Lucie Goes Dispersed Camping for the First Time

After long refusing to join me for an overnight adventure, Lucie finally expresses an interest in going dispersed camping (AKA wild camping, dry camping, boondocking). We gather some friends and head for the mountains.
Follow along as we explore a backcountry route through the Oregon Cascades and settle in to camp along the shores of a small, high elevation lake. Sunset reflections are captured. Campfire stories are exchanged. The group shares an emotional moment coming to terms with an unexpected absence, but finishes out the evening with a sing-along around the campfire.
More of Lucie's adventures:
Lucie's first ever excursion, the Lookout Point Lake Cleanup trip:
• Exploring and Cleaning...
Oregon Dunes:
• Subaru Forester Takes ...
Mohawk Snow Run:
• The Forester Gets Stuc...
Prairie Peak:
• Father-Daughter Prairi...
Some of the gear seen in this video:
Kamp-Rite tent cot:
amzn.to/32OpHcu
My effective and affordable Butane Stove:
amzn.to/2Snkbcc
Viair 88p air compressor:
amzn.to/2MQ1Pjl
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made after clicking one of my ^ links. This costs you nothing, but the small commissions earned on referrals help make it possible for me to continue creating content for this channel. Thank you for your support!)
Special thanks to @ruththewuth for her brief but on-point vocals.
Royalty-free drum track courtesy of Cambridge Bass Lessons / cambridgebasslessons
If you enjoy my videos, consider supporting the channel:
/ softroadingthewest
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[@irishpride8157]

I just got my license and I'm starting to modify my Outback. I have to pay for it myself so I wont be out for a while :(

[@softroadingthewest]

I drove my Forester bone stock all over the Oregon backcountry for a year before I ever started modding it. They're quite capable as-is. You'll learn your limits and also gain insight into what mods you really need - and appreciate them more when you get them. Good luck with the build!

[@mountainman38]

Your daughter is hilarious! She was great, and you two have a good vibe going on.

[@ClawsoftheLion]

I like your expedition group. It looks like y'all are always having a great time.

[@bruceyyyyy]

"I didn't sleep well." "I did." Thanks for that.

[@softroadingthewest]

5 Free Mods challenge is brewing...probably a couple more weeks.

[@bruceyyyyy]

@@softroadingthewest Awesome! Can't wait. I came up with the idea for it after seeing one too many: "top 5 must buy items" "I was given this product for an honest review" "Check out this product link in description 10 percent off if you use code" Etc videos and wanted to make one that didn't try to sell anything other than what fun modding cars can be. (:

[@softroadingthewest]

@@bruceyyyyy Haha...errrr...don't watch my next video. It's possible I may have been given a product for an honest review, LOL. I swear I'm gonna be honest though. And the video will be addressing a broader question/issue including whether this product is even necessary or a good idea. May turn out to be the first and last time anyone sends me anything to review, LOL.

[@chrisnesbit6823]

Thank you for all your videos. I'm planning to do more camping in my "new to me" '18 Crosstrek with my kids is aummer. I noticed that one of other Crosstrek has a hitch mounted spare carrier (@4:20, best shot). Can you share the make and model and if there are any issues (or a review/ contact)?

[@randallharmsen5802]

Nice video. It’s great that your daughter went with you. Special times to be had. Do it now before she moves to college and life itself. This is coming from a dad with 28 year old girl/boy twins. We had a lot of special trips and adventures! Happy trails.

[@peterrosenberg8716]

My wife and I just moved to Eugene and we're interested in getting hooked up with some folks who enjoy soft roading and exploring the PNW. Do you have any recommendations on how we can find a good group of like-minded adventurers for some trips? We're in a 2016 4runner.

[@andrewbarbour5356]

Peter Rosenberg, I’m also interested in soft roaring, I’ve been in Eugene for about a year and got a Tacoma in May. I’d be interested in joining a group or maybe forming one. Get in touch and let’s set up some trips

[@munstergeo7417]

Try overlandbound.com for a great community of people who are into this sort of thing.

[@armaniusmaximus]

That looked like it was fun! Except for being cold! Looks like the Crosstrek is the rig of choice for most folks in your videos. Lovely video, and the increase of scenes of human interactions makes it all the more interesting. Thank you for the video. Can't get enough of your videos. No scenery like that in Texas!

