Warm Winter Camping Alone - A MUCH NEEDED Wild Camp!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Hi folks, Unfortunately I’ve not been feeling myself over the winter months and there has been some weekends where I’ve not even left the house once. I’ve been waiting patiently for the spring and summer months for the longer walks to start back up. Between now and then I am mainly aiming to improve my fitness and I think camping and carrying the heavier pack will be the best option for now. I’m not caring about growing the channel anymore. I’m using the channel more for the memories for me. As a result there will be a mixture of content over the summer months and if the channel starts growing again then fair enough. Hope you enjoy my friends👍😃

[@MrSparkies]

yup, ya gotta enjoy yourself first and foremost. I just enjoy watching your travels

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks, much appreciated pal👍 ATB Gaz.

[@PerfDayToday]

How’s monty?

[@GazTheExplorer]

@@PerfDayToday I’m not sure, not seen him for a while.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Got a camp with Monty coming up on Tuesday. You’ll hear from him in the video. Thanks.

[@summittaedae2323]

Nice to see you back out Gaz, sorry to hear you’ve not been yourself and I hope you find that sweet spot between camping and just life in general. To many KZbinrs do hikes for likes and fall outta love with it for a wile. ALB

[@GazTheExplorer]

I did plenty of good trips last summer that I should’ve filmed. Never regretted it at the time but I wish I had more than just photos to look back on. I’m hoping not to make that same mistake again this summer. Hoping for good weather this summer and I can move on from the last few months especially. Thanks for watching and for your comments, ATB Gaz

[@cahillp3]

Delighted to see you back and enjoying yourself.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Paul, appreciate it. ATB Gaz

[@cahillp3]

@@GazTheExplorer I lived in Scotland for a few years but i moved back to Ireland. Hope too see you hike my favorite three hikes below :D Suilven Loch Nagar Ballachulish Horseshoe

[@TheMarco99]

Well done on getting back out Gaz. I can relate to feeling the blues of winter. It's such a good thing you have done getting back to what you love and the amazing content you share on the channel. Look forward to seeing you on the next one mate. All the best Gaz

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Marco, I enjoy sharing my trips online. Always worth getting out and having the videos to look back on. Hopefully I’ll get some good trips done this year. ATB Gaz

[@bearpaws5942]

Nice one Gaz. 'Keep your head up Keep your heart strong'- Ben Howard .

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Ben, Glad the first month of the year is out the way. Definitely looking forward to the spring months. I’ll try to keep the head up for the future. ATB Gaz.

[@christopherlucas892]

Great to see you back out. Most folk go through highs and lows when it comes to motivation I think. It's perfectly normal. It's no big deal if you don't want to grow the channel. Just do the things that are right for you and make you happy. Take care buddy. 👍🏻

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Christopher, You’re absolutely spot on with your comment. Highs and lows is part of life it’s just unfortunate my low point lasted a good few months. Uploading this video has been a nice motivation boost to be fair. ATB Gaz

[@beebeb3524]

Glad you've got back to it, Gaz. Your videos are great to play in hang out mode, just going there with a view of what it is like camping in Scotland while I do my work. I hope the spring comes quickly for your next adventures so we can enjoy them more.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Beebeb, Getting closer to spring now which is exciting. Takes a bit of effort to get up some of the hills but it’s always worth it. ATB Gaz

[@PeteDevlinootnaboot]

Everyone has the jetboil boil over panic. There is no happy medium, you always put too much water in or leave your food with cold spots. Nice to see you out again.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Pete, It’s nice to finally get out ATB Gaz

[@adge_ventures4915]

Great to see you back out Gaz! Just go easy on yourself mate. Do what you want, when you want.....no pressure 🙂 Adge

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Adge, Back to weekly trips away hopefully. Not sure if I’ll upload weekly but I’m certainly a lot more motivated at the moment especially after uploading this video. ATB Gaz

[@scotthillier1067]

Thanks Gaz , well done.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers for watching Scott, ATB Gaz.

