Solo Camp Gear Walkthrough (+ Photography On Location)

“Photography On Location” begins at 14:53.
This video includes no paid advertisements or “product freebies” in exchange for a mention.
Your contributions make these videos happen! If you benefited from this video, please consider making a contribution at www.nickcarverphoto.com/contr...
Product Links (NOTE: I may collect an affiliate commission for any purchases made through the Amazon and B&H links):
- Suspension Lift: ozarkmountianlifts.com
- Rock sliders: www.shrockworks.com
- Rigid 6” Driving Lights: amzn.to/34BJxv5
- Rigid 6” Flood Lights: amzn.to/3aMIMjE
- Rigid amber light covers: amzn.to/2EpgLTa
- Rigid 30” Light Bar: amzn.to/2EkUPZA
- Rigid amber covers for light bar: www.rigidindustries.com/e-ser...
- Rigid 3” Camp Lights: amzn.to/2QhmJIu
- Rigid red light covers: www.rigidindustries.com/cover...
- Wireless switch: amzn.to/31kymEP
- Roof rack: www.gobiracks.com
- Escaper buddies: amzn.to/32j2jnY
- Rotopax 3-Gallon: amzn.to/3gsutCg
- Rotopax Deluxe Mount: amzn.to/3hkZXvj
- Ridgid utility box: amzn.to/3hqMUZa
- Tire repair kit: amzn.to/3gftqFy
- Viair tire pump: amzn.to/3hkqlFC
- Coyote tire deflators: amzn.to/31i1PiL
- Waterport: amzn.to/3j8tLMe
- Trasharoo: amzn.to/32f6hy1
- Dometic CFF35 Fridge: amzn.to/3l6UgmN
- Yeti beer coozie: amzn.to/2CRhlsz
- Goal Zero Yeti 500x: amzn.to/3aNfC3W
- Goal Zero D/C car adapter: amzn.to/3gmoHBK
- Down duvet: amzn.to/32cb82W
- Gray duvet cover: amzn.to/3aO530m
- Gray mattress sheet: amzn.to/2QgAkzJ
- Hefty storage bins: www.target.com/p/hefty-18qt-p...
- MSR mini stove: amzn.to/3j6YV6A
- Stove fuel: amzn.to/31ihUou
- Cooking pots: amzn.to/31iwKeQ
- Car battery jumper: amzn.to/2YsxXyp
- Kodak Portra 160 film: bhpho.to/31cscXv
- Fuji Provia 100F film: bhpho.to/3l92knc
- Lee warming filter: bhpho.to/2Qnt30V
Additional Note: I encourage you to shop locally and support a variety of businesses rather than one giant monopoly. I include the links above for your convenience. Plus…I got a wife to feed.
Bed platform video: • DIY SUV Bed Platform (...
So in this video I’m going to walk you through the gear I rely on when doing my solo camping/photography trips. From recovery gear to creature comforts to portable refrigeration, this collection of equipment has been accumulated over the course of many years and has been adjusted and refined for minimal waste. I use pretty much everything you see here.
My favorite items featured in this video are my Waterport (which provides portable pressured water on the go), my Dometic CFF 35 portable fridge (which kicks the crap out of the ol’ cooler method of keeping things cold), and my Goal Zero Yeti 500x (which keeps the fridge running the entire trip and gives me a one-stop hub to charge my peripherals).
The car itself is a 2016 Toyota 4Runner Trail Premium outfitted with a poor-man’s lift (suspension spacers) and a buttload of lights. The forward-facing lights along with the side-mount camp lights are all made by Rigid and wired up by yours truly. They turn nighttime into daytime. Also, they make the car look cool…which is the bigger reason I installed them.
“But Nick, I don’t care about your camping gear. I only care about photography. This isn’t what I signed up for. I thought I knew you, man. I thought you were cool. I don’t know if I can ever forgive you for this.”
Hey, I hear ya, brother. But don’t worry, I also shoe-horned a Photography On Location video into this little walkthrough. Stay tuned or skip ahead to 14:53 for some funsies with the 6x17 Shen Hao camera shooting Kodak Portra 160 and Fuji Provia 100F film. This time I’m using my weird-looking Fuji 400mm f/8 telephoto lens to capture the marine layer hanging over Orange County as seen from the upper heights of Saddleback Mountain.
See? Something for everyone. And by “everyone” I mean those who are into camping and those who are into obscure film photography. Everyone.
Thanks for watching!
But the way, check out my online course all about light metering for film photography: www.nickcarverphoto.com/metering
Website: www.nickcarverphoto.com
Instagram: / nickcarver

[@adventureStaley]

Not to get weird or anything, but you're kindof my hero Mr Carver. The end.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Anyone who's willing to view my videos and leave a friendly comment is my hero. Thank you, sir.

