Overland Subaru Forester Build Progress So Far

[@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!

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

Still one of my favourite videos to date miss the Forester

[@CertifiedAIMusician]

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.

[@fredihle1468]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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!

[@jmsuitter5]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@jeffwilliams8598]

Guinness, bruh! You're officially my hero.

[@VKSgtSLaughter]

Ditto!

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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. :-)

[@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!

[@Ricksvan]

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. :-)

[@Ricksvan]

@@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. 👍🏼

[@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!

[@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!

[@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. 👍

[@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

[@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!

[@john-okc450]

The sound of the water is relaxing.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. 🙂

[@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!

[@scx10beast39]

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

[@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.

[@kaegaelj]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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! 😂

[@smiff9577]

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

[@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!!

[@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!

[@gushax]

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

[@samalisonescape.outdoors2043]

Great job on the build in the back of your Baru, I am VERY interested in some details of your tent. looking forward to knowing more friend.

[@softroadingthewest]

Sam Alison I will certainly be showing and talking about it in more detail in future videos. Thanks for watching!

[@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!

[@foresterboy2011]

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

[@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.

[@chuckstubblebine1147]

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

[@smiff9577]

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

[@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. 😏

[@jeffstull2534]

still planning on setting up my 2012 Sub Forester

[@VKSgtSLaughter]

2:54 I don't know what kind of gimbel or steadicam mount you got, but the trail footage is awesome! It makes you feel as like you're there on the ride. Great cinematography!

[@softroadingthewest]

That's just the built-in stabilization of the GoPro Hero 7 Black, which is really a fantastic little camera. The image quality doesn't quite measure up to my mirrorless Fuji, but it allows me to capture stuff I would never be able to with my big camera. The GoPro actually belongs to Colin, but he doesn't use it much these days and he lets me cart it around with me on excursions, fortunately. :-) I probably should get my own one of these days. :-)

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@qmmt9786]

I think the rapids sound amazing.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@timweimar8768]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@MrPanzerDragoon]

The music you use in your videos are soothing.

[@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! :-)

[@jmsuitter5]

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

[@outsideinoregon]

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

[@Moneypit_Adventures]

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!

[@countrycraftsman5110]

Nice over night trip. Great kitchen build. Looks like your happy with it. The water noise in the back ground sounded good to me. Bet you slept great that night. Made me sleepy just hearing it.

[@stevetabor4447]

Great kitchen set up very creative nice camping spot love the sound of water an drowns out the sound of a bear sneaking up stealing your dinner lol seriously great channel as always be safe

[@softroadingthewest]

You're not wrong! That was exactly what I noticed at the time. I mean, I'm not particularly concerned about bears, they're not really problematic here and I keep all food secured in the car, but I realized an approaching car might not wake me up. Two-legged predators are my bigger concern, especially when I'm within a radius where drunken troublemakers may stray. I like water noise in the background, but I think I'll opt for smaller riffles going forward, heh. :-)

[@stevetabor4447]

I hear ya I was trying to be funny really like what you do it’s refreshing an nice to see creativity forgot to mention the tent is really cool 👍👍

[@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! :-)

[@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!

[@derfwgn7719]

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

[@runepalm8788]

Another great video. Thanks. I really like your new setup, but in a way already miss your old one. Its simplicity, less is more way to show that adventure is not about equipment but about exploring. But still looking forward to watch how you made it. By the way, super delicious drone footage.

[@softroadingthewest]

Indeed, I totally get that and believe me, I gave that some serious thought before launching into upgrades this year. I was at a point however where the simplicity was impacting my enjoyment of the experience. In my early days of doing this, I would take mostly day trips and only rarely camp out, for only one night if I did. If I was just going to be camping out one night every few months, I certainly would have left things alone. But the frequency of my excursions has increased, multi-night trips have become far more common for me, and I have plans in the works for some much longer expeditions... For my own sanity, it was clear I needed to evolve from my basic overnight camping setup to something more functional as a true overland rig. Even as my build evolves, I will still be focused on DIY and keeping things inexpensive. And I know I ended up with an excessively nice stove, but one could build something very much like my kitchen setup using a standard Coleman bought off Craigslist for $20. Hopefully, via my past videos and the ongoing evolution, people with differing needs can see a variety of solutions and find ideas that make sense for their needs. :-) The drone is way more fun than I expected. I did this as low-budget as possible too BTW...it's a Spark, which is at the low end of DJI's lineup, and I bought it used off eBay. :-)

[@madeinjapanoverland1843]

GREAT VIDEO! What an AWESOME setup! Love that Claymore light and the stove. The GAZELLE tent is a total game changer for your camping kit. You have so much more space! If you have room and are camping with your daughter or someone else, strongly recommend adding the Alps Mountaineering dining table to your equipment. It folds up fairly narrow, and they are very stable, light weight, and can handle heat (they’re aluminum). The one I have was $85 on Amazon.

