Wet, cold camping alone in a hot tent. Solo overnighter. Winter preparation.

Visit the hot tent camp in late fall as I make final preparations for the extreme cold winter ahead. I improve the leveling of the tent, make the doors windproof and make a new net to dry out my frozen clothes. This tent is in the subarctic of Canada and will be my heaven on earth this winter. Soon the ice will form, and the bitter winter will be here. I can't wait. Great food, hard work, fancy lights, and light snowfall make this an amazing trip.
Here are all of my tiny cabin hot tent videos: • The Tent Shack
Follow me on instagram: / ajayinthewoods
How much experience do I have?
That depends. I am pretty good at starting a fire these days and gathering wood. But I don't really have true bushcraft skills and definitely no carpentry or construction skills or training. I could probably make a shelter if I had to, but that would just come from all the KZbin training (watching) over the years.
What gear do I use?
Canon 90D camera
Rode videomicro
Sigma Art 18-35mm 1.8
Sigma Art 50mm 1.4
Canon 10-18mm stm
I do not live in the tent. I just visit whenever I can.

[@waffles2859]

My youth is gone. But I love coming along on your journey. I just imagine myself by your side and doing the work. It brings me great pleasure to use my imagination. I loved to work hard and I miss it dearly. But the type of work your doing to accomplish your goal is the kind that brings a happiness and freedom and peace. It’s the very best kind and the reward is so rich. Thank you for your videos, they make me feel so good and the dreams they bring are amazing. Thank you Jay

[@jaylegere]

Thanks so much, Red Ice. This is a very thoughtful comment and it means a lot to read something like this. My time is now to do this stuff. I didn't have this as a child but always dreamed of it. Now that I can, i am embracing every second of the hard work. Thanks again. Sincerely, Jay.

[@Eat_Trade_Travel]

Wow! Awesome comment and awesome impact you're having with the channel, Jay.

[@cathyhopson9120]

You seem so kind and thoughtful. I think I have a crush on you. LOL I am quite alot older than you. You have a good eye. The videos are very good.

[@genefredrickson1286]

That squeaky door was kind of a trademark. Great video!!

[@jaylegere]

Hahah. Never thought of that.

[@wendi2819]

That beautiful, moody shot of your lake, the barren trees and that Spectacular fog, with your back to the camera....that is an awesome scenic shot. I could stare at that for hours. You should sell some of your great scenes. I'd buy that one! 👌⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@kurtbaker4078]

Always enjoy a trip to the tent. Thanks for letting me catch a ride. Be well

[@janellejames4526]

Hi Jay, I only recently found your videos but I really love watching them. I’m trying to catch up on them. I really like the way you tell us what you’re doing, how and why. I don’t get out much anymore. I have very bad arthritis in my knees, ankles, neck and my fingers. And I had a couple of falls ripping my knee up really bad requiring surgery. And I also have some degenerative damage in my back. So I am disabled now. I can’t walk or stand very well for very long and my balance is a problem sometimes. So camping or canoeing is not a thing I can entertain these days. So I want to say thank you for your videos because now I get the chance to watch you and somehow I feel like I’m right there in the woods and the snow and see some beautiful scenery. (Maybe I’ll paint those scenes) I never saw snow until I was in my mid thirties and even then I only experienced snow twice. But I do remember seeing my first real snowflake. So thank you for helping me come along and seeing places I can’t visit anymore. Love and hugs and Merry Christmas from Australia. Ps I heard cottonwool balls covered in Vaseline will strike quickly and it will save your matches. Great for an emergency. Maybe try it out. Take care. Bye. ❤️❤️🐨❤️❤️

[@andrewforrest8938]

Another awesome video from Jay enjoy watching your video thanks for sharing your video.

[@the_blue_gamer]

Try camping for a month straight. Me and a good friend decided to say screw life for a month in the spring. Packed up some gear and out tents and we went camping for a month. We had some pretty strong clear bags that we would fill with a tad bit of laundry soap and our cloths and we even actually did laundry on sit as well. And I will tell you. When that month was up I legitimately almost cried because I had to force myself to come back in. I don't know about my friend. Buy I could have easily just continued to stay out there and lived off the land.

[@s3clorum]

I love it when you say that you dont know what youre doing but you end up doing it well lol Great job on the mesh, thanks for the idea

[@jaylegere]

Haha. Sometimes things work out!

