Overland Subaru Forester Build Progress So Far

COMPLETED KITCHEN BUILD VIDEO A FEW MONTHS LATER: • DIY Overland Kitchen B...
As I mentioned in my first video of 2020, I wanted to make some changes to my sleeping and cooking setup in my Subaru Forester. I've made some progress but I wanted to give things a quick test run to see how everything's working so far.
Join me as I poke around some National Forest land in western Oregon looking for a campsite along a river. My new build is not complete and I still have many details to tend to, but it's at a point where I can at least get back out and camp. I'll give you an overview of what I've come up with to improve my overlanding experience.
Below are links to some of the items seen in this video. These will be spoilers if you haven't watched the video yet, so if you enjoy surprises, don't scroll down until after viewing. :-)
Claymore 3 Face camp light:
(this is not a "budget" item alas)
amzn.to/2wo2sKq
5lb Propane Tank:
(this is not the same as mine but I think this is a better version)
amzn.to/32L6Lvr
Anyoo tarp & poles (basis for my DIY rear awning):
amzn.to/2XXELAQ
Video on how I made that awning:
• The $60 DIY Awning I b...
The Dewalt chain saw:
amzn.to/2XYIOgc
Gazelle T3 pop-up tent:
amzn.to/2Ia4X5J
Gazelle T4 if you need more space:
amzn.to/39jy6aH
Coleman cot:
(there are many cot options out there; this is the one I am
using, got super lucky scoring it off Craigslist for $10)
amzn.to/2wWqVqy
Coleman 0° Sleeping Bag
amzn.to/2PDGv1s
Camp Chef Mountaineer Stove:
(again, also not a budget item unless you can find one used)
amzn.to/2vwYcZc
(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!)
Additional support options available via Patreon:
/ softroadingthewest

[@geraldkim4801]

It is so refreshing to see someone camping/"over landing" on a budget, unlike some channels where cost isn't even considered. We thoroughly enjoy watching your adventures, thanks for posting.

[@gregm8871]

Seconded. Im new to this channel specifically, but man I'm so tired of the gaudy inaccessably overpriced 'Overland' crap out there.

[@overlandsubaruinternationa2378]

he got good content very nice

[@ribzzzz]

Totally agree

[@VKSgtSLaughter]

Agreed and well set! He's an inspiration to all of us normal overlanders who just want to enjoy the great outdoors!

[@fgDAB]

My Name Is Not Quaid - Preach it brother.

[@jamesmauex]

Don’t apologize for the sounds of nature. I just appreciate that you take us with you. Love your videos

[@108pel]

Big Moe precisely

[@adrianbanks4487]

The sound of the rapids reminded me very much of the ocean sounds on a ship. Would be very relaxing to sleep to that

[@TheTamrielDrunkard]

Agreed, i like the nature background noises

[@VKSgtSLaughter]

18:52 INTEGRITY... you could have easily edited out the part where you got stuck, but you are honest to the core. That's why we love your videos. Semper Fi!

[@fredihle1468]

You are the Bob Ross of small-vehicle overloading videos. Thanks.

[@omgfoz]

That new setup is awesome and very inspiring! Also the rushing water didn't negatively affect the audio to the point that it was bad, I think you chose a good spot.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Rob! It was certainly pleasant being there. That noise got annoying to me while editing the video however, LOL. :-)

[@c.g.silver8782]

@@softroadingthewest Your videos are better then many movies in cinema! Adventure, amazing views, humor, things to learn, sometimes a bit horror and action... :) But we know you are a perfectionist :p So if you are annoyed you could try some noise reduction filter in post. I don't know if it really helps, but for instance Audacity is a free tool with wich you could try to change the audio track.

[@ignitionoffroad5028]

Love the new setup and especially your minimalistic approach. That mesh panel with the fire extinguisher and first aid kit also caught my eye. Looking forward to seeing more!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks! The panel has actually been there all along as the rear surface of my old "kitchen," though it was hard to see hidden behind my old cooler. It's proven very handy, and I have all my chargers mounted on the other side, so I'm going to incorporate it again in this new setup with sort of a base for the cooler to sit on.

[@kevinthomson6324]

It’s the sound of the water that made the video. That stove is amazing great idea having a refillable propane tank and two burners adds so much flexibility.