[@softroadingthewest]

Atlas Overland Thanks! Good tip on the table, I do want to find something that could be used for dining and also function as a little work table inside the tent at times if needed on longer trips. I am so packed to the gills now that I’ve really got to find one that breaks down pretty compactly. I’ll check that out for sure.

[@vmoregon]

Loving the new kitchen setup.

[@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

[@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.

[@ScotTheGr8]

I got an outback and grabbed a rooftop tent. I can’t believe how much I love it. Got the cheaper, lighter one from Yakima. More of a 3 season tent. But I do really love it. Works for a Crosstrek so should work for a Forester. Only way I could talk the other half to keep car camping. Downsides are managing it when it is wet or if you want to drive somewhere and cost. Upsides are comfort and not worrying about rough ground (still need to level the car though). You might like it..... Love the pullout drawer. I really need to do that! Maybe you could do a video to show how it was built. Love the videos!!! Inspiring.

[@softroadingthewest]

ScotTheGr8 Yes, a complete beginning to end video of the kitchen build is in the works. I have a few more things to do on it yet but will definitely be sharing my process. 🙂

[@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.

[@heavymeadowdetective192]

You make me want a forester with a 1 inch lift and those tires! Love, love your video's and the adventures!

[@VKSgtSLaughter]

I have that exact Forester! Now I just need to save up the money for the tires! 😉

[@ospr3y]

I have the Forester and the tires! Now I just need the lift and everything else!

[@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!

[@T.Hansen]

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

[@jeffreyclark7154]

That was way more enjoyable that expected. Nice job!

[@108pel]

That looks like a great tent.. this vid reminds me of home.. New Zealand 🇳🇿 18.377km : / away from where a live now Like your vids! Grtz from the NLD

[@therootedprogress]

Loving the progression so far of all the equipment your building and adapting to your rig. Definitely all the things you have done will tremendously improve your overlanding experience. we are definitely looking into developing our own custom kitchen as well so getting some ideas from you and others is always helpful. Were building up the outside of our rig to clear up space for the inside so we can then move on into building out the inside :) Those Gazelle tents are definitely a nice pick up! You should design and add a sink portion into your new kitchen setup.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Marc! Some kind of water solution is indeed in the works. :-)

[@therootedprogress]

@@softroadingthewest awesome!! Can't wait to see how it comes out

[@broinsocali]

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

[@RobertWitham]

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

[@ShaneB666]

Happy to see you using a refillable gas cylinder, cannot work out why so many use those disposable green tanks.

[@Dutch1951x]

A Gazelle tent and Camp Chef stove are on my to get list!

[@Billy28376]

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

[@VKSgtSLaughter]

11:20 Guinness! My favorite beer, you have great taste!

[@lindahoffman1864]

Used to own subie but now have older 4runner. Don't think I will ever go back to smaller rigs. Sure more fuel costs but more roomy. Love your videos. Enjoy nature that's what life is about.

[@softroadingthewest]

The 4runner really seems like an ideal rig. The older ones especially, roomier vehicle inside but still very reasonable size, not a massive truck. Plus of course superior offroad performance. :-) Thanks for watching!

[@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.

[@ThalassTKynn]

Nice! I bought a huge tent for the whole family plus the dogs and while it's great, it's not quick to set up haha. I keep wanting to build an offroad teardrop trailer but that's not cheap by a long shot! And I'd still need a tent for the kids. That kitchen setup is great!

[@softroadingthewest]

Setup time doesn't necessarily have to be a factor. It depends on how you camp. If I were someone who set up a base camp and stayed put for 3+ days, that would've opened up some other very interesting tent options, which require longer to set up and break down but are nicer in other ways. But because I pretty much never camp in the same place more than one night, and like to spend all day on the move exploring and filming, being able to set up quickly at night and break down quickly in the morning is essential for me. It also helps that it's just me...this isn't a huge tent by any means and couldn't accommodate a family, but by myself, it feels palatial to me! :-)

[@remidog870]

We used 2 gazelle tents on our 5000 mile family road trip this past summer. Starting in Ohio to as far as Utah and Yellowstone in our dodge grand caravan. Those two tents made the whole trip possible and still stay within our budget.