STORM CIARAN Wild Camp. Helm Compact 1 Tent. Wiltshire Man

What better time to test some kit than a good old Autumnal Atlantic storm.
I used my trusty Helm Compact 1 tent by Wild Country and I must say I have found it very "Liveable" and good value.
My head torch was the Armytech C2 Wizard pro
Boots were by Armadillo, these are a budget boot but sofar they have also been very good, waterproof and comfortable.
Music used in this video was all from the KZbin audio library:
Devils Organ by Jimena Contreras
Icelandic Arpeggios by DivKid

[@coasthome8356]

Absolutely unique camping video! I don’t believe I’ve ever watched someone set out at night, set up on such waterlogged ground and knowing a storm was due. You are one of a kind, Sandy, and I mean that in the best possible way. Greetings and best wishes from the Oregon coast and looking forward to your winter adventures. 😊

[@WiltshireMan]

Ahh, well thats high praise:) don't think I'm anything special though but the ability to choose to pitch on postage stamp piece of ground that is a little above everything else can make all the difference between a successful camp and one you have to bail from

[@oldgittarist]

Well done Sandy, I think we missed the worst of it. Love the owls keeping you company!

[@WiltshireMan]

Those further South probably got hit harder. Wiltshire got off lightly:)

[@charlesfulcrum3170]

Sandy, with the forecast we had, I’d be shocked not to see a video from you😀. In the words of Captain Kirk you “boldly go where no man has gone before”.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hahaa, I was hoping for it to be a little worse than it was. Equipment worked like a charm

[@happyhermit2022]

Very good...great content, editing and music. See you next time 👍

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks that very kind of you to say:)

[@sagebrushbob2321]

For all the years I've been watching your channel, I still enjoy the solo wild camps in the rain most. I do miss Elsa though. Thanks for allowing me to tag along, Sandy. Cheers!

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes, Dear Elsa, I shall always miss her. I now have two rescue dogs but neither of them are really ideal as camping companions, just too big and if they ever got wet I'd have a hard job keeping things dry inside a small tent

[@SteveSeadog]

No-one could accuse you of being a fair weather camper, Sandy! Looking forward to seeing the solo trip vlogs.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Steve, got to scratch that itch whilst I can. I brought the Helm tent for this purpose last year but kept putting it off. There comes a time when you have to grab life by the horns and just do it otherwise before I know it I'll be too old :)

[@lindacharles6581]

Well done, you are braver than I would ever be camping on your own with the threat of a storm coming. We in South Staffordshire got away fairly lightly too, although some roads that normally flood in heavy rain did flood. Looking forward to more of your videos. Keep well, and I hope your hip doesn’t give you any hassle. God bless you.

[@Andyb2379]

I was only just thinking to myself, I bet Sandys out in the storm 😂. Well done Sandy & thanks for not disappointing 🤣👍

[@WiltshireMan]

I love being out in a storm Andy provided it's safe to do so :)

[@martyjames6204]

Thanks yet again Sandy - i always love your solo camping videos. I find them relaxing to watch and always get the feeling that im there experiencing it all. Looking forward to the upcoming camps - cheers

[@MonkeyMagic-]

Your content is always top-class Sandy. Just when I'm tempted to store the tent until Spring, you inspire me to push on and I thank you for that.

[@WiltshireMan]

There are some wonderful camping opportunities during Winter time:)

[@campfire52]

It is always a great idea to test your gear before heading out to places where you need to be able to rely on it. It certainly looks like you have acquired the right equipment for your needs and they passed the test flawlessly. I hope that you have an amazingly good time on your future outings my friend. Stay safe out there and I will see you on the next one.

[@WiltshireMan]

I probably need a better waterproof to layer Terry but everything else will be OK. I'm probably going to swap to a Winter bag going forward as temps will be dropping especially upon the mountains and high ground :)

[@robertlowe3520]

Hi Sandy I have been watching your videos for a few years now, originally for the Royal Enfield Himalayan adventures but have found all of your other content very interesting Keep up the good work

[@neilwilkinson5415]

Great video Sandy. I love hearing the sound of the rain beating on the tent. I’m looking forward to more of your camping adventures. Thanks for the film.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Neil, Well I am determined to get out for some good wild weather Wild camps and mountain adventures when I can so pleased stay tuned:)

[@majesticbonsai6464]

Always a delight watching you and your adventures!

