Solo Winter Overnight - Making Coffee on a Fire

I wake up for day two of my solo winter overnight camping trip and get straight to work finding wood for a campfire. I use a ultralight wood stove to make a simple and efficient campfire to boil water for the morning coffee.
If possible I like to get up just before sunrise, as the transition between the cold blue light and the warm glow in the skies and on the mountain tops is really beautiful.
I break camp around noon and ski back to the car where I get a glimpse of the warming sun. A nice bonus for a cold overnight trip like this one!
Location: Vatterfjordpollen in Lofoten, Norway
Time of year: Winter - February 18th 2021
Website and blog: www.kristianpl...
Camera gear used in this video (affiliate links):
Camera: amzn.to/2EqniwL
Lens: amzn.to/2Ylekbj
Lens: amzn.to/2IqEi8M
Variable ND-filter: amzn.to/3gczoH7
Tripod: amzn.to/2LDPmx1
Microphone: amzn.to/2ZgHEkA
Attachment: amzn.to/30z310v
Editing software: amzn.to/36nP3QR
Other gear used in this video (affiliate links):
Shell jacket: amzn.to/3pFRNRB
Lightweight down jacket: amzn.to/2MYkiw3
Pants: www.klattermus...
Foam pad: amzn.to/2ZjCog6
Winter sleeping bag: amzn.to/2Acon9l
Ski poles: amzn.to/2Tl4mUR
Backpack: amzn.to/2WNSbCp
Headlamp: amzn.to/2XEbXPW
Watch: amzn.to/3eIaDmb
Lightweight air mattress: amzn.to/3j1SvWq
Spoon: amzn.to/3l1AfOw
Packing cubes: www.tombihn.co...
Navigation and safety: amzn.to/3eeB9UV
Pocket knife: amzn.to/34O7KOp
Wool hat: amzn.to/37XsQM8
Lightweight tent: amzn.to/3qHzi07
Skis: amzn.to/3pmUHdA
Binding: amzn.to/3tWsU7p
Shoes: www.crispinorg...
Pulk bag; amzn.to/3bJKBic
Wood stove: amzn.to/3cJgwyw

[@tshansen]

I'm enjoying a cup of coffee while watching you make a cup of coffee 👏🏻🔥The crackling sound of that firebox and the stunning scenery ? What more can a man ask for. Damn I'm learning to appreciate all the minor things in life at the moment. Is that part of growing old I wonder? 11:59 EPIC shot mate 👏🏻 I know this is slow tv, but how much time do you spend when editing each shot/angle to keep the "slow" flow... I feel it is so damn hard to know when you keeps people interest and when they get bored? Another amazing visual video Kristian... I think you will be one of the top 5 in Scandinavia doing this type of work here on KZbin in the next couple of year.

[@KristianPletten]

Thank you Thomas! 😄🙏🏻 That's immersion right there! 😄☕️ Uhm, that's a really good question regarding pacing, and it's not easy to answer (and I wanted to give you a proper answer so that's why I'm a bit late to reply). I mean, these videos could be edited down to a 30 second TikTok-style video, and they could also be several hours long, so finding the right balance can be tricky. In general I want to challenge the idea some people have that everyone have low attention spans. I simply don’t believe it's true for everyone, so I want to have a place where people who enjoy slower paced content can enjoy it. I think the fast paced society we live in today is unhealthy, especially for mental health, so I also want to connect with people who wants to slow down, but perhaps don’t have long attention spans. So I need to strike a balance somewhere, and I mostly do that by intuition. As you know, KZbin-studio shows a lot of statistics regarding retention, which can be a useful tool, but I try to not let it impact my editing too much. Being out in nature is sometimes a bit boring and uneventful, so I’d rather let some people experience the slowness of nature than trying to reach many people by showing them a fast paced version of it. I’m hugely inspired by NRK in this regard. To give you a more concrete answer I do spend a lot of time watching segments when I make the cuts, which means I don’t just watch through from the previous clip, but I go back maybe four or five clips and watch them all together. I also tend to watch through the entire video several times to readjust the flow. A secret, which will be a secret no more, is that I sometimes do the editing without the audio, and instead I listen to a live album from Keith Jarrett called The Köln Concert. He’s a jazz pianist known for doing improvised solo concerts, and I’ve found this album to be quite helpful to listen to while I edit, and I assume its because it’s an improvised concert which gives it a certain natural flow as opposed to composed music which can be more structured and repetitive. I’m not saying this is how someone else should edit their videos, but there are perhaps many ways of doing it. But with or without music, doing the cuts without the audio from the clips can be helpful, because sometimes you choose the clip length based on the audio (even without knowing or thinking about it), and the audio can be adjusted accordingly at a later stage. I hope that gave some insight! As always, thank you for the support! 🙏🏻