[@lappin19]

It’s more common than you think where we get those times throughout the year regardless of the season of the year where you feel your not feeling yourself but always know that feeling wont last forever mate. I have been following your progress from when you first started doing your thing on youtube and my opinion is still grow your channel, your video’s inspire your watchers to have the experience’s you are having when you camp, walk and bag munros. Keep doing your thing!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Lappin, It’s always nice to grow a channel. Never thought I would have 3K subscribers but it is nice to have a following. I’m glad the videos inspire people to get out there. I’ve watched a few of my older videos in the last month and I feel it is probably time to have another go at filming. ATB Gaz

[@lappin19]

@@GazTheExplorer Glad to hear that mate💪🏻 onwards and upwards🌄 looking foward to see your adventures you get upto this year.

[@fiskmasadventures]

Glad to see you out again! Sometimes we find ourselves in those "dips", where the eagerness just isn't there - and it's perfectly okay to feel that way. Using the channel for creating a bank for your own memories is a good way of seeing it, that takes the preassure off of you and makes it into a fun hobby again. We're just happy we're along for the ride. Stay warm out there, man!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Pal, I watched my older videos where I was more casual rather than trying to be too professional and I could tell I enjoyed my trips more back then. Should be a good mix of content coming up on the channel this summer. ATB Gaz

[@WalkWithWallace]

Good to see you back out Gaz and making videos. Roll on spring and the Highlands mate. 👍🏻 That went a bit turbo with the stove 😂 Take care mate. 👍🏻 😁

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Robin, I remember a conversation with you on Facebook about coming back to KZbin last summer on one of my Munro posts. I definitely will be filming my solo day hikes this year. Can’t wait for the spring months and the highland trips again. The stove clip was funny at the time👍 I was a bit embarrassed when it happened😂 Not every clip can be perfect I suppose. Hope you have some good trips planned mate. Got to catch up with my favourite channels again👍 Cheers, Gaz

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@GazTheExplorer nice one Gaz, if anything it creates memories to look back on. I wish I started filming my Munro round but only really have pics and the odd clip. Good to keep in the stove malfunction. I nearly torched a tent before. Pre youtube days. 😂

[@jenny.barter]

Always enjoy watching your videos mate.sorry to hear you’ve not been feeling yourself Gaz,glad ur getting back out there,cant beat it,look forward to seeing the next couple of vids

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Jenny, Once I’m out doing a trip I usually enjoy it. I think I’m a little bit more motivated now that I’ve finally done my first video. Thanks for tuning in and watching it. Look forward to sharing my next vid with you. ATB Gaz

[@Paul-ct1wd]

Great to see you back, Gaz. It has been a harder winter than usual this year, so I think we all are looking forward to spring. Great video mate

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers, Yeah I think this winter has been really unpredictable. The amount of times I’ve seen the snow gates closed and it’s affected a few of my planned trips away it does get frustrating. Hopefully spring will bring some more settled weather for everyone. ATB Gaz

[@stephenf1sg]

great video, have to say its one of the best, keep them coming Gaz.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Stephen, A nice relaxing video for me. Lots of big trips planned this year so made the most of this little trip away. ATB Gaz

[@stonechat8123]

Great to have the "GAZ" back, looking forward to the spring and summer camping vlogs!😀

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers pal, Im looking forward to the spring and summer trips myself. Hopefully have plenty of great memories to look back on at the end of the year through this channel. ATB Gaz

[@ronniemathieson17]

Good to see you back out Gaz. Take it easy 👍

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Ronnie, will do pal. ATB Gaz

[@dbrook7763]

Glad your back I love watching them .

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers, It’s good to be back out filming again. Looking forward to my next trip. ATB Gaz.

[@russellsprout2223]

Just discovered your channel and it's bloomin' brilliant. Great production and presented in an easy and relaxed manner. Excellent work. Atb.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Russell, I do like the way I present my videos since I changed to more tripod filming rather than handheld last year. Glad you enjoy watching my videos👍 ATB Gaz.