[@CVO17-GSA23]

Enjoyed watching your adventure while having my latte a true outdoors man .

[@WiltshireMan]

Ahhh a Latte, thats one of my favourites too

[@deanie557]

Hope you're ok?! Saw you on Dickie's channel going for breakfast. 😂😋

[@WiltshireMan]

Hahaa, Yes I'm doing OK. Dickie is a great friend:)

[@ericcook8422]

Looking like a successful camp out. Appreciate your video.

[@adriancaruana8893]

Awesome Sandy looking foward for the next in the mountains Greetings from Malta

[@samanthabullingham7370]

You are an inspiration

[@shogun666able]

Braver than alot Sandy, not the weather for a suntan but OK if your a duck, but nothing like in a tent with the rain hammering down if your dry, warm, watered and fed.

[@davidbarnfield9849]

Hello Sandy that was a wet night ,the tent stood up great. Really looking forward to following your adventures in the mountains. Brecon Beacon was my old Stomping ground when i was in the Military,say hello to Pen Y Fan for me Dave B Thailand.

[@WiltshireMan]

I'm hoping to go a few miles further West than Pen Y Fan Dave

[@jayxrt385]

Another great sandy adventure

[@WiltshireMan]

Many thanks Jay

[@FlyingHaggisFilms]

Highlight of any evening is to witness your good self revelling under the sound of rain and wind. Glad your c3 is up and running again Sandy, hope you make it to Scotland. Harry

[@WiltshireMan]

Harry, If I get up there I'll let you know, maybe we could do a collab. The C3 needed the DPF unblocking and I had to get a new ignition key as the immobiliser transponder stopped working in the old key

[@insoleandlaces]

Enjoyable video Sandy, have a great time up the hills.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thank you, I will:)

[@ianthompson8227]

As ever Sandy a brilliant video. To someone who is teetering in the verge of camping I find your videos very refreshing and not too mainstream. To the uninitiated among us it would seem there is nothing beyond Hilleburg by watching other KZbin channels. But thankfully folk like yourself do prove otherwise. Cheers mate and as ever keep up your unique style. Ian T

[@WiltshireMan]

It would be nice to have a Hilleburg Ian and no doubt they are very tough and long lived tents but there are some very serviceable and cheaper options available. Maybe best to buy something budget first and see how you get on before spending more on a nice Hilleburg

[@browsman2328]

Greetings from Northern California. Very good Wiltshire Man. Good idea to test your gear before heading for the hills. I though you would be in a puddle by morning but the tent floor didn’t leak! Hang in there, slainte!

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes the tent floor held up just fine, I was careful to pick a piece of slightly higher ground. I know this area well and have never seen it fully flood so was quite sure I would remain dry (ish)

[@stephenszalay]

Superb video. Looking forward to your next adventures. As a recommendation, I’ve just spent a couple of nights at Wasdale head in the lakes. £6 per night at the pub campsite. Parking close by. So you can have extra kit in the car. Real fires in the pub at night. Easy access to Styhead and Black Sail passes for sca fell, pillar, great gable etc etc. simply beautiful.

[@WiltshireMan]

Been there a few times over the years Steve but always stayed at the NT camp site but I know exactly where the pub site is too

[@annenewton5403]

Fantastic video Sandy, great to see your experience in the storm. I loved the owls. I don’t like that porridge in a cup either. There is nothing like sound of wind and rain on a tent.

[@WiltshireMan]

The sound of wind and rain and the feeling of being snug and warm in a tent has to be one of my most very favourite things Anne. Throw Owls into the equation and it's priceless:)

[@johnbaker7626]

Nice one Sandy, my old bones wouldn’t handle camping now, though I have done a lot in the past-even camped underground on long caving expeditions. I have an old Coleman CHT15 head torch which is still going strong and very frugal on batteries. It has various strengths of white light and blue and red beams. I found the red light very useful when dispatching a massive wasp nest from my loft-wasps can’t see red light, I could go right up to the nest which was covered in wasps and spray the with wasp killer. Normally I leave wasps alone as they do a lot of good, but they don’t make good house companions. All the best, John

[@WiltshireMan]

I didn't know wasps could not see red light. I've learned something. Thanks John:)

[@3goldfinger]

You never miss an opportunity to turn an otherwise dull day/night into something interesting with your timelapse videos. Thanks.

