Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
Head to squarespace.com/paulmessner to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PAULMESSNER
WIN a Full Wild Camping Setup including Nortent Varde 1 raffall.com/413641/enter-raffle-to-win-full-wild-camping-setup-hosted-by-paulmessner
It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster week involving an unexpected trip to A&E, so today I’m sharing a candid look at the health scare that’s forced me onto some much-needed "gardening leave." I’m diving into the reality of being a full-time creator—from algorithm struggles and dealing with trolls to my honest advice for anyone starting their own outdoor channel. We also manage to fit in some proper gear talk, tent recommendations, and my hiking plans for the rest of 2026.
Check out other gear I use here messner.co.uk/gearlist
I've started sharing my routes over on Hiiker. They've kindly given me a discount via my affiliate link
https://hiiker.app/pricing?via=paul and then you can download to my routes here https://hiiker.app/users/6h3F8tE4psSp4WtyBUP5MUy8Bo22/hikes and use the app to navigate you.
I'll be uploading all my future hikes here.
Head to messner.co.uk to WIN a Brand New Nortent Varde 1 Tent (4 Season)
patreon.com/paulmessner
Join our Patreon community for additional videos, community WhatsApp style chats and more. MASSIVE thanks to YOU. I couldn’t do this without your support.
messner.co.uk
WIN some camping gear.
StepOne boxers steponeuk.refr.cc/paulmessner Get 50% off with this link and I get a FREE pair 😉
Timestamps
0:00 – A surprise Q&A and a change of plans
0:34 – Hobby vs. Job: Do I regret going full-time?
1:43 – The "Pigeonhole" effect & algorithm struggles
3:33 – Does filming adventures ruin the experience?
5:28 – Behind the scenes: How I film & set up shots
7:22 – The pressure of sponsorships & paying bills
9:12 – A quick word from today’s sponsor
10:21 – Advice for new creators: Brands & integrity
13:30 – How to stay original in the outdoor niche
15:20 – Dealing with trolls and nasty comments
19:38 – My lowest point: The "wobble" that nearly ended it
21:03 – The Health Update: Why I ended up in A&E
24:23 – Severe hypertension & the "Silent Killer"
27:25 – Would I ever go camping with a follower?
28:34 – Tent Talk: Nordisk vs. Hilleberg Soulo
30:29 – Best 2-person tents for summer backpacking
31:28 – The best and worst tent pegs
32:27 – Multi-day hike plans: Hadrian’s Wall & the West Highland Way
34:42 – Advice I give but don’t always follow!
36:02 – My biggest "Leave No Trace" mistake
37:18 – Final thoughts & wrapping up
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.
Head to squarespace.com/paulmessner to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PAULMESSNER
WIN a Full Wild Camping Setup including Nortent Varde 1 raffall.com/413641/enter-raffle-to-win-full-wild-camping-setup-hosted-by-paulmessner
It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster week involving an unexpected trip to A&E, so today I’m sharing a candid look at the health scare that’s forced me onto some much-needed "gardening leave." I’m diving into the reality of being a full-time creator—from algorithm struggles and dealing with trolls to my honest advice for anyone starting their own outdoor channel. We also manage to fit in some proper gear talk, tent recommendations, and my hiking plans for the rest of 2026.
Check out other gear I use here messner.co.uk/gearlist
I've started sharing my routes over on Hiiker. They've kindly given me a discount via my affiliate link
https://hiiker.app/pricing?via=paul and then you can download to my routes here https://hiiker.app/users/6h3F8tE4psSp4WtyBUP5MUy8Bo22/hikes and use the app to navigate you.
I'll be uploading all my future hikes here.
Head to messner.co.uk to WIN a Brand New Nortent Varde 1 Tent (4 Season)
patreon.com/paulmessner
Join our Patreon community for additional videos, community WhatsApp style chats and more. MASSIVE thanks to YOU. I couldn’t do this without your support.
messner.co.uk
WIN some camping gear.
StepOne boxers steponeuk.refr.cc/paulmessner Get 50% off with this link and I get a FREE pair 😉
Timestamps
0:00 – A surprise Q&A and a change of plans
0:34 – Hobby vs. Job: Do I regret going full-time?
1:43 – The "Pigeonhole" effect & algorithm struggles
3:33 – Does filming adventures ruin the experience?
5:28 – Behind the scenes: How I film & set up shots
7:22 – The pressure of sponsorships & paying bills
9:12 – A quick word from today’s sponsor
10:21 – Advice for new creators: Brands & integrity
13:30 – How to stay original in the outdoor niche
15:20 – Dealing with trolls and nasty comments
19:38 – My lowest point: The "wobble" that nearly ended it
21:03 – The Health Update: Why I ended up in A&E
24:23 – Severe hypertension & the "Silent Killer"
27:25 – Would I ever go camping with a follower?
28:34 – Tent Talk: Nordisk vs. Hilleberg Soulo
30:29 – Best 2-person tents for summer backpacking
31:28 – The best and worst tent pegs
32:27 – Multi-day hike plans: Hadrian’s Wall & the West Highland Way
34:42 – Advice I give but don’t always follow!
36:02 – My biggest "Leave No Trace" mistake
37:18 – Final thoughts & wrapping up
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.
