FIRST TIME out on the trail with the Topo Mesa camper
Рет қаралды 39,136
Жыл бұрынGetting out on the trail for the first time with my new Topo Toppers Mesa wedge camper, taking the opportunity to explore some western Oregon areas I've never checked out before.
For more details about the camper, see my recent video:
• Introducing a new camp...
Topo Toppers:
www.topotoppers.com/
Alldogs Offroad/Koni 2" lift kit:
www.alldogsoffroad.com/alldog...
Alldogs Offroad wheels for Frontier/Xterra:
www.alldogsoffroad.com/alldog...
ASFIR 4x4 skid plates:
www.asfir.com/skid-plate-set-...
Yankum Ropes:
yankum.com/?afmc=softroadingt...
(use code SOFTROADINGTHEWEST for a discount off your purchase)
MAXTRAX MKII recovery boards:
adventure-imports.com/product...
LED CoLight driving lights (my large round lights)
www.led-colight.com/products/...
Warn winch:
amzn.to/3Bs9Q5u
(I bought this steel cable version and swapped in synthetic winch line from Yankum Ropes)
ScanGauge 3:
amzn.to/3HECOUe
Coleman Woodsman II camp chair:
amzn.to/38ZfcIo
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made after clicking one of my Amazon links, even if you ultimately choose another product. Purchases made via my link at Yankum also provides a small benefit to the channel. This costs you nothing, but the small commissions earned on referrals support the ongoing creation of content for this channel. Thank you!
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MUSIC CREDITS All music fully licensed via artlist.io
Farewell for Now - by Boheme
Beautiful Day - by Elad Perez
I Want To - by Livingrooms
Blue in Your Eyes - by R.A.Y. Project
@om617yota8 Жыл бұрын
No way that was a forest service cut tree, that stump was atrocious and begging for a barberchair. Donald, someone definitely didn't want you up there, and you possibly avoided a lot more trouble than just a ticket by not proceeding. Thanks for taking us along, and thanks for cleaning up the site as best you could.
@metalmtn Жыл бұрын
The ugly stump! Nasty
@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын
Yeah, I decided not to go into it in this video, but I originally filmed some bits and pieces about sketchy activity I observed. Whether that tree was felled by the forest service, or by someone criminal trying to keep people out, either way, not something I care to mess with, heh. This trip just reinforced my usual policy of pushing much further than this from town to camp. This is a really beautiful bit of western Oregon wilderness but I doubt I will camp around this area again.
@louiskudlak2241 Жыл бұрын
Just getting out is a win, loved it buddy, I reckon you get condensation on everything like rtt/tents etc , least it was not dripping, definitely not cut down by the forrest service
@om617yota8 Жыл бұрын
@@softroadingthewest Glad you're safe, sir!
@RVingwithG Жыл бұрын
@@softroadingthewest I still wish I kept my Nissan frontier 6 foot long bed, that I tried to sell to you. Now I’m living in an RV on the road. PS I’ll be camped out at cougar Creek Crossing this summer. Maybe you can come over and see me.
@crackerjackcreek Жыл бұрын
A successful excursion is accomplished the moment you leave your driveway. Anything beyond that is all icing on the cake. Appreciate all of the videos
@shaolin224 Жыл бұрын
I'm with ya on just getting out of the house and exploring and having an adventure. Also one of the perks of being a solo adventurer is that you don't have to please everyone in your group. If you don't feel comfortable in doing something, the ease of changing plans are less stressful. Luckily , from your past vids, the group you do explore with are laid back and give you the freedom to rest or explore when need be. Heck..some video creators don't even say a single word, out of the country, and just let a high quality microphone pick up natural sounds of nature whilst they go about their business. A few closed captions on certain things and that it. 1 million views in a week. The Frontier looks pretty cool with that camper from different angles BTW. Nice choice Donald👍
@krisinva Жыл бұрын
To me, a successful camping trip is one that I can enjoy the memory of (remarkably good or laughably bad), and that keeps me going back outside. Thank you for another great video!
@24Alisonall Жыл бұрын
It's about the journey!! Being in forest and near water is one of those perfect combinations, IMO. Thanks for sharing.
@michaelchudzinskl3321 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for adding the footage most KZfaqr's cut out. I think inexperienced people get discouraged when they don't find that perfect campsite the first time. Thanks for cleaning up others trash!
@izrador2264 Жыл бұрын
The backing up in reverse confessional cam, I love it!
@ChambersFamilyOverland Жыл бұрын
What constitutes a successful excursion? - being able to come home. Getting my family or myself safely home. Haha. I’ve been stuck to the point where I camped right there, I’ve had amazing adventures with no drama… it’s all whatever as long as we come out alive 😂
@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын
Ha, that's a fair definition!
