Winter Camping Full Time in Michigan: The Challenges #22

This time of the year at Ringworm, Ryan is perpetually winter camping. Because it's fun.
He moved to the wilderness to live in a tent 10 months ago and just because its cold, doesn't mean is is about to throw in the towel. In this episode, he relates some of the challenges of living outside all winter so if nothing else, you can appreciate living INSIDE this time of the year.
Because I’ve gotten so many questions about the gear that I use on the channel, here are some of the most important pieces I use every day:
My Favorite Piece of Gear- Chainsaw Helmet amzn.to/3uuW5xB
Granberg Chainsaw Mill amzn.to/3cdRXvn
How I Keep the Mosquitoes Away! amzn.to/3frenvh
Big, Black Log-Peeling Knife - Becker BK9 amzn.to/3oZIeOH
The Trailer I Use Behind My 4 Wheeler- Yutrax amzn.to/3fvO8DK
Bug Net Rooms I Use amzn.to/3uwOK0l
Heaters in My Tent and the Deer Castle amzn.to/3frQ7Jh
Thank you all so much for supporting this crazy endeavor! Without you folks donating to Surviving Ringworm, I wouldn't be able to even consider staying out here in the wilderness a second year making videos. You seriously blow my mind!
/ survivingringworm
(As a thank-you for donating $5 or more a month through Patreon, I will carve your name into the picnic table and show it in an upcoming episode.)
If you don't want to donate monthly but still want to support the channel:
paypal.me/survivingringworm

[@dntn9634]

Some people might think it odd to live outside in the Winter. They just never met anyone from Michigan. In the early 70's the US Army gave me the opportunity to meet two young men from there. For their young age I was blown away. Not normal people. Bro Klatt did finger tip chin ups while having a conversation, like everybody does that. In 1973, Pizzy owned a Benelli 6 cylinder motor cycle. In 73 all the normal people had one of those. My new friend here is living, really living in an environment that would probably kill this Okie. To say you people are interesting would be an understatement. The more I watch the more interesting & educational. Where would I be able to learn survival does & don'ts in a place that covers homes in snow? I have heroin addicts for neighbors, you have bears. I believe you are batting a 1000...

[@survivingringworm2202]

You wrote one of the most entertaining comments ever there. I'd agree that some of us in this neck of the woods are pretty...rare creatures. I don't really know that much about survival. I just overpack my car and backpack even to go to the grocery store so that I never really get in bad situations. Carry a lot of crap always. That's my motto. Then if you get into a jam you can just build a shopping mall and buy what you need to be comfortable.

[@dntn9634]

@@survivingringworm2202 The place in it's self is so different, like the opposite of Florida. It amazes me that bears may be there still. There are things you know about surviving in that environment you just can't learn in Florida. Which is a vice versa senerio in it's self.

[@dozer1642]

I’ll take the bears every time over the zombies.

[@heathmichaelhomestead4462]

@@dntn9634 you can have Florida my man its too hot for me in South Carolina for me these days born and raised in sc but im moving to the UP of Michigan in a few month.

[@survivingringworm2202]

I went mountain biking in Florida years ago and almost got my leg taken off by a gator. Or is it a crocodile? I can never remember. Guess it’s like a Florida guy not knowing the difference between a black and grizzly bear. We don’t need to know until we need to know.

[@Markam248]

Your sawyer filter is no good after it freezes. The ice damages the filter membrane. Keep your filter on you inside your coat. Use it and then put it back in your coat. That is what I do when I hike in freezing temperatures. Good luck.

[@halfgridhomestead]

One thing I keep hearing from Brad on ful spectrum is this also. dont let the sawyers freeze

[@TheAvkdutch]

So should you let your Sawyer water filter freeze?

[@justshanestuff]

@@TheAvkdutch no, as it renders it useless

[@danielbrummet345]

Cheap tip: Use a salt water bottle to help buckets keep from freezing. Ranchers sometimes will do this to keep stock tanks from having ice on top. probably worth a shot since it costs nearly nothing. Take around a 1/4 cup of salt in a bottle of hot water to dissolve and just let it float around in your buckets.

[@dandeleona4760]

Interesting tip. Ocean salt water freezes around 28.8F, and more salt means lower freezing point. A lower freezing point often means enough molecular thermal activity to keep water from freezing at normal temps. Of course we can't drink that, but I wonder if a salt bath will keep other container liquids floating in it from freezing as well. It might be a useful experiment.