[@brandonin_ny]

Just when I think I’m done with photography another video by Mr. Carver is released to reel me back in. Dammit, this is too inspirational to ignore. Absolutely love your content, Nick. Your talents, efforts, ability to appropriately articulate technique, and well appointed humor make for a truly enjoyable experience. Thanks, man!

[@adalberto.valdez]

He’s a hero to all of us haha. I just got two cases like him, one for my viair compressor, and one for my recovery gear. Saved me a lot of money instead of getting a Roam case😂

[@Kerry6691]

ditto

[@AdventurousInsight]

“Beers man huhuh... actually you know what that sounds kinda good” 😂

[@TheKitComplete]

It's funny how when someone with a nice personality talks enthusiastically/passionately they can make almost anything seem interesting. I have zero interest in cars or camping but watched the whole video and thoroughly enjoyed it. And I'm glad I did because those photos at the end were beautiful

[@nickcarverphoto]

I'm very glad to hear that. Thank you!

[@otrshark]

Facts

[@r14557]

Nick, I think I speak for everyone else when I say you’re the kind of photographer every one of us wishes to be. Great content, man, cheers!

[@jeffissimo1221]

Nick had a Toyota sponsorship coming... right until he mentioned the Bronco.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Ah dammit.

[@aes53]

@@nickcarverphoto This is where it is worth pointing out that Ansel Adams did a Datsun commercial sometime in the 70s.

[@wanderingambience799]

😂

[@PianoBlackTrimRep.]

Sales guy at auto parts store: Sir, how many lights would you like to purchase? Nick: Yes.

[@extremelydave]

ALTERNATE REPLY:ALL OF THEM.....

[@MaverickZ007]

Mr.Carver Dropping new Gems today I feel Blessed!

[@joelm1246]

Sweet setup, Nick. Love the images at the end and mentioning Falcore made me smile.

[@elessar60]

I absolutely love your videos and the humor you bring to them. Plus, I learn so much from them, not only on photography but all the other great stuff you bring up. Keep 'em coming!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you, sir!

[@keithsandercock1412]

Thanks for the walk-through. Having had many years of off road camping I can appreciate your setup.

[@imobiliarebucuresti]

Dude i love your videos. I never have taken a film photo or own a exponometer, and i probably never will but man do i love your videos. They are so calming and soothing. Even the colors are kinda like some old kodachome stuff. Thank you and never stop doing them.

[@ItsRenderInnit]

I’ve wanted this video for so long. Love you work, your channel, all that jazz. Thanks for everything you do!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Glad to hear that! Thank you

[@imranfotography]

Mr.Carver.. its great support and help. I'm just speechless for contribution u made.

[@snak4716]

absolutely love your videos, every time you upload it's a little celebration

[@nickcarverphoto]

🎉🎉🎉 Thank you!

[@fjalls]

Not home right now but I know EXACLY what I'm watching before going to sleep.

[@megababoon3279]

YEEEEEEES

[@fredzh]

Another fine, fine video Nick! Always informative, entertaining, inspirational and thought provoking, and not to mention, a GREAT value! As a token of my appreciation, I'm contributing to your efforts and highly recommend and encourage all those others (1,658 as of this writing) that have watched this video, not to mention those that have taken the time to comment here, to contribute to the cause as well!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you for that, Fred! Contributions like yours make a big difference.

[@123tommyp]

Super talented, Nick. Vids are great and bigly helpful. I'm older than you but still want to be you when I grow up. Keep 'em comin' !

[@jaytolbert7538]

Always a good day when Nick posts a video.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

Love, love , love the truck, I do like 4 runners but even high klms used are crazy priced. Nick really enjoyed the video and of course the images. Thanks for sharing and thanks to TH for introducing me to your channel.

