of the tent going up . Fun fact about Keela .....they're a Scottish based company, their head office is 20-25 mins from where I live, in a town called Glenrothes, and Keela used to sponsor the local rugby team I used to play for :)

[@neovo903]

Anker powerbanks are amazing and I really do recommend them Anker 525 is 20,000mah and will keep your phone going for well, a week. It only weighs about 349g and has the same footprint as my phone.

[@chrishamilton2527]

Merry Christmas to you, Paul and Jo, and everybody reading this.

[@rbaleksandar]

When you mentioned powerbank, I was like "Why doesn't he take a portable solar panel like the BigBlue 28W?". Then I recalled that the weather you are very often camping in will not really be that great for some solar power. XD

[@Oldrush]

I use the repair pole with a line through it attached to the zipper. Makes closing the door all the way much easier.

[@georgecronin3592]

Happy Christmas Paul. Thank You for going back to telling us what gear You choose to use. Your opinion matters to us sofa campers. Love to Joe.

[@peterbudd44]

Enjoyed the videos throughout 2023 , hope you keep them coming ... Thanks.

[@simondickinson4236]

Paul, thank you for all the content you and Jo have brought to us this year, it really is appreciated. Can I wish you, Jo and your respective families a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

[@colinbrown4008]

Absolutely love how honest you are Paul

[@expatbiker6598]

40 minutes of Paul Messner. Bring it on. Happy holidays everyone

[@neilt1889]

Paul have you tried the waterproof socks as WildBeare she uses them and she says they are brill and you keep forgetting things its due to the healthy changers 😜

[@carriehikes]

There's so many channels doing reviews now and of course it's great to get good advice on what to invest in but I think some people miss the point of being outdoors. Get out there and have fun!

[@greenbimoon]

Paul, you're one of the few who I reckon puts up a tent in the right order, by setting up your poles before laying out the tent. Less likely to blow away or flap into a mess, and less likely to become really wet when it's raining. I've set up my cable system, so I can charge my fone from the Flextail. I also had a trip my powerbank died, and I was able to get enough charge in my fone to get home. I don't use the Flextail as a lamp very often, so now it's like my emergency powerbank for fone charging.

[@outdooraf]

Let's just appreciate the editing that had to take place to scrub the wind noise

[@kiddoutdoors2426]

Really enjoying your videos at the moment Paul. It’s great see you getting out with other creators, the tent talks & podcasts are great. I’d love to see a camp or podcast with you & Pat Dickerson. All the best for Xmas & the New Year mate.

[@stef2198]

I love what you can do with this tent. Pushing back the Uber to make room for coming etc is a great idea

[@camping_guru_uk]

My every day shoe now is a Hobibear basic zero drop wide toe box. About £20 from AliExpress and I've never worn anything so comfortable in my life. Great quality for so little. I think they are supplying some boots now, I might take a look.

[@pinkiechewtoy]

Haven't been out camping for ages,think I'll get out for a few nights over the holidays,thanks for the videos.I am always amazed that people find good flat ground,I'm in southern scotland,amywhere that is flat is a puddle,hammocks are best for me.

[@deanoboland]

Merry Christmas to you Paul and Jo and family. Thanks for all your hard work this year. Have a good one.

[@JCW-e8e]

I have so enjoyed your channel since I discovered it. It is great to ‘accompany’ you on your travels. Merry Christmas and best wishes to you and Jo.

[@samhill3496]

Feet are so important. I know. Back in the early 70's we had Earth shoes. They had a flexible sole and you could curl your toes up and grasp the terrain. A wide toe box too. Those mimic their design spot on. I had a lot of foot trouble. I have increased my siz over the last 15 years from a 43 to a 48, 10 to 14 with extra wide width. My toes have spread and also straightened a bit. I have almost inoperable damage from wearing too small shoes. Hammer toed, toes crossed and the ball turned putting the big toe in the middle. To do several miles a day is difficult but very doe able once you get used to it. Wear comfortable shoes that fit.

