Sometimes You Need To Be Alone

[@kevgoes]

I'm sitting alone in a hot tent watching this on a beautiful Canadian winter day in the woods.

[@garydripps4844]

Walking the dog and listening to your video. Not another person in sight. Thanks for videos Paul. I enjoy the relaxed pace of them.

[@PaulMessner]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@SmithandWesson22A]

Due to tinnitus I use a white noise app on my phone to help me sleep...the sound is rain on a tent.

[@aiden94136]

I would buy a white noise sound maker so u don't have tonrely on the phone and save the phone batery for amergency in case u never know :) unless ur ovl not camping far from home but its always good to have amercency phone batery or power bank

[@donnadudding1813]

Same here … the sound of rain is just so relaxing ☔️

[@burninggiraffe6615]

Tinnitus sounds awful. But I have to say, as a sound engineer, rain on a tent is not white noise

[@TrevorH-l6f]

Thanks Paul...lovely thoughts to ponder. I managed a cocoa plantation in then Irian Jaya. Middle of the jungle, no roads in or out. No telephone to the outside world. Hardly anyone spoke English. Complete isolation. I loved it! I was the master of mine and the plantation's destiny. Really tested my metal. Miss those days 😊

[@heather333]

As soon as I heard about storm Eowyn, I wondered how many of the KZbin campers would go out in it. Glad you weren't one of them.

[@OnlyVansGuru]

Solitude is the key to happiness for an awful lot of men. And since moving to my solo van life I have truly found my balance. Watching your latest video in the van, in torrential rain is absolute bliss. Nice to see the beard coming back too.

[@PaulMessner]

I look at your beard with envy 😂

[@davidpalmer5290]

Write amount of water on food packet? Why didn’t I think of that? Especially since I am sight impaired. Thanks Paul! And the hot water bottle pouch for keeping food hot, brilliant. Been hiking for decades and there’s always someone who has a great idea.

[@papajeff5486]

Paul, sometimes we need private, quiet, alone time. Mine comes every morning, 3AM. My kids are grown, gone, with grown kids of their own. In our little home it’s just the wife, dog and myself. I go to our living room, a sunroom, with a wall of windows, facing our back yard, on the river. It’s dark, cool and quiet, my alone, quiet time for the first hours of everyday. When the sun sends its first light, I feed the birds and squirrels, return for a coffee and quietly watch…the sun and the critters. Rain sometimes, quietly pelts our metal roof; but, the sun light comes, the critters come for breakfast and I’m “still and waiting”…from an OLD war veteran, retired in the US, foothills of the TN Smoky Mountains.

[@PaulMessner]

I think I need to visit the foothills of the TN Smoky Mountains

[@Friedewulf]

Thanks! From Minnesota, USA

[@ASBO_LUTELY]

Having tested a few of those dehydrated meals I'm of a mind to just man up and carry cans of food, they'll taste 100% better!

[@IanODriscoll]

Paul, you inspired my 1st wild camp in the mountains of Kerry, Ireland this weekend. It was class! Honestly, you are a top man and you create great content. Thank you Sir.

[@theautumnalcyclist7629]

Grew up in a Barnados home in the 70s with about 50 other kids, got fostered into a home with four foster sisters(giving me eleven niece's), and I'm married with two daughters As you can see, my alone time is very precious to me. Oh, I'm also a Scout leader of over 15 years so alone is really hard to find, in a tent or my bike is the only way.

[@hattyburrow716]

You sound like a really lovely man x. Oh that we’d all had men like you in our lives. ❤

[@twiglet2214]

Wherever you go - there you are.

[@jaybee2673]

Paul, you make cracking videos-I’ve viewed many over the years, but this simply has to be one of your very best; you, the hill and space to think and breath. We all need to learn to reconnect and reflect. Hats off to you and please keep them coming! ATB from a damp but peaceful Lake District 😊

[@dingleydell3250]

Know what you mean Paul, i walk everyday it’s good for my mental state and is a re-set in the day, good video

[@1954shadow]

Brother Paul, you are the common man of camping, so many of us can relate.