[@shortsweettoo]

Jay. I love your videos. Truly. But each time I watch your videos I always feel like there is something missing.... and today I figured out what that was..... A faithful companion. i.e. A canine buddy. Wondering why you are the only guy on these types of videos without one.

[@jonstorey6414]

Hi. If you are worried about fumes. block up the gaps around the door. Then you need a longish pipe. You need the pip going through your plywood wall to outside, Across the floor along side of the stove. preferably with a vent on the end of the vent pipe. Have the pipe that finishes inside the tent. have it finish somewhere near the front of the stove. That way you can control the air coming in, and have fresh air feeding into the fire

[@harmonysprogress]

I agree with the guy below.... Don't wait for the water to freeze... Let's go camping!!! 😁😁😁 Paul

[@jimwalsh2512]

Loving it jay, what a great year for videos. Can't wait till the winter season.

[@kennetheddy577]

You have a relaxing tone in your voice. Imagine singer, love your videos.

[@jaylegere]

Thanks so much, Kenneth.

[@kennetheddy577]

Singer

[@kennetheddy577]

Wow, you responded. For real. My life is crazy, and not just for me for everyone.you take us away. Thank you .!

[@chrisyunge8569]

I remember when you crafted that drop table. Most unique still.!! Tent inside a tent. To protect your freezing snowmobile and let it start.

[@thetcmiller]

Really enjoy seeing you fix up your current space, but also excited to see what you’ll do with the other location. Thanks for a great video as always.

[@jaylegere]

I have no idea what's happening with the new spot, all I know is I can't wait.

[@mark8453]

Jay, always look forward to your videos. Looking forward to the coming season.

[@jaylegere]

Yes. This season can't come fast enough!

[@douglasreeves9938]

Make a gill net and use that for storage. Enjoy the vids. Lovely site.

[@mikefoehr235]

Great idea👍

[@walkergillette3918]

like these longer videos, shows you care about your fans

[@jaylegere]

Thanks Walker. To be honest, I just really like making them too!

[@suelynch]

Where I live (South Australia) we have a tree called a Mallee tree. Mallee is the perfect fire wood especially Mallee roots. Four pieces about the diameter of the dead standing you cut down and the length to fit into your wood stove would keep your tent warm all night and probably half of the next day.

[@jimbauer5560]

Great video Jay, can’t wait to see the winter trips and all that your going to do! Stay safe!

[@jaylegere]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Jim!

[@jkgjr8219]

When u make your wedges cut them with the grain of the wood. They’ll be ALLOT stronger/more solid.

[@bobray2583]

Gotta love this guy

[@jaylegere]

Thanks!!

[@williambaker577]

I'd like to see you do an episode on all the gear you wear and use but as always love the video

[@jaylegere]

Thanks for the idea!

[@kenmatch8303]

I will be hoping for a quick freeze up so we can look forward to the next video. Thanks again Jay for bringing us along.👍

[@jaylegere]

Thanks for watching!

[@famasmaster2000]

Hey Jay, that intro had a bit of a Proenneke feel to it Awesome !! Great work my friend 👏 👍

[@jaylegere]

Amazing compliment. Thanks!

[@Foxychik40]

Fab video once again Jay. I've often wondered if you have ever considered installing some solar panels or a small wind turbine to generate electricity for your tent?

[@jaylegere]

I haven't, but with all the wind it could be an option.

[@pierreforgues1]

Great video

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

My gawks, mother would say home in Newfoundland - something cosy about the dark? Gawd. It's depressing. 😂 Where's the missus?

[@tedsemonis7905]

Get a sleeve that goes over the screw ( dewalt ) Doesn't cost much but you can work over your head. Birch trees get beetles that is why is has dust ( poop and waste ) .

[@snotbubbles3276]

Bring some rolls of insulation and some construction plastic with a staple gun and place the insulation in between the 2x4s inside the tent. The plastic should hold it in place and help retain the heat.

[@suebrown3465]

Ah..that was a great Had to put my little fake fireplace on to get that cozy atmosphere Until the lake freezes , you’ll have to make little videos of what you’re up to Hope to see you soon ..stay warm and take care 🇨🇦 ❤️

[@sheilajames9543]

I enjoy watching.

[@nikolajolevski3232]

Nice video all best from Makedonija..👍🇲🇰

[@timwilligar2525]

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! "This is one of those things where I don't know what I'm doing" AAhhh!! Your videos are awesome!