[@WiltshireMan]

It's got to be done if you want to convey the atmosphere and experience to the viewer

[@chrissteer9215]

It’s so nice to get out on your own every now and then camping and test the elements and good to see you out Sandy

[@WiltshireMan]

Looking forward to getting out a bit more on Solo's Chris. I was out yesterday filming with Dickie on our Himalayans, video goes up later today

[@garydumbauld4212]

With so much of the Colorado mountains being 10,000 feet to 14,000 feet in altitude, except for the last half of July and the first half of August you need to be prepared for the probability of snow. Lightweight and 3-season tents as well as 3-season bags are not to are not to be relied upon. I grew up on expedition 4-season fully floored tents and down sleeping bags. Gasoline stoves too. Trail Ridge Road/Milner Pass is the highest continuously paved road in the USA for example, and tops out at 12,183 feet. The surrounding mountains where we backpack and camp go up to 14,000 feet plus. It snows on Trail Ridge 365 days a year. Some of the time in the summer the snow melts on the way down, and it hits the ground as rain-but it snows every day. So it can get up to 21-23 C during the day and you can get quite a sunburn from the high UV and get down to zero to minus 5 C at night. 50 knot winds at minus fifteen C require a pretty good tent. For that reason, when I finally wore out my hand-built expedition tent after 65+ years I bought a Hilleberg Soulo. Have a wonderful scenic autumn. I sure do love your videos and wish I could be in England for spring and fall. I’ve done Scotland and Wales but at 76 I think my wild camping days are in the rear view mirror. Glad to see you seem recovered from the bicycling crash. P.S. Thanks for the review in the Nortiv8 boots, on your recommendation I bought the Armadillo 1 boots and I really like them.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Gary, My Armadillo boots are still doing fine, glad you like yours. Your just a bit older than me, I am now 61. Recovering well from the bike crash, the ribs are still a little sore and can catch me if I move suddenly or sneeze but last two days have seen significant improvements and much less pain. Here in the UK temps generally hover around -5 to plus 10 in the Winter but the thing is the air is very damp which can exacerbate the feeling of cold and chill. Highest mountains in UK are around 4400 feet and less, so mere hills to what you have:) For me I'm sure the Helm 1 tent will do all I need provided I select my spot carefully, but the Soulo will probably withstand a higher wind loading. Hopefully you have a good few more Wild camping years left:)

[@markpinnington1723]

Fantastic Sandy! I've learnt so much from you.... always look forward to your videos. Really appreciate your effort 😊

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Mark, Not sure I'm much of a teacher but like you I often pick up hints and tips from watching other videos

[@chrisb4504]

Live life to the full. I should really take note to myself 👍

[@WiltshireMan]

We all need to learn and relearn this life lesson

[@mikehurley5052]

When i motorcycle camp i use a Slumit cub 2 flash frame tent 100 quid, awesome, bit heavy for backpacking but great to use. I understand the solo camps and biking alone, i love it.

[@WiltshireMan]

Mike, I know a few friends who have that tent and they are pleased with it

[@AdmiralPrune2]

Enjoy your mountain trip. Great vid as always.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks, will do!

[@dazzaoutandabout4870]

Looking forward to your hill top camping sandy.

[@WiltshireMan]

Me too Daz, thanks for watching

[@Patsagilitybits]

Another great video. The trips further afield should be interesting.

[@WiltshireMan]

I am looking forward to them:)

[@colinpearce7079]

Hi Sandy,or should I say soggy,I’m still amazed at your enthusiasm to get out in the elements,as you said it’s amazing how you can have a night out & enjoy the surroundings,looking forward to your upcoming mountain adventures,tab Colin P,

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Colin, The older I get the more I value my time outdoors:)

[@markmartin6738]

Hello there, I am so pleased I have found your page . As U were introduced on one of Paul's vids. It's great that you cover cycling as well as hiking . You have really motivated me to get back out there ! So keep up the good work .