[@paulellam6926]

Absolutely spot on Paul, I do so many things alone, hiking and fishing being ones of note, just perfect to reset the mind, and really appreciate everything by ones self. The biggest hurdle is getting amongst it, but one thing I have learnt is, that as soon as I set off to get where I,m going, its like a schoolboy excitement, an adventure, taking it all in, doing what you want, stopping for a breather when 'you' want. Great upload Paul, best wishes from another Paul!

[@hedleythorne]

Sat here nodding in agreement with everything you were saying. My anxiety of camping alone is still there, but diminished. But my last solo camp (Dartmoor) felt like a proper reset. Never walked or camped the Peak District, but your videos are rapidly drawing me there. Keep up the great work Paul.

[@PaulMessner]

It's not too dissimilar to Dartmoor. Nothing really technical.

[@GoingSoloOutdoors]

Nice to see you out in a tent 👍😀. Wise words as always. All the best Paul.

[@PaulMessner]

Not all that comes out of my mouth is wisdom mate 😂

[@dwaynestewart6095]

I think you're absolutely right, Paul. I find myself enjoying that solitude very much and I have learned all my lessons by being alone and making mistakes and I hopefully will continue to learn . these new videos that you've been putting out lately are some of your best of all time and I very much enjoy them. I get so bored with the drama that so many KZbinrs try to put in they're videos. sometimes it seems like the more drama there is the more likely the video is fake. thank you for being real. Dwayne

[@pootlingalong8928]

Thank you for sharing this little camp out Paul. A lot of truth in what you say about taking some time out for ourselves, a little solitude now and then is essential to clear out the brain. And good to get back to our loved ones too! 🤗

[@RonSoeters-qr5yi]

Thanks

[@PaulMessner]

Thanks so much for this. Best wishes..Paul & Jo

[@paulgranpop536]

As a carer to my wife i have a two weeks respite in which i go camping and Kayaking by myself. Yes being alone camping is restful and kayaking alone is peaceful and interesting. I get back fully rested and laided back for another year.

[@JMR120600]

Just got back from a night solo in the peak district last night, can't beat having time to yourself.

[@JamSarny]

Really enjoyable watch this, Paul. I felt at peace throughout, and I love the underlying message. Cheers👍❤️

[@PaulMessner]

Never had you down as a camping guy Joel. I understand your need to relax and destress considering our mutual torture of lifetime tours in the Sarny Army ⚽️

[@TrevorH-l6f]

Greetings Paul and everyone from North Borneo ✨️

[@M6JKW]

🙂👍

[@tequeena]

👋👍🙃

[@Emmeliejacimovic]

Alone time with nature and God is needed to restore our spirit ❤

[@awinbisa]

Brilliant point about solitude vs loneliness. Watching this while working from home, but the loneliness is based on colleagues not listening to me , derogatory commments about my experience etc. keen for a refresh!

[@bosqueenet]

I love the alone time I get on the trail!

[@TheWizardOfTheFens]

Great vid. I do love the sound of rain to fall asleep to - especially on a tent! I once fell asleep to rain fall on Col. Du Vergio in Corsica when I was walking the GR20 back in the early ‘80’s woke up to find I was almost halfway buried by snow!………

[@MKM-q5j]

So good to see you are doing this for yourself. Go out there and breathe and relax. It keeps you sane:-) we need it in these crazy times. Nice video

[@markwhalebone751]

I have found that a bit of solitude is essential to me. We willingly become part of the system with society and family and for the most part that is fine, my alone time though lets me step out of that stuff for a while and just breathe.

[@TheVapnScotsman1984]

Great Video,I prefer solo wild camping,I enjoy my own company and not just when it comes to wild camping,Also In life in general,Keep up the good work Paul!💯👍🏻

[@ianpadley3334]

Terrific, Paul. You totally nailed it with the occasional need for silence and solitude. Smashing low-key video of the typical Everyman backpacking overnighter experience.

[@scottyplug]

Congrats on 200K subs!!! One of my favorite YTrs!

[@PaulMessner]

Thank you

[@scottyplug]

@@PaulMessner Cheers mate!!

[@simonbell6745]

Thanks for the vid Paul. Love the way you express your thoughts. Calming, wise and encouraging. Keep safe.👍

[@symy92]

Great video as usual, so peaceful. I'm an introvert, so I cherish my alone time. Congrats on hitting the 200K subscriber mark! Well deserved!

