Solo Winter Wild Camp in Remote Mountain Forest

[@evachjourney]

I’m at the stage of closing myself in a tent and just listen to forest sounds - no courage yet to actually enjoy the darkness - I always ‘see’ monsters in the shadows 🙈 but I’ll get there one day I believe…

[@Sally4th_]

Only recently discovered your channel Stephen and I'm working my way through your back catalogue. It's an absolute breath of fresh air to see someone getting out in the wilds of the British Isles without making a huge drama or machismo fest of it.

[@PaulMessner]

This is what makes KZbin so great. It possible for anyone to head out on an adventure and create a fabulous video without any fancy DSLR camera. Just grab the phone out your pocket and hit record. The iPhone footage in low light is incredible for a phone. I'm filming mainly Gopro now but when the light drops I always go back to the iPhone..A brilliant adventure...looking forward to seeing more of this kind of content on your channel

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Paul! You’re right, that’s it you really can start making videos with the phones most people already have. It’s the editing and storytelling skills that are the most difficult to achieve, not acquiring the kit. And then it’s really just a case of practise. I plan on combining the iPhone with the GoPro for future lightweight adventures. The GoPro is handier for filming on the move and there are easier audio solutions for windy conditions. I did miss the incredible low light of my A7siii for after dark, but v impressed with what the iPhone 13 pro could do! Lots More content like this planned 🙂 now finally taking the time for making the content I want to, instead of churning out loads.

[@ColmMcCann]

Always a good sign when there are likes before the video even premieres!

[@StephenJReid]

Or a bad sign! 😂

[@AirbornePirates]

I’ve watched you for years, mostly for the camera tech stuff but it’s great to see you wild camping as that’s why I watched your videos to get an idea of what to use, I’m across the water on the Isle of Man and can often see Mourne mountains in a clear day! Top work 🤘

[@StephenJReid]

Thank you! Well definitely going to be more of it, I want to get out about once a month this year and a few collaborations in the works too.

[@ManmadeSmiith]

Never camped in my life and this video makes me wanna do it so much.

[@StephenJReid]

There's something special about camping 🙂

[@NealFinlay]

Two years in a row, I took part in a charity event called the 'Mourne PLOD', 30 mile hike through the Mournes in the middle of the night. The prospect of seeing the sun rise at the top of Slieve Donard kept me going... Both years it rained and I didn't see a thing! Great video and I applaud your efforts.

[@StephenJReid]

That sounds brutal! I did a 15mile hike at night once and was miserable, no sense of progress and just following the leaders headlamp for hours.

[@VISTATREKKER]

“Making videos is a complete contrivance” I think you said, and yes, but this was a lovely contrivance. Enjoyed the careful edit and footage.

[@MollyFitzBrown]

Nice video, beautiful spot! I think I agree with your wife about the chest bag lol but your alone out there so who's even gonna see you wearing it??? lol And it seem convenient :) The dark part is too scary for me lol and too cold!

[@StephenJReid]

Haha thanks Molly, she will be glad to have support 😂 It is very convenient though

[@dallan7740]

Brilliant video. The quality of your stuff is amazing.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Dallan🙂

[@paulharry2254]

Great video Stephen and brings back some memories for me at a younger age. I think the telling part of your camera equipment was the shadow of a phone on your way to your campsite for the night as well as the little lens flares that the all the iPhones seem to pick up. It just goes to show, that you don’t need to lug around lots of kit with you to record a journey. In my personal opinion, I think the quality of footage from an iPhone is superior to that from the GP10 (excluding all the stabilisation features). Well done Stephen - may your adventures continue for many years to come.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Paul! Yeah the iPhone footage definitely looks better than GoPro, but the GoPro is quicker to use. Still amazing how far tech is progressing

[@TheSpinningWebb]

The dream!!! 🔥🌲

[@StephenJReid]

🙂

[@DJroots-f2f]

What a lovely video, I’m from Jamaica but lived here for over 12 years. You inspire me to start camping. Even tho I might suffer in the cold 😂

[@mr.nobody879]

You be fine, mate!. There aint such thing as "cold" only warmer clothing....Right! ....And if you can bring a j.... that campfire is gonna do wonders for your soul.... Best wishes

[@StephenJReid]

Hey thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂 if in doubt start camping in the summer, but generally if you get your kit right you shouldn’t be cold. Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!