[@brianharrigan8821]

A BIT MORE ROOM IN THE FORESTER, ROOF AREA BETTER ALSO.

[@stpadventures]

I am purchasing a 2020 onyx xt in the near future. Would love to join on one of these amazing adventures. Love the content. Keep it up.

[@GamerNxUSN]

I want one so bad.

[@OneBaldingWookiee]

Do it. We just moved to PDX and the Autumn Green Onyx XT is our first Subaru, we couldn't be happier with it. Its perfect for us and what we do.

[@danhohman]

Really enjoyed your interactions with Lucie! Thanks so much for sharing your kids with us! It keeps it real! The spot around the lake was incredible!

[@TwoFeet.FourWheels]

C'mon Erik!!!! Hahah kidding, I dont know who you are. Anyways, amazing site!!! Awesome video!!!

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, neither does Lucie apparently. 8^D Thank you!!

[@GPosner8]

Congrats Lucie! On the cute meter this video is an 11! Looks like an amazing trip. Here’s to many more adventures with your dad and all your friends. Happy trails👍😊🚗⛺️🏔

[@sarahtuttle5940]

Once again you nailed it! It’s UNBELIEVABLE

[@softroadingthewest]

Aww thank you...and thank you for joining us on this one, it was awesome!

[@Billy28376]

Man that looks fun. I need more road trips and camping with my kids. I bought a new tundra I just need to get out there and explore. Just plain awesome trip.

[@Honestandtruth007]

Go for it and time don't wait for no One

[@alexanderweaver9182]

Man, I miss Oregon. I was stationed in North Bend in '69. This was a very enjoyable video. I disperse camp on the East Coast and just the other night I slept in a Kamp Rite tent cot for the first time. The temp dropped into the high 40s and I stayed comfortably sleeping on top of my 35 degree bag and a woobie on top of me, The tent cot seems to hold the heat in quite well, almost too well as I had to tie my door flap open. A hack I found that works well is placing a 2 inch foam pad (10 bucks at Walmart) with a fleece liner enclosing it. It seems to capture heat from your body. Those roof top tents look awesome and I'll be searching for one for my Jeep Compass. Subaru's seem to be very popular with the overland community.

[@softroadingthewest]

The tent cot is pretty neat, I really like it. I'm certain I would have been 100% comfortable if I'd had an appropriate sleeping bag. I did in fact put a piece of 3" foam in the bottom and that was tremendously helpful...I didn't feel any cold at all from below, it was all from the top/edges of my sleeping bag. The roof top tents seem like a very pleasant way to camp for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@howski724]

Man, busting Erik’s balls for missing this one, that’ll teach him. LOL. Love it! My son and I are heading to the Steens and the Alvord desert next week. A couple Jeep XJ ‘s. Yeah should be cold. Great video.

[@softroadingthewest]

Have a great trip, I absolutely love it down there!

[@brianharrigan8821]

3 RIGS AT THE LAKE WAS PLENTY, OH WELL ERIK ............ NICE SPOT !

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, indeed!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I watched this video an hour after it was released, I just haven't had the chance to leave a comment. I always enjoy watching your adventures. Congratulations to your Daughter for primitive camping for her first time. Boo to Eric for backing out last minute! haha!

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, no worries sir, it took me 4 days to get around to yours...I'm soooo behind on viewing!

[@silver_rd1545]

Another great one! I’m interested to see your new water setup. Glad you all had a fun final summer outing up there. Can’t wait to get back up in the spring with the new lift and a new set of tires.

[@softroadingthewest]

I think everyone would dispute the term "summer" LOL. :-) We definitely gotta get your V back up into the Cascades at the next opportunity!

[@ryanfischer2889]

Great video man. Looks like you got a good group to explore with.

[@bertkelly7650]

LOL, I saw that same episode and have been making pizza like that. : )

[@softroadingthewest]

Ha! It seems so obvious now, I can't believe it never occurred to me before. :-)

[@jorges2000]

Oregon is AWESOME 👍

[@jayjohnson7827]

Our group of 9 to 12 people have only campground camped once in the last 7 years. 3 vehicles x 2 sites x 5 nights = $100!!! That campground was nice but, no zip line, no go-kart use, enforced quiet times, smelly restrooms, so many 'kids' discovering that there is no signal loudly verbalizing their displeasure as they speed away. I think the worst part about campground camping is the severe lack of wild critters that are about.