[@bruceyyyyy]

I've been sleeping in a tent (or just a hammock) this whole time. Welcome to the club!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks, I've been practicing the handshake, hope I get it right when we meet. Actually I had always tent camped before, but that was wife-and-kids 3-days-in-one-campsite camping, so the setup and teardown of our large, typical dome tent was somewhat tolerable (though still a PITA). No way I could deal with that every night and every morning on the more "overland" style camping I do now, with a new campsite every night. I still hesitated on the Gazelle due to it being, you know, fabric. No matter the season here, your tent *always* ends up wet, and these days I'm always back on the move before it would ever have a chance to dry. The last thing I need is yet something else to deal with at home, but it's just soooo easy, it's almost fun to set it back up to dry when I get home.

[@jakeball1991]

I'm so glad i found your Channel! you've given me so many ideas for my own SH Forester. OK, back to binge watching your videos. Greetings from AUSTRALIA.

[@john-okc450]

The sound of the water is relaxing.

[@jeepersdelight]

Hey man Jason from Maryland here Did something similar. Use that panel beside the right of the stove, treat the wood, or use wood appropriate, and doubles as a cutting surface, slide right into pan. And... Like BigMoe (below) said, Don't apologize for the natural sounds, let it ride.... Gotta say, after the stresses of work, at home on a daily basis, when I can't get out, I sleep in my room with a Bluetooth speaker playing river sounds, nature sounds, crickets, all aspects of the outdoors

[@gwlane5509]

Hello, from Great Smoky Mountains! fellow Forester owner here! Love the kitchen setup...I need to build one and that looks fantastic for my simple needs...I have the same inside sleep setup and it is tight for anything other than sleep. An awesome video as always! I’m on a budget too with a child and other commitments....thanks for sharing your special get away moments and affordable ideas! Being an IT worker, your videos inspire me to get away for much needed stress relief from work and cell service if only for one night sometimes. Very much appreciated!

[@IamUke]

Great video. One thing you might consider is a backpacking hammock, like those sold by Warbonnet, Amok, or Hammock Gear. You are almost always in a wooded area, so finding two trees (or even one tree plus your roof rack) is easy. You don't have to prepare a site, it's totally LNT, and there is never any issue with levelness or drainage. The hammock has an integrated bug net, add a tarp and you're good to go 3 seasons and even 4 with skill. I gave up on sleeping on the ground and am now 100% hammock based when backpacking. It's awesome, as long as you are mindful of insulation and weather protection. Thanks for sharing!

[@dancartlidge5202]

Well, dang....thanks for introducing me to that tent...it is now in my shopping cart. Sigh....

[@softroadingthewest]

LOL, sorry! I think you'll like it though! It's even nicer than I expected it to be. :-)

[@dancartlidge5202]

@@softroadingthewest No sweat!! I'm looking forward to the accomodations!!

[@Ashure007]

Thanks for all your videos. Just recently purchased a forester. Not cause I was like awesome new car. Mine got totaled by the wife. She and the kids are fine. Thank God, but main reason I love your videos is how your videos has inspired me to build my forester up to overland and how its already brought many memories.

[@softroadingthewest]

Nice to hear!

[@colinmartinez4977]

It is also refreshing to see someone who is genuine and relatable. You that the average guy with a completely reasonable car can have fun too. I actually used to drive that exact car until I was in an accident and totaled it. I replaced it with a 4th gen 4Runner so I could "really get out there and explore." I lifted it, got KO2's, (you don't need rock sliders in FL) but to be honest, I explored 10 times more with my Forester than I have with the Toyota. As I consider rehoming the 4Runner for something better on gas, you're really making me want a Forester again.

[@pavementendstraveler6574]

Love your real person, on a budget approach to overlanding/camping. Just enough equipment to get the job done, keeping the focus on the exploring and scenery.

[@jeffwilliams8598]

Guinness, bruh! You're officially my hero.

[@VKSgtSLaughter]

Ditto!

[@vibolbou5903]

Drone, new kitchen set up, and new tent?? Looks awesome. Another great video. Can't wait for the kitchen set up video.

[@softroadingthewest]

Yep, adding drone footage was also on my goal list for this year. I got a used DJI Spark off eBay, it was quite affordable that way and has worked out very well so far! Thanks for watching!