[@davehumpleby3440]

What a coincidence. I've been researching the exact same pair of Vivo boots without realising you were using them. I currently own a pair of Keens. Although these have a wide toe box (which I love), they have all the traction of racing slicks on sheet ice. Even in dry weather, they slip walking on tarmac pavement. Bloody useless! The zip mod on your tent is something I've been doing on my hammocks for years. I'm getting on a bit, so it's good to have a fast, easy exit now that I'm having to answer the call of nature more often during the night. Merry Christmas to you and the missus, and thanks for all the entertainment. I look forward to seeing you again in 2024.

[@thewanderingscaleyback]

I use the Keela Stratos for my Search and Rescue role. I’ve had no problems with it and i’ve had it years. Boots wise, 1000% recommend Altberg. I bought my first pair back in the early 90’s, for my previous career and had Altberg ever since. I have two pairs, one for SAR and one pair for my ambulance role.😊😊😎

[@Leroythem]

Was pitched in that exact spot about a month ago. Weather was very similar on the pack down. With a bit of sleet thrown in. Lovely stuff 😂

[@mrnobodieswildcampingadventure]

Loved the video, and boil in the bag, the very best meals to have. You can cook the food at home the way you like it (no company can second guess your particular taste). Totally agree Paul, I love my luxuries and am willing to carry the extra weight! I leave the gonna rough it, to those who think self punishment makes you a real man! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@davecarson3D]

Keep them coming - love getting a fix of rain, cloud and even snow. Antidote to 36C here in Australia.

[@WiltshireMan]

Another great outing, You know it always makes sense to get out there but I understand the feelings very well :) Wishing you All the best for Christmas and the new year. Sandy

[@pootlingalong8928]

Hope the toothache is better now, or on its way, Sandy 🦷 horrible pain 👍🏻

[@WiltshireMan]

It's been a rough few days but pleased to say I am currently pain free :)@@pootlingalong8928

[@pamelaklemp5615]

What a lovely Christmas 🎄 Gift 🎁 that view was! It's easy to see why you love the mountains so much! You and Jo are such an awesome duo together ❤ 💖 💗 💕 😍. It's not surprising that she gives you such great wisdoms about how to live your Best Life. Equally great 👍 to see/hear that you embrace that. I'm sure that you do the same for Jo to live her Best Life too! Togetherness is what it's all about and embracing Life's Moments. Merry Christmas 🎅 🤶 to you both and to your lovely family members. Be sure to give us a Christmas Photo 📷, gotta see those awesome smiles! Friendship Love 💘 to all.

[@howardjackman3242]

Paul, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from a huge fan in Utah USA. I absolutely loved the DIY zipper pull and repurposed ground tarp, and extra guidelines, gave me a few little projects to work on during the cold winter. Appreciate hearing your thoughts on so many topics and I'm so glad that you've continued to make videos that give back. Cheers mate!

[@thewestonfront]

The whole 'wide toe box' thing is really interesting. I have uber narrow feet, but at a boot fitters I was persuaded to but boots with an 'asymmetric last' which is narrow at the heal but wider at the toe. I have never had more comfortable boots in 35 years of long distance walking. I was sceptical about the quality of the leather of the boots (I had to buy at short notice and had to accept what I could get) but two years in whilst I get staining on the leather I've had no leaks despite bogs and river crossings a plenty. I've a lot of respect for Altberg now.

[@simonward4520]

Thanks for all the efforts with the continued content. 🙏👏. All the best for new year.

[@hetormcneil1240]

Just purchased the Keela Munro and what a jacket absolutely bomb proof just the job for the Scottish weather. All the best for 2024

[@Amack1966]

Happy Xmas to you both ……. Thank you for all you do!

[@nevetsre7001]

Agree if you work all week or all month then go out you should feel okay about treating yourself. I never feel bad about nipping into the yorkshire bridge inn or the norfolk arms if I'm up in the peaks day hiking. The dog loves a few dinner scraps too

[@richardtams564]

All the best Paul, have a great Christmas, liking the diy boil in bag idea. Cheers.

