Van Camping: First Night in the VW Campervan | Van Life

Join me on my first night camping in the campervan. I've officially joined the van life and got myself a VW Transporter T6.1 which is fully rigged out for off grid camping! I hope to do some camping with my family over the summer months and so I wanted to get used to using the camper and all it's gadgets! Safe to say I had an awesome night and can't wait to explore more places to camp in the van!
Recipe:
1 x Onion
2 x Cloves Garlic
Around 150-200g of Pancetta
1 x can chopped tomatoes
1/2 can chickpeas
Baby Spinach leaves
1 x Lemon
A shake of Moroccan spice!
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[@TAOutdoors]

Watch the next episode of Van Camping here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGmVXpuZnLapoKc This time I bring my dog along with me

[@savagegtalks5912]

I commented on your pan situation 🤣🤣 read it there to fix it, hopefully 🤣🤣

[@IverKnackerov]

Dumping your grey water in the lay-by, is disgusting. How would you like to park up and find the last vans washing up water with food bits in it, all over the ground. Fit a grey waste tank and leave no trace !

[@nikkis8102]

Do you wash your hands with soap? Or just water?

[@turbogigwoof2321]

Nice pool of squid juice in the bottom of the fridge would keep the van smelling pleasant

[@Blaze_SV1]

You should not grip your cooking knife like that, it reduces control over it. I would recommend having your index and thumb on the part right in front of the knife as if you are shaking its hand but where your thumb is, your index should be on the opposite side. Watch some videos of basic knife skills.

[@TAFishing]

I hope its long enough to take all my beach fishing rods !!!....And the fridge would be handy to keep the Ragworm in .... Bring it on..Totally Awesome vehicle...(Dad)

[@TAOutdoors]

You would fill that fridge with 5 year old bait and still forget about it 🤣

[@mickhardstaff6605]

That wasn't a very nice thing to say to you Graeme after all those bent and rusty nails you gave him 😂😂😎

[@colindyson8788]

You can borrow it whenever you want. Love u guys keep up the good work.

[@barnzYT]

1-7 or 2-10g spin rod in the back, some trout on for tea, sorted 👍

[@RandyLea]

Can’t wait to see Mike and Graeme both sleep in the van on a fishing trip.

[@eric_bakken]

It's really fun to see you so excited about the van. Congrats on your purchase.

[@mcoffey56]

Awesome content and I can relate. I live in the US/Virginia and we have a 31 foot RV now. We started out tent camping in our National Forests and loved it. Still, nothing beats settling down for the night in our RV. Especially when it's a bad storm. Most of the day is outdoors exploring and enjoying nature, then in to the RV for a nice meal and some TV before bed. It's a great life. For some reason, the older I get, the harder the ground seems to become when in a sleeping bag regardless of what's underneath me. Can't wait for more like this.

[@MaesRemedy]

Well I know Walmart has those memory foams. They vary by width inch. They are very useful to add to any bed or station. Easy to cut or fold.

[@susanneward7029]

My first van was an 85 VW Westfalen. I had that for 18 years, and I made so many improvements to it, from a new engine and rebuilt transmission to cabin heat, a compressor fridge, cabin batteries, and solar. I never thought I could love a vehicle that much, but it represented so much freedom to me. I’m on my third van now, and I can’t imagine living without one. Congrats!

[@elionh4532]

Do you think a big van is better than Westfalia sized van?

[@G-ra-ha-m]

@@elionh4532 Standing room, and a bathroom is really useful!

[@Yeseviltube]

Beautiful van! I've got a 77 VW westfalia. I absolutely love him. A few tips I've learned- Use square containers/bottles if you can find them. They pack nicer and if they tip over, they don't roll all over the place. Find yourself a grey water tank - some places don't allow you to just let it run out freely. Ditch the sleeping bag and get yourself a proper duvet. It's so luxurious. 😂 Make sure you're mouse-proof. Nothing worse than a 3am visitor. Most importantly, give it a name. It's a VW for goodness sake! They all need a name! 😂 Oh! And sometimes if you have way too much stuff it is easier to make up the downstairs bed and use the upstairs as storage. I'm not sure if it works the same in the fancy new ones but having the stuff upstairs (bins of fishing gear or camera gear etc) lets you keep everything more organized.

[@TAOutdoors]

Cheers for the tips!

[@janicewood5561]

This will be so much easier to travel in with your family - can’t wait to see all your trips.

[@grant1133]

Love those VW vans , one of those would be great for just getting about at the weekend fishing and shutting out the bustle of the week.

[@stevefisher2121]

Sweet ride - a well deserved "treat" for all the hard work you have put into this channel. Congrats and God Bless.

