Off Grid Living Prep | Van Life Montana

Big announcement about upcoming winter plans! While enjoying Montana's incredible sunsets, we got to work canning food and prepping for the winter... but as always, we got in some adventuring too!
#offgridlife #vanlife #flyfishingadventures #canning #adventure
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We are Linnea and Akela. Through the van build, I used my stubbornness and drive to show individuals that they, too, can convert a campervan by themselves and on a budget, with a lot of learning, rolling up the sleeves, and getting to work.
Our goal is to inspire individuals to chase their dreams... to break from societal limitations and live the life they truly desire.
SUBSCRIBE for solo travel, all things outdoors, and the in's & out's of van life with a big german shepherd.
Follow on Instagram: @linnea.and.akela

[@ladytrekkeradventures8376]

I have done a lot of canning with my 94 year old Mom. Tomatoes are her favorite. She puts whole tomatoes in gently boiling water for a couple of minutes, takes them out and skin comes Off easy, She then either chops or uses the whole tomato to jar. Fills with hot hot water. She mixes a cup of salt and a cup of sugar and stirs together. Before putting the lid on she adds a teaspoon of this salt/sugar mixture and uses a table knife and sticks it in the jar and gently stirs just a touch to release air bubbles. Then caps and heats in pot. She has done it this way for about 70 years taught by her Mother. It is a precious memory I share with her.

[@brownsugar1958ful]

Precious is right that’s one of the reasons I wish I was born in the south to learn things like this I guess I’ll teach myself

[@Kirsten1313]

Oooh found a older video! Cool! Glad it popped up! Yay! 💚

[@Janemwoodruff]

I could watch you for hrs guys. Especially with the music you pick. Bloody good watch and I'm learning stuff too

[@lisalang7802]

I love how you added the extra chips at thee end 💛😂✨

[@wafflesmomforlife9215]

Been following Chris for some years now, glad to see he and Kobuk having new adventures with you and Akela! Can't wait to see what's to come!!!

[@leighscott1877]

I used to can when I had a big garden. I saw your Dilly beans and now I want to can some!!! They are yummy!!

[@EstelleWalter]

I've been binge-watching your channel, and I love how you see things. Like in this video, you ate a fruit and there was a worm inside it and you just casually said "look who's hanging there this little dude!" and that was so wholesome. :)

[@Herreras.onthemap]

So inspired by this! Thanks for sharing your content. It's refreshing!

[@jacobiejacobs8668]

Ive also just started pressure canning. Today I did chicken, taco chicken and a butt ton of soup. Can't wait to see how you guys do in the mountains. Chow.

[@angelitavanpelt5207]

Hi Linnea I been following and watching your channel almost two years now and I learned a lot from you and akela and make me so much joy and love to see you happy that you have someone with you. Love you guys

[@melinaliebtpaul]

I really love the life you are living. I personally would never want to kill an animal even if my life depends on it. But I love the way you live with nature and in your situation it feels like the closest to nature you can be. Your videos always calm me down and you seem to be such a nice person! Please give Akela a big hug ♥️

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much for this ❤️ I appreciate your kind words and support! Akela says hi, and also appreciates the big hug :)

[@maryverhoeff50]

Same here. Could never do that either. I try to eat animals as less as possible because how the animals are treated and transported to the slaughter is sickening. So I have no trouble with how Linea handles this. This is the purest way. After all in nature animals also hunt for their prey. It’s just how the food chain works.

[@judywaymire5756]

Even though I’ve seen this one it’s one of my favorites.

[@karenkillian8303]

You can definitely pack those jars tighter. Don’t be afraid to push them down. When brining, pack them in let it sit and settle for a minute in the brine, then push down and add more. Just make sure you wipe your jars well for any spill over before adding flats. You can do this with almost anything. Use up every bit of space. Great job for first time canning!

[@Linneaandakela]

Thanks so much for the tips Karen! We weren’t sure if that was alright… you’ll see packed jars next time!

[@Coysque]

Meat fork..and the propane stove..to peel the tomatoes...I cannot remember how we did pears or peaches... liquid bubbles under skin....the comes off easy..

[@emilyw530]

You guys are not only adorable but awesome. So glad you found each other.

[@jacquieh9428]

Thank you for sharing your life with us! I am so inspired to live what is in my heart and leave what the world says I should do way behind!