[@BS.-.-]

Alot of people wont realize how good a hot shower out in the cold feels after not having one. By far the best tool we got for our camp was a 12v water pump and a portable propane on demand water heater....endless hot showers. You make great videos, please dont sell out once your channel is monetized like alot of others.

[@survivingringworm2202]

I mean this sincerely: what happens to most of the others when they get monotized? You mean the are gabbing during the videos about some random product or insurance company or something?

[@BS.-.-]

Usualy it's more geared towards there subscriber base but I can only watch so many jackery battery bank "reviews". The worst ones are when someone just wants to gabb about future plans 2x a week and hardly do anything in the videos. At that point there making videos because every video they make is a check.

[@survivingringworm2202]

Got it. I have had a couple companies in the last few weeks try to send gear for review. Makes you wonder if they have ever watched your videos. Would I be good for me to quit the building videos and review your flashlight? Guess most people just like the free stuff. Course ya never know what the future will hold but I don’t see heading that way. No interest in making videos to make videos. I do stuff that makes me happy AND film it.

[@shandelebroyles1099]

@@BS.-.- if it's not one you are interested in, take your finger and skip ahead. It's easy. Also quit bashing on people who do it, it's their job. Would you like someone to b*tch about what you do for a job. And call you a sell out. Hmmm. Why don't you pay their bills, food and so on for them.. didn't think so. So quite being rude, skip ahead and *SHUT UP!!!*

[@BS.-.-]

@@shandelebroyles1099 clearly your a loyal subscriber...commenting on this 10 months later.

[@MeMe-cd1wy]

My great grandfather and great grandmother and their children lived like that as he built their log cabin in Platte near Sleeping Bear dunes on Indian Hill Rd. In 1870s. They survived just fine. Go Michigan.

[@FritchFritch]

Holy cow…what a cool story!

[@gorillaninja78]

Livin the good life! 👍🏻 most people can’t live without a tv, iPad, cellphone but I could get use to that very easy ✌🏻🇨🇦

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

I threw my last TV out in 1997. TV is for morons.

[@TheGeekyBanana]

Same! I’d just need my books! I find that I’m so much happier with no social media. I’m just glad I figured this out now, at 37. Hopefully I have many more years ahead of me and a future of having a homestead ❤️

[@941Earl]

Love your channel, Ryan! I know the weather doesn't permit this now...and I am unsure of what the water table is like at your property; but I was thinking something like a root cellar construction might help keep water from freezing next winter. Something dug far enough into the ground, then built up higher with logs above...might keep a temp around 50 degrees Fahrenheit or so year round. You could use it for preservation (or relief from the heat!) in the summer, and use it to keep your drinking water supplies from freezing in the winter. Just a thought. Maybe a spring time- summer project?

[@survivingringworm2202]

Is there some way to build one if the ground is all rock?

[@941Earl]

@@survivingringworm2202 It's that bad, huh? Maybe with explosives...hahaha. I mean..that could be fun as well as productive! Tannerite and target practice could make a good starter hole?!

[@survivingringworm2202]

Tannerite does make a loud noise but does it have the energy to move the ground? I know you were joking but now I’m wondering...

[@RobertJLessard]

I was thinking similar for your well problem. If you mine deep enough you can find non frozen water. Now how can you get an offgrid friendly jackhammer? I'd watch that. I want to do some mining through the rock on our property for the same reasons. Can't put a sand point in.

[@dimedriver]

@@survivingringworm2202 you can make one that is half above and half in the ground. Dig out as deep as you can. Fill sand bags with the earth you remove and stack them as the walls.

[@paulastarkweather4597]

Really liked this video. It's shows the reality of daily life of a nut case! Seriously, the logistics of how to live in the winter without utilities, where even the steps taken to brush your teeth need foresight. Can't imagine how the early settlers or mountain men persevered without chainsaws, propane, down clothing, sleeping bags, hand warmers, etc. You are a wonder.

[@Ludifant]

It´s nice to see the struggles and how you react to them, by loving every minute. I think if you can find that in yourself, you are going to be all right no matter what.

[@Hootyhoo-jq9vq]

You kinda have a Mike Row vibe. And that’s a good thing.