[@PK13719]

A trick from a camper family: 99% of the time we cook outside of our van on a 2 burner gas stove. So the smell doesn't stick in the van and you don’t mess it up. These gas stoves are at a good prize level, maybe you want to try it out ;-) Keep up your great Videos, all the best from Germany!

[@wildrose7546]

That was my first thought too. We always cook outside., under canopy if it's raining.👍

[@monty_sultana]

I use a 1 ring gas stove and just open my hi top air vent lol or the slide window :)

[@deltafit]

No good if it's freezing tho

[@endokin6484]

Been following you and Ole Joe since the beginning, 2 OGs! Bout time you got that van, going to be so versatile and only add some variety for us die hard fans! Thanks as always!

[@christopherpeterson1400]

Wife had me make and " outdoor" induction cook setup bracket / counter for greasy or steaming boiling style cooking. Keeping smell, oil, moisture condensation out of living space.. it makes a huge difference.

[@donaldeugenealford4080]

Magnificent Volkswagen van Mike, glad to see you out camping in it and most of all cooking in it, I've noticed in a lot of my other survival videos that cooking is becoming part of the videos, I really think it's a great idea because people think that you can't eat good when you're out surviving in the wilderness. Congrats on the new van it is awesome van and I really enjoyed the video. I also love it your plan identification knowledge, I think I like that most of all your knowledge on medicinal and edible plants, take care and enjoy.

[@mham83]

You gotta take that van abroad with the family! We took ours all over Europe and as far south as Morocco! We have great memories that we’ll cherish forever.

[@donniecatalano]

Nice to see you so excited, after all that kind of feeling is what really makes life beautiful! Congratulations and thanks for another quality video. cheers

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

I’m jealous of the van, it looks very nice! More comfortable than a rooftop tent, for sure.

[@shahzebnasir4692]

Still remember the video you both did together! Campervans makers need to sponsor you because you're the reason I now want one too :P

[@TAOutdoors]

Cheers Tom! Yeah definitely more comfortable than the roof tent. Hope you’re doing well!

[@michaelhill7632]

@@shahzebnasir4692 no no

[@terryallen6688]

Hi Thomas, love your photo channel.

[@ryangibson4226]

Hey Thomas, Didn't you used to have pretty much the replica of this but in the Ford Transit version? I love your new van but I wonder if you miss the little bit of extra space now you don't have it?

[@KWicksable]

This may sound strange but what I appreciate is actually seeing a camper clean the kitchen after eating. An observation that in at least 3 or more years of van life viewing, this is a first for me. Wow 😯

[@robinharris4247]

Dang!!! Who wouldn't clean where your going to cook and eat food. I don't care where I am living or staying it is going to be clean!!

[@wynhughes9072]

Just a point. More hygienic if you had a glass chopping board. Easier to clean and also no cross contamination of food

[@peterwilliams1162]

Hi mate, love the video. I can feel the excitement coming through!! We've got a T28 just had some work done to it, new alloys, roof bed with struts, a projector!, lowered slightly and new rock and roll bed. Picking it up later today! Cannot wait! Enjoy the campervan life with your fam! Great investment

[@superconfort]

Cooking inside the van is the way to make it smell like a kitchen

[@deanbrown2015]

Got a 1967 split screen VW. Love it even though it drives really basically and doesn’t have too many modern comforts. Never fails to get waves and smiles when I take it out.

[@endahD-vu9vk]

a comfortable car and a comfortable sleep is always a success ❤🎉🎉🎉

[@rgober60]

What a nice change!! And looks so luxurious for you. As we get older it makes it so much nicer to not have to ruff it too much. My husband and I use to have one and they are sweet. Enjoyed watching and seeing you so happy!! Have a great time and enjoy your time!! Oh and a non-stick skillet is how you'd do it with no oil. Get you a can of Pam to put in the cupboard for emergencies like that also hun. Have a great week and stay safe.👍

[@zex69]

Didn't know what to expect buy totally loved this video .. please make new concepts like this on the regular .. congrats on the van

[@Professionalmoochers]

Best thing you’ll ever buy! We’ve traveled around Europe in ours and it’s the best holiday we’ve ever had. Enjoy 👌🏼

[@carolineofscots]

where i live is a very busy tourist area and you wouldnt believe the amount of people who park up in what they think are laybys but which are, in fact, passing places. crazy people. love the van, life goals!

[@davidryan4454]

Cold tinnies. Good lad 😁👍🏻🍻Really enjoy the breadth of your films & laid back style. You dad is a diamond too !

[@TAOutdoors]

Cheers David!