[@WiltshireMan]

Go for it Mark, I don't tend to hike as much as I used to due to a degenerative right hip so instead prefer to bike pack these days, cycling is low impact, I hope to do 2 or 3 trips on the bike each month

[@seanmurphy6955]

loved this video pal love the rain on tent with the bit of wind

[@WiltshireMan]

It's nice to be out in a storm Sean

[@seanmurphy6955]

@@WiltshireMan 100% with you on that n8

[@oscar38]

I too camped out in hammock. Underquilt got soaked, otherwise loved it. Best bit was, the next morning was clear skies and sunny. Well, for me in norfolk anyway. Trouble was the rain running of the tarps, and then blowing sideways onto everything.

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes I'm not surprised, wind will blow rain horizontally

[@gggfarms3661]

Great video and howdy from Texas!

[@trig6712]

WOW ...You have certainly got the Graith " right Equipment " Sandy and right attitude ,good , mind how you go

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Trig, I shall be careful:)

[@endless2804]

Good ol Tawny - apparently they establish their home range in late autumn - thats what all the hooting is about. Good luck for the next adventure.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thats interesting, I have been hearing a lot more owls of late

[@peteblackwell3]

Brilliant ,Sandy !

[@MadDogSurvival]

Great job as always Sandy 👌🏽😊👍🏻

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Andy, It was so nice to get out and experience the storm first hand

[@joeschenk8400]

Even with the rain it looked like a lot of fun! The tent did a very good job. I look forward to your future adventures in the mountains. 👍👍👍

[@WiltshireMan]

It's a great tent design Joe and has given me a lot of confidence

[@TacBlades]

Love that sandy thank for making the video :) interesting idea about the guy line around the pole

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Gary, I think by wrapping the guyline around the pole it takes any immediate stresses away from the fabric and transfers it all to the pole. I guess if the pole snaps it will be easy to source a replacement but a torn tent is another matter

[@barryconway]

You’re bonkers, Mr. Wiltshire. (Cracks a beer, presses Play).

[@WiltshireMan]

Hahaa Thats the way it should be Barry:)

[@soldier-Dave]

Nice one Sandy! Well done Sir!

[@WiltshireMan]

Thankyou for watching:)

[@DanOpdal]

Thank you for sharing your adventure! The PocketRocket gas stove is popular here in the USA. Cheers!

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Dan, My stove is getting on now but still works fine

[@DanOpdal]

@@WiltshireMan You're very welcome!

[@jondybrodie5912]

You're a marvel Sandy !!

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Jondy:)

[@jeffjones6107]

Great video, Sandy 👍

[@WiltshireMan]

Thank you 😁

[@RobertsBulgaria]

What I like about the 'Old Timers' is the NO DRAMA approach, full of self confidence in themselves and their equipment. I've still to watch your bicycle accident and recovery videos, but I will. Look forwards to your further afield videos.

[@WiltshireMan]

The Helm range of tents are very good value Robert. Strong and trustworthy

[@peterking3563]

Well done camping in the storm. Very informative and look forward to your adventures in the hills.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks for watching Peter

[@alanwetherelt7155]

Yet another good watch Sandy, I was sure won’t take you long to muster up peg for the tent

[@WiltshireMan]

I'm probably going to buy a few extra strong pegs to add in Alan, then I'll be able to sleep easy in a storm:)

[@colinmcnally5931]

Lovely video Sandy.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Colin

[@williampollock99]

You are a inspiration. 😁

[@patrickshaw7983]

Good camp there. Pity the storm didn't come up to expectations, I think it passed further to the South. We had nothing to speak of here in Wales. Looking forward to your travels further afield.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Patrick, yes further South I think got hit harder, I was expecting it to be difficult having to pack up strong winds but there was hardly a breeze

[@MsDenver2]

You be careful in the storm with trees etc 😊😊

[@WiltshireMan]

Thats true enough Donna, I was pitched outside of the wood and a safe distance from them, and also upwind so if any did fall they would not land on me:)

[@victormonster4658]

Excellent stuff WM. Keep them coming please 👍👌

[@leonardmcdermott7703]

Another nice over nighter Sandy, so good i can forgive you for butchering the storms Irish name. Regards from Dublin 🇮🇪.

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes I know, I couldn't find the apostrophe on my keyboard:)

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

looked like a great trip. No chance of any disagreements with a camping partner on this trip. :0)

[@WiltshireMan]

Sometimes going solo is the best way Lonnie:). In my next video I am out on the Himalayan, should be published later today:)

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

@@WiltshireMan I'll be looking forward to the next video.