[@kylewege9517]

Fantastic, Nick. Love your channel and everything you're putting out.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much!

[@jessicajones154]

This is amazing- the setup, the photo vid at the end. Would love to see more videos like this!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you! I'll keep that in mind 👍🏼

[@garyjones101]

With that sweet light kit you have going, and that top rack, you've got me looking at 4Runners again. Some great tips here too! Thanks.

[@omegamanz6]

Thanks Nick, love the simple laid back delivery and I now look at my photography with a more open mind. Between you and Tom Heaton, I think I'm covered for inspiration. cheers from NZ

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@thomverhoeven7896]

Another great vid combining camping and nice on location. One of the best channels

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much.

[@realitytunnel]

That is a sweet off-roading and camping setup. Lovely tele-cloud scene - I prefer the print film by a mile on this shot, although I tend to these days anyway, a far cry from my youth when I used almost nothing but slide film. A joy to watch as always, thank you.

[@kimmurphy5032]

Really enjoyed that! The waterport is so cool, may have to look into that. The images are gorgeous, just gorgeous! Felt like I was floating on a cloud. My favorite at 19:59.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much, Kim!

[@timothymattimore]

killer vid with amazing tips brother... hugely helpful and insightful.

[@SonicTemples]

Much like Mr Dani Miras, your videos make me want to live in them. Camping out in the desert, taking pictures, living the dream!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you, my friend 🙏🏼

[@antonoat]

Mr Heaton sent me, really happy to have found your channel. Great film, love your truck. Looking forward to watching more of your films. Cheers from the UK.

[@glorymeeo995]

can't wait for the next video

[@f100]

That is a very clean setup. Good job.

[@clintmckoy]

Thanks for sharing bro. Great simple setup.

[@ballhallah6477]

This is my first time ever watching one of Nick's video's and I literally laughed out loud multiple times🤣 and it was very informative. Appreciate the insight!

[@quincybirwood2629]

I hear you. That carnita part was one of those moments right.

[@FEcluk]

Man how i missed your videos. I started with analog photography this semester and watched ALL of your videos (no kiding), learned a lot, then i tried to watch some other channels aaaaand well, 95% of them just suck. Also i'm just finishing my trackday project car, the next one will be an offroader, so lot's of inspiration here on your channel with photography and offroading/camping gear. Thx dude.

[@catmonkey6826]

Man you have it buttoned down and the Netflix comment below, I agree. It's not just the information you share, it's the adventure you take us all on, it's the stuff of dreams. Thanks Nick, you brighten my day.

[@nilzthorbo5437]

14:53 FINALLY my favorite photography channel delivers photography content again ;)

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Cool vehicle and cool shot! Thanks!

[@maxwellwellmax878]

Wow Sunday just took a turn for the better lol. cool.

[@gregnorvell9730]

Great walk around. Nice outfit!!!! The best walk around I've seen on YT!

[@marcgibier6071]

As usual it's a pleasure

[@bobsykes]

That was awesome. If you’re not an engineer, you’d make a great one with how you set up your truck. The cloud photos were a bonus, and as always really informative. Thanks!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks, Bob!

[@michaelsmdk]

Great content as always. You sir cant disappoint.

[@pushingfilm]

Off-roading, diggin' scat holes, cycling PSI's and AC/DC power... Man I wanna be a 4WD drive guy like Nick some day 😁

[@speedyg625]

thank you Film daddy Carver for the camping tips! i really want a 4runner because of your on location videos you definitely inspire me to get out into the wilderness! 🌲

[@nickcarverphoto]

You're more than welcome, Film Son Garcia.

[@TL-vt8uk]

Awesome, such a great rig!

[@rajeev1107]

liked it..have to go out urgently..cant wait to get back home already and watch it! i know it will be awesome video already

[@IainHC1]

Always a pleasure :-)

[@ralphnetta4563]

This is truly a great informative video giving so many ideas as too what I should consider taking into remote filming locations. Thank You

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks for watching.

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

I didn't intend to watch this at all, but then suddenly you were wrapping up the video. I really enjoyed your thoughts on colour palettes and how to adjust them to get the look you want. I'm working on an image currently where getting the colour palette right is essential, so also helpful practically.