[@BennyGeserit]

If were me I keep the hours invested in the present tent cabin and site. I bonfire everything that isn't metal at the new place then build a day-night gazebo at the new place totally stripped down. Maybe the lodge chair stays LOL. This all is assuming you can skidoo back and forth between Base Camp 1 and Gazebo Camp 2. That land is sacred and anything put there should be with the view to returning it to wilderness in a half a day if-when. Forget permanence. We humans are not that. The land is stunning up there. I can hear the winter silence from here.

[@judpascal9266]

Superbe vidéo bonne continuation 👍👍👀🇨🇭🇨🇭🐻🇨🇭🇨🇭👌🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦👍

[@alanharmala4529]

U need to have a small propane torch h to light your fires it will last longer than your box of matches

[@kevinbaird2527]

Enjoyed your latest trip thanks for posting.

[@jaylegere]

Thanks, Kevin. Jay

[@lorrainediazdiaz9356]

Love your video .

[@w.a.stewart3191]

Looks delicious.

[@brianwarner1662]

Hiiii from morocco thx for nice videos👍👍

[@carolfugaban2071]

Enjoyed the JOURNEY be SAFE LOVE FROM MICHIGAN

[@jaylegere]

Thanks Carol!

[@carolfugaban2071]

@@jaylegere you are so welcome

[@douglassabine6883]

Bring some chicken wire and a couple of boards over the stove to dry clothes

[@ironeagle2526]

just buy a mesh hammock that would hold a lot of stuff for you

[@carolfugaban2071]

I like that

[@GenGenChilling]

Really nice Vid 👍🏾

[@NormReitzel]

Sausage and buns yum. Where's the sauerkraut?

[@mikegbrozzy]

Why is it called a tickle trunk? Never heard that before.

[@tedsemonis7905]

Maxam Adult-Sized 7' Nylon Hammock with Mesh Drawstring bag . Mink oil for boots . Don't get rid of all that stuff in side right away may come in handy later on. As of the mice chair bait pellet gun.

[@jaylegere]

Always mink oil for the boots! Did it yesterday.

[@tedsemonis7905]

@@jaylegere Wet feet and your trip can be ruined

[@superzuperduper]

Do you own the property that you are camping on Jay??

[@lindamiller2399]

Are you putting a log cabin at the site you bought

[@jaylegere]

I have no idea.

[@genenonya8458]

Do you think he sharpened that axe?

[@heathergould8632]

Have you ever used a leaf blower to help start a fire? 🔥 😛

[@soonersasquatch5758]

Where are you located Jay?

[@lindajeanfrancis2958]

I watched evev older ones now I can't find you

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

17 degrees. Not even chilly

[@jaylegere]

Perfect, eh.

[@jacques-mauricemiron199]

Bonjour monsieur Légère, je ne sais pas si vous parlez la langue de vos ancêtres mais je vous salue. Je suis votre page avec intérêt. Je suis du Québec près de Mont-Tremblant.

[@jeffplant3]

Love the weather, love all that mustard! I especially liked the moment you walked down to the shoreline and just admired the serenity and beauty of the lake and landscape. Your videos relieve my anxiety and put me at peace. Another amazing trip to your slice of heaven. Can’t wait for your -40 videos!

[@jaylegere]

Thanks for this comment, Jeff. I'm really glad you find something meaningful in the vids. That means a lot. Jay

[@kennetheddy577]

Mr.plant looks like mr. Gandolfini.i knew him and his family. The most shy gentleman. ( and handsom)

[@harmonysprogress]

As a kid I lived in northern Minnesota. I ran a trap line from age 13-16 (I'm 63 now). I was up at 4am before school to check traps and then after school as well. Some of those mornings and nights were -20F - 30F. But I also remember the nights walking across the lake at night, snow crunching under my boots as I walked, because of the cold and the moon was so bright and the night was so still. My breath would just hang in the air. I could see critters running across the lake in the moonlight. It was sooooooo incredibly peaceful!! Those were some of the most beautiful nights that I remember. Seeing this video with the lake so still and a bit of snow on the ground brought those wonderful memories to my mind again... Great video!!! Beautiful country!!! Paul

[@viperwhy5900]

What city you grow up in?

[@patbeaudoin4237]

Getting a stockpile of wood is so essential nice score on that tree.I like how you aren't afraid to try out new ideas for the tent. 🙂🇨🇦👍⛺

[@jaylegere]

That tree was a beautiful find. I ended up seeing one that's even better. Can't wait to go get it!