[@brianoutdoorlife7788]

That was a very nice and enjoyable watch, thank you, Sandy, for taking me along. I will be looking forward to the next upload. Take care and stay safe, all the best.👏🙏

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Brian, I hope the next one will be up in the mountains, just waiting for the stars to align then I shall be on my way:)

[@mischef18]

Great video bro, been softly raining here for a good 15 hours and looking on radar shows a couple more hours yet to come (weekend is looking fine thankfully), strangely not the strong wind like we have been getting. 110 knott gust was recorded about 10 days ago in the south island. Looking forward to any videos you have of your next adventures. Safe travels. Ken.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Ken, 110 knots is a hurricane plus force. I have some nice adventures planned over the next few weeks :)

[@mischef18]

Yeah it sure caused a few problems at the time by blowing trees across power lines.

[@BoxTunnel]

Mate, I'm almost as old as you but I need to know about the Moto Guzzi on the radio! Love your vids, born and bred Wiltshireman.

[@WiltshireMan]

Take a look at Darcy and the Old mans channel on KZbin, they recently did a review of the Moto Guzzi V7

[@denisgrehan242]

Great camp Sandy inspiring..looking forward to the forthcoming wild camps

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Denis, me too, just got to do it:)

[@chalk6761]

Still following Sandy..atb from East Kent Herne Bay...by the Sea.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks for that,. I hope you didn't get hit too hard by the storm

[@jeffreywinter2660]

Good vid Sandy and a very good choice the Helm series of tents are excellent more than capable of standing up to most conditions in this country.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Jeffrey, yes they are a very good choice, I've only used it twice sofar but have been left feeling very pleased with this tent. It's going to get a fair bit of use over the Winter hopefully

[@pootlingalong8928]

A few hours close to nature, close enough so that even on a wet and stormy night you are just a thin layer of material away from the mud! It is the ordinariness of such times that makes them so essential for our souls and happiness. Looking forward to more of these little tent-atious trips over the coming winter season 👍🏻

[@WiltshireMan]

Its quite amazing to think that a gossamer thin wall of a tent can make such a difference. Warm and pleasant one side, and the threat of death by exposure on the other

[@JC-sl4hk]

Hi Sandy, you are a brave man heading out into an already soggy field to test your tent 👍👍. The new materials sure are amazing, no more hefting heavy canvas tents. Do these tents leak if you touch the sides when its raining? Another enjoyable vlog Sandy, looking forward to seeing more of your outdoor adventures. Judy🇨🇦

[@johnpawson7400]

Glad you are well enough to venture out in the storm. Really enjoyed watching that, just come back from walking in the Pennines, rough up there as well.

[@WiltshireMan]

Pennines are lovely John, you are fortunate to live in a beautiful county

[@jengis_i]

I loved your reflection on how you can have a dry and comfortable night's sleep in a storm with very little kit and on just a little bump of land.

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes, I thought that was a nice clip, you don't have to spend a lot of money but a little research and buying the right gear does help

[@jengis_i]

@@WiltshireMan And knowing to select the highest bit of land in the area helps as well. Ages ago, I woke up in the middle of the night with a wet sleeping bag as we had set up tent in a tiny dip and it had started to rain.

[@walkandcamp]

Cheers Sandy. Looking forward to the solo expeditions. All the best.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks:) I'm looking forward to them

[@simonwiltshire]

What a great tent, i'll have to go and have a look at one those, thanks for all these camping tips sandy i've been going out camping ever since i was a cub scout but im always looking out for new ideas ,cheers.

[@WiltshireMan]

The Helm compact is a very good tent Simon, I have no problems recommending it:)

[@ivangodley325]

looking forward to the upcoming adventures..

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Ivan

[@foxglove8836]

Reminds me of camping on the Shetlands, I woke up to water all the way round the air bed lol. all good fun. Went up there on my 400cc nice ride but cold. Take care happy camping.

[@WiltshireMan]

You can go far with 400cc and it won't burn a hole in your pocket either

[@kjh789az]

Sandy, I've finally got it! You, my friend, are a wild and crazy guy! Stay safe and dry!