[@shinertom142]

Oh man !! Lmao .. I’m can’t wait to see the end results .. is this a tease of what’s to come … classic 🙏✌️

[@StephenJReid]

This is the full 20min video! Or did you comment on the wrong one? 😂

[@shinertom142]

@@StephenJReid I was hoping to see a transformation in the van to a camper van in the next vlog

[@Raachel244]

I liked the intro speech and music because it was different from your normal comedy bit/upbeat music. Made me pay attention, like 'dreams are messages from the deep' in dune lol

[@StephenJReid]

I did quite enjoy Dune so maybe I nicked the idea from there 😂 Thanks though, I was very unsure about the intro I find it painful listening to myself doing voice overs.

[@_GlobalNomad]

Great vlog I really enjoyed it thanks

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Faisal 🙂

[@chuffedrider]

Big thumbs up for this premiere!

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks!😁😁

[@countryside_guy]

I've been doing just that 24/7 for just over a year now!

[@StephenJReid]

Can’t imagine that’s fun! Or maybe it is? People always assume things based on online photos or videos, but never really see the reality.

[@michaelhooley]

Ah man! This is beautiful.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Michael! Slightly different style for me, slower pace. 🙂

[@iancampbell3672]

Really great film and I gotta say it’s renewed my need to get out there and love the outdoors again so thanks Stephen

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Ian. Get out there, you’ll not regret it 🙂

[@markbailey15]

Another great video, thanks Stephen

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Mark!

[@IrelandOutdoors]

Great job, loved the chat thing! Makes it feel more like a community experience rather than just sitting on your Todd!

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! I'll maybe try the premiere again some time 🙂

[@BradleyWherry]

Amazing Stephen, love all your videos. But this is something special. Great work, your'e an inspiration. 👍

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Bradley 🙂 This is one of my favourites

[@jamesoutandaboutn.i227]

Brilliant video matey. Your video editing is a different class.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks James! 🙂 yeah the iPhone impressed me. Next one won’t be the Mournes…

[@garyforest1708]

great job stephen think the iphone is a good pice of kit for movie making on youtube even cast to the tv with good picture , i also enjoy going solo and have spent many nights alone in annalong woods , nothing to fear but fear it's self , keep up the good work 👍⛺️🔥

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Gary! It’s very peaceful in a forest at night

[@eprohoda]

bro.Yeah, how fantasitc .🎥

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! 🙂

[@seamushanratty9433]

Great video lad, well done! I was up on Commedagh /Donard today, the mournes are like a grown man's playground...:)

[@StephenJReid]

Best playground around 😁

[@Kenbur]

alone. yes someimes it is something one must do

[@StephenJReid]

Yup!

[@GrizzlyGaz]

Really enjoyed that 👍

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Gaz! 🙂

[@MiriamKennedy]

Nicely done Stephen! Lovely chilled solo adventure. That’s a fab stove and a great addition for winter camping. Beautiful sunrise also! 👍

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Miriam, definitely the time of year for something more chilled 🙂

[@williammccurdy1873]

Brilliant great video 👍

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks William 🙂

[@RamblingOn]

Great to see you back out camping. The iphone did a fantastic job considering how dark it was. Your set up is great and yeah just all round a really good watch. Looking forward to the next one 👍

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! More camping planned, trying to get out a lot more this year.

[@BulldogBadger]

Great video mate really enjoyed it

[@StephenJReid]

Thank you! 🙂

[@ianrunningforpudding4915]

Brought back a few memories of my own solo wild camping exploits years ago. Never camped in a forest though! The chest pack looks very handy, I could do with something like that myself, would be interested to see how it is for running with some GoPro kit in. Cheers for the video.

[@StephenJReid]

Very different in a forest compared to a mountain side, views are not as good, but it’s very peaceful at night.

[@StephenJReid]

Oh and the chest pack is great for carrying a GoPro. It’s even big enough I use it for spare lenses

[@declanrooney1425]

Love it! Fair play

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Declan 🙂

[@Jim553just]

Just begun following your channel after your trip with Paul M. Great trip out, and I really agree with you about the woods for protection from the weather. As for filming on the iPhone, it seemed very good to me, gave some nice tones to the trees, even in the dark. 😉😎

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Jim! 🙂 Definitely prefer the woods in winter. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@SafeMotions]

This was great! You did catch some nice morning light, even if not a full sunrise. Amazing footage from a phone!