@OverlandAdventureTimes Жыл бұрын
A successful trip is definitely just getting out there and exploring. You know you're always going to setup camp somewhere, exactly where is less important than the journey, no matter how close to home.
@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын
Well put.
@IronmanV5 Жыл бұрын
Great to see you out in the bush again.
@christopheranderson8619 Жыл бұрын
Finally a non boring video 🤣I too recently converted from hammock, ground tent, RTT to a similar setup and the efficiency and internal living space is a game changer! Will still utilize the hammock/ground tent in certain scenarios but sure nice to just hop in and go. You are so right out is out!
@jeffmorris739 Жыл бұрын
Just finished phase one of my Tacoma build and I am chomping at the bit to get out. Next week the high elevation roads open in the mountains south of SMNP in Tennessee and North Georgia. It's time to go! I like the new setup, very versatile. Thanks!
@Bikepro4x Жыл бұрын
Donald I’m absolutely obsessed with your videos. I love that you put out quality Frontier content. It’s so inspiring and makes me want to keep building my Frontier along with you.
@JS49614 Жыл бұрын
Being from this area as well, my immediate takeaway from this is the embarrassment and frustration from all the trash the squatters leave behind. The state "cant" or won't do anything about it. In return this ruins the great outdoors for everyone else. Same reason Weyerhaeuser closed down their land to permit only. It's a shame. Keep up the great videos, Donald, they are otherwise much appreciated
@garretlewis4103 Жыл бұрын
“Backwards backing up.” Isn’t that going forward? 😂😂😂. We went on a camping trip last weekend to go to the Highland Co. Maple Festival. We too ran into trash at camping sites. It is a shame people cannot pick up after themselves. It seems to be a growing problem. Not too many seem to care anymore and then we will loose access to the places we love to go. Our short trip was a success and we too picked up trash at our campsite. BTW….liked the Asfir 4x4 hat. Running those on my wife’s Gladiator and want to get to fuel tank skid to modify for my Colorado.
@eMotoAZ Жыл бұрын
You're right about the warm wet snow! It's hard to get anywhere and so easy to get stuck.
@pixelshark6809 Жыл бұрын
New video!! Your videos are saving my sanity right now. TY Donald. It’s like comfort food. 💙🙏
@philtelford410 Жыл бұрын
The way it was cut was incredibly unconventional and dangerous. I would guess it was not the forest service. I'm local to you and westfir is one of my favorite areas to camp up there if I need to get out for a quick trip. Great places to swim in the summer too.
@markbalancehealth Жыл бұрын
I was thinking the same thing - more like the tree (firewood?) got away from him - sketchy/amateur looking cut…
@jodoharrison8357 Жыл бұрын
My first thought was it was someone up there that didn’t want company…I’m somewhat local to the area as well, and love the location. But the groups of people trashing the area is very disheartening. Thankful for people like Donald and his group of friends that do there part to help clean up, all while providing content for us all to enjoy.
@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын
Yeah, I mean...there was a whole portion of this video I filmed about sketchy activity I observed, but it was just too complicated to explain in a video of this length. I can 100% believe this was done by someone other than the forest service. Either way...don't want to roll up there and find out. 😏
@MugOfPaul Жыл бұрын
I suspect when/if you go with diesel heat, it will completely eliminate condensation. I’ve never had worse condensation than when I used a Buddy heater.
@BackroadExploration Жыл бұрын
Loved this adventure! Seeing the camper in action and keeping you out of the rain, amazing!!
@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын
Thanks Jared!
@bigkemna87 Жыл бұрын
What I like best about this is the drone footage and the video of the scenery and the fact that there was an extended period simply displaying the natural beauty of the area with sooothing music and no talking. Very inspirational and at the same time realaxing. As far as the best things about adventures such as these, I think the entire process is what makes such a foray so awesome! I really enjoy the build up during the planning process and then the packing and finally hitting the road and getting to see things that those who don't take the initiative never will. Each adventure to me is like a vault of memories that I can reach into that almost always makes me smile and is just more inspiration to do it again.
@metaglypto Жыл бұрын
Agreed! Unplugging from the digital world and reconnecting with the real world is better than months of mental therapy. The natural world reminds and often forces me to live in the moment, and not in all of the 'what-ifs' of world politics and problems.
@insaynbcr Жыл бұрын
Your new topper has so much potential for the buildout. Totally looking forward to seeing how this progresses.
@imhidingintheshop8889 Жыл бұрын
looks super comfy!