[@PaulMessner]

Thank you so much!

[@DeerHunter-n6y]

Well done paul for getting out again. Fantastic effort 👌 😊

[@cuprajake1]

When I had my unna I added corner lines about 7" long, allowed me to pin the corners down whilst still letting the poles go in easy, let's you pitch in wind easier without kite mode.

[@PaulMessner]

good idea. might try that thanks

[@SimonDickinson-nq2uk]

Great video Paul. I have the same hot Water Bottle and never thought to use the cover to keep my meals warm, so as they say every day’s a school day! All the best to you and Jo.

[@chriswoodward7967]

Cheers for sharing Paul! Used many of your tips over the last few years including those that have helped me get out on my own. Solo camping has only become more comfortable for me the past 2 years but really is a good reset. Pushing out to multi nights with a trek each day, even more so. Going back to somewhere you know or recce'd on a walk is definitely a confidence booster on the first few. There are still those unexplained noises that catch my attention, but sense usually prevails😀 Find audiobooks are a good break of the silence especially on the long winter nights.

[@INSOLESandLACES]

Great relaxing video Paul. Its lovely being on the hills by yourself with your own thoughts, messing about with your kits and making yourself a hot drink.

[@Flight-of-Life]

As a South African. I have to agree you guys have no worries other than hypothermia. If I lived there, I would be out every day it's such a beautiful lush country. But they always say the grass is greener 😂. But by us you have to worry about wild land fires. Just the other day a regiment was nearly completely wiped out when a fire caught and trapped them. We also have black mambas, cobras and puffadders all waiting to get in your shoes or sleeping bag for some heat. And in the national parks you have to worry about becoming food for predators. Outside the national parks you have to worry about becoming a victim of crime 😢 it's crazy. Enjoy your beautiful green countryside.

[@donnafinnetty4460]

we all need space yes and it is sometimes our safety place😊

[@angiethompson4457]

Great advice there Paul, i sometimes struggle to just go.. always a thought on your own. Very often get frustrated when im all packed & ready then cant decide where to go.

[@woodchip2782]

I have to tell you how valued to me your short hikes are. I’m in Canada. My gear is for summer so I can’t go out in this mix mash weather. I do walk in the nearby woods but it’s quite crunchy with ice bits that would wreck my gear. I smile all along your movie thinking how fun the next season will be in the far mountains of the Eastern Townships!😊

[@MiddysGoWild]

Good to see you out again Paul, good little chat, I camped where you and Josh camped last year it’s a great spot, took my brother there too..he’s building up to his first solo.

[@Shane_Marsh]

Thank you Paul. I've been watching your videos for a couple of years and this year I'm going for it. I've bought a used Burghaus Cairngorm 2 in green and other bits I've collected ready for a bit of wild camping on the Holmfirth moors where I live. I'm a 55 year old builder with a knackered back but class myself as "fat but fit" so I'm happy to carry a 15 to 20kg pack for my comfort needs ( thick sleep mat, over the top sleeping bag, lots of beer cans 😂) Thanks Paul for giving me the kick up the arse I needed with your videos 👍🏻

[@PaulMessner]

I'm the same. Happy to carry what gives me comfort and enjoyment

[@graemesaunderson4218]

A nice and relaxing wee video.

[@Peteablokeoutdoors]

Wise words Paul 👊🏼🤙🏻

[@ssutherland9019]

Love to do this and planning to but not when it's so cold!!

[@stephenmorris6202]

A gentle video, making some good points. Enjoyed.

[@Shaneoutdoors1971]

Well done Paul it's always good to get out on your own,definitely clears the head 👍 👌

[@CryptoRoast_0]

Not long been up and that rain on the tent almpst had me drifting back off again 😂

[@andrewartside]

Nice spot Paul 👌Camped there 2 weeks ago in the snow

[@davebloggs]

Great video. you are spot on the sound of silence is amazing ,Nice to see someone using a hot water bottle I often have 2 with me here in the mountains they are very good at keeping you warm over night and so easy to just reheat the water when they cool down. Camping in the snow is something we do often here as half the year it is covered in snow, we have 2 seasons winter and not winter yet, I hate to see all the proliferation of camping minus 20 over night no tent no sleeping bag videos, they drive me nuts and are just click bait. I have to say your videos are some of the best out there, they are easy to watch and have some good information. keep them coming and as for people wondering about camping for the first time. just do it life is not a rehearsal . but be warned it is very addictive and from that first camp onwards you will be looking for every excuse to go do it again, have fun stay safe and above all enjoy what you do in life.