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! Definitely glad I didn’t hike up the mountain though hoping for sunrise

[@JohnElHanafi]

4:30 That's what i thought lol - They run for the hills! Nice videos! I so very much enjoyed your video about the best GoPro settings and adapted our to have the same! Hope to have some great footage to share. Happy adventuring, Stephen!

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks John! 🙂

[@seanmckinney9959]

Excellent video

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Sean!

[@gileabraham]

That was fantastic, really enjoyed watching that 🙂

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Gillian, thanks for coming along! 🙂

[@mjpni2000]

Class ,really enjoyed vid real enjoyment of a wildcamp came across👍

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. you definitely have to slow things down to properly get that wild camp feeling 🙂

[@TomHoweBushcraft]

Great Video Stephen really chill definitely more my kinda of bud 😉 looked like a fantastic spot to camp out for the night I always think winter camping and it’s long nights gives you so much down time to relax and enjoy alone time and your really captured that in your video 👍🏼

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Tom! Definitely took inspiration from some of your videos and slowed things down a bit. You would absolutely love the location. Maybe a collab in the future...

[@TomHoweBushcraft]

@@StephenJReid definitely buddy would be a great spot for a joint camp 👍🏼

[@grossi46]

Really enjoyed that buddy. Cheers 👍

[@StephenJReid]

Thank you! 🙂

[@AdrienJCrozet]

That was a great bit of footage and adventure! The new iPhone is definitely impressive!

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Adrien! 🙂🙂

[@JOKKMOKKGUIDERNA]

Pretty cozy wasn't it? Your winter darkness is totally different from ours since we have the snow that lights up everything. We have the same kind of weather and dark period in October as you have now. By the way, impressed by the film quality only filming with the phone also in the dark. /Stina

[@StephenJReid]

Definitely cozy! I never thought about how the snow would make the dark different. If it snows this winter I’ll hopefully get a snow camp in and be able to compare 🙂🙂

[@WicklowOutdoors]

Cracking video yet again Stephen, editing top notch as usual 👌😎

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks John!

[@heathertitus4103]

I just watched this movie on Amazon about this woman Mary Reynolds who is on a mission to restore wild gardens. And in the movie her friend was in Ethiopia in Africa establishing a balanced Eco system of vegetation that would re-establish the forest in the mountains. Mary Reynolds: the movie had to do with her getting into the Chelsea Garden show in England

[@michaelcultra4496]

Great stuff!. Would love to give it a try but alone in a winters night in a forrest seems very scary 👻

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Michael. It's not as scary as it looks. Well as long as you don't hear any weird noises during the night 😂

[@pikeontheflyguide]

Nice video Stephen, great footage and content as usual 👍

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Stuarty! 🙂

[@bimblingbackpacker7379]

Top vid. Yes I noticed it was shot on iPhone, the annoying telltale give away is the reflection of any bright light. Aim the light dot at the light and you can eradicate it 👍🏻

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Stephan. Yeah the flare is a pain, I hid it a few times but not always possible.

[@TheDamianfaulkner]

super video really enjoyed it, heading that way Friday for an overnight. was thinking of taking the camera but you've changed my mind now I'm taking the iPhone 13 mini and a stabilised gyro stick.

[@philwebb606]

What a great vid, have recently found your channel and enjoying your content, I'm also local which spikes the interest. Would love to camp like that but maybe not on my own

[@StephenJReid]

Hey thanks Phil! Glad you enjoyed the video 🙂 yeah definitely scary to do for the first time on your own

[@noelmckendry-yr9hc]

Class video in great place

[@applehiggins]

Great video Stephen, and all capture on an iPhone. 👍

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Apple 🙂

[@theGrowStudio]

Bro, so good.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Jacob! 🙂

[@garybaine8818]

Big thumbs up on the video, amazing. The chest rig..I'm not so sure lol

[@StephenJReid]

Haha thanks Gary. It's so handy though, game changer for me, really sped for filming as I was able to store mini tripod in it.

[@alisoncarey9546]

New to your channel. Loved it. Huge well done on an excellent video

[@StephenJReid]

Welcome Alison! 🙂 Is it camping videos you enjoy the most?