[@tjorbenborchers]

I wish we have some legal trails in Germany :( Nice Subaru, i have a Peugeot Partner Tepee sadly only a FWD ;( but you gotta use what you have :D

[@mendodave]

“Dispersed” Camping. I didn’t know it had a name until now, I just always thought it was Camping. Or maybe primitive camping.

[@solosaga5091]

12:40 Well, I hear Erik carries an extra 0° bag to lend... But, you know, ....Erik, ....the guy that backs out at the last minute 😉

[@extersmedleyjr118]

Love your channel and its everyman approach its refreshing. You don't have an expensive all out monster four wheeler that crunches mountains. That costs more then some homes do. You use what is needed to have a good time! For most people what you have would do. Buying all that other crap lockers trick transfer cases large motors even larger tires and dinky little gas tanks! No thank you I would take your set up over that. When I was kid my dad got the first Chevy luv to have four wheel drive from the factory it was 1979. That little truck was a blast we had so much fun with that truck. It was capable was it a rock crawler no, but it could go places we needed it to go. If all you have is a plain little jeep keep it that way learn to get it where you need to go. Just as you go where you need to go with your Subaru. I find that learning is where you have the most fun! Great Video and your daughter is a hoot let me guess she is about sixteen? I have a fifteen year old and she is hoot as well we can make each other laugh it drives my wife nuts.

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

Just made it back from a non-dispersed camping trip, but it felt dispersed since it was snowing and cold. No one else there, but the group I was with... Oh did I mention cold? I just picked up a nice -15 degree bag and it was toasty warm at 20 degrees. If you are in need of a warm bag at a good price I can recommend one for you. See you on the trails, George.

[@softroadingthewest]

Yeah, you get a whole other level of cold out there, LOL. My 0° sleeping bag has been largely adequate; I'll have to see if either of the kids wants to join me again on a cold trip, if so I'll definitely need to pick up another warm bag. I'm not doing that again without the right gear. I'll hit you up if I need to shop for one, thanks George!

[@AndrewClements650]

Those cold nights you don't sleep is well worth it once you get up early and walk around to get the feeling back in your toes, get the fire started, coffee brewing and then some hot food. Great movie!!

[@mikethompson7406]

Can I come next time? We moved to Boise 6 months ago, looking to do some offroad adventures and camping.

[@kelnco9856]

I am sending this to my daughter! I hope it convinces her to go dispersed camping with me. Fingers crossed!

[@upperleftexpeditions9507]

Crazy to see some spots I frequent on you and Jasons channel. I wonder how I have never ran into ya'll lol

[@amandak1444]

Amazing!! Thanks for the memory! 😍

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks for joining, was great to hang with you guys!

[@bodean5163]

That's Cool!!! Camping with your daughter....

[@eyvindurleo]

what tires you running ?

[@softroadingthewest]

Eyvindur Leo BF Goodrich T/A KO2 in 215/75R15

[@chrluc]

Really great storytelling! Thanks for sharing your trip!

[@tomtafola4518]

Excited good experience this real life in a real world nothing can compare to nature

[@dianebassett1930]

You’ve got me intrigued. How do you find a nice place to camp?

[@ValFinale]

im so mad they stopped making the crosstreks in orange in 2021

[@Blue.Crawler]

Another great video! your videos just keep getting better, great job!

[@ollie-d]

Damn, Erik getting absolutely roasted for being a flake

[@madeinjapanoverland1843]

Great episode! Taking the kids camping is a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding. It’s the best time you can spend with them! I need to enlist my kids as film crew next time!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks! And kids make GREAT voice-activated mobile tripods! When I comb through the footage afterwards I always discover they've captured a shot or an angle I wouldn't have thought of. 7:58 was all Lucie.

[@punktexas]

Lucie looks like the artist "Poppy".

[@pnw_element9822]

Damn awesome I need to explore once my build is done

[@stephengreen2898]

Lucie /Lucy/Lucydia? Is a STAR... Her Yawning Awning Clip was a KO2 BestFemaleGoodWrench (BFG) KNOCKOUT for your Channel... Hope YOU PAY HER for all that hard work she does! Pass on good entrepreneurial skills to your Offroad Offspring!