[@pootlingalong8928]

Lovely video, always cheers me up to be on my sofa in front of the log burner watching you tying your tents down in a gale! Merry Christmas to you, Jo and the family 👍🏻🥰

[@stuarthatton1973]

loved the q&a Paul get to find a lot more stuff out about you , looking forward to more videos in 2024

[@paulbennett274]

Remember Paul when Michael Palin was preparing for his first travelogue series 'Around the World in 80-days' (back in 1988) and he asked seasoned TV traveller and journalist Alan Wicker for advice, Wicker replied "Remember, any bloody fool can be uncomfortable!".

[@superten12]

Merry Christmas to you and yours Paul. I absolutely love watching your clips whether it be places or gear reviews. Thanks.

[@chrishamilton2527]

I have been wearing Evo footwear for nearly two years - love them. I no longer dread the downhills. For my Rogan which is a yellow label, I upgraded to the 10mm poles from a Staika and it’s produced an incredible tent. I have just about switched over for every camp to my Bonfus Middas 2p tent though. My Trailstar and the Hilleberg rarely get out these days. My Middus is superb comfortably, able to accommodate my long frame (6’5”) and still having plenty of room for my hairy hiking companion as well as still having space for another human and a heap of room for kit. It weighs in at under 1kg with 16x Eastern Pegs (I carry 16 as I often take a tarp along as well). Merry Xmas.

[@BTurner.]

Loved the video. I like your honest and relaxed style Paul. With regards to the footprint for the Hilli, just buy it as you’re a full time KZbinr you can put it against your tax as a business expense.

[@sz7360]

Lems are great zero drop shoes. They are very durable and comfortable and look pretty decent as well. My lower back and knees are loving these shoes. Been wearing them a few years now and my foot grew a size and half.

[@andybrookes4230]

Paul, I just want to say thank you for your videos and insight.

[@primus7776]

Great post Paul! Well appreciated in these dark days of rampant consumerism. Best Wishes.

[@erinhenry9750]

One step at a time 😊 you'll do what you need to. Much love and HAPPY Holidays to you and family 🍻🎄☃️❤from Michigan

[@Linleys]

Another great bit of time out there in the hills. Top score location too! Looked like good food - you need to fuel up to keep warm out there in the cold, so enjoy the food while you are out there! Lots of height in your tent; I accept more space than in the Soulo. And the extra lines are ideal - fantastic idea. Loved the video format - chatter answering questions in the tent. Nice! All the best for next year's camping and other adventures, and family time at Christmas.

[@TheDern]

Thank you for your inspirational videos, Merry Christmas.

[@ethicalbunny]

Good for you making changes. I like to eat healthy but it is so hard when you are camping or hiking! Trying to work out what will be better to take with me … boil in a bag chicken and potatoes sounds amazing ☺️⛰️🏕️

[@garycampbell7615]

Great video Paul - thank you. On barefoot shoes, after 3 years of wearing barefoot 90% of the time, I walked Lands End to John O'Groats this year (Xmid 1) in barefoot shoes and would not have changed them. None of my previous knee, back or hip problems ( I am 58) I just think that you body is better aligned with barefoot shoes. I have the Forest ESC for winter

[@tonycrewdson1626]

Enjoyed following you again this year Paul. Keep up the good work your videos go from strength to strength...have a great Christmas & All the best for 2024 & some more great videos.

[@Balecart]

Great camp Paul. Glad you liked my question. I don’t know how I could answer that my self sometimes. Hope you’re family Have a great Christmas and new year .

[@anthonymcdonald8444]

Another great video Paul. Wishing you Jo and the family a wonderful and blessed Christmas. Enjoy your down time.

[@daviddunn-breaknbadretrddad]

Ah, my day keeps getting better! Thank you sir!

[@craigleewhite6317]

To Paul. Twas the night before Christmas. With a blanket of white. That covered the earth all through the night. The trees sparkled like diamonds. With a glitter so bright. That each little twinkle made its own Christmas light.