[@TandemAdventures]

Thanks for the videos! Love to watch them. One tip or two, if you don't mind. The shower pot? Store your next shower water in it so all you hafta do is turn on the stove and you'll have 3 showers ready to go (unless you use that big pot for something else, of course). And we had a boat on Lake Michigan and would need to pull the mooring out every year. In order to keep the line on top all winter, he would tie 2x4s to the line and then would tie 2-3 gallon milk jugs onto them. Along with water to fill the jugs, he put pieces of a big black garbage bag in each one. The sun would warm them up and for the most part, the jugs were still floating in the spring. He was into solar long before the rest of the world. Cheers!

[@ponjotes33]

A friend of mine who has a camp in the UP has to cross a good bit of swamp to get to his cabin. The people who originally built the cabin 100+ years ago cut cedar logs about 8 feet long and laid them cross ways on the road and then piled gravel on top. It’s a great road, zero ruts. The only problem is that the frost will occasionally push a 100 year old cedar log up through the gravel. It would be labor intensive but a permanent fix.

[@theconsultant8732]

Here you go Yooper boy, a comment. I like the progress you have made at Ringworm over the years while entertaining us. Thank you dude!

[@chrisjtal21]

Just found your videos today. This is my kind of living! I told my wife when she finally comes to her senses and leaves me this is where I'm going. I don't think I'm going that far north though. Somewhere in the middle is better for me. Lol

[@FritchFritch]

Ha!

[@bekclk]

My sister and B-I-L have a portable sauna in their backyard. I understand that's how people used to bathe (somewhere in the world). Have you explored building your own? in a camping setting like you are in it may save on water as well. just thought I would throw that out there. BTW, my sister and B-I-L had me start watching your videos...My wife now says she is a Ringworm widow. Thank for sanity in an insane world.

[@darthgbc363]

27:29 Trailer Park Boys reference. LOL Bubbles is hilarious.

[@robinredman5192]

When I lived up in Sault Ste Marie when it got to be about 40-45 Degrees the Lake Superior State college kids would be out on lawn chairs, in bikinis, catching the sun with snow still on the ground. Ya, Michiganders are a breed unto themselves. Take care and thank you for your content. John here, former Michigander, from the back-roads of Tennessee.

[@survivingringworm2202]

Haha! That sounds about right. “Warm weather” means so many different things to different people.

[@rocpile1141]

I really liked the "Sam-squatch" classic from the show "Trailer Park Boys" hysterical.... thank you

[@kdcreek5411]

Stay warm without chopping wood the survivalist kit your gonna love it. Save the wood for cooking. Survivalist kits on sale at Walmart, or local retailers.

[@willl5399]

I’m not going to complain anymore about the cold - I’m homesteading in south Texas! You’re an inspiration - thanks for all your videos.

[@danl455]

Build a cabin to live in! Would be a dope project and very useful.

[@MolesworthFamilyFarm]

I love the craftsmanship of everything you build with rough lumber. Good luck in the cold from Texas!

[@yokaiofwater]

2 tips. One, keep an eye out for a bigger stock tank and find a smaller version of your hot tub. Prop it on a nice wood or stone stand in the big tank of water and put fires in it. The water will heat hot enough to give you year round baths. Just may take a while to get to temp. 2. You may want to consider digging out a pond. Siphon filtration will keep it running all year and fresh (I live in Michigan. I do this - have it set up like a waterfall). Then you'll have fresh water without having to worry.

[@jeffnielsen7898]

Live in the thumb so I can totally appreciate and understand watching the struggles you go through for the simplest of things with Michigan weather!

[@rickywallace98]

When you actually had that shower, that's when I believed that you are actually off your trolley

[@grandmasstories3418]

This just makes me soooo grateful for my nice, little studio apartment with central heating! I can just spend a day at a time on some weekends building a fire in the woods (in an authorized fire pit), barbecueing my lunch, listening to audios/studying, sawing my own firewood, etc., and at the end of that day, head back to my nice, central heated little flat.....

[@billmafturack8189]

A few round rocks heated by the fire will store & release heat for a long time .. tip for using rocks 1)as personal warmth or the sleeping bag : a couple fist sized rocks boiled ( controlled temp, water boils at 100 degrees ) 2) a wooden box covered and somewhat insulated and a metal pail of hot large rocks should thaw and keep your water pails liquid 👍🇨🇦

[@paulpower2680]

Ryan we have an off grid cabin in the woods here in Ontario. The tent is nice in the good weather but with your chain saw skills I think a cedar cabin would be better for the winter. Going out to cut trails this week myself. Love your videos! Have Fun!