[@charlesberry9683]

Even when the weather is not perfect it's still amazing. That view!! Spectacular. Can't wait for the frozen nights. Stay safe and warm..

[@jaylegere]

I'm counting down the seconds to a frozen lake!

[@karlsteffen7804]

ONE OF US! ONE OF US! ONE OF US! what was that from? if memory serves, the little green aliens, from toy story right?

[@joannconfer1144]

Every now and then my daughter and I will go for a ride in the woods. I find myself looking for a good place to put up a really nice tent and us staying over night. Lol. With heavy rain. I’m so glad I can at least dream about it. I love your videos. So much fun. Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️

[@jaylegere]

Thanks Jo Ann. It's always great to hear from you.

[@rangepro]

OK>>> I have 2 things to say! 1. YOU always make the food look and seem like the taste ,is out of this world! 2. Get you a cheap pair of safety glass, put them on when you are chopping wood and cutting down trees, if a piece of bark was to fly and hit you in the eye, you are a long ways from HELP! infact get a couple pair and leave them in the shack! (just a suggestion)!

[@jaylegere]

Very good suggestion. Thanks JD.

[@mandydavidson6694]

It's been a great trip, enjoyed every moment. Can't wait for snow and clear starry skies. Take care Jay. 🙂

[@Keachybean]

Thanks for sharing Jay. I was actually thinking about you the other day. I’m the kind of person who, thinks if I can’t do something well, I don’t try or even start them. I know that’s ridiculous but it doesn’t seem to change my mind. I so admire your stick-to-it-ivness despite all of the jerks and know-it-alls voicing their unwelcome opinions.

[@harmonysprogress]

Jay!!! You NEED to bring a pour over and leave it at the tent...

[@sallymcdonald502]

Another fab video, love the channel and all you do. If you fry a few mushrooms and onions in butter with the meat and then add the beans, delish.

[@jaylegere]

Oh. I might try that!

[@Stinger9516]

I’m sure you’re going to get a lot of people saying “ I told you that having the wood ready to go when you get there is a great idea!” I was one of those people but I wouldn’t do anything like that😂🤣. This is going to be another great video! I enjoy watching you fix up the tent with little tricks and skills that you’ve learned

[@jaylegere]

It really was a great idea. I won't always do it, but was glad that day!

[@karlsteffen7804]

having resources at the ready is always a good idea...

[@hackisack]

These videos are so relaxing. Living the dream out there, Jay! Wish I had a place like this, calm and away from everyone. My dream was to have a cabin but that's unaffordable and also extremely difficult in terms of permits. Just to have a fire in a bowl around my house (I live for rent) would cause the neighbours to call the cops on me lol. Hope your next video is sooner than later! :)

[@jaylegere]

I hear you. I got out of the city years ago and I'm never going back. I like the north and I love the wild. Thanks again Hackisack for taking the time to comment. Jay

[@taylor4778]

Next time you want to hang a net for food or drying gloves, etc., get one of those nets from an auto parts store used in a car trunk or mini van to keep things from moving around. Fairly cheap, pretty well made, and easy to come by.

[@lloydhall6943]

That's a great stove Jay!

[@jaylegere]

Yep it really is!

[@haroldmilroy4489]

@@jaylegere where did you get it?

[@shielahaberecht3417]

Hi Jay! I've missed you 😚... So tell me please... What happened to the old tent? Did I miss that part? It's so nice and we ( I feel like it was all of us 64k subs and you) did so much work on it! Do you still have it? And why do you need another one? Just curious.. I feel like a biotchy gf! 😂😂 But I'm concerned.. lol. See what happens when we get emotionally invested in you Big JJ! Anyway... So good to see you! xoxo

[@jaylegere]

The old tent is standing strong. That's the one I was in for most of the video. The new area is a place I'm going to develop.

[@shielahaberecht3417]

@@jaylegere Ok my bud... I'm sorry. I was cleaning while watching and not catching everything. Normally you have my undivided attention :) Glad the old tent is still the one... It's so well done. I love being there with you, vicariously... Haha Be well .. God bless

[@carolreiter6157]

Hi Jay, couple of ideas. #1 Can you make a trail through the woods for a four wheeler and sled instead of going across the lake? #2 When you tear down the tent keep the platform. Maybe it could be moved and you could use it for stacking wood on it or you may use it in your build. Looking forward to seeing you again soon, maybe with your better half too.