@dalecurrier5631 Жыл бұрын
Good job Donald enjoyed another camping trip with you !!
@saltii2 Жыл бұрын
that mash potato snow has definitely been putting some wrenches into planned trips- especially in the coast range where its so uncommon to see snow late march. glad to see you still getting out there, trucks looking great
@Oregontrailblazin Жыл бұрын
I was wondering myself about that area you are in. And the fire damage. Thanks for Clarifying that so I don't go up and take that drive .. You are the best Donald. Love your neighbor.
@scottymac5174 Жыл бұрын
When I was working full time every trip I did had to be planned out in advance to the Nth degree. Now that I am retired, it's become more of just choosing a general area and going there to see what I can find. Nothing is set in stone any longer.
@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын
I really enjoy a little of both. I like having some kind of plan and some ideas of where I might find campsites, but I love improvising and have made some of my best finds just randomly exploring...I love that sense of discovery turning up an unplanned trail and finding something cool. 🙂
@rmsnwbrdr Жыл бұрын
Your shots and story telling are getting better and better. Keep it up!
@johndej Жыл бұрын
Nice to see the new camper in action! This looks like a fun trip. Thanks for sharing!
@brandonthompson6389 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing! Love what you're doing on your channel!
@TheMbn1972 Жыл бұрын
Such a sweet camper-topper!
@mikemorgan4670 Жыл бұрын
Nice video. Good to see you back on the road.
@the.vanbuzz-campingandoutd4772 Жыл бұрын
Always good to get out and learn something new along the way. The journey is what matters, get there safe and get home happier and wiser.
@jeffreyajello6046 Жыл бұрын
Great seeing the new setup in action and thanks for clearing up after those who are less thoughtful!
@chownzi2461 Жыл бұрын
I've been waiting to see this camper in action
@subjectadventure Жыл бұрын
Great video Donald! So glad to see you out in the woods again!
@TarziKV Жыл бұрын
What I enjoy the most is just going places randomly and finding something spectacular. Safe journey 🖖
@wanderantics2898 Жыл бұрын
Lovely to see another camping adventure! The new setup definitely looks neat and I hope it serves you long time!
@StacySalmans Жыл бұрын
Good to see you out enjoying the new camper. It looks like it's going to be a great addition to your adventures. Getting out is better than sitting in an office any day and is a success.
@maddrummerhef Жыл бұрын
Fellow oregonian between the lingering snow, tons of areas still closed after fires and the massive amount of land owned by weyerhauser its getting real hard to find places to get out too
@GloryousJourney Жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing your adventure. I truly appreciate your channel and the amount of work it takes to produce. I'm looking forward to viewing more of your videos. Wishing you safe travels.🌲🌲🌲
@vince4316 Жыл бұрын
Looks great!! By FAR the best set up you've had
@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын
Agreed, super happy and excited about this new chapter.
@JBlinky67 Жыл бұрын
We share the criteria for a successful trip. It's just about being out there. Thanks for a great trip.😎
@prolificnorthwest Жыл бұрын
Great video! The new camper looks perfect.
@jcblackmon Жыл бұрын
Great call on skipping the weeds and the bumper!! And your truck looks so good...great stance!! Awesome.
@marcericdavis Жыл бұрын
Good to see the new setup in action.
@YouTubeTyler Жыл бұрын
Great to see you out there. Thanks for the vid!
@campoutwestus Жыл бұрын
I'm glad you were able to get out and use the new tent topper. It seems like a really good option and I look forward to seeing how you make it work for yourself!
@denisebernard3062 Жыл бұрын
Great video! Perfect choice Mesa Camper!
@lovinthepup Жыл бұрын
Yet another extremely 'successful outing' (by any definition) resulting in your enjoyment with an added benefit of sharing an outstanding episode with your viewers for their enjoyment. No question a 'win win'! Exceptional and superb presentation as has become the norm with your channel. So real I felt I was there and was elated to experience the strike and resulting fight of the two pound trout landed from my first cast into the creek. Anxious to see your future build out creations for your Topo Topper, not to forget the hot tub.
@yurizaitsef Жыл бұрын
Man the fact that your so far out and you are finding camp sites with trash in them like that just makes me so freaken mad. I appreciate you cleaning up what you can man.
@AnonymousItinerant Жыл бұрын
Love the new setup. Congratulations
@RedSandAdventures Жыл бұрын
Love the new topper and look forward to seeing some new adventures with it
@jonnytacooutdoors Жыл бұрын
Those trips where nothing goes as planned but you keep on trekking to find a camp spot 💪🏼 great video!
