My Last Alberta Campout: Biolite Camp Stove

Sorry for yelling, the cascades were loud! Just before heading East, I do one last campout in the Alberta Rockies. I also try out a Biolite Camp Stove 2 that I bought as an alternative to the traditional campfire, do a mail read, and a new idea to secure camper cupboards. Don't miss the secret invitation at the end!
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/ @slimpotatohead
Website: www.slimpotatohead.com
Music Credits:
Amber by Vyen
Communicator by Reed Mathis
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[@SlimPotatohead]

Some missed this in the video description: Sorry for yelling, the cascades of the river were loud! SP

[@itsno1duh]

Thanks fpr putting this here, I really didn't see it above and I was worried because you sounded stressed! But your control made the vocal content even handed though not your normal calm. I am the sort who would enjoy football if it just sounded like golf! lol Lovely spot Slim.

[@dawnwilliamson1523]

The noise of the cascades were beautiful 😍

[@johnclark6571]

@Top Cat Hey! We resemble that remark.

[@noddybrown6281]

It made me laugh, don’t be sorry!

[@noddybrown6281]

@@deepriver6155 Enjoy them.

[@Ra-zor]

"The actions of a small few are destroying it for the others", never truer words spoken for so many things happening today...

[@MrCeodez]

That's true in so many things....people must self-regulate so as to not intrude on other's freedoms, so we can all enjoy the best that life has to offer without regulators ruining it for everyone.....thanks Slim 🤓

[@jerrygundrum1]

This is why the Walmart overnighting is disappearing. It went from overnighting to living in the parking lot. Last winter while in Florida we noticed a couple of class a living in a Walmart parking lot over the course of our visit to the area. Slides were out generator running and lawn chairs out. True boondocking......yep leaving trash and human waste everywhere.....making new campsites and cutting down live trees. With all the no outdoor types buying RVs now more areas will close because of either their lack of knowledge or poor outdoor ethics

[@exploringnature6319]

Walmart should not be a place we’re people stay over night. That’s only for people that wants to buy at Walmart. Just imagine the wear and tear on the parking lot when people are using it overnight.

[@jerrygundrum1]

@@exploringnature6319 as a man of small means an included night after food purchase allows my travels. Living on the east coast there isn't a lot of free camping and a campground isn't in my budget every night while traveling.

[@anitasimmons3599]

@@jerrygundrum1 with a little planning there are some free places to camp especially in Florida. The trick to keeping the free camping in parking lots is cleaning up after ourselves and others and being knowledgeable about Leave no Trace and Tread Lightly. We all need to try and teach these principles to the new on the road. The tricky part is approaching the offenders in a loving and non preachy way. Best wishes in your travels.

[@MrRyanfair84]

When I see slim made a new video I drop what I'm doing and watch

[@Slowhiker-xw2kp]

DITO!!

[@akirchner3]

Good to see you smiling Slim. Seems like you've been through some tough times, I hope all that's behind you now.

[@ZhouBotong1]

Boondocking is not dead, it takes effort but I can tell people are trying. I loved it.

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

I think a lot of us stayed to the end. You make everything either entertaining, informative, or both. Safe travels!

[@ProjectBasecamp]

We have basically a forever fire ban here, so my wife and I have invested in a nice propane fire pit. We never have a camp fire anymore…and we love it! No more smelling like a fire when you go to bed.

[@90scarguy]

Just waking up this morning, see a new video posted. perfect way to start the day.

[@singhthe_king9558]

It's just the opposite for me, returned from work (tired 😞). Watching Slim's new video (feeling refreshed 😁). Perfect way to end the day 👍.

[@louisepozdzik7527]

Creativity is genius! I use T-Shirts that no one wants anymore to braid rugs for gifts. That snow board does the job!

[@marisakammermeier5064]

Hi Slim my name is Martin I live in Sydney Australia I'm 61 yrs old ..I love your videos you inspire me I love camping as much as you and want to share with people as you do ..