[@TwoFeet.FourWheels]

Editing always on point. Music on point. You have a natural talent of making us feel like we are there with you. And the sound of the river 😍

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Mike! Heh, the feedback on the sound of the river has been largely positive but I tell you what, by the time I finished editing this video, I was utterly sick of that noise just constantly hissing in my ears, LOL.

[@Ricksvanwinkle]

Im so pleased you are promoting "Grain free" eating. I had been suffering with a mounting list of health complaints and long story short, i found when i stopped eating all "Grains" every single health complaint i had suffered with for over ten years or more disappeared, along with the weight. Its like i was given back my youth. They don't tell us about the harmful effects that eating "Grains" has on the body. Make people aware! 👍🏼💪

[@softroadingthewest]

I'm not 100% grain-free, but I've found overall that by mostly avoiding it, I feel so much better in many ways. And with my grain consumption low, the occasional burger or English muffin doesn't really cause me any distress, and then I don't feel deprived...wheat has become a treat to enjoy now and then, rather than a daily staple. :-)

[@Ricksvanwinkle]

@@softroadingthewestits worth looking into further. I never thougth for a minute that grains were harmful. I couldn't walk properly this time last year. I had to find the cause myself, not many Dr's are aware. Highly recommend "What's with wheat" on Amazon prime. It is on KZbin also. Also Dr David Williams, "wheat belly". DR DW is a good source of information. I think your videos are great and thanks for showing us around your beautiful local trails. I hope to get out there soon. 👍🏼

[@jmsuitter5]

im not a big cooker but always love a good cooking segment and seeing what others can do especially out and about

[@adrianbanks4487]

Greetings, I’m a fellow Subaru Forester owner in Australia. Your set up looks amazing. I have a jayco camper I tow and believe me, it’s not as straight forward to set up as it would seem as an all in one unit. Yours looked very easy and quick.

[@dougjohnson4266]

Campsite was perfect. Love the kitchen build. As a Rubicon owner, it probably would have had the same issue until/unless lockers engaged depending on tires. Ignore any comments by the haters, you have a great setup.

[@DanielleRootes]

Hell yeah! Love the new tent, it’s cool to have a car camp set up, but it’s also cool to just be outside and sleep in a cozy space. Good for you! That first campsite though... 🏕

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks!

[@mtnman4766]

Nice job. No need for any apologies on the way you do things. Gave me some really good ideas for mine. Thanks from a Roseburg retiree! Oh yeah, get a kick out of Lucy. Really enjoy your relationship with your daughter. Good example of a good father-daughter relationship. 👍

[@theadventurecontinues]

That's a great looking setup. I am always a fan of the DIY. The campsite looked beautiful and your audio was just fine. I bet you never got tired of that rushing water sound. Awesome video, looking forward to the next one.

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

Still one of my favourite videos to date miss the Forester

[@randallharmsen5802]

Stove and tent nice updates. Peace in quiet in the outdoors is also a river next to your camp, soothing noise for the soul. 👍🏻

[@mikeoldham]

Your kitchen build is looking awesome Donald. I can't wait to see the final product. Makes me kinda want to see if I could add something similar to my sleeping platform. I continue to love your videos. It is awesome to see some of the different landscape in Oregon. Thanks for all the great content.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Mike! I'm super itching to get down to Utah and hit some trails with you and Jared...*probably* won't swing it in 2020 but if not, 2021 for sure. Thanks as always for watching!

[@fkylw]

Th moment when the door opens and you have a seamless transition to standing with the camera and then I realize you've been holding it the whole time… you are an awesome camera man.

[@NamJi]

Man wished the east coast had places like this to go car camping. I’d be out every weekend. Very envious of your location.

[@bah5310]

What part of the East coast are you in? WV has more places like that then I can count. VA,PA,MD and NY also have many beautiful places to camp near water.

[@treyhowe8835]

Hillbillyjeeper WV I’m in NC. Can you put me on to a lead or two? Please and thank u kindly

[@NamJi]

I’m in northern NJ. Not many places near nyc. :(

[@bah5310]

@@NamJi you should start a camping group in Central Park.

[@NamJi]

Lol!!

[@007twm]

Thank you for another wonderful video. The scenery is breath taking and I admire your way of explaining the methods and means of every aspect of overlanding.