[@OutnaboutAl]

Love the videos Paul, I can’t wait to give wild camping a try when I’m back from Australia

[@suecharnock9369]

best rain jacket - Rohan long green thing. Literally had it 30 years and it is only just failing as it is worn out at the cuffs! Oh, and I had to have a new zip but in it at some point. Been worn nearly every day in that time. Walking holidays, daily dog walk - you name it, it has covered it. Only once let me down and I just washed it and reproofed it. I think that was at year 12 though!!

[@AmblingMan]

many years ago i was told that "any fool can be uncomfortable in a tent", I'm a lightweighter, but always with this credo in mind.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... Enjoyed the video ... I've been hiking and backpacking for over 50 years ,, mostly trying to get those high altitude fish to show me some love ... From mid states in the US and can't get enough of the mountains and outdoors ... Now following creators with KZbin , I'm finding out so many more locations that excite my passion... Recently retired and now wind up with a knee problem awaiting surgery and other health issues causing delays to living the life I planned retirement to offer ... get it while you can ,, having support at home is the best you can ask for ,, it's really all that matters ..... As far as quitting a job and making a hobby pay the bills is a tough one ,, for me,, I've tried as well but then you lose the hobby to the purpose of and deadlines of the job ... hard to find the balance ... .. Enjoy the video style you do ,, I seem to find a tip or two that comes to my liking ... ... Take care of yourself and Jo ... Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ...

[@thewestonfront]

"I'm not a monk" - Amen to that Paul. You've made changes, you don't need to swing to the point of a puritan to be healthy! (says the brewing consultant ;-) ) Happy Christmas to you too

[@frosty_soda]

I've had those boots for beards now mate, they are quality and VERY comfy. I walked 18 miles over multiple peaks, granite mountains and mate, they were the ticket!

[@lewisjarvis4201]

Mountain Equipment Lhotse Jacket is fantastic for me. Bit heavy though so getting a fell running jacket for the summer.

[@NotASheep100]

Excellent vid...nice an homely. We all just human...no ones perfect ..we all like treats...

[@andrewbesford324]

Merry Christmas, Mr Messner .

[@milliex6609]

You can also get another set of tentpoles for your tent and double up for extra strength. =)

[@AndyWragg]

Beards, now we are talking. My first proper beard was way back when a bunch of us from the pub had a long weekend in Warsaw at the end of Jan, probably 10 years ago now. It was -12 and snowing on and off. The winter coat has been there ever since between Halloween and the end of March. Jackie's not a fan, but it keeps my face warm outdoors. Hope you n Jo have a great Christmas n New year and look forward to watching more of your adventures in 2024.

[@andyhoney7030]

Great vid as always Paul. Always thought there was something special about your channel but would never have guessed what it was given your accent until you revealed it here you follow the mighty Red n White Army!. I was at the Bristol City game, shocking result. Went straight on & did 2 episodes of your podcast, great listening. Hope that grows & grows for you. All the best for '24 to you & Jo. Ha'way the Lads!

[@grahamscothern4319]

Nice on Paul Merry Christmas to you and Jo. Thanks for all your great vids. Happy New Year Cheers Graham

[@Mike-iv3hy]

I have had to do all the hings you just mentioned, Paul ! It was out of necessity, as I had a small heart attack 😢 I lost about 100 lb. I only have a drink once a month now 😮 Wish I could have a drink more often, Red label or Black label, I thought you were talking about Johnny Walker ! but I definitely feel it when I do have a drink. I get out for a short walk about 2x a week now. I think you definitely have it better than I do, Paul. ENOUGH ! we all have problems. It's nice to see you out and about no matter what the weather is ! I wish I could join you ! Mike. 🇨🇦 😂

[@camclarkk]

Top work again Paul! Met you at the Alpkit webinar & was great to get your insight into wild camping. Hopefully bump into you out and about in the Peaks in 2024. Merry Christmas to you and yours 🎅🏻

[@samhill3496]

Nice Christmas present. Thanks Happy Holidays.