[@MrEszet]

Great stuff, Nick!

[@Aletifer]

I was thinking more "Endless River" Pink Floyd album cover. But then again I'm a huge Pink Floyd nut, so, that explains that. Awesome photos + car camping how-tos. Very much appreciate you taking the time!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Oh yeah that's a good reference. Never seen that cover before.

[@my.penny.wagers]

Nick Carver I know you're not a huge fan of photographers as reference, but you might want to look into Storm Thurgerson and Hipgnosis, his design company. It's all surrealist stuff very similar to sr_formica, but the photos are real-no photoshop. Very cool stuff.

[@carlitodcreative]

Great setup!

[@MSV94]

Top notch content again Nick! I can only imagine how much time and money it has taken you to perfect that gear, seems like a very enjoyable camping car. Great photo too, if I'd only seen the photos I would have thought you took these from an airplane.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@dottoolshed]

This is one of your best works imo

[@nickcarverphoto]

That's kind of you to say. Thank you.

[@loganbentley410]

Came for the camping setup, stayed for the photography. Right on man!

[@a.h.9982]

Was loving the cool stuff you were showing in the video. Figured I would not subscribe bc I don’t do photography…until you made the “beers” joke. That one little funny a$$ bit made me a subscriber! Very entertaining to watch!

[@patricksullivan9713]

The lights on the garage door switch is epic!

[@evgenygorshkov9893]

Hi Nick !!! Very good photos ! I have seen useful accessories for auto traveling . It s great !!!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you!

[@TerraFirmaX]

I haven't been up Saddleback since the late 80's we used to go up to the towers and watch the fireworks as disney land, it looked like a little puff from up there. It was also our party spot. Great video, thanks for sharing

[@dudnone4]

Great setup. Thank you for sharing it!

[@marceld6061]

Great video! One item I would recommend is a hood mounted thin solar panel . They can be pricey but there is a 90W from Cascadia for your vehicle. It will allow you to charge your battery while parked. So, if you are running the fridge constantly, you can also charge the Goal Zero. Just use a 12V outlet that is constant power. I can swap the fuse on my cargo area outlet to work either way (ignition or battery)

[@johnfuniciello]

I have no idea why the beers thing made me laugh so hard 😂 Just bought my first 4Runner and it came with the same rack. Great video!

[@levisimpson516]

Great episode Nick.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you

[@danmaor3014]

the product link is just perfect. well done.

[@glennferrer6349]

Yes you hit it in the head...It’s Reliable 👍🏽. It’s an awesome SUV. I still have my 3Gen 2001 SR5 4runner and she still going strong.

[@otrshark]

Dope setup Nick

[@benjaminfargen]

BEER BREAK! the best photo (non-photo) video ever.

[@teeebagtomm]

Great video and you made me go grab a beer 🍺 😀 👍 when you found yours. Cheers!

[@edmontonian5270]

A nice end to my weekend. This was a fun two-parter. I thought you were going to wind up the video after you completed the camping gear walk-through... but NO! You got me you silly SOB 😉. I enjoyed seeing your camping setup. It’s quite a bit different than mine, but I picked up a pearl or two which I’ll try out. The landscape is so different out there. It was a joy to watch you photograph a phenomenon that I’ve never seen before. Thanks for that. Cheers 🍻

[@nickcarverphoto]

Foooooled you! No but for real thanks for the kind words.

[@alisinclair8529]

Drops a great video on setup then throws in a photo vid on top, you spoil us sir 👍

[@nickcarverphoto]

A video in a video. Vidception.

[@extremelydave]

He's such a showoff.... : )

[@markkeraly708]

Really awesome video...great work, as always!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you!

[@philipculbertson55]

Way cool setup Nick.

[@mattmaber]

Always enjoy your videos Nick

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you, sir!

[@mattmaber]

@@nickcarverphoto Im not even a car gear person, but you present these so very well and the funny moments are great

[@surferbeast124]

This video is great

[@texasflyboy525]

Awesome video, nice setup, great choice of gear and keeping it simple. Our dog's name is Falcor and he appreciated the never ending story skies

[@coloradolions3399]

Jesus Christ I'm so jealous, Nick. Great video and awesome photo-camping set up.