[@bobgiddings0]

Decades ago, before my back started going out, I was an extreme light weight hiker and camper. I evolved a very reliable stove out of stuff I had with me: three aluminum tarp stakes and a bit of aluminum foil. If you plant the wire type stakes firmly in the ground and angled inward, they will support a pot. If you wrap a strip of aluminum foil around them, it will retain and funnel flame upward. The fire itself is naturally very small, made of tiny sticks and tree fall found on any forest floor - nothing bigger round than a pencil is needed to complete a cooked meal. Sort of looks like that gadget you bought in action, but made of materials you've already got for other purposes. When you are done, the ashes can be covered by your foot, and ground out to invisibility.

[@g-r-a-e-m-e-]

Is there a photo anywhere of that setup?

[@bobgiddings0]

@@g-r-a-e-m-e- No, but it is pretty simple. Once you try it a couple of times, you'll figure it out. You have to do things in order, you have to be sure the stakes are stuck in enough and angled in right to be stable with a pot of water on them, you have to double the aluminum foil to stiffen it. You can't easily change things once it gets hot. You have to leave one side open a little to feed the fire (small twigs burn up hot and fast), but be able to close it when you are not feeding it. The fire won't funnel up and concentrate otherwise. It requires attention, but pretty soon it looks like a little volcano. The foil will thin out after a few fires, but it is cheap and folds up flat. Candle shavings help with wet twigs. The whole thing built up is about half as big as a coffee can stove, but takes up no room in storage and is every bit as stable if done right. If not more. But it's a cooking fire, not a watching fire.

[@g-r-a-e-m-e-]

@@bobgiddings0 Thanks!!

[@rdy602509]

@@bobgiddings0 Very cool. I'd like to try this out sometime. Thanks!

[@wrylife57]

@@bobgiddings0 Thanks for the additional details about how to use it. This sounds like a perfect little DIY "rocket" stove. Very clever indeed.

[@hytekrdnek]

Greetings from AZ . I truly wish you the best in your new adventures. As for the biolite, just gadgets for techies. I bring an old hibachi or small grill so I don't need large wood to still have fire. I keep my ashes for my plants at home, and I bring my own wood. No scars on the land. And I can still grill and cook. I also carry a small power pack 3000mah with a built in solar panel. Put in window while I'm driving. Works well to charge my camera batteries several times on full charge. Also, all my small campground lights are solar charged and are power packs. Not expensive either. Got em all from Amazon. Just some ideas. Again, best of luck.

[@Smurphenstein]

Your videos are so appropriate for the places you visit. No hype, just a man talking about his experiences in life and the world.

[@ccchange]

Slim , Kudos for joining the Biolite generation, if I may offer some stove tips. Summed up in a word it's bottom feeding. You can scrounge fule any where. Right now I'm burning cow dung,wood chips and "charcoal" (the kind left in a cold fire pit) which makes an excellent fuel for grilling due to low even heat and smokeless flame. You want to fill the cup with about 1cm to 3cm chunks. Light from the top of the heap. You're right about charging, a thermoelectric chip is a micro miracle great for small tasks. The other giant task this pocket stove is good for is starting camp fires when wood is wet. Just make a cup of coals and dump for an instant start. Cheers.

[@scottsladeadventures1102]

I have been a fan of the Biolite products since they first came out. The add on grill to the kettle are great attachments.

[@patsykluting-lucas3804]

Interested in biolite but is it really worth $150?

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi Patsy, it depends on your needs. $150 is not much if you never need to buy firewood or propane. As for the expensive kettle, that IS hard to justify! SP

[@patsykluting-lucas3804]

@@SlimPotatohead yes was hooked on no propane or butane. Easy to use, cook food/water, light weight, possibly to keep bugs away, warmth all good. Thumbs down on charging and cost. Maybe wood burner without the power/charger part?