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

Love the brass knuckle door handle lol!

[@karenrobertson9371]

You are a breath of fresh air...Thank you

[@rxpusher131]

Living in an uncomfortable situation is like you do is good for the soul

[@survivingringworm2202]

I totally and wholeheartedly agree. I've had the belief for a lot of years that we all need struggle and discomfort in order to be happy. Years full of comfort and nothing else leaves a guy with nothing to be proud of overcoming.

[@deweydeese3699]

Love your honesty. Such a neat way to live.

[@j.l.daltoin2238]

if you place some heavy plastic down on the floor in there coving as much as you can then throw some old rug or carpet or roofing shingles over it where you walk and to hold it in place you can really cut down on your rain forest in that building

[@rangerboat98]

If you built a wood fired sauna, you could relax in warmth, take a shower inside and dry your towel! All great deer camps have them, also laying the batteries on the floor would keep them at a chargeable temperature, also saves on propane if you have a water jacket on the wood stove. We have even baked potatoes on the rocks during a sauna.

[@stacey8096]

The Alaskans say that’s way better than a shower. I’ve wondered why he doesn’t just build a sauna, with all the available wood for burning.

[@chuckorsburn4452]

On the shower floor, make or get a piece of ply wood and lay on top of the floor. then when you get ready to take a shower just remove the cover and you're floor is dry and no ice

[@sueborough3426]

Watching your videos is pure fun! Especially while curled up on the couch first thing in the morning sipping a cup of coffee. Such a contrast! Hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next one!!

[@jerrytahuya493]

I don't know if this has been suggested but when the weather warms up, I would start putting in corduroy road in all your soft spots. check out Boss of the swamp for more info. best of luck, love the channel.

[@allterraincustoms2246]

Also spreading out your ruts. You can make your trails flat by useing your tires to beat down the trail.Even drag a piece of brush behind you.

[@terrysincheff6682]

Thank you, I was thinking the same thing. It's been used for over 100 years by loggers.

[@survivingringworm2202]

Strange as it may seem, I try as hard as I can to stay on one set of ruts. Soon as I spread them out, the whole trail turns to deep, gloppy mud and becomes un-passable.

[@Charity1277]

I love how your doing the realities of winter.i don't see hardly anyone talking about this.it could be useful info someday.thanks

[@allterraincustoms2246]

You could take some of the sides off your trailer to loose some weight off the trailer.

[@itbtae]

Awesome channel brother. This is what I dream of doing while at work...

[@terryjohnson9082]

Hey Ryan - just realized that I binged your whole catalog of videos without subscribing -- fixing that now. Love what you are doing. While I'm not a winter, cold loving guy, I appreciate the beauty and the artistry of what you are doing. I think we all get too wrapped in things like perfection - whatever that means - and forget that its about the experience. You are doing something unique and while I may not do it to, in some sense you are one of my heroes --------- ok Tito too.

[@survivingringworm2202]

Thanks, Terry. I'm glad you appreciate watching this experience and understand what it's about. Most folks think I should build a cabin to live in but who would want to watch a guy living in a poorly built house?

[@mjacob1085]

Looks amazing. Keep up the good work. This channel has inspired me in many ways. Thank You.

[@rudyfisher7660]

Then build you one insulated building that way you can put all that kind of stuff in and they'll stay warm and everything else even a solar panel with a small electric water heater that fits in a fish tank will keep enough heat in a 5 gallon bucket to keep that insulated storage building warm enough

[@anchorworks7241]

Love it, keep it up

[@matthewdoyle4418]

I hope your curiosity never stops

[@mycocoaone]

Good info, thank you!

[@livingdeeply15]

Nah it doesn't look miserable, just hard work....& I would welcome it to keep warm & busy. Plus when you work hard for something it means so much more!!!

[@v-vv2251]

Next thing: you have to build a sauna! :) There you can wash yourself, dry out your clothes and warm up your water. In history the sauna has been always first building here in Finland, when people have started building houses and cottages in their new empty plots. I think that Finnish immigrants have built several saunas in U.P. too when they came to work in copper mines about 100 years ago. Nice to see that you have a Finnish Fiskars axe! :)

[@survivingringworm2202]

Just got that axe recently and it is GREAT. And the sauna is on the way...