[@gregoryoutdoors]

Hey Gaz im just a random guy from Edinburgh and I like that you are feeling better going out. I get depressed and sad too so can kinda understand I guess. Have you ever thought about going for few days walking from Edi to Dunbar(John Muir Way) or from Berwick upon Tweed to Dunbar, maybe multi days circle around Pentlands? I did all that past year and some Fife Coastal patch and it helped me quite a bit mentaly and it was super fun as well. Loved the challenge, the experience was gold and cannot wait to go out again when I get some time to do it. Would be nice to watch it for us too ;)

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Gregory, I’ve always thought about doing a multi day trip around the Pentlands with an overnight camp. Might still do that if the weather up north is not great. I’m enjoying short day trips to places like Anstruther, Burntisland and Queensferry. Hoping with the longer nights coming back I can start doing more Munro/Corbett related trips again. ATB Gaz

[@gregoryoutdoors]

@@GazTheExplorer Seems like a good plan. I wild camped with my partner not far from Burntisland when doing some of the Fife Coastal Way, was great! Im planning to camp nearby Queensferry or on the way to Cramond Bearch somewhere there by the beach Ive seem some good spots. Cannot wait to go, I think sunset in March is at around 6pm so that better. I dont like rushing and walking on multidays when gets dark quick and then finding a spot to pitch a tent and set up also feels rushed sometimes. Anyway. Have fun there and may join you one day if you bored going solo amd want to go on multi day walk :)

[@jenny.barter]

Good to see you back mate Happy new year Gaz

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Jenny, Happy new year to you as well. All the best with 2023, ATB Gaz.

[@iainbickerstaff7099]

Glad your out and about,I could see in your last video something was wrong in the way you was talking by the way you saying different things .great video always look forward to them.The bloke who called incompetent just Tell him to f-k off & block him

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers for watching Iain, A few folk have said they have noticed a difference with my personality in the previous video where the camp never went to plan. I probably should of bagged the two Munros that day but I was not feeling myself on that trip. I had a better trip on this video but I think there is better to come yet. ATB Gaz

[@andrewmalcolm4303]

Gawn yersel Gaz. Brilliant videos. Keep them coming.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Andrew, Hopefully more to come and I’m glad people are still tuning in considering I’m not the most consistent when it comes to uploading. Appreciate your support! ATB Gaz.

[@garethbkw]

Thanks for the amazing upload as always,remember your bivvy bag is a life saver,thank you again and look forward to seeing your next adventure mate.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Gareth, I’ve still to use the Bivvy bag but I’ll hopefully have it out this weekend when I’m up a hill somewhere camping. Should have some more content up in the next 2/4 weeks hopefully. ATB Gaz

[@Kev_Russ]

Barry wee Pentos camp Gaz. Guid tae see ye back oot. Ken what you mean aboot no feeling yourself... I just had ma 1st camp since Sept last weekend. Ah just cannae be bothered in winter. Too cauld. Am no hardcore like you & Monty. 😉

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Kevin, I prefer the summer trips these days which was probably obvious when you saw the photos I posted throughout last year through Facebook. This time of the year is great for camping before the midges come back. Hopefully you get a summit camp done when the wind calms down. ATB Gaz

[@thisismylaine]

Great to see you back out. Hope spring encourages you back out, even just for yourself. All the best!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers mate, I’ve mention it to a few others that the spring months are my favourite months for a camping trip. Perfect balance of daylight and usually no midges around too. ATB Gaz

[@thisismylaine]

I hear you. And totally agree!!

[@suszh8981]

Great to see you back Gaz, another brilliant vid, looking forward to more

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks for watching Suszh, Spring is near and that’s the best time of the year for camping in Scotland in my opinion. Plenty to come hopefully. ATB Gaz.

[@andrewherron3215]

Great to see you back out camping Gaz. Much more relaxed in this video dude. I really enjoyed it. 👍

[@GazTheExplorer]

Hi Andrew, Thanks for tuning in and watching the video. A few folk have said this video is a little bit more relaxing. The trip away was a little easier in comparison to my other videos a few months ago. Glad you enjoyed watching. ATB Gaz.

[@davidoneill7356]

Cracking video as always mate good to see you back

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers David, It’s good to be back out filming again. Happy with the response to the video as well. Hopefully bigger trips will start up again when the weather is better. ATB Gaz

[@davidoneill7356]

Aye the weather has been poor, i dont mind rain but when the hills/camp spots are a constant mud bath it's naw much fun 🤣

[@lomino6478]

Bloody hell Gaz, thought you'd retired 😉look forward to watching this later 👍

[@GazTheExplorer]

Thanks Lomino, Just a chilled out camp for this video. Got a good evening for it so relaxed by the tent for most of it. I was thinking of retiring from KZbin but I think I will have another go at it this summer👍 ATB Gaz.

