ColoradoCamperTesting a modification in sub-zero (F) temperatures that helps with priming the Svea 123 stove. I added a piece of carbon felt to the burner stem with a piece of wire. This allows more priming fuel to be used compared to the little trough and also lessens the chance of spilling the fuel. I'm very pleased with the result as I get a sub-zero stove fully primed in a single try and end up with a perfect blue flame.
Svea 123 Winter ModificationColoradoCamper2014-12-31 | Testing a modification in sub-zero (F) temperatures that helps with priming the Svea 123 stove. I added a piece of carbon felt to the burner stem with a piece of wire. This allows more priming fuel to be used compared to the little trough and also lessens the chance of spilling the fuel. I'm very pleased with the result as I get a sub-zero stove fully primed in a single try and end up with a perfect blue flame.Building the Best Alcohol Stove Out ThereColoradoCamper2018-10-12 | This is a step-by-step video of how to build a modified version of a DIY fancy feast alcohol stove. Here is a video I did that explains why this is the best alcohol stove around: youtube.com/watch?v=6XQVKLlLQjwThe Smart Way to Wax Fjallraven G-1000 ClothingColoradoCamper2018-05-05 | Waxing Fjallraven clothing trades breathability for increased weather protection. By selecting the areas you wax and the areas you don't wax, you can get the best performance possible out of your G-1000 clothing.The Perfect Camping Hatchet? Hults Bruk AnebyColoradoCamper2018-04-03 | Here is an overview of the Hults Bruk Aneby Hatchet, which feels more like a small axe than a hatchet. I think it's a perfect hatchet / small axe for camping.DIY Canister Stove WindscreenColoradoCamper2018-03-27 | How to make a windscreen for your canister stove using an empty fuel canister.My Favorite Camping GearColoradoCamper2017-11-22 | Showing off my favorite gear for camping and backpacking. Western Mountaineering Antelope sleeping bag Therm-a-rest Neo Air All Season pad Tarptent StratoSpire2 Nemo Fillo pillow DIY Fancy Feast alcohol stoves SVEA 123 stove DIY reflectix cozy pouch Opinel No. 7 carboneHike to Diamond Lakes, Indian Peaks WildernessColoradoCamper2017-09-25 | Getting one last hike in before the snow flies, up to Diamond Lakes in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Massive mountains, pristine lakes, vibrant fall colors, and some glorious alpine lake coffee.Total Solar Eclipse 2017 - HD Real TimeColoradoCamper2017-08-21 | Total solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 as seen from Casper Mountain, Wyoming. All of totality is captured here, beginning and ending with a solar filter. Camera was set to approximate what it looked like to the naked eye. There is some distortion and light scattering from high, thin clouds and wildfire smoke.Overnight Below Mt. Bierstadt and SawtoothColoradoCamper2017-07-20 | Camping in the north cirque of Mt. Bierstadt (14,060 ft) and the Sawtooth (13,780 ft) in the Mt. Evans Wilderness. I had the entire basin to myself, which was spectacular. Despite a little rain and a muddy hike out, it was a wonderful trip.Overnighter in Western ColoradoColoradoCamper2017-04-24 | Out for a quick overnight camp out in Western Colorado. This was on BLM land on the northern side of the Uncompahgre Plateau.Svea 123 Silent Minicap by BernieDawgColoradoCamper2016-11-07 | I thought the Optimus Svea 123 stove couldn't get any better. That is, until BernieDawg came up with a design for a dampening cap that replaces the flame spreader plate. The result is a much quieter burn, making the best backpacking stove around even better! BernieDawg's channel: youtube.com/user/h2ojnky Where to order: http://www.bluewaterstove.com/Bluewater_Stove_Restoration/Main_Page.htmlAn Ultralight OvernightColoradoCamper2016-06-28 | Getting out for a quick solo overnight. Everything about it was awesome! I hope you enjoy coming along for the ride.SteriPEN Classic: Initial ImpressionsColoradoCamper2015-12-04 | My initial review of the SteriPEN Classic water purification system after taking it on a few day hikes. Weight with lithium batteries: 153g / 5.4oz Tasty discount goodness: http://stp.me/ColoradoCamperDiscountDIY Simmer Ring for Fancy Feast StoveColoradoCamper2015-11-24 | Here is a simple DIY simmer ring that you can use to lower the heat output of your fancy feast alcohol stove. See Hiram's videos here for another simmer ring idea: youtube.com/watch?v=LRZkdwnRks0 youtube.com/watch?v=ywazkBCpdAs
My video of climbing Longs Peak: youtube.com/watch?v=z0CVXah07GgHikes and Sights in Yellowstone National ParkColoradoCamper2015-09-22 | During a road trip north through the Rocky Mountains, we stayed a few nights in Yellowstone National Park. This park has so much to offer, it's quite amazing. We saw geysers, mud pots, the enormous Yellowstone Lake, the stunning lower falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and tons of wildlife, too. This short video is just a sampling of all the memories we made on this trip.