[@tshansen]

@@KristianPletten I can relate in so many ways to what you are saying. We have totally different styles and videos, but alot of the same aspects goes without saying. Like the fast pace or more like the "you got 15 seconds to entertain me" you are talking about, is something I really try to avoid my self. I tend to focus on the quality of each frame, and to have a natural flow to it all without telling the whole story. More, challenge the imagination to the viewer and let them tell som or part of the story, it makes for a more engaged audience (I think) But I have a huge respect for the views time, so I try to keep my videos to the point. Not tell who I am and ramble on about likes etc for 5 min I every video. I think you master this with no speech. Just you, nature and amazing visual content. I never look at my KZbin statistic, its like looking at the specs for a new camera 🤣 I have no plan of becoming a huge KZbin star or earn allot of money on this. I do this to engage, tell my story and hopefully make something that others don't. I will try to edit to some of my favourite music. That was not o dumb idea mate... haha. I learn alot from you, and I'm really thankful for letting me in on some of your secrets and insight in this trade. I try to learn new stuff every day and I find myself going back to some of your vides when I'm looking for inspiration. So, again, thank you and keep up the great work. One day, I hope to meet you, share some thoughts and maybe learn a ton 👏🏻

[@stevec-b6214]

I simply agree, well done!

[@ssmi807]

So relaxing to hear and watch.

[@alexonthemountain8343]

Another work of art my friend! Great compositions and scenes 😎👍

[@KristianPletten]

Thank you Alex! I appreciate it! 😊🙏🏻

[@eskincat]

What is a bag?

[@KristianPletten]

Are you referring to the bag I pull behind me? It's a Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack 120l with some ropes I've attached and some glide wax underneath to reduce friction. Great alternative to a pulk/sled. I've experimented with several solution and found this to be the best option.

[@spadz23]

Kristian, what kind of camera gear do you take with you? Obviously it weighs quite a bit sometimes so I’m super interested to learn about your setup. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺🐨

[@KristianPletten]

Hi there! I'm trying to strike a balance between quality and weight, and while I previously carried a larger camcorder for simplicity when recording (Canon XF705) I now carry a Canon R5 which is a lot more suited to my use because the image quality is higher, it has lower weight, I can charge the batteries with a battery pack and I can take stills as well. I use two lenses for it, a Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 for daytime use, with a PolarPro variable ND. And then I use a Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 for low light situations. For audio I use a Røde Stereo Videomic X. It's a heavy microphone compared to most on camera microphones, but it is also lighter and simpler than a more professional dual microphone setup. The tripod I use is a Sirui T-024SK with an older MeFoto ballhead. I really love that tripod, because it's low weight and it has a medium wide stance. Most tripods only have a low to the ground stance and a tall stance (which is so unstable that it can only be used indoors on a flat floor), but this tripod has a medium wide stance which make it extremely stable on uneven terrain, so much so that it won't tip over even in a storm. A also use a Peak Design Capture Clip on my backpack shoulder strap to carry the camera, and that thing is super helpful. I link the camera gear I use for each video in the descriptions, so if I make any changes to the setup it'll be visible there. Thank you for the question and thank you for watching! Whereabouts in Australia are you from? I lived in Sydney for half a year and have travelled around Australia quite a bit. I absolutely love the place and I hope to come back one day!

[@martindohnal55]

I loved it! What wood stove did you use? Are you happy with it?

