Unexpected spring snowstorm hits us in the backcountry

Рет қаралды 28,151

Жыл бұрын

I'm out in the backcountry for a low-key overnight excursion with a buddy, but it seems like the snow just doesn't want to stop this year. After exploring snow-covered trails and scoring a beautiful riverfront campsite, the snow starts falling...
Some of the gear I use:
Topo Toppers Mesa wedge camper:
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)
Warn winch:
amzn.to/3Bs9Q5u
(I bought this steel cable version and swapped in synthetic winch line from Yankum Ropes)
MAXTRAX MKII recovery boards:
adventure-imports.com/product...
LED CoLight driving lights (my large round lights)
www.led-colight.com/products/...
Diode Dynamics SS3 LED pods (my amber pods)
amzn.to/341SWv2
Claymore 3 Face camp light:
amzn.to/2wo2sKq
de Buyer 9½" carbon steel frying pan
amzn.to/3iwQlky
Reliance Beverage Buddy 4-gallon water container
amzn.to/2Sf7Gnr
Coleman Woodsman II camp chair:
amzn.to/38ZfcIo
Mr. Heater Buddy
amzn.to/2UyX3Kw
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!
--------------------------
If you enjoy my work and would like to more directly support my efforts, consider joining my Patreon page with a small monthly contribution. Patrons receive access to exclusive extra content and other benefits:
/ softroadingthewest
----------------------------
MUSIC CREDITS All music fully licensed via artlist.io
The Hammer - by Michael Witt
Walking in Forests - by Ben Winwood
Sundown - by Liquid Memoirs

Пікірлер: 109

@pala4833 Жыл бұрын

Loetje and I really enjoyed our little adventure with you. Fun to see "how the sausage gets made". Beautiful results.

@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын

Thanks Chuck, it was a great time and stoked with our campsite find. 🤘 See you again soon I'm sure.

@bobdemichele1542 Жыл бұрын

Great adventure. Nice to get out in the woods no matter what the condition are. Love the Scot camper!!

@roneggleston9676 Жыл бұрын

Nice video; perhaps one of your best in my opinion. Our area speaks for itself and your video showed it. It's been an interesting Spring so far...Winter just won't let go...lol.

@freelander2_litelander Жыл бұрын

Again. Your framing and edits are stunning. The overhead and amazing contrast at 2:49 was 🤯. Great work. 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿

@JCreole Жыл бұрын

Wow….that scout is top heavy…looks sketchy

@louiskudlak2256 Жыл бұрын

Yeah absolutely, horrible for 4wdriving

@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын

Not to worry. Chuck has traveled extensively in that truck/camper for years. He doesn't really do crazy off-road trails, his truck is a prerunner, not a 4x4. He seems to have things under control. 🙂

@whoozy2261 Жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest lol all it takes is for it to tip over once

@louiskudlak2256 Жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest yeah cool, appreciate the response 👌

@gringo3009 Жыл бұрын

River is flowing good!

@PrimalOutdoors Жыл бұрын

That is one of favorite spots.👍

@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын

Easy to understand why.

@pala4833 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the inspiration! The puppy loved it.

@samueljlarson Жыл бұрын

This makes me want to get out and do some spring truck camping even more. Great content!

@JBlinky67 Жыл бұрын

From slo-mo fire and rivers rushing, to waking up to 3" of snow, that was fantastic. 😎

@barnetts9812 Жыл бұрын

As always, thanks for sharing.

@JeffBreyer Жыл бұрын

Gotta say that Scout makes that Taco look small. Beautiful ending there. Frontier Looked in it's element.

@pala4833 Жыл бұрын

Yeah I agree. I never get to see it since I'm always driving. Imagine what the cab is like with that giant mutt in there.

@tomlorenzen4062 Жыл бұрын

@@pala4833 what does it weigh?

@pala4833 Жыл бұрын

@@tomlorenzen4062 I've loaded it up and hit the scale at the dump on my way out of town. GVWR is something like 5200# and the scale weight was around 5450#.