@covewater Жыл бұрын
I love the new build and can't wait to see future videos! It is so sad to see all that trash laying around. But thankfully we have good people like you in this world and for that I want to say thank you.
@fahrmboy Жыл бұрын
6:10 that looks like the same stretch of road (NF-1824, almost to Saddleblanket Mountain) that I almost slid off of in similar conditions last year. Sketchy stuff, I don't mess with it, either. The area you visited is one of my favorites, too-thanks for reporting on it. I've been curious about it, because the 2021 Middle Complex burn area is fully closed, too.
@sagebrushbob2321 Жыл бұрын
I just got back from an overnight trip also. It doesn't have to be a huge trip into uncharted territory or a far remote place to be good. Anywhere I go out there I can feel the weight of being surrounded by people and commitments just fall away . A crackling fire, even a small one, and wind in the trees or on the canvas is enough to put me at peace with the world again. Your new camper is like a blank piece of canvas, waiting for the artist to bring it to life. What will it look like when you are done? What will it become in your hands? We are all waiting to find out. Good travels to you my friend.
@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын
Thanks Bob! I am waiting to find out too! 😆 I have my ideas but as I use it, my vision keeps shifting a bit. I love that I don't have to rush the build and can get out and camp in the meantime while I fine-tune my ideas.
@black_widow_overland Жыл бұрын
Very nice !!! Safe travels
@jacktough Жыл бұрын
Good stuff, man. Thanks 👍
@wabashriver4700 Жыл бұрын
Enjoy all your vids
@broinsocali Жыл бұрын
From your video with the Forester. Got me into car camping with a 2021 Outback. Thanks for the ride along.
@jamesshell8457 Жыл бұрын
Camper looks great. Love that little firepit thingy!
@JonDZ_Adventuring Жыл бұрын
The Topo Topper looks so good 👌. Love your new setup and excited to see how you build it out and get it dialed in.
@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын
Thanks Jon!
@swidahooverlanding2867 Жыл бұрын
Looks like a nice getaway! I love building the trips at home, doing the trips in the field and then the documentary of the trip once I get home. I prefer routes and destinations. I don't like bumping around not knowing where I am going. Thanks! George.
@paullydca Жыл бұрын
Successful.... simply that you got out. Love the camper idea. If I still had a truck that would be a perfect solution!
@Western-Wild Жыл бұрын
Nice work on getting into a new area! Usually can guess what part of the forest you are in pretty quickly, but it took an NF road sign for this one. That area has always felt like a bit of a no man’s land with various fire closures over the last 10 years. Thanks for sharing some cool spots out there!
@carolsmith7380 Жыл бұрын
I'd say that was a perfect camp site....sound of rippling water to put you to sleep, under the trees, off the road.
@4wadventuretrails321 Жыл бұрын
Correct old slush is the worst kind of snow. Super hard to get through. I don't think people understand until they experience it themselves 🙌🙌!
@fwdadventuresza254 Жыл бұрын
Always great to get out and that Topo looks to do the job well 👍🏻
@daneboro6847 Жыл бұрын
Great content as always thanks for the video 📹 👍
@aimlesslydriven Жыл бұрын
Awesome preview Donald!
@lavenderau6326 Жыл бұрын
Just getting out of town limits and filling my senses with the bush is a succesful camp. Too often I think people focus on the plan with huge expectations where any deviation from that means failure and they see their trip as ruined. Rather you just found what doesn't work. I plan for what could go wrong and accomodate the best I can. Then I plan to go out, what happens after that is called adventure. Coming back in one peice is always the win and surviving challenges should thing go pear shape is a bonus.
@johndiaz7240 Жыл бұрын
Keep it simple, love it.
@thomasquigley7040 Жыл бұрын
I think overland outings are a lot like skiing. As they say: A bad day of skiing is still better than a good day of work.
@barnetts9812 Жыл бұрын
Hey Guy on youtube, Donald, I've been anticipating this follow up video since your topo camper reveal. I'm certain I wasn't the only viewer 👍
@bruceyyyyy Жыл бұрын
Digging this new set up.
@Max-wd8ox Жыл бұрын
Soooo much more work compared to your old set up but at least you can take your daughter with you know. Thanks for cleaning the place up!
@matthewlockhart3226 Жыл бұрын
I'd say it was a great test run! Looking forward to more videos with the Topo Topper!
@nutthrower4415 Жыл бұрын
You used good common sense on your travels, been in that kind of snow, snd by yourself with no help it’s best to back out. It’s amazing how fast your rig will slip in be it a ditch or drop off
@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын
For sure. I know there are people who just don't get how awful this kind of snow is, but I've learned it's just not worth messing with. 😏
@screwcancerletsrace Жыл бұрын
Your truck is really coming on along nicely!