[@mikefoehr235]

How do you do it....dark at 4 pm in October...Jesus. I am so affected by lack of day lite. I find it tough when it's dark at 5 pm in December. I sure love your channel and videos.

[@jaylegere]

I love the dark!

[@braamjooste1]

Great video Jay, always like to watch your trips, can you try some military ration packs in -45 this winter to see if it provides your body with enough energy , also add your postal address on your about info so we can send you a Christmas card, hope the ice comes soon keep well!

[@silapargas8732]

Hello Jay,this is realy an nice video. I love it.

[@jaylegere]

Thanks, Sila!

[@bridgetranasinghe1590]

Jay I just love the videos you make especially when you cook

[@harmonysprogress]

I miss the northern lights!!!!

[@jaylegere]

Me too! They will be back for sure.

[@karlsteffen7804]

I hope the lake freezes over soon, If this is going to be the last video until then. I can't wait until more videos.

[@jaylegere]

Me too!

[@davidgates1122]

Apparently there is something called a crown knot that is used for making nets.

[@elwoodtaylor1092]

Great vid Jay stay safe

[@jaylegere]

Thanks, Elwood. Will do!

[@karlsteffen7804]

another longer video. nice.

[@jasonmeador7861]

Pork steaks are really popular where I am from! I throw some on the grill once a week! St Louis Missouri here!!

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

Get some netting from a scrapyard. Look in trunks of cars.

[@douggibson9084]

Great new site Jay

[@jaylegere]

Thanks, Doug. I'm excited that's for sure.

[@edsummers6869]

Good to see you, Jay!

[@jaylegere]

Thanks, Ed!

[@iancurran4760]

Jay where did you get your string lights and are they solar?

[@MattCorkum]

Finally some boards to cover the gap on the sides of the door. Lol jk. But for real I’ve wondered about that in every video that you mentioned or worked on the door. Love the net above the stove, too. Little improvements to an already amazing space. Thanks for sharing and hi from Nova Scotia!

[@jaylegere]

Haha. I never once thought of it. Learning new stuff every day.

[@charleswilliams8351]

I like your cabin I like when you put your tradition on it now I need to p put something on that one so it'll last a long time

[@karlsteffen7804]

where is the snow???? I want more videos!!!!

[@maestropyro927]

Jay, i really enjoy watching your videos. Not only seeing you around the tent but also hearing your thoughts

[@jaylegere]

Thanks!

[@barrydeacon3551]

Bring back roll of chicken wire, snare wire: could come in handy! Better location than your last… Mind you more wind blowing in new area : less bush👍 B Deacon BDN mb. Canada 🇨🇦

[@jaylegere]

Yes, might be more windy for sure..price to pay for a good rock foundation and a stellar view.

[@tanyaa6452]

Hi Jay. Thanks for another awesome video. I enjoy watching the delicious cooking too. Wish I had smellavision! See ya next time in the snow.

[@jaylegere]

Hi Tanya. Always great to see a comment from you. Thanks.

[@dwaynestewart6095]

I'm a new subscriber to your channel and I enjoy watching your videos very much. I will be 60 next month and I'm just getting started with the bushcraft thing and camping so I am learning as I go and hopefully learn a little bit from everyone I watch. It's never to late to have some fun. Dwayne Stewart

[@jaylegere]

Absolutely! Never too late. Good luck out there Dwayne.

[@karlsteffen7804]

what will it take to do a couple day trip with you at your tent?

[@vickihughes3648]

👍 your pork steak looked really good so I bought one for my supper 🙄 lol excellent video as always! Will missing seeing you until the next one. Stay safe!

[@jaylegere]

Ha! Now that's when I know I've inspired someone! I hope it was a good steak.

[@kennetheddy577]

I think I've said this before, I live in manhattan and your structure is the size of my apt. Thank you for giving me a break

[@Chiamex]

Gotta love the fall weather, but oh no.....a break in these videos....hope the cold weather comes soon! Great video and good question re spruce and birch wood.

[@jaylegere]

I know, I'm hoping for a flash freeze so I can beach out there soon.

[@offshack]

@@jaylegere Guess next year you'll need to invest in an air boat or hovercraft... then you can come and go 365 days a year... no more excuses for a month out of the woods.

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

One of the biggest causes of house fires in St John's is fat-fryers. We likes our homemade fish n chips. Mom put our fries in a paperbag, added salt and dry off the fries a bit. Memories ❤️👍