[@glynhomer8135]

Happy Christmas Paul & Jo , loving all the content that you put out , can't wait to see your first vid of 2024

[@alexthompson8307]

Great watching your outings. Have a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Alex from Leeds.

[@simonwiltshire]

Merry christmas paul thanks for all the camping tips mate ! Back in the seventys i was a cub scout and learnt all about camping and orienteering the hard way so these days with all this top notch gear camping is just great. Love your chanel! All the best to you.

[@bobrhodes7878]

A great little vid, these winter nights are lonnnng! Good to hear an honest insight into behind the scenes, and the q&a feature was good to listen to. You do you mate, no need for monks here!. Merry Xmas and thanks for sharing with us.

[@Walkingmansam]

Gearing up for my first proper wild camp Sunday enjoyed your vid thankyou paul

[@andybrockbank3027]

I know exactly the feeling of not getting out the door to go camping. I've been procrastinating for all of 2023 and simply cannot get myself going, so much so that I no longer get asked to go. I will have to push myself harder or there will be camping gear for sale in 2024.

[@maryhairy1]

Merry Christmas. Thx for the insights.

[@karl8049]

I enjoy your videos very much, must be amazing to be out there with the elements outside rough , and your safe inside your tent. Wishing you a happy christmas, karl.

[@TheRealSteveEllis]

I’m impressed Paul I’ve been making excuses since last soaking in Nov. Need to man up I do, you set a good example to us

[@jamesbell5788]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@Jqteadventures1659]

Merry Christmas to you and the family!

[@philjones3335]

I would like to see the process you go through to actually make, edit and produce the videos. Pat showed us how he does it ages ago and Murrey from Scottish mountains has also shown how he makes them. OK, its not necessarily camping but I find it interesting. Go on Paul, turn the camera round. Happy Christmas pal, look forward to seeing you in 2024

[@Dore60]

Merry Christmas and a happy new year Paul,Jo.👍

[@ljdellar]

Hi Paul. Another great video. I like my Paramo too, but can only wear it in winter. I also use a Montane Pertex/Pile Extreme jacket if I know it will be cold and wet all day. I sometimes wear a merino long-sleeve under it, but it doesn't seem to make much difference to the performance. (I wear it so I am not flashing bare skin when I have the zips open for ventilation.) I should point out that I am a very similar body shape to you... In summer I carry a Montane over-the-head 2-layer lightweight waterproof. I have never owned any waterproof trousers, and never missed them. I have a sil-nylon "kilt" which, with a decent pair of gaiters, does the job and doubles as a small groundsheet. I changed to Barefoots about a year ago and I wear them EVERYWHERE. The hip pain I have had for twenty years has nearly gone, and for some reason my feet are warmer than in conventional boots and shoes. Keep doing what you do, and continue to inspire those of us who are not blessed with "athletic" body-shapes. I know that if a piece of kit fits you, it will fit me!

[@elizabethjbanks]

Happy Christmas to you & Jo & family. Many thanks for all the great content, inspiration & info. Really love watching your adventures & helped me this year for first wild camp! 🏕️

[@Pargie81]

Hi Paul, we were in the wind and fog at the Wool packs for some protection, great mins thing alike ;)

[@SnowyAspenHills]

KZbinr’s personality is critical to success I would say, even if the subject is of interest being an affable Bloke or Lass is so important. There are many people I follow but only dip in now and again.

[@johnlladron735]

Thanks for another excellent video, Paul. Love the channel, have a great Christmas.

[@erinhenry9750]

Paul love ur motivation inspiration answer 😊 Joe seems absolutely wonderful u2 are so sweet 😊merry Christmas to you both 🎄☃️🍻❤from Michigan

[@belowaveragewildcamper]

Thanks for answering my questions Paul. Much appreciated. Never fancied humping a Hilleberg around but I must admit that I like the look of that Unna. Have a great Christmas. All the best Stephen 🎄

[@275simon]

Wow fall of the wagon every week Paul. The trick is to get back on it the next day. Have fun. I watched the gortex vid the other day and just ordered a keela