[@radzo1675]

You're videos are never boring.

[@rdy602509]

Was just camping with folks that used the BioLite. Interesting. My thoughts to share: only one heat setting HOT - no simmer setting for cooking. Also, highly suggest tongs to refeed fire. Thank you for the great idea to keep the fridge closed! Will look to get the baby proof straps.

[@zaradimple3980]

There is no thing I can say, to thank God for the world He made. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. THANKS LORD.

[@ralphsmith8682]

I bought a new car and it came with no spare. Instead it came with a 12 volt air compressor connected to a built in container of some kind of fix a leak or stop a leak. It also had a jack so you could remove the tire and roll it to some place to get fix. Great video Slim, happy trails,

[@henryknight7876]

I have always enjoyed your fruggelness you try real hard not to waste any money that is great, "cheap and easy" Slim's greatest quoets thanks Slim

[@luciodarocha4737]

Wherever you are traveling too , I hope you find your peace , my friend.

[@weswalker1208]

Good morning from South Texas

[@SlimPotatohead]

Morning Wes!

[@patshankle3281]

OMG I could so sleep with the sound of the water. Would love to travel like that and see all the wonderful spots u go to. 💕 Love ur channel 💜💚♥️

[@JosephStory]

That's one sharp dressed fly.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Yep. 'cause every bug crazy about a sharp dressed fly! SP

[@callmemagicfish]

@@SlimPotatohead lol

[@ejp9921]

As a hint-When a faster charge for the cell phone is required, put on the ‘airplane’ mode & ‘low power’ mode. Love your videos

[@nunyabidnez2729]

Or just turn the phone off while charging. The Biolite will still struggle to charge it.

[@juliawitt3813]

Think that stove is a great 'idea', but as we all know, ideas dont always translate. Nice light. Thanks for another great video. Good luck on your travels.

[@panagea2007]

So many times Slim has driven away and left his camera behind. But I guess it balances out, this time he arrived and there was a camera already there! lol! Keep on camping Slim!

[@stewmiller778]

Always a nice time with Slim. Thanks.

[@miketomas8564]

Thanks Man! Each new video you post brings serenity to my hectic life. Safe Travels my friend..

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

Alberta....one of these days I will make it. My parents would drive all the way from Southern California to Alberta every two years. They absolutely loved it up there...🏔️✌️

[@johnswof]

I am so glad to hear from Slim and hope he finds new places to show us the beauty of Canada.

[@yeahman1975]

Wonderful video glad to see another one. Never boring always insightful and peaceful. Be safe and stay close to water during this drought my friend.

[@bayt3ch]

Godspeed on your new journey, Slim!

[@callmemagicfish]

will we be assimilated? lol

[@allenheaps2084]

That is where you are a step up on the other channels I watch Slim. You are a true doityourselfer! Good ol' Yankee er um Canadian ingenuity at it's finest. I love the Biolite, will have to see if we can get one here in the US. I can see how it's not much of a charger, but I do like it's versatility as a mini, portable "fire pit/cooking stove". Love you Slim, good luck in your travels, and Godspeed!

[@MsPdog1]

Your videos are my Zen. Thanks for making them!!!!

[@mutlubirinsan]

I'm a big fan of watching outdoor videos. I accidentally discovered this channel today. This person, I still don't know his name but I'll learn, is very sincere and honest. I already watched three videos of him today and I'll watch all of his videos in future. So yes, this channel is very different than the other channels. Ahh, I forgot to say, Please take a doggy with you.

[@wrylife57]

This video was worth watching for the scenery alone! You definitely have an artistic, photographer's eye for composition. Thank you for sharing the beauty of your country. I have wondered about the Biolite stove so thanks for another typically detailed product review. I agree with you that the little USB light is the best part--it's bright and I love that has an on/off switch. Lastly, the Houdini latches--another great product review with perfect close-ups to show the functions. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Now, if only you were in the US so I could possibly meet you and share that coffee and donut. Ahh, to dream ..... in any case, safe travels!