[@chuckiep268]

I always enjoy your videos. I love the raw feel to them. Not over polished videos of some of the other people I follow. I look forward to the kitchen video! Keep them coming!

[@ronniejeffrey3113]

You are the biggest inspiration for my forester build. Thank you for taking the time and effort to make such awesome videos. Happy camping from New Hampshire!

[@dvonehrlich]

I was legitimately thrilled to see the drone footage I’m surprised you didn’t mention it? I am looking forward to seeing some more footage in the future. Nice to see The tent and kitchen improvements and I appreciate how your channel is not all expensive gear ads and has some humility and the ability to poke fun at yourself. Seriously my favorite channel on KZbin, I enjoy what you do so much. When are you going to get a patreon setup?

[@softroadingthewest]

D Vonehrlich I just wanted to subtly slip that drone footage in without making a fuss...I was already showing so much new stuff as it was. 😄 It’s only a little DJI Spark and I got it used off eBay so it was very affordable, but I’m really enjoying it and you’ll definitely be seeing more. Patreon...I don’t know. I struggle with the idea of asking people for money, but on the flip side I’d really love to be able to spend less time doing my “work” work to keep the bills paid and be able to devote more hours to shooting and editing videos more often, and/or be able to travel & film for more than a few days at a time. I dunno. I haven’t ruled it out completely. I need to take a closer look at how it all works. Thank you for the kind words and support. 🙂

[@TheTinManTJ]

Being able to take someone along with you is always a smart thing to plan for. 👍 I appreciate you sharing the thought that goes into creating this setup.

[@tadcobert1307]

Wow, such a peaceful and chill video packed full of great info...this is my favorite YT channel, and my inspiration for to current "softroader" builds. Thank you!

[@timweimar8768]

The new setup looks awesome!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@RobertWitham]

I love that new kitchen setup! That is awesome! Looking forward to learning more about the updated build.

[@kaegaelj]

I saw Patrick's post with your new led mount location and I love it

[@pinzone4358]

I really enjoy your adventures and the casual and relaxed way you deliver your commentary. The inexpensive approach to camping demonstrates this is in everyones reach. Even if a group of friends got together and each person invested in a piece of equipment that could be shared. I'm in Australia and my big brother is the adventurer and camping nut but he is always asking me to join him, so I think I will.

[@smiff9577]

I always wanted a Subaru and I finally got my forester! Seeing you deck out yours for adventure has me so hyped!

[@TristanRayner]

It's been great to reconnect with your channel and watch a bunch of your recent vids. It's really inspiring to see someone doing this kind of thing with respect, honesty, integrity, and a familiar "every day bloke" level of cost effective solution seeking. I'm not very creative so your ideas are spectacular to me, and I too have a limited budget to work with so often find myself bummed out at how crazy expensive so many things can be. I really love how you are able to pull together an ALMIGHTY amount of filming and editing and still just give off a casual, friendly vibe that's down to earth and geniune. Thanks so much for putting yourself out there and sharing this with everyone!!

[@MrPanzerDragoon]

The music you use in your videos are soothing.

[@chuckstubblebine1147]

Love the way you flipped those chops in slow motion! 😆. Made me hungry. AWESOME VID!

[@scx10beast39]

Your videos are more entertaining than anything I could watch on Netflix or television. Thank you and keep up the great work!

[@whrude]

Looking great! Loving the set up and the updates. I'm looking into turning my 2016 Outback into something similar. You have given me some great ideas!

[@bn6128]

I just discovered your channel and i love the way you do things. Your calm nature and mellow tone. I really enjoy watching. Keep up the good work.

[@pnwadventuresandgearreview8749]

First congrats on channel growth second drone footage wow game changer spot was amazing love your work cool to have local channels like yours!

[@akalinh]

I love your quote about Jeep! 😂 Well, it's a really nice upgrade that you made! I didn't knew these type of tent, pretty interesting!

[@foresterboy2011]

Wow! So much better. Two burner stove looks amazing and faster warm food and money saved longterm. Great job bro.

[@jmsuitter5]

some great upgrades always nice to find a great deal at the right time loving the light and new cooking area

[@smiff9577]

Also the sound of nature is amazing. Continue with the water sounds!