[@KristianPletten]

Thank you Martin! The wood stove is a Bushcraft Essentials Bushbox LF Titanium. Super happy with it!

[@jordigardenas477]

Hello Kristian, I would like to ask you a question, I have seen that you put on a protector for your boots, for the snow of green color, type snowshoes but that is whole. Could you pass me the link where you bought it?. Do you have to buy one or two sizes larger than the boots?thank you.

[@KristianPletten]

Hi Jordi! Those are boot covers for the Norwegian Army. They are called "fotposer" which means boot cover. It is possible to buy them second hand, at least if you are located in Norway. Not sure if they are available abroad. It is recommended to go up maybe 2 or 3 sizes depending on the time of boot you have. www.nordiskfritid.no/products/fotposer

[@jordigardenas477]

@@KristianPletten , thank you

[@eugenebatstone5658]

Excellent video. I've missed you work this year! 😊

[@chlorophyll365]

Really nice Kristian. Do you use the Rode stereo mic without a windcover? Sounds perfect 👌

[@KristianPletten]

Thank you! 🙏🏻 I use it with the included furry windshield (not the pop shield), and I keep it on all the time.

[@chlorophyll365]

@@KristianPletten Thanks, I used a Rode mic for my iphone with fur yesterday in my video but it took away too much sound. (Cheaper mic I know 😊)

[@KristianPletten]

@@chlorophyll365 I see! Yes, it's always going to be a trade off. The sound does get more muffled, at least in the higher frequencies, and bringing it back up in post might increase the noise. But then again, intense wind noise is not ideal either. Audio is not easy! 😅

[@ronaldlinkenhoker5705]

Nice audio.

[@KristianPletten]

Thank you Ronald! Crunchy snow and a crackling fire is a great combo. 😄

[@stevec-b6214]

we don`t forget you Kristian!

[@walkingwithouttalking]

Nice „one footed balancing“ :) A fire on snow really has something beautiful to it. The sound in this one is very nice, especially the footsteps on the frozen snow. Greetings

[@KristianPletten]

Haha, when the floor is lava, or just simply cold snow, it's not an option to put the foot down. 😄 I agree! There are some interesting sounds when it's cold outside. It's also rare to have no wind here in Lofoten, so the combination does make for great audio. Thank you for watching and supporting! 😊🙏🏻

[@walkingwithouttalking]

The floor is lava is exactly what I had in my mind when I saw it 😄

[@Milk-coffee-1001]

Waterproofing bag Reliable The color is good!

[@KristianPletten]

Thank you Madoka. 🙏🏻

[@Milk-coffee-1001]

@@KristianPletten I employ a translation guide. I am sorry that I cannot express it well!

[@KristianPletten]

問題ない。日本語も話せませんが、頑張るしかありません。ご清覧ありがとうございました！

[@martindohnal55]

Which lens do you use more often, zoom or that fixed lens? Can you do it with just one fixed lens this kind of videos?

[@KristianPletten]

For these videos I usually had the 24-105mm f/4 lens on the camera most of the time, and I only used the fixed lens when there wasn't enough light. For some videos from Lofoten, during the winter, this meant I used the 35mm for most of the video since it was dark throughout the day. It's absolutely possible to only use a fixed lens, but the zoom lens allows for more variety, which makes it more interesting.

[@NatureBoy711]

mmmm.... yes, nice hot cup of coffee over a fire will do you good for sure ! ....and how that fire keeps you company on a long cold winter nights... in the dead of freezing moonless night, she is an essential companion... a life-saving companion , not to mention giving you comfort in the still of night.... at times, she can be silent at times, she can be moody, and, at times, she can be intensely emotional.... but overall, she communicates with me in a gentle and cheerful manner .... and i welcome her with an open arms.. her soothing "crackles" is music to my ears..... ahhhhhh~~~~

[@KristianPletten]

Thank you! 🙏🏻 A crackling fire sure is music to the ears.