[@cleoharper1842]

Damn it YT! It un-notified and un-subscribed me...It's only by chance this appeared in my feed. But! I'm glad I did see it and I'm excited to watch it in a short while. Good to see you uploading, as always.

[@allmomomosthomebus3895]

Not sure if your eventual cabin solved the frozen water issue but the thought occurred to me that you should have a set of solar panels and windmill running a resistive heating element in a sand mass thermal battery, in a well insulated box where you store your water and other stuff you want toasty warm like your boot liners gloves and hats etc. You could also build in a friction heater of some sort, maybe using a windmill to power that with the ability to add human power to spin it. Maybe a container filled with really viscous thick oil. Refining this idea... You could have this thermal mass battery also integrated with a rocket stove which burns small branches. You could design it to sleep on top of it on colder nights as well. All kinds of videos out there on thermal mass heating systems.

[@bubblehed738]

You've quickly become one of my favorite channels. I get lots of good ideas from you. Thanks. Just a thought, why don't you take all your shower stuff out to the deer castle and set up under it. Built in cover for it and your close to your propane. Hell, I'd live in there for the winter until it gets warm enough to move back to the tent. Stay warm and safe.

[@survivingringworm2202]

Would be cool to have it under there but it's a long way from "camp." And the smell of the grease coming off my body would likely spook the deer. Will probably build a roof over the shower before long tho.

[@leannkennedy6568]

@@survivingringworm2202 lol @ grease coming from your body,.

[@samuelhartsock1177]

You are a pretty chill calm level-headed dude. You're like an older brother I never had.

[@sickonereyes7038]

Thanks for sharing ROCK ON.

[@patchy5067]

Attitude is everything, Very cool bro !

[@robertlemoine3500]

Thank you Ryan .

[@nickyvt]

Love your videos. We dont know what snow is here in Perth, Western Australia. Have a great 2021.

[@andrewwegehaupt8790]

Excellent! Learned a lot!

[@survivingringworm2202]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ldn0224]

I've done a ton of this stuff and have many thoughts but great videos on winter living! Great videos!

[@debb9008]

I would move into tree stand... that is an awesome build... but thank you for your videos

[@Hootyhoo-jq9vq]

I had to sub. You’ve got good videos.

[@dandeleona4760]

Switch to baking soda for toothpaste. It won't freeze and no residue after rinse. The condensation in your lean to hut is likely coming from the ground. Try throwing a tarp as far under the walls as you can get it to cut back on ice crystals inside. Vent through before you leave for extended time to vent your breath from time being in there to work.

[@sandratweedale2579]

You sir are a beast. Totally admire your fortitude

[@turboturtle5575]

Seeing you break up your hot tub w/ax reminded me of MANY years ago in a woods next to a home in WI. with a creek about 6-7 feet wide & after a couple blows in the center it made a WHOOSH !!! sound & started cracking all the way out of sight, at least 300 yards !!

[@turboturtle5575]

Love watching you work ---....sort of....no hot coca ?

[@cephasmcpher67peteroutdoorspip]

Fortunately that's not the life everyone wants to lead because if it was then everyone would lead it and there would be no solitude. I just found your channel and after watching this video there's no way I can not subscribe. Michigan is a great woodland state I visited the UP one fall on a work assignment and instantly fell in love with the place. You have a great life there and I will enjoy watching you live it, thanks and all the best.

[@survivingringworm2202]

I appreciate your words! It is a beautiful place and you are correct, if everyone tried this same thing it would spell disaster. But hopefully everyone can at one point or another find something that they truly love to immerse themselves for a time. What else is life for anyway???

[@waslarkin]

Happy new year Ryan! I’m really enjoying watching your videos 😊 Your in your element my friend. Your subscriptions are climbing fast. Keep the videos coming.

[@survivingringworm2202]

Hey buddy! Glad to hear your are alive and kickin'. Happy New Year!

[@ILKnierim]

✌man you are crazy I did some threw hikes in the snow put nothing like that I'm liking the content interested to see what's coming up next 🎥

[@shenadojoe]

Take care my outdoor friend. Be safe.

[@tamiweber7118]

Thank you for teaching everyone survival skills 💯

[@survivingringworm2202]

Thanks Tami. But I really don’t know that much about survival. I am a pro at having a good time in the woods tho.