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, she's a good assistant, and gets compensated in Takis and sour gummy worms. :-) Plus she just likes to see herself on KZbin anyway. :-)

[@FrenziedGuitarist]

So glad Lucie loved it! Those are some amazing views, and what a beautiful spot to camp. Man, I’m wishing I had gone now, even if Erik did back out at the last minute ;) that was so sweet of you to freeze outside while your daughter stayed warm. Best Dad Award candidate for sure. I died from laughing at the singing part by the campfire. TEARS.

[@softroadingthewest]

LOL...one little voice memo completely shaped the course of this entire video...I probably never would have mentioned Erik at all if I didn't have that to build off of. Next time maybe I can send you some music first and THEN you can sing something for me so I don't have to completely reverse-engineer the music! :-) We truly missed you guys though, wasn't the same without you.

[@FrenziedGuitarist]

I was so impressed with what you did with the music. I could never figure that out. Yeah, next time you should have a track ready ;) we truly missed out on getting to hang with you all. Maybe I’ll brave the cold if you guys happen to go out again 😬

[@plasticdadaii8225]

First to Share wins. First to borrow loses.

[@CreekCat1]

You do great videos. Glad I found your channel. And.....I have so many questions. I want to know what you know. I have a 2016 Crosstrek that I got after a big buck totaled my Nissan. Already put a bunch of miles on her since I have a wicked long work commute but, I'm going to need tires soon. I've not taken my Crosstrek on roads like you guys were driving. Have you had your cars lifted? And what's all this about the changing of air pressure in your tires? So much to learn to be able to get out and boondock.

[@softroadingthewest]

All these Subarus are lifted, yes. I believe both Crosstreks have 1.5" lift, and my Forester has a 1" lift. Airing down tires is a common technique to soften the ride on rough unpaved roads, improve puncture resistance, and increase traction (as you get more tire gripping onto the ground/rocks/sand/etc). I virtually always air down when leaving pavement, but note you need to carry a reliable compressor for airing back up, because driving at speed on paved roads on aired down tires can damage the tires and also pose handling dangers. It's not strictly necessary to air down just to drive up some forest service roads.

[@chuckrf1502]

Great video. KZbin just now recommended it to me, but still a timely video. Love your interactions with Lucie. My daughter is fifteen. Lordy lordy.

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, lordy lordy indeed LOLOL

[@NoBullFitness]

Will be picking up '18 forester on Friday. Can't wait for these adventures. Got plans for it already

[@softroadingthewest]

Congrats, have fun with the build!

[@foresterboy2011]

Got to admit Lucie chose well !!

[@Adventurewithnhia]

awesome videos! searching for Forester videos and been watching your videos, now really wanting to go buy myself a Subaru Forester! Keep these Awesome Videos coming.

[@monkeypig8379]

Great father-daughter trip!!!

[@Ghryst]

more juicy lucy, less griping about nature (Y) ps: you spelled lucy wrong

[@softroadingthewest]

LOL

[@dominicwilkerson]

Great video as always. Random question. Have you thought about what vehicle may be next when good ole forester bites the dust? Ive been thinking of the outback for more room to replace the crosstrek, but I love the shorter wheel base.

[@softroadingthewest]

I'm not sure what it will be, but there's a good chance it won't be a Subaru. I love my Forester but there are a number of things about the newer models that I find disappointing. Maybe if between now and then Subaru comes up with something that moves back in the right direction, maybe. I tend to keep vehicles for about 10 years and I got this Forester in 2017, so I've got some time to think about it. :-)

[@dominicwilkerson]

@@softroadingthewest Totally makes since. I am loving subaru too. The crosstrek though... I may have outgrown it.. I need SUV room again.

[@chuckrf1502]

I suggest a Nissan Frontier. Think about it. Could be really cool, especially if you pair it with a camper shell.

[@dominicwilkerson]

@@chuckrf1502 LOL... since this comment I got a 17 4runner trd pro.... supercharged and lifted it... was great... sold it because moving my grandma in..... for an outback onyx xt... worst decision in my life to buy.... radio went out twice and you can't turn off the back seat alarm when the seat is folded down.... I just sold it yesterday after 5k miles and 3 months of ownership which 1 month I didnt even have possession of it. Just picked up a 2020 Explorer ST.