[@ericstoever9577]

Thank you for sharing your honest insights.

[@dynamodav]

Back on for a Messner sermon, looking forward to it 😂

[@peterrobertson8141]

Hi Paul, Nice to see you out camping again 😊

[@brioniehemingway3895]

Loved that video. Very relaxing to watch! Thank you 🏕️

[@RJ-pu8yh]

Great video as always Paul. Mind you, when i talk to some people, they say they cant be alone, they are tortured by negative thinking and dark thoughts! Thankfully i am fine with my own company 🎉

[@mrjiggs3761]

My favourite place! all the best Mr Jiggs

[@leebarton1143]

Well done on 200k subs 😊

[@PaulMessner]

thanks Lee

[@Dibble.officer]

Awesome quiet reflection mate. Love it.

[@SteveSacramento]

200k yesssss!!!!

[@pjgtech]

Thanx for the video mate, cheers

[@Ashley_Adventures]

Curious as haven’t come across one but have you made a full video on packing away your tent start to finish where is ready to go in your bag? Would love to see one 😊

[@bugoutbrad8395]

Another great one Paul. Cold, but not to cold a. It's a little different today. In Southern Ontario. Lol. Cheers 🍻 mate

[@craigevett1693]

I've bought some budget wild camping gear, but I find it so difficult to get out there. As it's illegal to wild camp in the UK and I live on the south coast Brighton way. Not many places to go without the worry of people about and complaining. Thanks for the video Paul.

[@katiebooth2031]

Great idea to use your hot water bottle cover 👌

[@rodoutdoors]

Thanks, Paul. Great video.

[@johnywaffle1365]

I go on my own everytime. Took a good few camps to get used to it but i wouldnt have it any other way. Bliss

[@anthonygebala1198]

As always a great video 👍

[@thepeakdistrictviking]

Great vid. Totally get the doing it on your own. I never see things as a failure but an opportunity to learn. It's only a failure if you repeat it 🤣

[@M6JKW]

You should do audiobooks Paul 🙂👍

[@PaulMessner]

I'm not a big reader though so I'd struggle I think

[@richardburton5485]

A good relaxing video looking like a brilliant spot to pitch at first I thought would you find any spots for a tent with how wet it looked

[@nickrobinson1889]

Thanks Paul. That pillow looks super comfy. What’s the make?

[@chrishomer]

Being alone but not lonely. It shapes the canvas of your soul.

[@PaulMessner]

Very poetic mate.

[@chrishomer]

@ stole it from a book I’m currently reading 🤣

[@howardpotts5763]

Congratulations 🥳 on 200k mate ! Thanks for the birthday visit you social butterfly 🦋 😂

[@PaulMessner]

Thank you Mr Potts!! 😁

[@simonwelsh9619]

Got ask what book where you listening too? I’m an avid audible fan. Still my peaceful space when I can’t get out to camp / hammock here in Spain keep doing what you do.

[@TonyHobbs]

Nice 😊

[@Phil.Oakley]

I always prefer lone camps. 2024 I couldn't do as many due to stuff and still struggling for free time now. The only window I had was this Friday just gone but couldn't chance it 😢. I need what you just had with this camp. Hopefully something in Feb opens up!

[@summitupmark5615]

Lovely video Paul. Last night my 21 years old daughter camped on White Edge - her first solo camp and she's loved it. Were you camping in Patrick's Place? It looked liked it.

[@jasonpocklington9217]

Hi Paul and thank you for your insightful vlog and if you don’t mind me adding to the safety I noticed you briskly blowing out your fluid burner instead of putting a cap over it .this could have ended with displaced fuel over you or your tent and I know you would say it was nearly out but you never really know with this fuel.not getting at you just want you to be safe and happy

[@PaulMessner]

Good tip but I always use a spill proof burner in my tent. There's almost no chance of fuel spilling. 👍

[@steveb1972]

Paul I really enjoy a bit of quiet and solitude when I’m out camping. I think in this unnecessarily complex First World life everyone needs that chance to just stop and be lost in your own thoughts.