[@alisoncarey9546]

Anything outside Stephen. I have two kids 14 and 9. I get them out doors as much as I can. Our holidays are normally hiking,biking, swimming and most recently camping. Out doors all the way. What a beautiful country we live in. Thanks for sharing again 🙏

[@brownsadventures312]

Great video Stephen, over Christmas we watched a lot of your content and it inspired us to get hiking in the Mournes. We got the drone, go pro, hiking boots and off we went as you can see from my amateur videos! lol catch ya on the trails mate

[@StephenJReid]

Yay! thanks for letting me know, really glad you headed out 🙂 Going to go see what you came up with.

[@BorderRambler]

Superb conditions Stephen makes filming a dream , I had similar conditions on my last camp . Still they are such looooong nights but better in a woods than on a windy summit . Footage looked pretty impressive to say it was filmed on an iPhone , atb Dave ⛺️👍

[@StephenJReid]

Definitely got lucky with the weather, unbelievable for January!

[@evachjourney]

It’s been years I’d love to have better camera but can’t afford it…so all videos are shot on iPhone…you can see difference but same time it doesn’t matter as much if there is no option of something else 😊 and specially shot during the day it’s convenient to carry iPhone rather than big equipment 😅

[@DavidDoyleOutdoors]

Great job, liking the new vlog style and the epic drone footage, also impressed with the iPhone 13 pro footage. P.s. don’t knock winter wild camping on summit until you’ve tried it. I managed to keep cosy on the summit.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks David! I saw your videos from the summit, you were only cozy because you were inside your sleeping bag in the tent, not sitting chillin outside 😝😝 I do definitely want to do a winter summit camp, but for me it’s more for the potential sunrise shots rather than the relaxing

[@DavidDoyleOutdoors]

@@StephenJReid I was still cozy enough outside the tent too, the mourne wall blocks most of the wind. Once I had set up camp I put on the merino wool base layers, down trousers & jacket, then the waterproofs. I'd alternate between an hour inside the tent (watching iplayer/netflix/online etc) and an hour outside the tent (doing photography/video/wandering around etc), the night actually went really fast before going to sleep around 10.30pm. I was gutted that I didn't get the views :( But yeah, it's a different experience, maybe not as relaxing as a nice campfire in a forest, you definitely need to keep active or warm up in your sleeping bag. I love both types of wild camping equally, there are pros and cons for both. PS Forgot to say I loved your narrative at the start of the video and nicely colour graded too along with the epic drone footage, which drone was it?

[@StephenJReid]

@David Doyle Mourne Wall is handy! Wasn’t sure about that bit at the start, cringed every time I listened to it 🙈 but decided to give it a go

[@mrst284]

I absolutely LOVED this. I know the hike to the Seefins and you captured it brilliantly. Really loving the stove too. Can I ask what iPhone you used? Already planning my next hike, thanks for sharing.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Mrs T! That was only my second time up the Seefins, really nice short hike up there. I used the iPhone 13 Pro, was due an upgrade, so got it about two weeks ago.

[@HEATHERTITUS]

It looks like the hillsides have been stripped of its trees.

[@StephenJReid]

Yeah the tree cover has been mostly gone from most places like this for hundreds if not thousands of years

[@heathertitus4103]

I'm a amateur film maker. I would love to come to Ireland and Scotland and film the forest and the cliffs and any wild gardens. Do you have any suggestions. and time of year?

[@StephenJReid]

So many amazing places. The North coast of Ireland is beautiful, as is the west coast. Best time might be early summer before it gets busy May or June.

[@scobbydoo3902]

Epic fottage needs epic words. Awesome. Checkout neurosis band song Lost, for a awesome intro. Cool set up altho get yourself a, 22inch sanvick jouiners saw and a cold steel rifleman s hawk.u ll have all the wood saw an chopped in half the time and a honey stove /hive stove is the ticket. Totally agree woods Winter in the summer above the midgets. Been thinking about a camping seat. What make have u got?. So do I get the stumpy version r the long legs version ffs Cecil 😂😂😂😂. 👍👍👍👍👍. I think u will learn to love the winter months 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@StephenJReid]

Bigger saw and a hawk would definitely be quicker but I’m going for lightweight for this trip. I have a bigger hatchet for larger stuff. But love that tiny Granfors for just chucking in the bag. Honey stove looks good, better setup for cooking than mine. That’s the Helinox ground chair, very light, very expensive. I got the ground chair as I’ve a friend with the higher one and it just sinks into Forest floor. Most places I camp here tend to have soft ground.