[@dargazonline]

🌹🌹🌹🌼🌼🌼🌸🌸🌸

[@niklashl]

I’ve almost seen all your videos. I just can’t get enough of those mountains 😅 Do you have an Instagram with more amazing content? 😊

[@KristianPletten]

Thank you Niklas! That makes two of us. 😄 Unfortunately I don't have an Instagram account, but I am updating my website and blog at the moment. Is there anything you'd like to see more of over there?

[@niklashl]

@@KristianPletten It would be great to see something about what gear you use and your thoughts about and experiences in Lofoten. Personally, I’m also really curious about how you make your videos. 😁

[@KristianPletten]

@@niklashl Perfect! Thank you for the input. I'm sure all of that will find its way to the blog eventually. 👍🏻

[@bagerbuch]

Tak for dit upload. Det er simpelthen perfekt, rørende og fint. Rammer mig lige i hjertet😊🙏

[@KristianPletten]

Mange takk! 🙏🏻

[@zuerchergriech]

I can t stop watching your videos. So peaceful and relaxing. I miss Lofoten extremely especially in these times when we cannot fly up there. Thank you for taking your time making such nice videos.

[@KristianPletten]

Thank you for the kind words! Your profile-photo looks like Lofoten. Have you been here often? Lofoten feels quite empty at the moment, so I hope it won't be long until you can visit again.

[@zuerchergriech]

@@KristianPletten Yes The photo is at Vindstad on March 2018. I will never forget my first solo trip without my partner, landing in a snowstorm and arriving late in my room. But after such heavy weather, I fell madly in love with all places. Especially Eggum ( don t ask me why) and of course Ramberg. I have visited three times until now. And I get a lot of happiness when you post something new. thank you very much. hugs from Zurich

[@KristianPletten]

@@zuerchergriech Flying to Lofoten is an experience in and of its own. I imagine doing so in a snowstorm must have been quite the experience. The landscape around Eggum is very beautiful, so I understand why! Thank you.

[@zuerchergriech]

@@KristianPletten oh yes absolutely true :-) we diverted to Stokmarknes which allowed me to discover the place were madrugada was formed (one of my favorite bands) then Svolvær road to the airport was closed cause à truck fell to the side and blocked the road. Yeap it was quite the adventure. But after that, these kind of memories remain with us forever. :-)

[@KristianPletten]

@@zuerchergriech Hah! I actually didn't know that Madrugada was from Vesterålen! I had to find an interview with Sivert Høyem to confirm his dialect. Always thought they were from Oslo. 😄

[@zachr755]

Fantastic. Please do more.

[@KristianPletten]

Thank you Zach!

[@raymondlogister6828]

Nice video, like always. with a 3 season tent, you also can do a winter trip.

[@KristianPletten]

Thank you Raymond! Indeed, especially for shorter trips when there is not a lot of snowfall and wind.

[@nathanrapp5785]

I like the fact that ive never heard your voice before! It adds to the mystique of your norwegian adventures. I live near washington dc and id have to travel quite far to enjoy peace and quiet. The dull roar of traffic can be heard from anywhere within 100 miles or more from here. Its nice to relax here with you old friend in tranquility lol

[@KristianPletten]

Haha, that's good. I think I'll keep it that way. 😄 Do you have a favorite place you visit outside Washington when you feel the need to get away? Perhaps the area west of Washington where the Appalachian Trail pass through?

[@natkamen1384]

Har snubblat över din kanal i och med planerar besöka Lofoten på vinter. Hur mycket grader är vid kamptillfället? Annars hög kvalité på dina videos. Underbart att se Lofoten från ögon någon som faktiskt bor där. 🙌🏻

[@KristianPletten]

Takk Natasja! Akkurat i denne videoen var temperaturen rundt -8 grader, men det er kaldere enn hva det pleier å være. Selv om Lofoten er relativt langt nord så er det ikke så kaldt her pga. det varme sjøvannet som kommer inn med golfstrømmen. På vinterstid er det vanlig at temperaturen er mellom 0 og -4 grader. Men det kan ofte føles kaldt pga. luftfuktighet og mye vind, så det er verdt å kle seg godt når du kommer på besøk. Håper du får en fin opplevelse og får tatt mange fine bilder!