[@wanderingtundra6310]

The rapids were fine, so pretty. It really had the feel of being in the middle of nowhere. I hope you take us back to were you and your friend cut all those branches and couldn't make the hill in the snow. That was great, you knew no one had been there in a while. I bet a Forester with limited slip rear diff would have had no problem with that stream bank either. :-)

[@softroadingthewest]

Or a locker! Maybe one day! :-) Yeah, we'll get back up that butte one day for sure! Thanks for watching!

[@vmoregon]

Loving the new kitchen setup.

[@outsideinoregon]

Wow, you got a great setup. I’m loving that kitchen setup, nice work.

[@froojack]

We bought a Gazelle T4 last summer and took it on a couple of trips car camping from our 2016 Outback. By far the best tent we have ever owned. New cooking setup looks great. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[@GPosner8]

Fantastic upgrades to your camping setup. I’ll be waiting for you to upload your kitchen drawer setup. Looks like you’ll be ready for more epic adventures. I can’t wait to see where you go next. Thank you again for inspiring me. 👍🚙🏕🍻

[@softroadingthewest]

Thank *you* for your faithful viewership! :-) I truly appreciate it.

[@subaruforester5062]

Amazing video Donald. I like these types of gear or set up videos to break up the adventure videos. Would love to see more inside that forester. I have a 2017 2.5 forester in Canada and love getting the ideas you have on a budget!

[@softroadingnewzealand5210]

Love it and have also been tossing up between rooftops and the Gazelle. New kitchen build is bad ass. Looking forward to that build video in due course. Enjoyed this video along with the sound track.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks! Two downsides of RTTs for me - aside from being prohibitively expensive for me at this time - are that you still can't stand up in one, and losing my roof storage. I won't go out without extra fuel on board, and taking it off the roof would mean some kind of custom rear bumper with swing outs to carry fuel, traction boards, etc...another huge expense. The GoFastCamper RTT is cleverly designed to also serve as a roof rack for some items, but I don't think you could carry a fuel can on it. The clamshell RTTs are nonetheless very attractive to me, and I do hope one day I can move up to the RTT experience...I do find it appealing. :-)

[@softroadingnewzealand5210]

softroadingthewest Donald, how is the Gazelle in windy conditions? We are known as Windy Wellington down here and that would be my main concern with a cube shape tent. Oh, does the fly cover-up a good portion of the window space? Sorry for all the questions.

[@softroadingthewest]

@@softroadingnewzealand5210 No problem! I've only had the one night and I didn't even stake the tent corners down it was so calm. But in the course of my research, what I saw was that a particularly strong gust in the right direction can cause a hub to pop inward (as if you're taking the tent down). But each hub has an attachment point so you can attach a guy line and stake it out...I suspect you really only need to do that on the windward side, if it's windy, plus staking down the tent itself. In the video I saw, the fellow then turned a leaf blower on the tent and battered it pretty good, but it didn't budge. For extra assurance in windy conditions, I might be inclined to park my car perpendicular to the wind and use it as a windbreak with the tent set up right next to the car instead of out to the rear as I did here. The fly doesn't block any side windows. The tent has "skylights" all the way around the roof, so if you don't need the fly, you can actually see out to the stars at night. Putting the fly on blocks that view. The nice thing about that skylight design is that the tent is always super well ventilated.

[@FrenziedGuitarist]

I love a good cooking segment!

[@softroadingthewest]

Ruth Dahlen Me too, always enjoy seeing what people are making on the trail. I had someone recently suggest that many people don’t like the cooking segments common in offroad/overland videos, so I was inspired to add the skip assist. 😄 You should totally integrate some cooking segments into Erik’s videos! I found the perfect recipe for you to try! 😂

[@ALNSMOVERLAND]

You nicely upgraded your setup, well done ! I like the tent that create a tiny "room" in the middle of the wild and the fact that you are still able to sleep in the car. I'm very jealous of your stove, it looks like high end / good quality product. We miss that in Europe and especially in France. But yes, dual burner is the way to go ! Your campspot location reminds me of one we choosed in Norway with Lizanne. It was a few meters from a waterfall and we thought it will be fun and "refreshing". We stayed 3 nights there because it just keeped raining and raining. Worst mistake ever ! the sound of the waterfall wasn't refreshing at all and we both ended up crazy ! Never again !