[@martiseelye6443]

Canning! How fun! A lot of work, but still fun. And this winter will be so awesome to open jars of food that you labored to put up. Awesome!

[@Lillylee2599]

I 've been canning for over 9 years now and and I've never canned in my bathing suit, I'll have to try it. If you have any canning question, ask. I'd love to help you kids out. Pack those tomatoes and peaches tight or you will have floaters. Floaters just mean that there is excess space in your jar, nothing to worry about. Canning is a lot of work, I'm so proud of you. Try canning salsa, that's always fun.

[@elzaberoux8795]

Wow!👏💜

[@ThorUnleashed]

Kobuk reminds me of Thor when it comes to water. He's happy as long as his feet are touching the ground. So excited for you adventures in surviving the Wisconsin winter! Love these videos.

[@Linneaandakela]

Haha yes! He will go right in, but avoids any water where he can't touch. It's so cute. Also thank you for the support!

[@cindys3435]

My mom and I used to can veggies and fruit every year about this time and it was always so satisfying to see all of the jars on the counter. I no longer have my mom but I really miss those times. I’m sure you guys enjoy that sense of satisfaction also. Stay safe!

[@MontanaCabanalivn]

we call those Montana "pan size rainbows" to visitors. Thanks for taking me along on your adventures. Glad you are enjoying the state.

[@owenparker6651]

Biggest trout I've ever seen. Well done, indeed! Thanks for sharing!

[@arazoelove6703]

The feels, the vibes 🥰 Always looking forward to a new video and what's yet to come ❤💯👍

[@sherryr.1698]

Great video! So satisfying to preserve your own food, even though it's a lot of work. Good to see more of Chris as well!

[@katzill]

Love to see you together ❤️ you look both so happy but especially Chris. He always seemed like a very serious guy on his channel 😅

[@katzill]

@@MamaBaer54 its ‚Chris Travels‘ and ‚Tiny Home Tours‘. I knew him from the latter though.

[@lorraineowen7978]

It's been a long time since fishing but i always use to find it so relaxing and good for the mind to slow down.. You fish so beautifully. Thank yu for sharing.. 😊

[@bettyvanwhite6745]

So happy to see you so happy!!

[@starfire8221]

Great job canning and fishing. Love the scenery where you are and looks like fur babies are enjoying it too. Love pressure canning all the meat I can get my hands on and dehydrating everything else I need. Looking forward to more of your adventures.

[@Laura1221]

I loved this video. You two are so cute and seem to be perfect for each other.

[@girland2vandogs]

I’m not sure which relationship I love more. Yours and Chris’s or Akela and Kobuk’s ❤️

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you 💛 I could just sit and watch them play for hours!

[@regmountain2224]

Use a ( new ;-) ) toilet brush... Baby bottle brush 4 small bottles & nipple brush 4 tight spots. They work GR8...

[@shirleybuckley1808]

Love this video!! Thanks for sharing the canning.

[@annieoakley5075]

Chris is a keeper and you both look happy 💙💖

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much, I agree :)

[@amygravlee8782]

This has me so excited!!!! I want to experiment with more self sufficiency in the van. Thank you for always inspiring me.

[@kevincrooks639]

Putting Food By is the Bible of food preservation. Highly recommended. It's so great in the winter to open up a jar of tomatoes or green beans. It's like a burst of summer.

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you for the suggestion! Yes, we are certainly looking forward to that :)

[@abeandmel]

So epic to learn how to can!! And on top of that while you are out in your van and bus on the land!

[@NancyandMako]

Wow beautiful trout Chris 😊❤️wow so cool a complete snake skin… what are you going to do with it?

[@hannahlynn_makeup]

Hi Linnea, what are some of your must haves to live in a van, If you have enough, maybe you can make a video, Love your videos and wish you all the best of luck for the future❤️ -Hannah

[@mscattale]

My friend just finished canning pork butt and a beef roast. Spiced some up for use with tacos. Very nice catch Chris!! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for next week! Safe travels!

[@jaquelinebiggs3394]

Oh Linnea have you ever tried pickled spicy green beans?? They are the bomb!