Music: "The Rookie" by Martin O'Donnell and Michael SalvatoriHiking in Grand Teton National ParkColoradoCamper2015-09-15 | During a road trip north through the Rocky Mountains, we stayed a few nights in Grand Teton National Park. We managed to fit in a couple hikes, and the views were nothing short of spectacular! This short video cannot do them justice - if you ever have a chance to visit here, you simply must do so.Unboxing Hirams Box of Trade Goods and Give-away AnnouncementColoradoCamper2015-06-08 | Hiram’s give-away: youtube.com/watch?v=wU6IYR29Jaw Hiram’s channel: youtube.com/user/MrHiramCook
This video is an unboxing of a sample prize that Hiram is giving away on his channel, a Box of Trade Goods. He wants to thank his loyal viewers for their patience during his absence from YouTube. Please see his video, linked above, for details on his contest and how to enter.
Thank you, Hiram, for generously sending me this box of useful goodies! I look forward to more videos from you.SOL Thermal Bivvy TestColoradoCamper2015-05-30 | In this video I test the SOL Thermal Bivvy in a mock scenario where I have to spend the night outdoors with only my typical day hike gear and clothing. This is my first time every using it, so it’s more of a test video than a full review. I pitched a tarp just so I wouldn’t get rained out, since I wanted to get this test done before overnight temperatures warm up any higher.
It was an uncomfortable night, but I was much warmer than I thought I’d be. In a true survival situation, I think adding some bedding from spruce branches or leaves, and also building a fire, would allow me to easily make it through an unintended night safely and in good health.
Overnight low temperature was approximately 46F with a slight breeze. I woke up to plenty of dew on the grass. The bivvy kept the water out, but it also built up considerable condensation inside.
Below is a full list of the clothing I was wearing: Mid weight wool socks Synthetic hiking pants Rain pants Long sleeve synthetic shirt Rain jacket Down puffy jacket Buff (worn as a beanie hat) Backpack (under torso for insulation) Shoes (used as pillow)DIY Beer Can WindscreenColoradoCamper2015-05-20 | A tutorial for making a DIY beer can wind screen so you can have the coolest windscreen in camp for your alcohol stove. All you will need is some basic household tools and a few empty beer cans. I have used these wind screens for the past 4-5 years and they work extremely well and are sure to get some attention at the campsite.The Best Alcohol Stove Out There (IMO)ColoradoCamper2015-02-06 | Here is my favorite alcohol stove to take camping, a DIY Fancy Feast, and why I prefer it to the many I’ve tried. In my opinion, it’s the overall best alcohol stove out there.
Large capacity stove weight: 25g / 0.88oz Small capacity stove weight: 20g / 0.71ozSawyer Mini Water FilterColoradoCamper2014-12-28 | Here is a review of the Sawyer Mini water filter system. Initially I thought it was going to be the ultimate combination of versatility, convenience, and light weight. But for my needs, it ended up being a lot more trouble than I thought. I only recommend it if you use soft water bottles, in-line bladder filters, or set it up as a gravity filter. If you use regular old soda bottles like I do, it is a pain in the ass to use.
Video of use in field: youtube.com/watch?v=lGxGSu4hIH4Backcountry Stand Up PaddleboardingColoradoCamper2014-09-20 | Just enjoying a beautiful alpine lake on my inflatable stand up paddleboard (SUP). This is the Tahoe SUP Alpine Explorer up at Long Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
The mountains I couldn't remember are Apache Peak on the left and Shoshoni Peak on the right.
Inflatable paddleboards have gotten light enough such that they are backpack-transportable over long distances, so why not heft one up to a backcountry lake near you? You'll get a view and experience that simply can't be had from the shore.Opinel Knives: My TakeColoradoCamper2014-08-01 | My initial impressions on some Opinel knives that I have been carrying for a couple weeks - a No. 6 Inox stainless and a No. 7 Carbone. In sum, after correcting some unacceptable quality control problems I'm happy with them and they will suit my needs very well. I was in the market for a lightweight utility knife for backpacking, rock climbing, and mountaineering, and Opinels are well suited and at a great price.My Backpack ContentsColoradoCamper2014-07-01 | Here is my entire backpack load for an overnight backpacking trip.