[@softroadingthewest]

ALNSM OVERLAND Yes, I got very lucky on the stove, it is much nicer than what I normally would have looked at and is probably even a little too big for my compact rig but it was too good of a deal to pass up. I don’t think I’ll ever need to buy another camp stove again for the rest of my days. 😄 That’s hilarious about the waterfall noise driving you crazy. 😂 I also didn’t like the fact that a car could drive up while I was sleeping and it probably wouldn’t wake me up masked by the river noise. I will think twice before camping again in a spot like this. 😏

[@jeffreyclark7154]

That was way more enjoyable that expected. Nice job!

[@VKSgtSLaughter]

4:22 you got a Drone! Beautiful aerial footage adds a great airy feeling to your videos!

[@softroadingthewest]

Yes! It's just a little DJI Spark and I got it used off eBay, but I'm really enjoying it, it's more fun than I expected. :-)

[@1cdelay]

Looking forward to the build videos and love the new set up!

[@gushax]

Great video and your video editing is on point... I am inspired to take my old 99 Forester SF out.

[@MariafromthePhilippineIslands]

It's so cute to see a floating kitchen but it takes so much skill to do it. 😁😁

[@ChuckUnderFire]

I loved the Jeep comment about getting stuck-ish… as a Jeep owner, I gotta say that sometimes the rig can make it TOO easy and take some of the fun out of off-roading. As a subaru owner, I enjoy the extra challenge.

[@bradmelvin7187]

I’ve been watching your videos for so time, enjoy them allot we got a Gazelle and so far love it. Really like the kitchen too.

[@jeffstull2534]

still planning on setting up my 2012 Sub Forester

[@lxcrutchy]

i enjoy the river sounds! i cant wait to get my foz

[@andrewbarbour5356]

Another great video, you have content that really resonates with me. I tried the roof top tent and it was very easy to use, but not the best for me. So I’ve been sleeping in the truck bed, dealing with the same issues. Tent set up looked like the way to next.

[@robbergstrom943]

We don’t own a dedicated overlander yet but you inspire us with these great videos. And don’t apologize for the rapids site- that would be our choice every time. Thanks for the great videos.

[@mattmiller9718]

Keep the river sound! It's so relaxing that it's not even noticable

[@derfwgn7719]

Totally agree and I love my Gazelle tent. I like to stand in my tent and that sealed the deal.

[@wcompto]

Good video, thank you. Looking forward to the next!

[@dancartlidge5202]

Heck....tent arrives tomorrow....and I'm seriously looking at that stove....LOVE to cook....and even new, those aren't bad. Now, having just spent a fortune on wheels and A/T tires for my Outback, I MAY have to put stuff like that on my wish-list!!

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, honestly the stove feels a liiiittle out of place in my budget DIY world, but holy crap is it a pleasure to cook on, and I feel I'm now set for life...I'll never need to buy another camp stove, ever, regardless of how my setup may evolve over the coming years. I've long had my eye on the Partner Steel stoves, but there was no way I could justify that expense. Lucking into this one got me closer to that ideal than I ever imagined possible. :-) Keep your eye on Craigslist, you never know what might pop up!

[@jsking306]

Very nice set up. I really enjoyed the video. Thanks...

[@nivlem131303]

i dont know how i got into your videos but i liked it! thanks for sharing

[@broinsocali]

Great video sir. I am so looking forward to driving around the forest here in Calif. when I get my Outback.

[@jgarber1]

Well shot and produced

[@johnreese3762]

Wow! Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@slateslavens]

Very nicely done. You're much farther along than I am. But don't beat yourself up too bad about what your Subi can't do that a jeep can. There are a number of things your Subi _can_ do that my jeep can't. A few examples: Get better than 10 miles per gallon.Go faster than 65 on the highway. Seat _anyone_ comfortably. Keep rain on the _outside_ of the vehicle. Yeah, my jeep is a 48 that's a little longer than normal. But the land of Jeep isn't all sunshine and unicorn farts. Anyway, I've been enjoying your videos. I like your attitude, production quality, editing, content - all of it. Even the rapids in the background.Keep up the great work!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks! And yeah...all those reasons you listed are part of why I drive a Subaru instead (along with the fact that at the time I got it, this 2012 Forester cost literally half of what 2012 Wranglers were going for). I mostly threw that in there because I regularly receive comments that I should be driving a Jeep. :-) I do actually feel like I'd like to own one for at least a year or two at some point, just to know what it's like and enjoy that offroad capability. :-) I did finish out that kitchen build a little more completely, there is a newer video I posted maybe a month or so ago. Thanks for watching, and good luck with your build!