[@danstoye3902]

Had one in the 70's while stationed in Italy, traveled all over Europe, kept it packed and on Friday after work would take off for the weekend. They are a little more sophisticated now but basically the same vehicle. My parents after seeing mine bought one in the States and traveled from Naples, FL to Alaska and back in theirs. You will have lots of great memories with your kids and they hold their resale value pretty well.

[@iwobanas4081]

love your content you are great inspiration!

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

What a fantastic piece of hardware to add to your arsenal Mike, I love it! I can see many, many adventures featuring this beauty. Congratulations mate 👍

[@TAOutdoors]

Cheers Ant!

[@Sushi2735]

This brought back happy memories for me. I’m 1968 my mother traded in her Chevy Impala, on a whim, for. VW Pop Up Camper Van. My father was furious with her, but it was her $$$$. I was 16, my baby brother 1yr. And we went all over in that van. I slept up in the Crows Nest, my brother in the canvas sling over the front seats. Mom bought the tent that attached to the sliding door, so you could take off in the van. My father was ugly on all the trips, but we loved it 😍 much happiness with your new VW Van! Hope it brings you as much happiness as it brought my Mom, my brother and me 🤩🤩 Happy travels!

[@euanreid456]

If you use a good ceramic coated non stick frypan, you don’t need oil or butter, but it’s best to put a little melted butter in the pancake batter. When I go camping I take oil spray, less likely to have any spills, easy to store.

[@weirdorwhat7294]

I absolutely love reading a good book while camping.

[@kenmacrae6465]

Don’t cook inside.Who wants to cook in their bedroom. I’m waiting for my Marco Polo Activity which has no kitchen of which I was disappointed at first. Now I’m glad as I have more room with 2 sliding doors opening.I’m so excited,can’t wait for my van.

[@Roger_Ramjet]

I had an older VW Westfalia Camper for many years. So fun to have a little house on wheels. Great video. Your happiness is palpable.

[@ronandanne1]

VW minivans are great for family trips. I have wonderful memories from 1970s camping trips in our family's VW micro bus. Such adventures together!

[@CCN-tu2kr]

Just come across your channel….SUBSCRIBED ! Love your straightforward, genuine demeanour. The footage is awesome, your new camper van is amazing and it’s very clear you are genuinely loving and appreciating the stunning countryside we have in the UK, especially at this time of year. Me and the wife are making plans to purchase a camper van at some point when kids are a bit more independent. Anyway, we’ll be keeping an eye on your channel for more content…👋

[@fearthehoneybadger]

Looks nice. Certainly easier to move than thing around than those pallet huts.

[@montymagic5886]

Loved this, first time of watching your channel. I also have a T6 Camperking VW. Had it for about 9mths and love it. Its like watching myself, although I'm a lot older, and have none/zero, foraging skills. At 67 I've managed to sleep in the poptop, that was an achievement for me! You have a new subscriber.

[@josephinegibbs3902]

Pancake cooking tip - tuck a spare bottle of oil in the back of the cupboard and "forget" about it until you need it. Also, if you find pancakes tend to not get done and hit your stomach hard, separate the eggs and beat the whites to firm peaks and gently fold them in at the last. Makes much lighter cakes and they cook through better. I didn't eat pancakes for years because they always gave me belly aches. This trick lets me enjoy them again.

[@stretch4666]

Awesome new vehicle! Perfect for taking the family away like you say. You need to get yourself up to Exmoor and Dartmoor. 👍

[@GrotrianSeiler]

I’ve done this many times. I found a company that rents them. The experience is far more enjoyable than it looks. Good for you. I’m envious.

[@georgepalmer7703]

Mate... van life... bush life..... concrete life.... you're a king Mate... I also live like this... except no concrete house... a wooden cabin.... well done sir

[@jamesmcphee6406]

135 grans of plain flour 2 table spoons of sugar Half tea spoon of salt 1 Tea spoon of baking powder 140 ml of milk 2 table spoons of butter or oil I’ve oil 1 egg American fluffy pan cakes Medium heat flip when you see bubbles

[@mickr2731]

I cook with a titanium frying pan. I find that if you get the pan to the right temperature first then add whatever you are cooking nothing sticks. Test for right temperature by dropping a drop of water into hot pan. If the water beads and fizzles it's at the right temperature. Loving the van by the way.

[@jjudy5869]

Rainy weather was the reason why my dad never was into tent camping. While everyone was drying out their gear, we were out enjoying the sunshine and what we could find along the trails. One other advantage is when the neighbors start getting silly you can drive off without too much bother.

So shiny. The brand newness of absolutely everything is freaky.