[@ThaCosmicGiggle]

Men want peace ✌️ bliss 👍 great video Paul 🔥

[@fraserconnell21]

🙏✊️🫡👋👍... Great stuff Paul 😊

[@RSVRusso]

Thanks for your videos Paul. I can almost feel my blood pressure drop as I watch them and I'm really inspired to take some time out, especially when things get stressful. Where can I buy the pot and stand for the alcohol stove?

[@PaulMessner]

trail designs

[@daniboy0812]

Sometimes? I could do with all the times atm - dog walks are my peace. Soon the peace will be permanent though. Pastures new an all that - and more camping!!

[@amongushasting4499]

Lovely video paul, (Pat's place?) great work on reaching another big milestone with your subscribers. Atb, Rich

[@PaulMessner]

thanks mate. Can't get my head around those numbers

[@brendacupryna631]

What cook set is that please. Also interested in your pillow that seems to have an elastic to hold in place. Thanks

[@PaulMessner]

trail designs stove

[@brendacupryna631]

@@PaulMessnerthank you

[@mrobinson5]

Completely agree, it's great to get out and be alone every now and then. A bit of fresh air and a good night often gives me a new perspective. Although I've just watched this with my 5 year old and she's just announced that when she's 6 she wants to go wild camping "just like Paul", how can I say no to that?

[@PaulMessner]

wish I'd started at 5 ⛺️

[@mrfairycake4333]

Great video Paul, just wondering what's that stove set-up you are using as it looks different to the FeatherLight 700 Kit

[@mrfairycake4333]

Dont worry seen what it is at the end of the video :) what size pot is it?

[@PaulMessner]

it's trail designs

[@mrfairycake4333]

@PaulMessner fantastic thanks 🙏

[@GeordieStevo]

13:33, Why was i expecting a fart? hahah

[@preferredimage]

I did wonder as last year seemed to be the year of positivity from wildcamper channels, get out there, get stuck in. It got me fired up to the point where I'm now finalising my first kit list and going out and doing it. This year I've see several channels where its 'what goes wrong, failure, negative' type stuff. I'm not going to let it put me off! I plan a few test camps in back gardens just to iron the bugs out and I can always add/change my pack list as I go. Your channel was one of the first I found and its let me to most the others so thankyou for being an inspiration to me getting out there and not letting the 'what if' demons win.

[@1954shadow]

I did it last year for the first time, hiked in/hiked out, stealth/wild camp, it allayed all my fears about wild camping. That being said, I went into it, prepared, that is the key, made for a better experience. Go for it, it will change your thinking.

[@preferredimage]

@@1954shadow Indeed. Its the what ifs that have put me off in the past but this year things have changed for me so time to put them aside. planning is vital. don't just go up there without your maps downloaded, a clue as to where you are going and possible return routes and so on.

[@Tom-hp4bq]

I'm in the same position, I've bought all of the kit and used it in my back garden a few times. The next step is just getting out there.

[@PaulMessner]

I love it when viewers encourage like this in the comments

[@1954shadow]

@ Brother Paul, it all comes back to, YOU, encouraging us.

[@JacquesZUPP]

Be single, get a dog and it's all you need, freedom not drama

[@ste240984]

Hi Paul, been a subscriber for a long time, big fan of your channel. I wondered if you could do a quick post about kids camping gear or maybe offer some advice on camping with kids. Im aware your channel is all about wild camping but im planning taking my two toddlers camping in the summer for the first time (campsite camping) and don’t really know where to start with kids gear (kids sleep pads, bags etc) Wondered if you could offer some advise.

[@carolineghosh5781]

Thanka Paul. I had tendonninjuriea and akle iasues. Not sure whether ill be able to camp but im longin for it. You vids are inspirational. What u say about it being prepared to fail and gpinf out of comfort zone Thanks. :)

[@twiglet2214]

Be prepared to fail if you fail to be prepared !

[@alanbrown7155]

Great video mate. Can I ask what is the alcohol burner called & were to get it from. Thanks.

[@PaulMessner]

trail designs

[@alanbrown7155]

Thanks bro.