Gear Weights (in order of appearance) REI Flash 45 Backpack: 1009g/35.6oz Collapsible Dog Bowl: 147g/5.2oz Water Bottle: 40g/1.4oz Dog Leash: 99g/3.5oz Mountain Hardwear Quark Rain Jacket: 270g/9.5oz Marmot Precip Rain Pants: 351g/12.4oz OR 5L Food Bag (bag only): 57g/2.0oz Gossamer Gear 1/4" Foam Pad: 171g/6.0oz Sawyer Mini Filter: 48g/1.7oz Sawyer Mini + Pouch + Straw: 76g/2.7oz Petzl e-Lite: 29g/1.0oz Petzl e-Lite + Case: 47g/1.7oz UL First Aid Kit: 166g/5.9oz Random Bottles of Stuff: 88g/3.1oz Six Extra Titanium Stakes: 29g/1.0oz Toothbrush and Paste: 46g/1.6oz Stoic Titanium Spoon: 15g/0.5oz Trash Compactor Bag: 63g/2.2oz Cook Kit (excluding fuel): 225g/7.9oz Dog Sweater: 120g/4.2oz OR Gloves: 79g/2.8oz Stoic Ski Socks: 120g/4.2oz Top Base Layer: 157g/5.5oz Bottom Base Layer: 224g/7.9oz Mountain Hardwear Nitrous Down Jacket: 315g/11.1oz Silk Sleeping Bag Liner: 141g/5.0oz Nemo Fillo Pillow: 309g/10.9oz Therm-a-rest NeoAir All Season Pad: 610g/21.5g Western Mountaineering Antelope Sleeping Bag: 1210g/42.7oz Tarptent StratoSpire2 Tent: 1216g/42.9oz TOTAL PACK BASE WEIGHT: 7400g/261oz/16.3lbs (excludes consumables like fuel, food, and water)
This particular load is tailored for camping with my dog, above 11,500 feet, in the early summer, with overnight temperatures expected to be in the low 30's or upper 20's.
Gear Reviews: REI Flash 45: youtube.com/watch?v=tZA-5e9Ox1M Tarptent StratoSpire 2: youtube.com/watch?v=Ya9-HBWkWoI Ruffwear Singletrak Dog Pack: youtube.com/watch?v=NKjx3LlCPWg UL First Aid Kit: youtube.com/watch?v=YrH3SwNiXi8 Victorinox Rambler: youtube.com/watch?v=rgPqfsJh0AY Spyderco Sage: youtube.com/watch?v=CFKdSeLvvUA Stoic 700ml Titanium Pot: youtube.com/watch?v=ZuWgnD7cVYAContinental Divide Trail, Alpine Lakes, & St. Marys GlacierColoradoCamper2014-06-28 | ***WARNING: WIND NOISE IN THIS VIDEO*** It was one of those days when nature decides that camping above tree line is a bad idea. So after cancelling my planned destination, I tried to salvage the day in an area that's safer to be in when thunderstorms threaten. I hiked on the CDT for a few miles, stopped by some alpine lakes (Loch Lomond, Reynolds Lake, Steuart Lake, and Ohman Lake) and finally descended St. Mary's Glacier.Ultralight First Aid KitColoradoCamper2014-02-19 | This is the first aid kit I always carry in the backcountry. I took an Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight .3 and made many additions and modifications to it (http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/m...). The result is a kit that is amazingly useful and capable for its size. Being ultralight, it's never a burden to take with me, even for a short hike. Total weight of the kit (excluding the Swiss Army knife and tape on my trekking poles): 5.75ozREI Flash 45 BackpackColoradoCamper2013-12-23 | This is a review of the REI Flash 45 backpack. I think it's an excellent pack for the price and besides a few minor complaints, I highly recommend it.
Test Specifications: GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist pot Mini Trangia burner 1cup (237ml) of water for each test 57 degrees F starting water temperature 63 degrees F ambient room temperature 15g of SLX denatured alcohol used in each test 30 minutes between tests to ensure everything has cooled Test starts after burner blooms and pot is placed on Test ends when water reaches 200 degrees F
Data: Pot-to-burner separation / boil time 2.0 inches / 4:09 1.75 inches / 3:39 1.5 inches / 3:33 1.25 inches / 3:37 1.0 inches / 3:59 0.75 inches / 4:57Bike Commuting in Freezing TemperaturesColoradoCamper2013-11-12 | I demonstrate the various clothing and layers I use to stay warm and comfortable while biking in freezing temperatures. The gear in this video works well for temperatures between 40 and 20 deg F.Tarptent StratoSpire 2: First ImpressionsColoradoCamper2013-09-22 | Here are my initial impressions of the Tarptent StratoSpire 2. I've spent a total of three nights in it over two trips, one with perfect weather and the other was quite rainy. So far, I'm vastly impressed with the tent and if it continues to perform as it has, it will be one of my favorite pieces of kit.