[@WiltshireMan]

Haaa, well, I do have a wild side to my nature

[@TheRamblingsofBry]

They make such a big deal of these 'storms' now, predicting crazy winds etc, in reality they are nothing we haven't been through before. Take care of that rib and also hip mate, remember you are still healing! Enjoy your travels, look after yourself

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Bry, when I first damaged my rib it hurt to laugh, now it only hurts when I sneeze. If I sneezed two weeks ago I would have been in agony, things are definitely improving. The worst storm I ever experienced was in 1987, not seen anything like it in these parts since !

[@TheRamblingsofBry]

'87 was so sad, I remember it well. Mother nature proves we make little difference on this planet...she will do as she pleases!

[@WiltshireMan]

@@TheRamblingsofBry Yes Bry if nature wanted to it could sweep us off the planet in a heart beat. It's all a very fine balance, a world the right size to support an atmosphere able to sustain life and held at the correct distance from a star of the right size, mass and output to provide a balance of heat and warmth to sustain life, and to hold the Earth it it's orbit and then the Earth it's self with an Iron core surrounded by liquid which enables a dynamo effect to create a magnetosphere to protect the surface of the planet from harmful cosmic particles, then we have the moon at just the right mass and distance which helps govern the Earths rotation and creates the tides and then ofcourse there's the Earths "tilt" which gives us our seasons and climates and then there are other cycles which we don't fully understand too You simply couldn't make it up. Some say the earth is flat, then tell them to walk in a straight line in a Westerly direction. In time they will end up back where they started, so the World is atleast a cylinder. Then tell them to do the same thing in a Northerly direction and you get the same outcome. So, it's a cylinder that way too...It must be a globe:) I like doing these little mind experiments, we can imagine Universe's in our heads:)

[@pauledwards499]

Absolutely brilliant video Sandy. As the old saying goes, no such thing as the wrong weather... Good luck with your future adventures, i hope you get to go on many a good one!

[@WiltshireMan]

Thats the plan Paul, to grab life by the horns and get out there, I love being out in all weathers but the storms are special for me

[@francismccrossan1669]

Nice to see you back out camping shame about the whether looked very wet long you enjoyed it that's the mean thing good video looking forward to your next one but stay safe and this time of year stay warn one life enjoy blessed be

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Francis, I do enjoy a nice stormy camp. Nothing better:)

[@davebarney3369]

😂 when I saw the storm forecast I knew you’d be out in it! Good lad 👍 I’ll watch later- thanks

[@WiltshireMan]

Hahaa, Thanks Dave, I shall try and camp in as many storms as possible going forward. The Helm tent has given me a lot of confidence

[@TheMendipman]

Nice camp Sandy. I might have known Ciaran would bring you out. I agree with you about solo camping. Certainly a lot of my best experiences have been solo. Looking forward to sharing your adventures. Noel

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Noel, I am very much looking forward to "The Solo series", I will hopefully be visiting old grounds and some new places too. Hoping to go out in search of a crashed aircraft, a Bronze age barrow, two lovely lakes and a legend of a beautiful lady who emerged from a lake only to return to it some years later because her husband hit her 3 times. Do you know where that could be? :)

[@howardvarley8795]

Good to see you out and about again Sandy, hope your ribs are easing! If you decide to visit the Lakes (just past Blackpool) pop in for a brew and a Creme Brulee, you'ld love my happy little dog - she loves company!!

[@WiltshireMan]

I will bear that in mind Howard, I love dogs and also Creme Brule's :)

[@billhambelton7698]

Always good to get everything tested before it gets too risky. I certainly learned the hard way how quickly the weather can change on the Beacons Way.

[@WiltshireMan]

Beacons way is a lovely hike Bill, hopefully my next camp will be along there somewhere:)

[@Gunslinger-1962-martin]

Ya barmy bugger sandy 🙈 Mind we all know you love nothing better than a camp in a storm 🤔 Sandy that looked like a very sturdy tent 👍 wether or not I'd fit in one 🤷‍♂️ A pleasure watching all your content & Safe travels on your up and coming ventures 🙌👌

[@WiltshireMan]

The tent is great Martin and they do a two person one also, you'd fit in that. No excuses now, go out and buy one and get out there:)

[@charlespark7338]

Good to see you are mobile and out camping. Looks like you have great camping gear, even if we had received the full force of the storm, you looked to have the right setup for the night. You may have been in a lake though. Hope you find a dry if windy mountain. 👍👍

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Charles, I've still got issue's with the ribs but instead of hurting when I laugh, not they only hurt when I sneeze:) The tent is good and solid and provided it's pitched in a sensible place should weather any Winter storm well.