[@wildforestman4163]

You not alone, I do love winter camper also. I own 10 acres me and my wife bought back in 2017 and I camp every weekend during the winter time. I also love camping in the winter than summer.

[@survivingringworm2202]

Nice! Not too many people have given winter camping a fair try. Going to make a how-to-get-started-winter-camping video shortly to try and entice more people to give it a go. It’s fantastic!

[@Stephen-J-in-IA]

Attitude makes the difference! Looks like you're hanging in there. Good job. Winter sort of shuts out Hobby logging operation down so we only get to go visit at the farm and do inside activities while burning lots of fuel oil. Looking forward to your next video!

[@johnb6371]

I’m getting caught up. Binge watching. Love your channel..

[@mattbundt9986]

Fellow Michigander here, awesome to see others out there in the winter, Just because it's cold doesn't mean we can't be out there! I'm surprised you don't use a hot tent out there, with all the wood resources it seems like it could be a great way to keep you warm during the winter time. This is the first video I've watched of yours but mind if I ask where abouts this is in Michigan? Northern LP, or UP? Thanks for the enjoyable content.

[@Downeastwaves]

Thanks! Rewatching. Those are some serious ruts you are working to repair. It's mudseason here in Maine already. Sending good luck! Hope you keep sharing.

[@survivingringworm2202]

Mud season is in full swing here as well! Luckily, my back is not great right now or I’d be out cutting logs to stuff in the ruts. A never ending job.

[@Downeastwaves]

@@survivingringworm2202 take care of your back. The ruts will wait.

[@davidheatherfoulkes739]

I have introduced a few of my friends to your channel. I think they’re hooked too. Your fan base continues to grow. We look forward to each new video. Thanks again for your entertaining content!!!

[@survivingringworm2202]

I appreciate that!

[@jaredking5011]

Just found the channel. Binge watched all uploads and absolutely love the content. I just bought acreage in Northern Idaho and am excited to start from scratch. Tons of inspiration from what you're doing. Great humor, awesome projects, love the intro quotes.

[@survivingringworm2202]

Awesome! I’d love to try out northern Idaho. Top on the list for Ringworm 2.0!

[@robinperry810]

Try taping a hand warmer to the battery cover on your camera to keep them working longer

[@rickyg6543]

Just found your channel this week. The UP is amazing. The things you do are great to watch. Going to start at #1 and work my way forward. Thank you. It’s August in Marquette CO. Temp is changing the bees are busy and the golden rod is in full bloom. Good Luck to you.

[@shmonsterman1356]

Nice video and thanks for sharing . No tips on frozen batteries but I do suggest that you fill those trail ruts in with logs or even corduroy the trail . As mentioned before you need a warm up / cook shelter . Hope to see more of you this winter. Good luck .

[@rudyfisher7660]

And when you do build Annex Building get some Tyvek wrap around the outside of it before you put your outside boards on it that's going to cause a barrier from the wind going through the cracks and like I said just use up fish tank heater get the largest when you can on the solar panels and it'll heat up that building if you stick it in a 5 gallon bucket of water fat buildings at least insulated did you later bye

[@themeg5199]

My family and I are wanting to stay on our property off grid in northern Michigan. Thank you for sharing

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

You definitely don't wanna let the Sawyer mini water filters freeze, will toatally compromise the effectiveness of the filter, it is stated on Sawyer mini directions

[@petepete66]

Very very very very cooooool out there 🔥🔥🔥❄️✌️😂✌️❄️🔥🔥🔥

[@mississippioutpost2895]

Thanks watching your video gives me hope from the Mississippi Outpost.

[@theurbanblur5024]

Cover your water in a pile of snow. It keeps it insulated for at least a day or two. Even in - 20 c. Old Canadian and Russian trick

[@B-leafer]

Winter camping in the Adirondacks after Christmas was my preference every year for many years.. Nothing anywhere near as elaborate as your get away. Snowmobile? Campfire +rocks = hot rocks. Hot rock in a small pot inside a "cooler" = warm stuff.

[@survivingringworm2202]

Love that area! I camped out for New Years for over a decade. Was the best holiday of the year. Yup, have Snowmibile but easier to maneuver the 4 wheeler around here as long as I keep the trails packed.

[@JohnAmes]

Great video my friend 👍

[@survivingringworm2202]

Thank you 👍

[@MrBigrich722]

Pam cooking spray does good on items to prevent ice developing.