Trip #1 was an overnighter at approximately 11,100ft. I had a friend and my dog with me in the tent. With clear skies, we enjoyed amazing views, plenty of room, and excellent ventilation in the StratoSpire 2, all while staying bug free. It was particularly enjoyable to wake up and look outside to the alpenglow on the mountains.
Trip #2 was a two-nighter at approximately 11,700ft. I slept in the tent with my dog and my dad's dog. We had rain on and off the entire trip, with some heavy rain at night. Everything inside the tent and inside the vestibules stayed 100% dry. I did have some condensation in the tent when it was all battened down, but the inner mesh wall kept me from ever touching the condensation, so it wasn't a problem. All things considered, the StratoSpire 2 was a spacious palace during the soggy weather, and the dogs and I were happy to be warm and dry.Viewer Feedback RequestColoradoCamper2013-08-13 | A quick request for feedback about the nature of my future gear review videos.Ruffwear Singletrak Dog PackColoradoCamper2013-06-21 | A review of Jack's Ruffwear Singletrak Dog Hydration Pack. It has severed us well and I think both Jack and I are very pleased with it.Overnighter at Gross ReservoirColoradoCamper2013-06-18 | Bushwhacking, fishing, gear testing, and camping out at Gross Reservoir near Boulder with Jack.Arapahoe Pass Day HikeColoradoCamper2013-06-10 | Jack and I got out on a much-needed hike in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. We trudged through the snow all the way up to the continental divide at Arapahoe Pass. It was a grueling hike, but the picturesque scenery and solitude was well worth it.Spyderco Sage KnifeColoradoCamper2013-05-05 | Here is a quick review of my current EDC (every day carry) knife: the Spyderco Sage. Long story short, it rocks. I am very pleased with it and based on the last six months, I imagine it will serve me for many years to come.Contest WinnersColoradoCamper2013-04-03 | Congratulations to the winners! Please send me your prize choice in a private message along with your shipping information. For those who didn't win, I'm sure I'll have another contest before too long. In any case, thanks for entering, thank you for the feedback and questions, and thank you for watching.Patagonia: Mount Fitz RoyColoradoCamper2013-03-28 | The Patagonian adventure concludes with a truly epic hike to Laguna de Los Tres at the base of the colossal Mount Fitz Roy. A chilly morning hiking through a gentle forest along Rio Blanco eventually gave way to a steep climb to the lake. On the way back to town, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the Fitz Roy massif, eventually resting our tired feet at the cerveceria in El Chalten for a well-deserved beer.
Mount Fitz Roy Parque Nacional de Los Glaciares Patagonia, ArgentinaPatagonia: Cerro TorreColoradoCamper2013-03-22 | Our Patagonian adventure continues with a gorgeous hike through a vibrant forest to the glacial pool at the base of Cerro Torre. The hike granted spectacular views of the margarita-colored Rio Fitz Roy, Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Solo, Glaciar Grande, Glaciar Torre, and of course the needle-like spire of Cerro Torre. The setting was nothing short of humbling.
Cerro Torre Parque Nacional de Los Glaciares Patagonia, ArgentinaPatagonia: Perito Moreno GlacierColoradoCamper2013-03-21 | **WARNING: HIGH WIND NOISE IN THIS VIDEO!** On our recent vacation to Argentina, we got to experience a glacier up close and personal with a day of ice trekking. Big calving events, ice bergs, crevasses, moulins, melt water streams, incredible blue pools, big mountains, and milky glacial lakes made for a truly unforgettable day!
Perito Moreno Glacier Parque Nacional de Los Glaciares Patagonia, ArgentinaContest! 500 Subs and 2 Year AnniversaryColoradoCamper2013-03-01 | Thank you to all of my subscribers and viewers! Good luck!
PRIZES: -SVEA 123 White Gas Stove: Used but refurbished and restored to excellent condition.
-Ultralight Cook Kit with Set of Alcohol Stoves: Includes a brand new Stoic 700ml titanium pot with lid and mesh carry sack, homemade beer can wind screen, super cat alcohol stove, open jet alcohol stove with built in pot stands, and hybrid side burner alcohol stove.