[@deborahflorea490]

I absolutely love all your videos. I feel like I’m with you on your travels 😀

[@mlucero6021]

Hello Slim, thank you for the invite but unfortunately many of us are located in the US..me in Palm Springs currently. I am not sure what to say about the time that has passed but I am glad to see your troubleshooting again. Wishing you sae travels.

[@ShinerBockGirlz]

Slim thanks so much for showing this....at this point technology has advanced so much...this might as well be magic.....can't believe we can make electricity from a fire!!!! And great use of the dead tree as a table..nothing wrong with that!! WE LOVE you and your vids!!!! Safe trails handsome stranger!!

[@margarethughes3763]

I thought that bug was a bee. Lovely site to camp. Thank you Slim.

[@volvo09]

Robber flies are neat, i think they pretend to be a bee to sneak up and kill other insects. I used to have a few that would stop by my pond.

[@BrokenArrowPottery]

You go to some of the most beautiful places! I stayed for the bonus. Ha! Happy Camping!

[@williamr.kirkland6317]

What a beautiful river. So, So camper fire demonstration about a no go product..

[@LainieS100]

I am so happy that you made the trek last summer to visit the Arctic Circle in my beloved Yukon Territory before you head east. Safe travels!!

[@brendaswann7292]

All the best Slim … my heart is a gypsy … travel big but live small. I wish you the best in your future travels. 🇨🇦🤜🏽🤘🏽

[@billbridges5251]

Longtime . Many enjoyable viewings. Happy trails and continued success.

[@PaintWithGloria]

You're cool, and my husband and I love watching you.

[@terrilikens4975]

You're such a good soul, Slim.

[@bluegrasssurvival9423]

You have to pre-charge your biolite. You ran the battery down early on and it barely recovered. Always pre-charge it, and don't stuff it to much so the fan air flow can do it's magic. I like your small camper btw!

[@Kralingenrobin]

I have the first version. Wood pallets work really good. You have to fill it with the pallets first, about 3/4 full. Then put a firestarter above on top of the pallets. It will burn from top to bottom in about 45 minutes and you’ll have almost no ashes after.

[@chrisadam8103]

Slim I for one is from The USA. Have been a follower for awhile, glad to hear your opinion on stuff. I know you will enjoy your new home in the east. I have traveled quite a bit of your lovely country. I will follow and keep camping with you through you tube.

[@banntheman7925]

never worry you are not boring your vids are always refreshing from Sunny skegness UK

[@tinplategeek1058]

Slim using the tree stump as a table for the stove doesn't make you a hypocrite unless you chopped the tree down just to do that (and you wouldn't do that). Actually a sensible level platform to use unlike the second test when I kept thinking it might tip over when you plugged things into the USB port.

[@ronpreece3429]

Newfoundland is waiting for you slim

[@debbiematechuck2998]

Hello Slim happy to see back and please be safe wherever on your travels

[@paulenright]

Your videos always add a nice little light...safe travels east Slim🎥👍👍

[@cripplecreekfarm1234]

Glad your making videos again

[@debicaron6046]

Thanks for showing me my stove..I have one in my van, just in case....Wow..works great

[@davidjones8680]

Lunch with Mr Slim, marvelously timed. David in the UK.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

I wend west on the Trans-Canada Highway half a century ago. It was a highlight of my life. I was amazed how the landscape changed along the way.

[@azclaimjumper]

I eagerly look forward to your videos, Slim. Whenever! Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada

[@yuppy-gr4qj]

Thank you slim potato head. I love your videos. I just like how a good person you are. I am deeply concerned about our free camping. Being gone. Everyone please respect these lands when in use. I want to have my children one day enjoy the same lands we stomped on. Thanks again slim.u are the light of our future.