[@JBlinky67]

She adds a great deal of entertainment. Don't know how I missed this vid, but it was great. Scenery, trail driving and the ability to capture a crisp October morning were fantastic.

[@munstergeo7417]

Watching this video makes me excited to think of the trips I hope to take with my kids separately as they grow up. It's great to do trips as a family but I really look forward to the one on one experience. I hope you both enjoyed the experience. It's no fun being cold and I now will get up and do whatever I need to do to get warm and stay warm. I'll put on extra clothes and put whatever I can on top.of and underneath my sleeping bag. Great to see one of Jordan's (ALNSM Overland) tee-shirts in the video, I am a subscriber to his channel and follow his exploits as well as yours. Keep up the great work, I'm looking forward to more of your videos.

[@pnwadventurer9674]

Those subies are no joke

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Great choice of a campsite, Lucie! Well done. Great group you guys were with and I loved the little girl as she reminded me of my daughter at that age.

[@pnowikow]

Glad Lucie had fun.

[@smartconsciencefx5597]

Un plaisir encore de vous regarder :)

[@softroadingthewest]

Merci! :-)

[@Honestandtruth007]

You are a lucky Dad..... Enjoy while it lasts and be Safe

[@softroadingthewest]

@ekim andersom Haha, for sure. Though not sure how many more years she'll traipse around in the woods with me. :-)

[@Honestandtruth007]

@ekim andersom I mean when the kids leave for college and get married and have a Family of theirs own.

[@BackroadExploration]

First of all who is hitting that thumbs down on this video? This was fantastic. So happy to see Lucie loving some dispersed camping. It is by far our favorite way to go, having a place all to yourselves is bliss. Keep up the good work your channel is exploding right now!

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, apparently I somehow manage to anger or disappoint a handful of people with every video now. :-) Thanks for watching and for the kind words!

[@EricRobb]

So Eric isn’t real right...

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, Erik is completely real. In fact the voice that sings "Guy Who Backs Out At The Last Minute" is his wife. :-) Erik shows up in a number of my videos, he's the guy with the silver Montero.

[@carmusic1981]

The Spirit of Father and Daughter.

[@richr7604]

At least she didn't dislike it!! A few more times and I think she'll be hooked!!

[@donzimmer4616]

Go Ducks!

[@largemarge1603]

Instant 'subscribe'! We are west of Eugene, and traipse our ExpeditionVehicle out that way often. Snow! Rain! Beaches! Bears and berries! Fish and venison! Isolation desolation! This's Oregon at our best. Only one place compares: Baja.

[@softroadingthewest]

That's awesome! I've never been to Baja but hopefully one day I will be able to push beyond Oregon. See you out on the trails!

[@thetwowheellifeplus4065]

Great job taking your kid! I have a 13yr old son. We have a great time, but it can be challenging. He won't go unless more people go or I bribe him is some form or another. It's a trip watching your kid/kids grow up! Just spend time with them anyway you can. Once they're growed up. That's it! You can't have time back. Only memories. Great video!

[@softroadingthewest]

It helps greatly that Lucie enjoys seeing herself in KZbin videos, heh. But I think she's developing a genuine appreciation for being out there. Either way, I do relish these shared experiences with my kids. Thanks for watching!

[@MattCookOregon]

18 minute cheerleading ad?????

[@softroadingthewest]

Ugh. That's downright abusive. I appreciate anyone who can manage to not skip ads, but when they're longer than 30 seconds each, well, I would never expect anyone to endure that. I'm happy to watch ads on channels producing content I enjoy, but when I get served two 3-minute commercials in a row...I mean, come on. Sometimes that's longer than the video I'm trying to watch. Weird you got cheerleading...can the bots actually detect that my daughter is wearing Oregon football apparel??