[@MaximusProxi]

My aunt had a vw camper van like that and she always took me and my cousin out to some real adventurous trips when we were younger.. good memories.. those cars are awesome!

[@malcolmtoyer8950]

Great sound when you were cooking, and also with the birdsong in the background!

[@dannyboywhaa3146]

So glad I clicked this video - straight off to the defender videos I’m afraid but I will come back to finish this one! 👍👍👍

[@wandereroffates8]

I really love your content, it's really relaxing and fun to learn and experience stuff secondhand. I describe myself as more of an indoor person, but watching you makes me wanna branch out and try some more outdoor stuff like you do too. Seems very healing in many ways. Cheers!

[@josiesalt3619]

In a few weeks we pick up our T6.1 and are so excited too. Can’t wait for our first night cooking & sleeping in a peaceful spot

[@ckm5217]

Great idea mate! 😉 I get it, a channel grower!! And some more unprofessional time with your subscribers, make it a series! 😁

[@bokz4482]

the setting up the camera and going back and fort to make a shot look natural is impressive in this video

[@scottmcintosh2988]

You will love that van lots of fun !

[@martinjustice]

If you sleep on the lower layer its warmer. Thank you for helping.

[@tjvanlife7221]

So happy to see the video you shared

[@y.rfarhan225]

Best van for camping.... 🔥

[@BartBuzz]

That's what I call "roughing it". I might even get my wife to go camping if we had that campervan. Great video!

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Mike .

[@BlueWaterSue21]

Always take a bottle of spray butter it comes in a small plastic spray bottle from the supermarket it lasts a long time and it's just one or two sprays in the pan .... perfect pancakes everytime !!

[@rhondawithington3682]

I think you and the family will have lots of memories. Oh, don't forget your dad and his tent.

[@nullgravity2583]

that van is just the most amazing thing ever

[@heidih2887]

so happy for you! :D Wonderful to have those added options for general traveling, family time with young children and all the rest! :D Cheers!

[@florin90mn]

The grill has a heat shield at the top that needs to be pulled out when in use so the heat won't melt your worktop edging

[@vdub1905]

I know exactly how you feel. My husband bought me one for Christmas. Even when I'm not out in it. I dream about it 😂 Everyone should own one. They don't know what they're missing.

[@Seektruth-59]

For camping I now only use the deep frying pans as they leave a lot less mess - oil splatter, food over the side… and much easier to turn food over.

[@germanprepper21]

Great video. Just to let you know I featured your channel in my 'Top 5 Bushcraft & Survival Channels' vid. Cheers 👍

[@TAOutdoors]

Thanks 👍🏻appreciate it.

[@mauricepark]

If you want to cook without oil, then you should make sure the pan is steaming hot. this will avoid sticking and cooks quickly too. With stainless steel pants, cover the pan with fine salt. Heat the pan and make sure the salt covers the entire surface for a minute, it will close all the pores, discard and you can cook fish or any delicate item in the pan, same procedure and no need for oil, you can only use it once, repeat the salt procedure before baking anything in the pan.

[@timcoleman9878]

Your kids will absolutely love the van. They will have fun with memories.

[@amandasymon4363]

Love that you are so real. I am a new subscriber and soon to be first time Campervan owner ! 👊👊🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️

[@thizizliz]

It's magnificent! Congratulations 🎊 may you have many great trips in it!

[@elvavalentin76]

Absolutely beautiful van, I’m sure your going to have plenty of trips that your going to enjoy in the van…. I enjoy watching your camping ⛺️ videos….

[@nachtbild]

I love that you are doing campervans now too. but please dont forget people who are following your bushcraft videos. Thanks for all the effort you put into delighting us! greetings from germany, and keep in rocking! :-)

[@TAOutdoors]

I always make sure I keep a good variety going. The Bushcraft vids are my bread and butter, they won’t be going anywhere! In fact working on the next one now.

[@nachtbild]

@@TAOutdoors 👍😘

[@BoydXplorer]

Nice camping inside the van at VW Campervan Area. Interesting to watch. Tnx4sharing.

[@chrisbarker270]

Glad you got a German vehicle. VW rocks! Oh and you deserve it for all the hard work you have done. Congratulations Mike!

[@Nyctophora]

Your joy is infectious, thank you for making me smile :)

[@MrGoesBoom]

that's a sweet looking van. grats on breaking it in

[@amr1612]

I did the same thing. I sold my posh Defender and bought a van. I haven’t regretted one bit. Have fun

[@williammoorcroft4027]

I sold my disco a few years back and bought a T4 high roof when I had a child. Best thing I ever did! Lots of family adventures. The memory making machine. All the best , Will

[@TAOutdoors]

All about the family adventures

[@shauny35]

Nice van ! I have a 2009 swb T5, the interior is much the same as yours. When using the grill make sure you extend the heat guard , it's at the top of the door opening, otherwise the plastic bead edging on the unit will get too hot and distort or burn. Get out and enjoy the countryside as much as possible, we have been everywhere in ours over the last 5 years and like you my van is my daily transport. Another thing, always wave to fellow dubbers !!!