[@warmbreeze43]

I use to can all our food when I had small kids. Wish I had kept it up. You two make me want to can again. Good job

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much, it is definitely a lot of work... but feels so worth it :)

[@warmbreeze43]

@@Linneaandakela you will be sorry darn happy you put the work in. If you like any types of beans you can dry can them with oxygen absorbers and also pasta in mason jars. I have many many dry goods in mason jars. Long lasting. Maybe give that a go too

[@maggycotherman2314]

When gardening, I'd have so many tomatoes I couldn't use them all. So I'd make spaghetti sauce and freeze it so it would be ready to go when I was hungry. Great on pasta or over bread with cheese. But Canning tomatoes you haven't grown yourself, seems like the cost of jars, tomatoes would be much more expensive that grabbing a can off the grocery store shelf. I know you like to do stuff yourself, everything is adventure. But seems a pricey thing to do if the the food is not rare. My grandma used to make pickled beets and bread and butter pickles from her garden you couldn’t purchase in a store. And can and smoke salmon that they got fresh from the nearby ocean. To die for! Am I missing something with the tomatoes? Are you going for quality? Cause thise are some gorgeous tomatoes. But it's more expensive isn’t it?

[@RevBTB]

I am loving that youre canning! wish I could, but its just not feasible, where I am, right now,,. As for Alone - which season(s) did you binge? Im rewatching season 8 and also have "the beast" season in progress - I have to rewatch season 3 cuz the winner lives near my sister..

[@Linneaandakela]

Well I have binged 4, 5, 8 and we are on 9 right now! I have watched a few seasons in the past, but jumping around until I get all caught up!

[@maddux216]

Chris looks like a chill down MMA fighter 😂

[@heartradiant]

Great video!❤🐾🐾

[@lisavee4125]

OMG! Terrific!!!

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you Lisa!

[@thejarrettfamily4366]

Nothing better than days of canning! Can’t wait to get some more things on the shelves. Have to try mushrooms. Thanks for the vid 💚🌱

[@Linneaandakela]

Absolutely. Thank you for watching and supporting!

[@debraaltizer1328]

Also regarding canning most states have a county home extension office and their website or some provide you with a book that tells you everything you need to know about canning and water baths

[@mariuskub]

Great Idea!!!

[@jasonjones5213]

Those outdoor propane cookers are nice.Especially this year in Montana.It's hot up here in Columbia Falls.My sister has been watching Chris for years.

[@Linneaandakela]

Yes it made our lives so much easier!

[@dona62851]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@rebeccamistler7674]

My advice get a cold canner for tomatoes, peaches, apples, pickles. Pressure canning is over kill for certain foods that contain their own acids. Get an old Ball Blue book from ebay or a thrift store it will help. There is an old book called Stock Up that is really good too. I have canned on my own 26 years and help my Mom from the time I was old enough to pop beans. I am only 48 but I can tell. You what your doing is great. You will stay healthy and know what you food contains.

[@1981pjt]

Wow Wisconsin!! that's so awesome! I live in south Wisconsin and can't wait to see all you do here ❤️❤️ PS last winter wasn't to bad hopefully this year isn't bad either 🍀🍀

[@Linneaandakela]

Thanks! From what I heard this winter is supposed to be "uncommonly cold" haha but we will see!❤️

[@1981pjt]

@@Linneaandakela exactly we will see but good luck and safe travels ❤️❤️

[@angiebrowder2075]

As always, awesome content! So excited to see the amount of food that is put up for the winter. Where will you all be storing everything while off grid? Good luck next week!!!!

[@tiffanyarmstead4148]

I have always wanted to can fruit and veggies 😋..thank you for sharing.

[@Linneaandakela]

Absolutley! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@tiffanyarmstead4148]

I always do I still binged watch your videos it brings me peace and joy. I suffer from severe anxiety and have a service 🐕‍🦺 Sammy he is older and so sweet but loves being out door and camping in my SUV. You and Akela have truly inspired me to go longer. I get drained with people if I'm with them for a couple of hours. I guess me and my pup just enjoy the road and I'm learning more as I watch your videos. So guess what I got a Toyota sienna le and am getting it ready for our first camping trip. 🥰 Thank you so much for being an inspiration to people like myself.

[@debraaltizer1328]

You don’t need to pressure tomatoes, their acid content keep them safe. You just need to do what is called a water bath for them.

[@joshnicholas124]

Sounds like you’ll be wintering in the north - can ya a bunch of soups - hot soup be good when chilly out.

[@Linneaandakela]

Yes, absolutely! Thank you :)

[@nunontherunnumberone]

Dogs and lakes and canning!!!

[@nunontherunnumberone]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@cmacspaperbacks]

SO COOL! :)

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you!