[@ABSVabeautifulsunsetvlog]

I Love how there are so many communities of Subaru owners who get together and have adventures like these. I have an adventure RAV4 and wish there were RAV owners as passionate about the outdoors and who like getting together like these subie guys...awesome channel and fun times✌🏽

[@softroadingthewest]

I think most Subie people would welcome an adventure RAV4 among them...my experience has been, while Subie owners frequently run together, most are not exclusive and support fellow adventurers regardless of vehicle. You might look for a MtnRoo chapter near you. It's a Subaru-based group, but it's not unusual to see Toyotas, Jeeps, Hondas, and others running with MtnRoo groups.

[@danhiggins8733]

Great vid. And another spot we need to go find. Lucie was a great add. Great to see you doing that together - even if it doesn't happen very often. Making memories. Also fun to see Lucie doing photography. A wonderful way to help you see the world around you. As for the spot, that is definitely a keeper. I'm building a list of spots from your videos that I live. I think I'll turn some of them into a bit of a treasure hunt this year. ;-)

[@softroadingthewest]

:-) The spots are out there, and there are usually ample hints in my videos for those that want to go to the trouble of figuring it out. I frequently hunt down unnamed spots I see in other people's videos. Half the time I don't even drive there, just figuring it out from clues in the video and studying maps & satellite photos is often satisfying enough. :-)

[@postxtito]

Subies together out camping rules

[@Yetieti406]

No way! I stopped at that lake (your first night at camp) on my way east to meet a buddy to do an overland trip. Sometime back in early-mid September. Beautiful lake. I’d like to camp and fish there at some point. Also, how does your buddy in the white subie have his grill lights mounted?

[@softroadingthewest]

He's running the SSD bar... ssdsubaru.blogspot.com

[@Hershel_777]

You should post up maps of your adventures in the video

[@ScotTheGr8]

Good for Lucie for trying it out! Got an Outback with decent tires and a rooftop tent and better half keeps saying we should try dispersed. But hey, where do you use the bathroom?

[@softroadingthewest]

Just like the bears. Carry a shovel though. ;-)

[@jodielindakeahey5214]

Good, clean, fun. Thanks!

[@CosgroveNotts]

Look at the face lol. She was loving it.

[@gabrielc1060]

There is snow up there now. I went up that way today crossed thru 242 then back around down the pass back to Eugene

[@softroadingthewest]

I've heard it's been dumping like crazy! Must be beautiful!

[@loficampingguy9664]

Silversun Pickups! Somebody's got good music taste!

[@softroadingthewest]

Hands down my favorite band 👍

[@oceandrew]

Are those tracks open to all or are they blocked by locked gates? Is getting the combo as easy as going to the nearest ranger station?

[@softroadingthewest]

I've been up in here a few times and have never seen these roads gated, at least not during any times when they weren't under feet of snow and impassible anyway, as they are from about November to May. Thanks for watching!

[@MrRichieCZ]

Again, perfect video and perfect editing and so on. I'm glad to see you and your cars offroad hiting the trails. But last video with snow was like more poetic. :) By the way I have a question... Where do you or your families come from originally. Your names spelling looks kind of mid european... :)

[@softroadingthewest]

I'm of largely Norwegian descent, though my namesake descends from a German ancestor. My kids are a Norwegian/ French blend, as their mom is from France.

[@MrRichieCZ]

@@softroadingthewest haha. I forgot to Scandinavia! 💥

[@johnmcadaragh694]

Car camping isn't really dispersed camping.

[@softroadingthewest]

Is it not? See, I think it is. Camping for free on National Forest land outside of a dedicated campground is literally the definition of dispersed camping. What you sleep in or near has nothing to do with it. From US Forest Service website: "Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided." You don't have to hike miles into the wilderness to be dispersed camping. All it means is that you're not in a campground. I would say that the vast majority of dispersed camping that occurs in US national forests is vehicle based. I regularly encounter huge RV and 5th-wheel campers in random non-campground places in the national forest. While that's not my preferred style of camping, they, too, are nonetheless dispersed camping. While car camping as we do may not be your preferred style of camping, when we do it on National Forest or BLM lands outside of campgrounds, we are indeed dispersed camping.

[@johnmcadaragh694]

@@softroadingthewest I suppose you are correct. I guess I tend to lean towards the more aggressive definition of off beaten path, like backpacking in without the assistance of a vehicle. Really roughing it. If you havent tried it, I highly recommend. It's the only way to get the best views with minimal traffic.