[@christinehopkins7561]

Great Camper…. get a blow drive away awning when you take the kids… so much more room & you can do cooking outside too. I’ve a Nissan Elgrand with much the same conversion… absolutely love it & we are 70 & enjoy the freedom!

[@marylastorina4074]

Yes I see camper vans are now the trend, I purchased a van but I have to fix it up for camping, looks great

[@kevinschleedorn5521]

Cleaning up the kitchen and getting rid of the cooking smell is the best fun...❣❣🤪🤪

[@alanrobisonPD1960]

Great channel !! Keep up the hard work. This is Alan, GREETINGS from Riverside in Southern California.

[@erroleabrown4317]

How good is that jeez and all the comforts of home with the security of locking doors and windows it’s a win in my books and it’s so good to see you so happy about your van what a great video good for you!!

[@Fishin480]

Def recommend a folding stool for the cleaning and sitting outside. It will save your back with the dishes

[@nazufani4016]

Tip for pancakes no oil:. Skillet has to be @ the right temperature for water droplets to "dance" in the skillet. My mom taught me when I was pre-school age, using a cast iron skillet. It should work w/other types of skillets. Just make sure the droplets dance. Good luck & TU for the vid. 👍😎

[@arrang6058]

Crazy to see people using these vans and living out of them, i build them for a living as well as bigger versions with double beds bathrooms etc.

[@markwalding8205]

If you haven't already, check out the Bell tent awnings complete with woodburning stove. Proper family luxury.

[@BraxxJuventa]

Congratulations on your new van Mike! Awesome camper! 👍😁

[@karencorcoran5857]

Cooking pancakes when you've got no oil, butter etc? Use a non-stick pan and start the pan off on a medium/high heat, then lower heat after say two minutes. Place several spoonfuls of your batter in the centre of your hot pan and cook until bubbles appear on the uncooked upper surface, then gently try to lift it around the edges with a spatula. Leave alone for another minute or so if the pancake doesn't easily lift off the pan. Then turn over gently, press gently with the spatula to level the pancake. Cook until golden brown.

[@belindajaneharris2579]

Just bought a Vw t6 2016 model can’t wait to start our adventures x

[@snook1249]

Lighting you can turn on AND off. Way to go!

[@mcennerney]

Love your camper! Two years ago, just a few weeks before the first lockdown, we sold our beloved Defender 90 that we’d had for 20 years and bought a CamperKing campervan exactly like yours, except ours is silver but has the same colour and layout as yours inside. We’ve upgraded the headlights to LED, had an underslung gas tank fitted and a solar panel on the roof. We live in Dorset and have been following your channel for a long time. We wish you many happy trips in your camper 👍 Mike & Christine.

[@TAOutdoors]

This is awesome, pretty much exactly what I did. Out of interest what LED headlights did you go for? I’m looking at changing mine. Also, what is the benefit of underslung gas tank? I have solar panel on the roof just didn’t film it in this episode. Happy Camping!!

[@mcennerney]

@@TAOutdoors Hi, we had LED DRL V3 headlights supplied and fitted by Transporter HQ in Leicestershire. Our underslung gas tank was fitted by the Motorhome Workshop in Worthing. We changed from the Camping Gaz cylinders because they were a very expensive way of buying gas. The tank we had fitted is larger than the gas cylinder (it holds 15 litres) and LPG is also a lot cheaper. One added bonus is that the gas can be switched on and off from inside the van. Both companies provided an excellent service. Hope this helps, Mike

[@dougdixonhull]

Living the dream ✨

[@andrewkitchenuk]

I learnt from experience not to fry food in the van. I now use a Camping Gaz 907 cylinder with a big screw on burner placed just outside. No more smell and mess indoors. 😊

[@cathrynroberts7753]

Haha see u have the essentials in your fridge. Wouldn’t be without my van. Welcome to a new lifestyle.

[@cathrynroberts7753]

Oh and I’m with ditching the sleeping bag, quilt all the way. I have a vw t6.

[@alansmith5401]

On top of the grill is a deflector you need to pull out to stop warping the work top above

[@ForestHermit]

You have very creative ideas! You are well done! you really love what you do, keep it up, good luck in your work)) 👍👍👍

[@erenyeager2433]

Awesome van my mum and dad would like that