[@SJ-zw4cw]

I was stressing about what you guys would do if an afternoon storm rolled in mid-canning!!!! 😳

[@con-b118]

Are you going to make ketchup and spaghetti sauce with your tomatoes ? Something that's really good is pickled green tomatoes with banana peppers and onions pickled with them. They are very crispy just like a pickle and they are delicious. You use equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, about 3-4 cloves of garlic and your choice of spices. A good recipe is on a site called Rural Sprout, Quick pickled green tomato recipe is what your looking for. If you like pickles you will probably like these. You can also just make a small amount and keep them in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks if you don't want to can them. Nice and crisp.

[@Linneaandakela]

We will do marinara and probably a lot of chili! I have never heard of pickled green tomatoes, we might need to give that a try! Thank you :)

[@con-b118]

@@Linneaandakela I like the green tomatoes better than the pickles. My mom would put up hundreds of jars of food. She canned vegetable soup she called end of the garden soup' she would put almost every vegetable we grew in it. Soooo delicious. One of my favorites is chow chow, it's like a relish and so good to put in chili and pinto bean soup. That Rural Sprout should have that recipe on there. I'm so glad to see younger people getting into living off the land. It really makes you feel good. I'm 66 now but still like to fish and I used to hunt and got a deer and field dressed it myself. My brother was a butcher for years but now he does mostly deer and I helped him at the slaughter house and l I'm a a person who never leaves home without makeup but I still love the outdoors and camping and gardening. I like being self sufficient.If we were younger my husband and I would get a bus and convert it. If you want to know anymore about canning or anything just ask. I was raised in a southern home but live in Ohio and spent my summers in Tennessee on a mountain where my grandparents lived with no electricity or running water and I loved it.

[@con-b118]

I was also going to ask if you've ever had Shuck beans sometimes called Leather Britches. You string your beans but leave them whole and take a heavy thread and needle and run that through the middle of the bean until you have a long string of beans, do as many strings as you want and hang them outside or in a very hot area where they will get full sun . Let them dry out completely until they are dry and wrinkled up. You can let them hang all winter if you want but when you're ready to eat them soak them in water and cut them up if you want and cook just as though you were cooking fresh green beans. Some people just shell them and get the beans out and cook them but I like the shell or hull. They have a very different taste and the soup from them tastes similar to pinto beans to me . Very good. Sorry to write so much . Thank you so much for replying to my message. I haven't missed a video or podcast you've done. Your an inspiration to so many people. Thank you, Connie

[@Wray0707]

this chicks awesome!

[@heartdawg]

Really lovely video❤

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much :)

[@steph291]

you should do Kimchi !!!

[@bexnut]

Have you thought about doing some fermented foods to add to the pack? Kimchi maybe? Nutrient dense and probiotic!

[@Linneaandakela]

Yes! That is so new to me, but I would love to try it. I really enjoy Kimchi!

[@ronethridge9875]

do not know much about canning/what is the brine for the canning-water-salt /thanks much

[@stevenhartley7659]

You mentioned how water intensive what you were doing is. As far as the water needed to boil to do the canning you have a lake you were next to. also the water in the lake can be boiled so that you can use it for your canning water in your you're jars so you're in a perfect place for that situation. Or am I missing something.

[@Linneaandakela]

We were, yup. It’s more about the important info if others who live on the road want to can in the middle of nowhere - if they don’t have a lake or have a lake, either way you need a lot of water!

[@David_11111]

yay.... but watching canning on a van life vlog is kinda odd :) thanks for something new lol

[@paty7018]

🙋💕

[@brownsugar1958ful]

My thing is you’re really not saying anything about how to start what goes into the fruit I guess I’ll have to You tube it to learn how to can fruit and vegetables but I enjoyed watching you guys thanks

[@dval823]

Do you guys ever share the GPS coordinates of your camping/fishing sites?

[@mezanian]

You 4 have slipped into a cruisey path. That lake is stunning 😍. My advise on canning is do you're best, learning is a process. Opinions are like buttholes...everyone has one.

[@lynncatalano4782]

What did you put in the jars with the food?? Also how long do I boil the jars? I've been wanting to do this and I have the jars too!

[@teischa23]

where you guys at in montana? I live here. its such a beautiful state! if you haven't made it to glacier then i highly suggest you guys go there before the snow falls.... my favorite place!!!