[@OldGoatStillGoing]

First let me wish you Safe and Happy Trails. Uprooting is not easy and downsizing our possessions can be a challenge. As for the air spoiler, wow, super ingenious! Better patton that idea. And if you wax it, the air might flow easier. Good luck and see you in next video.

[@pennyharris446]

Biolite came in quite handy during our 10 day power outage in Florida following hurricane Ian.. Luv your videos SP. I used dried twigs and pieces of fallen date palm arms and dried pine cones. Worked great.

[@piusbayo7278]

Nice little charger and stove . Wish you luck ,I hope you have fun along the way .That would be a good way to explore the east .

[@campingboy9213]

Regarding camping and mechanical knowledge i would suggest know: 1) how to check daily the fluid levels and tire pressure, 2) how to change a tire, 3) how to add air. I know that Alberta was trying to pass an annual pass for wilderness camping. They claim that lately its having to be more actively managed. Safe travels Slim

[@SlimPotatohead]

Good points. All Alberta needs to do is hand out huge fines for campsite destruction and educate the ignorant. When their pocket gets lighter they tend to smarten up a little! SP

[@hiracing]

@@SlimPotatohead Nature/habit destruction is a huge problem here along Colorado's Front Range as well. We live at 2500 meters and see evidence of this from tourists all summer long. It's gotten so bad in some areas that the Forest Service only allows boondocking/dispersed camping in designated sites -- and now it's $15US/night to camp with no amenities in a forest we already own. At least we're still allowed petrol powered tow vehicles. How will we pull travel trailers when we only have battery power? Have you started pondering what you will use as a tow vehicle that far out Slim? Or is it just too far into the future to think of yet? Safe travels Slim. Thanks for taking us along. Also - thank you very much for not using foul language in your videos. Our kids watch these with us as a family since we all love to camp. You set a good example and we appreciate you for that. Peace.

[@terrysmith4465]

No drama, just a simple man. Love it. 👍👍

[@geoffmolyneux9173]

I looked at the Biolight in store. It has a very low charging output. It was in very small print. Maybe they will come out with two or three orange modules, but with out the fan, as first module does the fan. But thanks for showing it does charge. As you drive east, just remember the the sun always rises in the east and GMT gets earlier. Safe journey.

[@NKBobcat]

I love your videos. Relaxing, interesting and beautiful.

[@zutman4199]

Definitely a beautiful spot.

[@unclejake154]

Looking forward to your travels eastward. Thanks.

[@lindayount8775]

I was so happy to see your post, you full of the good old energy & enthusiasm again❣❣❣🤗 I always appreciate your ideas, gadgets, tests, and innovations. So wonderful to see your gorgeous nature shots again - I missed you! ¡Buen viaje!

[@tnxjesus]

Thats how you leave a place. 1 last camping trip wich is essentially just 1 last look back at what youre leaving behind. 1 last memory for the road.

[@gail-sw9xg]

For a fire pit I use an old dutch oven with a cracked bottom. An old oven rack allows me to cook and I can use wood, pellets. or charcoal.

[@chucksgmgarage1116]

They work very well we used one on our 1 ton crew cab duallie GMC towing a 33' Yellowstone fifth wheel.

[@johnb9605]

Fantastic idea with the snoboard

[@pinebearclub]

All the best for the future Slim, too bad you’re not headed west, so when my van is finally done I’ll chase you east as I too want to drive across this great nation of ours. Cheers and safe travels! Bryan from Vancouver

[@maxamus]

Thanks slim, good luck with your new adventure..... :)

[@jayrpyne7067]

Thanks once again. What a beautiful sight. Namaste Jay

[@ruraltraveler8652]

Good video again like the snowboard as wind deflector Take Care in your travels

[@maobfh]

I cannot find a video where you even hinted at leaving Alberta. Checked your blogs on your website, watched a couple past videos in case i watched but didn't really listen to what you were saying. Nothing. There was some personal drama a month or two ago but you didn't spill the beans. I am just really surprised. Whatever happened or whatever epiphany took place, i wish you nothing hinder your progress, the wind stays on your back and your next phase brings you incredible joy. I hope we can continue to follow along. Good luck!