[@jeetts59]

Great video, National geographic quality. Nothing like experiencing nature at its best/ worst. I’ve got one of those stoves, small but very reliable.

[@WiltshireMan]

It sure was nice to be out

[@welshrambler1893]

You're a true adventurer Sandy, well done! A good test of your kit and setting up in the dark an additional challenge. Good luck in the mountains. "The Walking Kev" has some lovely walks in the South Wales valleys if you tire of the Brecon Beacons. Regards Keith

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Keith, I'm heading a bit further West than the more popular beacons in a short while, going in search of a jet fighter plane crash site and a beautiful lady who comes out of a lake :)

[@DDan61]

Nice one my friend, this will hit us across the river soon. Already raining here but looks like we are not getting a lot of winds. looks like the wind will pick up after the storm passes. Loved the video and commentary. Have fun in the Mountains, but above all Stay Safe and Healthy!!!

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Dan, Not sure if you will experience mush from this storm, it may be too far North, but where I live the winds weren't that strong but did get heavy rainfall at times

[@wandering_not_lost]

I do struggle a bit with long videos shot at night as there's not much to look at i.e. no scenery, and the beauty of the countryside is one of the things I like about these videos. Good luck with your upcoming adventures Sandy.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hopefully when I get to go to the mountains, then you'll see the views

[@arizonabayhicks1]

Thought you might be out last night Sandy,looking forward to the wild camping cheers 👍

[@WiltshireMan]

Many thanks, gotta love a good stormy camp

[@no_excuses]

Great video Sandy it makes sense to test your kit if you're planning some mountain adventures. I'm planning do trek the Cape Wrath Trail in April. It would be great to join you on one of your planned winter treks only if you would like a winter buddy. 👍

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Kerri, I've never hiked the Cape Wrath trail, That is an Epic hike. I'm not sure if I could do that as I have a degenerative right hip, walking long distances causes discomfort but cycling doesn't seem to cause problems. I would love to attempt the Cape Wrath trail though

[@daveunsworth9931]

Nice tent cheers.

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes, certainly a good un Dave:)

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Great Video Sandy, enjoy all of these adventures whilst you can. I made Octogenarian back in April and I can speak from my experience that one does slow down at this age a bit. fortunately I can still get up and down to work on projects and am gratfull for that but there are things that I can't do now I did at 60 or 70. so have fun whie you can and more power to you Sandy. thanks for sharing I really enjoyed that. 73 ! de Ellis WA1RKS

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks for the heads up Ellis, I plan on trying to cram as much as I can into the next 19 years. I am 61 now:)

[@pierreleroux2441]

Brilliant video Sandy, you’ve got some rounds ones to go camping, potentially being blown away. Enjoy

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Pierre, I shall always be wise when it comes to finding a nice sheltered spot, no point in pitching on some exposed hill when a big storm moves in, but I do enjoy a good tent shaking storm:)

[@Jason-ke2nj]

Good for you chap 🫡🫡

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Jason

[@benhikescamps]

Enjoyed this video thanks Sandy. I’ve had a Helm Compact 1 for years and swear by it. I’ve heard someone refer to it as a ‘3.5 season’ tent. Very sturdy and good if you need to spend an extended time in it. Can sit up, easily get changed and cook etc. Thanks again - Ben 👍⛺️

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Ben I concur with all that you say here:)

[@colinbrigham8253]

Thank you 😊

[@WiltshireMan]

Glad you enjoyed the video Colin

[@stevenvitali7404]

Just discovered your videos, really enjoyed them, I’ve just ordered the Helm 2 compact, it’s a big upgrade for me as I’ve been using a vango soul 200 since I started wild camping in 2016, i couldn’t sit up in that and it has fibreglass poles , subbed

[@WiltshireMan]

You won't go wrong with the Helm range of tents, great value and strong tents for the money

[@stevenvitali7404]

@@WiltshireMan thanks for the reply, can’t wait to get out there, to our natural environment

[@ralphwelsman9989]

Very brave to push yourself and the Helm Compact 1. You might have had more than a soggy bottom with all that rain. Good review Sandy.

[@WiltshireMan]

I was nice and dry thankfully Ralph, I read the ground well. Never pitch in a dip:)