[@davidg3307]

Many thanks. I hadn’t considered the lithium battery route and was looking at a “wired in” leisure battery arrangement for my fridge. This I so much more versatile. Now I just have to pay for it!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Yeah the portability is sure nice.

[@TaylorInk8]

As an OC based photographer, I’m jealous! Working on getting my xv Crosstrek a little more geared up for camping. Happy trails!

[@indy311c]

Digging the gear videos every once in a while. For tire care, I run with an air pump and 2 bottles of slime when I'm out rambling. One fateful trip, lost in the wilds of West Texas, I managed to puncture both rear tires. The first bottle was so old it had separated and I didn't notice before administering it. But I managed to shake the second bottle back to life and get one tire rolling and along with the spare eventually made it back. Slime: I never leave home without it.

[@indy311c]

@Bobby Brady Yep, learned my lesson that trip.

[@nickcarverphoto]

That's a good call. I generally have one can of slime just in case. Probably dried up by now, though.

[@321southtube]

You hold the current World record of product plug$ during a KZbin infomercial! Amazing!! The only thing without a brand name i$ the air in your tire$!! Well done $ir!!

[@josephbutros8526]

Shout Out from San Dimas, CA Great Show Thanks

[@frederickletterblair]

Toyota should hire you to do their commercial shot.

[@andreasfriedl9858]

Thanks for posting your no-nonsense camping/off-roading tips and especially the gear links. I have a 2018 4Runner and built a sleeping platform and cooler slide-out. I am probably twice your age, so I need a bit more headroom to get in and out ;-)

[@Doornum42]

You're simply awesome

[@WalkingDevon]

I really enjoyed this video, I completely agree with your views on the shots but wow, what a scene that was.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you!

[@jrlakin370]

Sweet ride, sweet clouds, sweet movie ref. Sweet.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you, sir

[@MS-jl1tl]

Thanks for allowing us to contribute. I wait for your videos more than any other I follow. Besides. You’re a rum drinker, that’s something I support. Lol

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you!

[@juanpatricio9204]

Good stuff Nick!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you!

[@OPMDS1]

been waiting for this video!!! please do more vids like this :)

[@nickcarverphoto]

Noted 👍🏼 Thank you

[@artjonshahaj7291]

Yes!! Thank you for this! Thankyou sir!!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@KylerSteele]

This is the content I really needed going into travel! Thanks nick!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@kiykim277]

Nick, those camp lights with garage opener is just genius!!!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you! I nearly threw my arm out patting myself on the back when I made that connection.

[@kiykim277]

@@nickcarverphoto You definitely deserved it Nick!! I would do it everything time I use that function! I love it!

[@SashaOnyshchenko]

Just when we thought we only needed to save for cool film cameras. Thanks, Nick!

[@TheGarrettZone]

Just found you. I almost never comment on videos, or subscribe, but you’re so humble and chill that I had to do both 👍🏼 keep the good runner videos coming brother! And you drink Pacifico 🤙🏼 “gotta have beers” -N.Carver

[@nickcarverphoto]

I really appreciate that. Thank you.

[@darksideemt]

Great set up and love that you try to keep it budget friendly. I would definitely prefer a roof top tent but otherwise really liked it.

[@i_like_calculus]

You could live through an apocalypse in that car haha! Love the video!

[@wanderingambience799]

Your video inspires me to exit my laziness phase….ok it’s a habit. I have all the gear, I just need to go out and take photos! Thank you!

[@aleckelly2706]

C is for Carver, camping, cameras and cool. Camping has never ever appealed to me, but Nick makes it look like fun to camp out with your rig and taking cool shots too...what’s not to like.

[@nickcarverphoto]

I appreciate that, thank you!

[@PereaPhotography]

Such a great video Nick! We just put an order in for the Gobi Stealth rack for our 2010 4Runner. I feel like it’s a gateway drug though haha. Seeing all of the attachments, accessories and other overlanding gear available makes me want to spend all my money... we just got a roof tent for our photo trips as well. We got a lot of great ideas from your video! Cheers buddy and we’ve been a big fan of your channel for a long time. -Mike

[@nickcarverphoto]

Nice! Yeah they’re great racks with so many cool ways to customize them. Enjoy that rooftop tent! That’s something I’ve always toyed with.

[@shupingyin8082]

Nice set up