[@justmyopiniontoday7548]

I do hope things are going more smoothly for you. Climbing and camping are intensely personal and challenging pursuits and to share that on youtube is in my view something quite fundamental in its implications for a person. To have "the know it alls", who can be so intolerant of a perceived wrong kit choice, or the climber just relaxing for a minute on camera rather than look their best, or just knowingly appearing not to know how to get the tent up out of a bit of self mockery... I think a genuine revelatory climbing channel requires real personal grit of a public exposure kind. I could never do it. Good luck whatever you choose.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers, Hopefully I’ll continue uploading more content with the lighter nights coming in. I enjoy doing KZbin and I’m going to have another go at it and hopefully get some good trips done this summer. Some good points raised in your comment too👍 ATB Gaz.

[@billbryan8943]

Hi, Gaz! Thanks, I learned some things there. Hello to Monty if you run into him.

[@GazTheExplorer]

Hi Bill, I will see Monty hopefully some time in February for a catch up. He might even feature in the odd video on my channel. Glad you found my video helpful👍 ATB Gaz.

[@stevesdaysoff2759]

Hello Gary. Bells or Bills hill brings back memories. Great to see you out and fit. I changed my channel name back to Steve's Days Off 🤔 and I did enjoy it 👍.Really enjoyed watching. Atb Steve 👍

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Steve, It’s always a trip down memory lane when I’m up this hill. So many great trips away and it was the first place I camped in the Soulo too. I remember the Steve’s days off channel when I first started KZbin and you first commented on my videos. Will need to try organise a camp at some point this year bud! ATB Gaz

[@stevesdaysoff2759]

Yes indeed a camp would be great but I have a job im starting in Scotland Oban in March so it would have to be before that. I sold my Soulo, always felt uncomfortable with the size. Have you left FB. Take care 👍

[@GazTheExplorer]

I’m still on Facebook messenger so I can still message folk in private. I’m out this Saturday potentially for a camp but if you want to plan something a bit bigger then maybe sort something out another time. Private message me mate and we can take it from there.

[@mrnobodieswildcampingadventure]

Good to see you back out Gaz; this winter for me had a couple of attempts and not quite got there and not feeling on top of the world. But heh, I will soon be out! Great video m8 once again!

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers pal, Hope you do eventually get out there. I’m still trying to sort myself out as well but I’m slowly getting there. Uploading this video has helped me a little bit more. Thanks for tuning in, ATB Gaz

[@rooksfoot1184]

U said your not pushing the channel as much.. and you seemed much more relaxed on camera because of it... ATB

[@GazTheExplorer]

It definitely felt like I was more relaxed on video when I edited this video. I think this trip was also a lot more easier to do as well. My other videos during the summer were in remote places I never knew well so I was a little bit nervous at times. Thanks for tuning in, ATB Gaz.

[@jenny.barter]

What happened with the jetboil pal?Did you overfil it???

[@GazTheExplorer]

When the water was boiled I waited too long before removing the lid and unfortunately it went all over the pot making it hard to handle.

[@vespasian266]

why would you get wet in a tent?.. and if your gonna go down the bivi route why not just tarp camp?. I was also thinking about that thing you showcased I presume some sort of reflective?.. how heavy is it?. I was wondering if you would get better results with an extra quilt?..

[@GazTheExplorer]

Just the general dampness inside the tent with the condensation on the inner tent. Sometimes the sleeping bag can rub against the inner and get damp. The Bivy bag is lightweight and specifically designed to go over the sleeping bag. The reflective roll mat is just another layer to insulate a camper from the ground. It’s also very helpful when packing away inside the tent to protect your knees from the cold groundsheet. They probably weigh around 100 grams. I will probably go over my sleeping setup the next time I’m out hill camping ATB Gaz

[@camperp195]

Yes! Young gaz is back! Now wheres sir monty 🤔

[@GazTheExplorer]

Cheers Camperpb, Hoping to meet up with Monty in February for a trip away. ATB Gaz.