[@mustafababdullah2485]

The cedar bark and candium makes great insulation

[@artienye2094]

in the late 90s i bought a 1984 yanmar 155D tractor it only had 135 hrs on it....same color as yours it too was 4x4...i did a lot of trail work with it...it ran good...i never got stuck

[@survivingringworm2202]

It's a fun one! Amazing what that little thing can do. Trying to get it out to move some gravel right now but the trails are still all mud.

[@kayakdan7013]

A suggestion based on "the boss of the swamp"s video. Take less than optimal logs and lay them sideways on the low parts of your road and then fill with sand. They call it corduroy. It'll rot over time, but last quite a while and raise up low spots. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGO6pWeEjs5sq7c

[@raw6460]

I was about to say that

[@rxpusher131]

I love your video.

[@survivingringworm2202]

Thanks!

[@chuckorsburn4452]

May use an old towel to soak up water on floor. Use the heat from boiling water to dry out towel. Find a way to hang the towel over pot. Heat rises. Use it. Just some idea. I was just thinking. May or may not work.

[@kylehershberger1029]

loving your channel bud keep it up...and maybe when the ground thaws dig a root cellar

[@survivingringworm2202]

So much rock!

[@judyrobinson9556]

UN-REAL!! i just started watching your videos. this one was truly astounding...all the stuff you have to go thru to thaw things out. i live in Wisconsin, so i know cold & snow. i've camped in the snow & it's great. i enjoyed getting up at dawn & checking out all the critter tracks from overnight & identifying them. i camp in a camper with heat & an electric blanket. oh yes! so i'm not in your league at all, but we each do camping the way we enjoy it. i live in a house full time. i was wondering where you go when you say you've been gone for a few days or where you pre-cooked your bacon. do you have a dwelling somewhere? i have done the outdoor bathing thing when it was in the 20's, with hot water. i was amazed the first time i did it that i wasn't cold at all, once i started pouring hot water over myself. i'll continue to watch your jaw-dropping videos. you must have to work somewhere to afford all the equipment you have. so many questions. maybe you can answer some of them on your vids. thanks.

[@AlexandruBotezatu]

I'd try and run wires from the batteries into a plug to snap in place of the battery. Keep the battery insulated or close to the body.

[@kdcreek5411]

Use a survivalist kit with tarp like a tent and it will thaw out your lines, you can probably set the tarp over your tub to melt the ice for dumping .

[@Markam248]

Corduroy road.? Lay logs across the trail. Then back fill with sand and dirt.

[@chrisschultz6541]

Try a curious moment. Take some black tarp(if you have any), and wrap your batteries in it, place it in the daytime sun. It may be enough heat to use them. Kind of like a solar oven.

[@Jesse-bb4qj]

The Sawyer bag.... Those filters explicitly say *broken if frozen* or something to that effect

[@bufffhr]

Been following since mid Spring have to say impressive chainsaw skills and resolve to spend a 2nd winter in a tent. Two things come to mind that could help out with your food/water Freezing issues as well as clothes drying and i guess showering... Ever thought of building a sauna and id suggest adding a rocket mass heater to that building. By firing up the sauna with all the mass of the stones would keep the building reasonably warm for awhile keeping your water and food unfrozen and well can easily dry your sleeping bag daily. By adding some mass to that firewood stove youd keep heat going longuer. The rocket mass heater well even with the unimpressiveness of cedar as fuel its efficiency would easilly make up for it. As you pointed out in this video the tool shed is fine and all but with cedar and mainly green at that as well all the humidity will keep accumulating as the ground thaw's and freezes.

[@bufffhr]

or something like this could greatly help : kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5areHeobZaLra8

[@survivingringworm2202]

I've seen that video! I was actually thinking of making some sort of fireplace from several layers of bricks. Or even a foot of dirt just to hold the heat. Thin, cheap wood stoves with cedar isn't even worth the time. You get 3x as much heat just chopping the wood...

[@don50oh90]

Yooper's are crazy....love it up in the UP.....watching

[@survivingringworm2202]

Sooper crazy!

[@zulufoxx3829]

@@survivingringworm2202 Which general area of the UP are you located in...N S E W...? I'd like to do some winter camping....Just short on $ & equipment...

[@survivingringworm2202]

You really don't need to spend much $ as long as you choose the right days/nights to be out. Nights in the 20's, you can double up on summer sleeping bags and sleeping pads.