[@SuccessInSightPodcast]

Awesome video. It was very informative.. just moved to Las Vegas, and about ready to purchase a Forester. Afterward, I will begin securing what I need for 1-2 night getaways. I think you've changed my mind about the tent versus the rooftop camper. I can probably secure what I need at 1/3 the price. Keep up the great work.

[@joeski10]

I love your build out in the forester I bought a 05 suburban z71 I will be building it out soon it is a big step up for me from a subaru outback witch I used for camping but I also slept in a tent, the tent I used was a kodiak canvas tent witch was a pain to set up I am watching your videos to get some ideas on my build out of the suburban.

[@softroadingthewest]

I watched some videos on those Kodiak tents...they sure look nice. Seems like a good option for more of a base camp scenario where you don't need the daily setup/teardown speed. Good luck with the Suburban build...LOTS of room to play with there! :-)

[@Westralia]

Mate,I have been so inspired by your videos watchinh from Perth,Western Australia.Dad with a 12 year old daughter.Once I set myself up on a budget-hope to take her out in the outback/Bush.Thank you.

[@softroadingthewest]

That's awesome! Get out there and enjoy! Always love to hear from Australia! :-)

[@EdwardGomillion]

The rushing water was not an audio issue at all. (For me)

[@pnowikow]

It's nice to see it doesn't take a lot of money to have fun. Use what you've got and improve as you can.

[@raysiebert6758]

Love your videos, have the same sleeping problem in my Crosstrek, just haven't found the right setup yet. Going to do Alvord this year because of your video. ✌NW Washington here.

[@softroadingthewest]

Long drive, but it's really awesome...and lots of cool stuff along the way as well!

[@fanum4030]

You're right not to go for a rooftop tent. I had one that I used for 8 years in North and West Africa on top of a Landy 130, and I hated it. It wasn't the tent itself, that was comfy and warm with a propane heater (with gas sensors) but when you're using it repeatedly and have to pitch it night after night, it becomes soul-destroying. You have to get up on the roof (after getting the ladder set up) to take the cover off.....this will be cold, wet and dirty. then you have to unfold the thing, strut out the canopy and so on. Once done, It was very comfortable and way better than sleeping in the truck (which I did for a while) but when you're using it so much, you have to do all the setup and pack-down in whatever torrential rain, sleet, snow, dust/sandstorms and temperature you find yourself in....50% of the time it was miserable and I had to chase the heavy, soaking, muddy cover across the desert on more than a few occasions when it got wrenched away from me in high winds. The only one I'd consider (possibly!) would be the Bundu one which is electric, but that's stupidly expensive. It might be worth looking at one of the hitch-mounted hammock setups- Hammocks are comfy and pretty quick to set up, but my next build (if I can afford it) will have a fixed bed inside.

[@softroadingthewest]

Wow, that is some valuable first-hand experience information right there! "Soul-destroying" LOL :-) What you've described is a big part of why the only RTTs I would consider are the hard-shell models that have no cover to deal with and are basically ready as soon as you pop them open. :-) Of course that's a completely moot point at the moment, as I'd have to sell the car in order to afford one, haha. Thanks for watching and for the detailed, informative commentary, much appreciated!

[@Billy28376]

Like the setup. I'm currently using an old Coleman fuel stove. I like the old school feel. Great video as always.

[@3G4Runner_N_Gunner]

I actually really enjoy the sound of the creek in the background, it's more authentic. I was just about to post about the Gazelle. I LOVE my T4!

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

Beautiful video and very inspiring thanks for sharing.

[@frontierfan1613]

Great vid. Really enjoyed seeing your progress.

[@T.Hansen]

Love the rig. Just purchased one of those tents before I learned about your Chanel!! Forester life!!

[@jmsuitter5]

wooohoo i have the t3 as well great tent and it makes my better half more interested in going with me due to being able to stand up and spread out for games in the tent when its raining out

[@dylanschmidt4607]

This video makes me want to move back home to washington! Great wilderness video! :)

[@dawna4185]

great setup and hobby!!!

[@mcvarfis]

Awesome video ! Awesome landscape ! Awesome car ! Greetings from Greece !