[@Linneaandakela]

Yes we were! It is so beautiful here.

[@dinner_workingsly]

Looks like canyon ferry….used to be home.

[@donnaingle1359]

Canning gets easier as you learn,you guys need a farm!

[@nunontherunnumberone]

"While we 'can' today" lol

[@Linneaandakela]

haha I laughed when I edited that part!

[@raulrangel6361]

Been a viewer for a while now and I thank you for making these videos. What was your materials cost to build your van?

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much! The build ended up being about 7K - that included a lot of tools I needed to buy as well.

[@snydermccs]

Linnea, what species of ducks were they, looks to have a purple hue!

[@Linneaandakela]

They were common mergansers!

[@MOTORVESSELFREEDOM]

Have you ever done a video tour of your boyfriends bus……I might have missed it

[@laurenlovan]

Hahaha your mom 😂

[@donnaingle1359]

You can pressure can fish

[@juliewilliams4068]

🌈🐝

[@tommatheson5855]

Wondering: With as much water in your jars .... will you have to keep them from freezing this winter?

[@Linneaandakela]

We will be keeping them in the bus which will be heated all day every day! So with that we are hoping they won't have the opportunity to freeze... who know's though, we will find out!

[@David_11111]

for me the bow is bad but fishing is good.... yup no clue how that works :)

[@Linneaandakela]

Yes, I think that is a normal thing for us humans... it is a trend that people care less about killing fish vs other animals, something that I am working on challenging in myself! :)

[@JudithLawrence718]

That guy (who gained all that weight before going on Alone)...who said,"I can't tap out before giving it all I've got". then proceeded to immediately 'tap out' anyway.

[@Linneaandakela]

Loved Biko! I can't imagine how hard it was for him knowing he had twins on the way.

[@JudithLawrence718]

@@Linneaandakela true but I was so let down by him. I wanted him to win but the guy who got the deer won instead ,(rightfully so).

[@lukekao8136]

Aren't you running out of jars? hmmm?

[@tarynjimison7889]

I don’t know what it is I’m sorry if I’m overstepping but you seem.. melancholy, but I could be misreading. I hope your doing okay i love your videos and your journey!❤️

[@Linneaandakela]

I am so so so happy :) I will admit that I am exhausted though! Lots of life happening, in the most beautiful way ♥️

[@tarynjimison7889]

@@Linneaandakela so happy to hear that Keep at it girl! But also rest when the time comes!❤️

[@nishaneshow9611]

How do you find all of them outskirts you be at

[@Linneaandakela]

I used apps like iOverlander! I also use OnX which shows me what is public or private land

[@stacyepps4703]

Got a ? Does Chris got a youtube channel

[@cwetfeet]

Ice!

[@Linneaandakela]

Such a treat!

[@monk6546]

I can't even express to you how happy I am to see each new video. You and Chris inspire me. I'm at a crossroads in life and when I feel down I see through you that a different life is possible! The canning project looked fun! I have a tomato and jalapeno garden so I think I'll try my hand at this on a smaller scale! (while sipping a bloody mary garnished with jalapenos haha) Thanks again for your intentional living and your inspiration to others.

[@ruthwall4455]

Canning in the wilderness .....what an undertaking....Good for you both.....

[@keithbrookshire]

This is exciting stuff. I think I may live a nomadic life when one day but not being able to stockpile food while doing so causes me angst. I'm looking forward to seeing how you guys tackle this issue.

[@lmullen9478]

Can you just freeze frame that picture of Chris's biceps please??? Lol....WOW!

[@daltonday2]

Hey there, just wated to reach out and say that you are awesome and I as I build out my own van by myself . you have inspired me to keep going when times get tough! Just want to say I appreciate what you do and You are rad! Peace

[@wendyk3350]

Hi, I was watching one of your videos, and you were cutting up some veggies. I noticed your knife. It had a rounded tip and cut very well. Where did you get it? I'd love to know, because I want one! It was all silver, rounded tip, a hole to put your hand in. By the way I've been watching your videos and blogs since you started this journey. I have never commented, you give me hope for this 63 year old woman!! God bless.

[@bigfish8280]

You should see The Coho, King and Chinook salmon my friends and I catch in Pulaski New York off of one of the Great Lake tributaries. Easley 10 to 20 Pounders all day sometimes larger

[@umeida]

Very inspiring, thank you for sharing. I'm curious to know how you are going to store these in the van?