@warrenscorner Жыл бұрын
And he drives away while all of us are thinking, he has to come back for the camera. Glad the new setup is working out for you.
@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын
😆
@grandeoverland6787 Жыл бұрын
Love seeing a Nissan out there pounding the dirt! That's a great campsite to end up at for sure. Very much dig the camping set up you put together. Looking forward to how that rear bumper turns out.
@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын
LOL, me too. I've been working on it this weekend, some good progress, and some good mistakes. 😆 I'll share the good and the bad eventually.
@grandeoverland6787 Жыл бұрын
@@softroadingthewest Never mistakes! Learning experiences...unless you do same thing 3 times, then we can call it a mistake. LOL
@tjkrueger2655 Жыл бұрын
Donald- I'm sure you're three steps ahead on this, but have you thought about figuring out a way to connect the sleeping platform sections and put them on a hinge/fulcrum to raise up in one piece on a bungee or strut? Anyway, I'm jealous of that new setup, it's such a perfect solution. Great vid, thanks for showing the reality of exploring
@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын
I've already been thinking of modding the bed, yes, though it didn't occur to me to connect the platform segments. I was thinking to just replace them entirely with a new solid platform on struts. I watched a friend of mine modify her wedge camper this way while she was staying here last summer, so I know it can be done. I was originally thinking to largely emulate what she did, though another commenter pointed out I could probably achieve the same thing just using something to prop the bed panel up, or some kind of hook to the roof, which is even easier than trying to integrate gas struts. For the moment, finishing the bumper and building out the "downstairs" of the camper are the priority. Manipulating the bed panels really isn't all that bad and I can live with it for now, though I'm certain I'll eventually mod this in some way. 🙂
@williamkenyon9858 Жыл бұрын
Success= whatever you want it to be. My feelings match yours, A bad day in the woods is better than any day in the office. I say that having just come home from doing a similar trip last night. the infamous 12 hour campout is great, low expectations and can be whatever you want it to be. Great looking camper, Just what I want for my rig. Good Luck
@ddiimmkkaass9009 Жыл бұрын
Thanks, for one more pleasurable video
@nosnerd1967 Жыл бұрын
love this unit -Truck and all
@lloydmarche7263 Жыл бұрын
That’s a really nice tent set up. 👍
@CJADVENTUREOREGON Жыл бұрын
Enjoyed your video, Donald! The new camper looks cool-we are looking forward to checking it out in person! It’s so sad how much trash is just apathetically discarded in our public lands. 🙁 Thank you for picking up what you could. Also…..that cut tree……🤔
@Dutch1951x Жыл бұрын
Another great video, thanks!
@harrymills2770 Жыл бұрын
I really like the lower-profile pop-up. I think it's a great concept. I wonder if you could get one that extended over the whole cab of your truck, and the whole thing popped up. You could have a good-sized bed over the cab, and not have to fiddle between sleeping and waking configurations.
@lifeof_j Жыл бұрын
Came to check out the camper as I will be ordering one, leaving subscribed and very much enjoying your adventure/cinematography. Appreciate this content.
@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын
Enjoy your camper and thanks for watching!
@pavementendstraveler6574 Жыл бұрын
While I was watching I thought we've had everything in this episode but closed roads. Should have known you wouldn't disappoint us, Donald. Thanks for taking us along on another overnight outing.
@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын
LOL
@cliffmorgan31 Жыл бұрын
In warming spring with leftover snow/slush conditions, south facing slopes are your friend
@brotherheed00 Жыл бұрын
That collapsible fire pit is sweet. Off to Amazon I go. Our buddy heater does make a lot of condensation in our tent as well.
@ourpnwadventures Жыл бұрын
We feel your pain about trying to find camping spots with all of the mountain snow. Lol. Great video!!
@Bcoutdoorstrail Жыл бұрын
I love your videos !
@midnightadventureswa Жыл бұрын
Glad to see that you are enjoying your new, set up and getting out there and enjoying your self hope that there going set up a time for a clean up In that area there is a app name son of Smokey that you can go on and put in the gps coordinate. For places that need to be cleaned up most of the time there’s a local group that looks at the page and will go out and clean up and after it is, they will put a message saying it was cleaned up. Something you should look into. But again great video and thanks for sharing.
@waltsimonson2556 Жыл бұрын
Out and about ! 👍
@greta4615 Жыл бұрын
I’m sure you have a folks more local (hi from UT where trash and rec are also issues)-what a great opportunity for a meet up/clean up of our public lands once areas are reopened.
No Road No Problem
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