[@scobbydoo3902]

Yea get down that rabbit hole cold steel, strip the black paint off ,dip the head in vinger, leave outside for a few days. The shaft , burn rings on it with. A lighter . And seal with leant seas oil

[@scobbydoo3902]

Yea, I used to be a joiner so the 22 sanvick was a no brainer. Also the cold steel riflr man's hawk. It's my go to for the winter in the forest. Totally get the light weight gig .u need to embrace your heavy weight. I going into the forest in Jan gonna need a bigger fire ,I lucky last time out .

[@ColmMcCann]

How do you find wearing the Osprey chest rig while carrying a pack too? I am thinking of getting one for doing the Camino so things are easier to access… but not sure if it is practical yet.

[@StephenJReid]

Not a bother to carry at all and really handy for frequently used items. Only issue is if you are taking layers on or off you have to take it off too

[@mountainsonthemind5795]

Brilliant videos what cameras you using and editor Very cinematic

[@StephenJReid]

thanks! I think this was actually mostly shot on an iPhone 13 Pro

[@onelucky84]

amaaaaaaaaaaaazing videos

[@StephenJReid]

Thank you!

[@pablomagic1]

Yeeaaa a camping video! I have the 13pro max, and just wondered if your on selfie camera or normal camera? Cinematic mode? Any additional lighting?

[@StephenJReid]

Wooooo camping! This was all shot on the non selfie camera, although I've found the selfie camera is quite impressive. No other lights apart from the camp fire and that small camping lantern. Only used cinematic mode for that shot at the start coming over the stile. It struggles with complex objects

[@lianneclarke887]

Is this the annalong woods ? We are planning a camp when weather picks up just not sure where

[@lianneclarke887]

And do you use any sort of solar chargers ?

[@StephenJReid]

Yup that general area, loads of camping spots if you look around a bit. Haven’t used solar chargers yet, but hopefully will at some point

[@soletrail]

Wow Stephen, your film work is something I would aspire to create. Absolutely stunning and perfectly edited. Very impressive. I need to up my game 😁. Sub from me sir. Well done.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks very much SoleTrail! 🙂🙂 Just takes practise and always looking for small things to improve each video.

[@wildirishladdavy7965]

☘️🐺☘️

[@CannabrannaLammer]

Did you move away from Northern Ireland? Can't place the accent.

[@StephenJReid]

I’m from near Ballymena, grew up in a council estate in a rural village, but went to one of the “posh” secondary schools, my mum is local but my dad is from the other end of the country, went to university in Belfast, spent a lot of my life mumbling and being told to stop it so all that combined to what I’m stuck with today 😂😂

[@lifesahobby]

Solo is better

[@StephenJReid]

It's pretty great

[@peaceformula5830]

More views if you write camping in the UK

[@StephenJReid]

When you put UK, people are expecting England, Scotland or Wales. So it’s just easier for international viewers to use Ireland.

[@AndrewBWalsh]

One day l will twist your arm to take me LOL

[@StephenJReid]

But if my arm is twisted, how will I carry my bag 😝😝😝

[@AndrewBWalsh]

@@StephenJReid I’ll carry it but next time you in for my bag as well lol

[@AndrewBWalsh]

seriously you need to send me a list of the min requirements to do the same..

[@StephenJReid]

@Andrew Walsh you mean all the kit?

[@AndrewBWalsh]

@@StephenJReid yes, do you wear the waterproof socks on all the adventures

[@paulharry2254]

Great video Stephen and brings back some memories for me at a younger age. I think the telling part of your camera equipment was the shadow of a phone on your way to your campsite for the night as well as the little lens flares that the all the iPhones seem to pick up. It just goes to show, that you don’t need to lug around lots of kit with you to record a journey. In my personal opinion, I think the quality of footage from an iPhone is superior to that from the GP10 (excluding all the stabilisation features). Well done Stephen - may your adventures continue for many years to come.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Paul 🙂