[@softroadingthewest]

@@johnmcadaragh694 I hear you. And no, I've never tried it. I'm not properly equipped for it (all my gear is too big and heavy) but I do think it's something I'd like to experience at least once. Ultimately, vehicle-based car camping is about the right level of roughing it for my tastes. :-)

[@outsideinoregon]

Your daughter is adorable, I hope she goes on more trips with you.

[@softroadingthewest]

Me too, she's a lot of fun to travel with. Plus, having a mobile, self-propelled voice-activated camera tripod makes filming so much easier! :-)

[@savage3dgames510]

Awesome views.

[@akalinh]

Moralité: Racheter un sac de couchage 0° supplémentaire! 😁

[@softroadingthewest]

Ou alors: Laisser les enfants à la maison quand je fais du camping en hiver! 8^D

[@akalinh]

Je valide! 🤣

[@kurtismeinhardt68]

Another great video sir! Always awesome to see you getting out and making memories with your family!

[@dougsfan9984]

Poor Erik

[@kevinnorwood7355]

I saw a Baja in the line up I’m guessing it wasn’t part of the group. I keep going back and forth between a Baja and a Forester. I’ve been meaning to ask you. How do you always air down or does it just depend on how bad the road is? I can’t see airing down for a gravel road, I’ve seen people do it in other videos though.

[@softroadingthewest]

That was just a flashback to the previous week's video which I was talking about at that moment, when we did have snow. :-) There is definitely something appealing about the Baja. Doug Demuro reviewed one recently if you haven't seen it.

[@kevinnorwood7355]

softroadingthewest the Baja lets you carry things like wood or anything that don’t want to get your car dirty with. The Forester tends to give you more room for people and I like the giant sunroof! 😬 learning towards the Baja to be honest because of the Utility of it and if I ever get the made for a rooftop tent you could frame it like a truck and possibly put one on it. 🤔 Our dogs have more room in the Forester but I could pull the rear seats out seeing I don’t carry more then the dogs and my wife in it. Put a board down and have some extra storage. Decisions ,decisions LOL Great video as always keep em coming.

[@pablotheplug2311]

@@kevinnorwood7355 I am in the same predicament as you buddy!

[@kevinnorwood7355]

Pablo ThePlug I got plenty of time to think it over I’m in no hurry. All I DO know is I want the XT version of whatever model I buy.

[@softroadingthewest]

Oh I missed the edit to your comment about airing down. I always air down when leaving pavement, even on gravel roads. It makes the ride significantly more comfortable, especially on the inevitable washboarded/corrugated stretches, and also provides a degree of puncture resistance for the random sharp rock sticking up out of the roadbed, which I encounter frequently on gravel roads around here. Additionally, when I'm driving down a gravel road, my hope usually is to get to a road that is more primitive/unmaintained/challenging, where lower pressures can provide improved traction as well. Lately I've been going down to ~22psi for gravel roads, 18 psi on more challenging "offroad" terrain, and all the way down to 12 psi on sand.

[@chuckiep268]

Eric where were you at?

[@softroadingthewest]

THAT'S WHAT WE SAID!! 8^D

[@TA-kr1di]

Dispersed...lol.

[@softroadingthewest]

Hmm...what is your point? We were camped on national forest land outside of any campground, with no facilities. It is precisely the Forest Service's definition of dispersed camping. We camped in a spot with a previously established fire ring, which the Forest Service encourages (vs making a new campsite for no reason). Thanks for watching and I'm happy we gave you a laugh.

[@overlandsubaruinternationa2378]

do you have a skidplate ??

[@softroadingthewest]

For the moment I have an interim DIY skidplate I made out of a scrap of aluminum. It's nowhere near as strong as what Primitive makes but at least provides as additional layer of metal that would need to be breached before deeper damage is done. Eventually I plan to incorporate a heavier duty custom skid.

[@overlandsubaruinternationa2378]

@@softroadingthewest i made one in aluminum for my self and for other 3/16" cute very nice come see me will chat about it

[@eds205]

Hi, what kind of rims on your forester?

[@softroadingthewest]

Black Rhino Boxer, 15x7 +15

[@eds205]

softroadingthewest thanks ✋🏻

[@eds205]

softroadingthewest and what size tire?

[@softroadingthewest]

@@eds205 215/75R15