-Set of Alcohol Stoves: super cat alcohol stove, open jet alcohol stove with built in pot stands, and hybrid side burner alcohol stove.
RULES: -Open to new and current subscribers -Open to international subscribers -Must be a subscriber to my channel to enter -Contest ends on March 31st
HOW TO ENTER: -Post a comment on this video. Just say "I'm in," followed by a question, request, positive feedback, or negative feedback.
DRAWING: -Drawing will be done using a random number generator. -Winner #1 will be chosen from the 491 current subscribers at the time this video was posted, and will have his/her choice of the three prizes. -Winner #2 will be chosen from all entrants, new and old, and will have his/her choice between the remaining two prizes. -Winner #3 will be chosen from all entrants, new and old, and will win the leftover prize.Ka-Bar BK14 Eskabar KnifeColoradoCamper2013-02-17 | Here is a look at the Ka-Bar BK14 Eskabar knife that I carry into the woods when I need a stout fixed blade. This knife is a joint venture between Ka-Bar Becker Knife & Tool and ESEE Knives, utilizing the blade form the BK11 and the handle from the Izula.Sleeping Gear Cold TestColoradoCamper2013-01-31 | Taking advantage of a cold snap to test out my Western Mountaineering Antelope MF sleeping bag and Therm-a-rest Neo Air All Season pad.
Outside temperatures were 11 degrees Fahrenheit. I was sleeping with a silk liner and a basic set of base layers and wool socks. I woke up with frost covering the inside of the tent and even some frost on the bag itself but I was toasty warm all night long.GSI Outdoors Personal Java PressColoradoCamper2013-01-05 | A quick look at the Personal Java Press from GSI Outdoors. I think it's an excellent french press that brews great coffee and is solidly constructed. It's perfect for use at home and car camping. And if the bulk and weight are worth it for you, it would work great in the back country too. Though for me, I'll stick to cowboy coffee to save the bulk and weight of this in my pack.Woodgas StovesColoradoCamper2012-10-27 | Let's take a look at the two wood gas stoves I've built. I have a small one that works well for backpacking and a larger one for car camping or just enjoying the ambiance of a fire in the backyard. These are great for Leave No Trace since you don't need to build fire rings, they burn everything except a small amount of ash and charcoal, and you can just scatter or bury the remaining ash. It's also nice to have a fire in the woods that burns nearly smoke free while putting out plenty of heat for cooking.
They are made from paint cans and food cans.GSI Minimalist vs Stoic Titanium 700ColoradoCamper2012-10-18 | Two solo pots, the GSI Halulite Minimalist and the Stoic 700 Titanium Kettle, go head to head. I compare the two pots in terms of weight, boil speed, and cost/value. They have some significant differences and each one will likely appeal to different types of hikers and backpackers.
Since I haven't been able to get the Stoic out on a trip yet, I will withhold my final judgment. But I love the Minimalist, so the titanium pot would have to be outstanding to replace the Minimalist. Time will tell.Svea 123 StoveColoradoCamper2012-08-05 | Here is an in-depth review of the Optimus Svea 123 stove. I go over the features of the stove, do a boil test, and compare the weight with a more modern backpacking stove.
The Svea 123 is my favorite white gas stove. It is the only stove in its class that I can truly depend on to fire up and cook my meals every time. I've never had to fiddle with it in the field, it has never failed me. It may be an older than me, but if I take care of it my kids will be able to use it one day. If you're in the market for a new liquid fuel stove, I think this one deserves a serious look.Fly Fishing for Cutthroat at Fryingpan LakesColoradoCamper2012-07-26 | Fly fishing for the Colorado-native greenback cutthroat trout at the pristine Fryingpan Lakes while drinking lake-chilled beer with my dad and brother. Can life possibly get better?
This is some footage of the dozens of fish we landed. I hope it's not too boring watching a guy fish.Tarp Shelter SetupsColoradoCamper2012-06-08 | I demonstrate some useful tarp setups for camping: lean-to, A-frame, modified A-frame, half pyramid, and flying diamond/wing. Each pitch has its advantages and disadvantages, so make sure you choose a pitch that's right for the conditions you encounter and what your preferences are. Tarps are so versatile that it would take hours to demonstrate all of the possible setups, so this is just an introduction to a lot of the simple and popular pitches.
The tarp being used is an 8'x10' silnylon Cooke Custom Sewing Trundra Tarp, made by Dan Cooke in Minnesota.