[@SlimPotatohead]

"I'm Back with Birds" video, 7:35 Mark. SP

[@TheToastedChannel]

Thanks for the snowboard wind deflector idea! I will be trying that myself. Also when travelling the Trans Canada Highway be sure to check out Quimet Canyon near Thunder Bay.

[@krisg3984]

700 comments, wow ! I guess one more can’t hurt . Thanks for that he review of the BioLite - I really like your solar panel lift.

[@Sebastian_Dinwiddie]

The two snowboard/deflector brackets should be hockey stick blades, ala Julian's spoiler :-)

[@redsorgum]

Snowboard deflector, where there's a will, there's a way.

[@patrickfort4467]

Or, necessity is the mother of invention.

[@volvo09]

I love it! Just dissapointed a pool noodle wasn't involved... Haha

[@kameya87]

I'm ready to try it

[@SlimPotatohead]

@Patrick Fort: I thought that was Frank Zappa! SP

[@beatler11]

@@SlimPotatohead Ahhhh My favorite musician! Glad your back Slim.

[@davidhumberger5078]

Nice to see ya Slim 😎❤️

[@deanmills5106]

I appreciate you Slim, your always a pleasure to watch. Your appreciation for all things touches all of us.

[@johndecriscio9586]

Great video of the fly. Super detail.

[@cherylfarrell1638]

You’re doing a good job interesting creative reasonably knowledgeable and a fun show congrats

[@Beruthiel45]

Happy trails Slim, best of luck on your new adventures.

[@jangraham9868]

Very peaceful, enjoy your videos

[@danomdahl3722]

Hi Slim, I have the Biolite Camp Stove 2 as well. I never tried to charge a cellphone while running the fan with fire going. I know you can do this because you did it in your video. But, I think it was meant to take back to your tent after done cooking. It has a 3200 mah battery and then you plug in your phone at the end of the day. Yes there are some phones with larger batteries. But I think its handy to charge phone over night.

[@mjm3852]

You are the ultimate make-do guy; creative, ingenious and frugal. Your videography and photography is always amazing. I have been debating buying this product for months. I would add the grill if I do. I wouldn't be buying it for the charging purpose. I've made some "homemade" ones and they just need some tweaking to work well I think. Downsizing is tough.

[@KevinSmith-qz4jv]

The grass is always greener so its good to see as much as you can enjoy the east!

[@sylviajones4907]

Thanks for your review of the Biolite. Much appreciated.

[@kabukiarmadillo]

I love the idea of using a snowboard as a wind defector. That's the sort of DIY think-out-of-the-box idea that I admire. You are leaving AB permanently for someplace east? Sorry to hear that... You'll miss the mountain vistas out here I'm sure. I know you liked to tour the Pacific Northeast like we do. I was hoping to cross paths with you sometime as we seemed to visit a lot of the same places. Best wishes on your new adventures... I look forward to the vids to come.

[@safeatlife]

Nothing brightens my day more than a SP video, so glad to see your perspective and view in action. Thank you Silm for being a great guy!

[@oldmillrd8153]

Next time your are passing thru western Washington St. feel free to drop me a line. I have a "boondocking" site right next to my house and your egg will feel right at home next to my Chalet A-frame; and best of all it's free! I wouldn't even expect 10 more low cost ideas for an A-frame. Have a great trip east. The camping is great around the great lakes. Can't wait to participate in your adventures and watch your stunning photography. Steve

[@Paul.Douglas]

Beautiful scenery, honest review. Good stuff!

[@chrisdee3211]

Great use for the baby proof straps... because my son would be openin those things after seein me do it once. Lol