@pala4833 Жыл бұрын

@@tomlorenzen4062 Just rechecked my notes. GVWR is 5100# Scale was 5340#

@tomlorenzen4062 Жыл бұрын

@@pala4833 I'm sorry I meant just the camper

@Jointman3 Жыл бұрын

Well done. It is really beautiful

@shaolin224 Жыл бұрын

Looks so peaceful out there. The slowed down video of the snow falling and the dog staring at the camera like a deer in the headlights was the perfect speed setting

@clifford_overland Жыл бұрын

Nice to see a Donald video with my Sunday morning coffee. Cool wool hoodie 😆

@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын

I can hook you up with the talented seamstress who makes them, let me know. 🤣

@clifford_overland Жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest I think you meant seamster 🤣

@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын

@@clifford_overland Tomayto tomahto 😂

@clifford_overland Жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest that would be boy or girl, wrong again 😂

@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын

@@clifford_overland Says you. I've never verified, though perhaps Shi can confirm... 😂

@black_widow_overland Жыл бұрын

Excellent video. I need to out more. 😢. Safe travels

@tmherrin Жыл бұрын

Good job on the video. Looking forward to some mudding videos when the snow starts to melt :)

@KnittedSchnauzer Жыл бұрын

What a wonderfully flowing visual story.

@KodiakJeep.BushcraftHiker Жыл бұрын

Fantastic video!

@chingon_grandpa Жыл бұрын

That scout looks sketchy as hell..Great video! Thanks for sharing.

@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын

Thanks! And not to worry. Chuck has traveled extensively in that truck/camper for years. He doesn't really do crazy off-road trails, his truck is not a 4x4. He seems to have things under control. 🙂

@kevinthomson6324 Жыл бұрын

Something so beautiful when you see a forest under a fresh blanket of snow. Looking forward to seeing your design for the new topper

@midnightadventureswa Жыл бұрын

Well done

@michaelnares1217 Жыл бұрын

Haven’t even finished viewing the entire video and I have to commend you on the editing and music, great job!👏

@erichughes9098 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Donald 😎👍

@redhillsoverland Жыл бұрын

What a peaceful video! Definitely love the area you where in for this video!

@tpseeker3367 Жыл бұрын

Happy Easter Donald. Thanks for sharing another Beautiful outing.

@avid.venture Жыл бұрын

Great video. I really enjoyed that. As much as Im happy to see winter move over to spring, it makes me a little sad not to wake up to a fresh snowfall anymore. Oh well! Cant beat the heat on the face!

@sierramantrvlnus Жыл бұрын

Yay!

@Grebig Жыл бұрын

Great video, I have a Frontier, and love it. I like what you have done with yours. Stay safe out there, and have a good one.

@artem1085 Жыл бұрын

Relax 😊 thanks 🙏

@IronmanV5 Жыл бұрын

I needed this. Happy Easter.

@tegucigalpa2 Жыл бұрын

Very nice 🙂 Soothing sounds, music and narration. Well done!

@TheCabrooster11 Жыл бұрын

There’s some great drone footage in this episode Donald especially the the post snowstorm over the forest.

@kennb.3389 Жыл бұрын

Like your new setup. It's going to be fun to watch its progress and variations. That Scout taco combo scares me !

@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын

Not to worry. Chuck has traveled extensively in that truck/camper for years. He doesn't really do crazy off-road trails, his truck is not a 4x4. He seems to have things under control. 🙂

@mikemorgan4670 Жыл бұрын

Really good video. Very satisfying.

@louiskudlak2256 Жыл бұрын

Great to see you again buddy 👍🏿 miss your videos, that Toyota looks very top heavy and awkward

@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын

Content will probably still be sporadic for the next month or so as I'm buried with a massive long-term client project. Should be back to a normal flow for the second half of the year. 👍 Thanks for watching!

@fwdadventuresza254 Жыл бұрын

Wow! Awesome camp and fantastic scenery 👍🏻

@johnwalker3263 Жыл бұрын

The wedge camper is very attractive for traveling and I wouldn’t trade it for the scout, but with that snow coming down I have to admit I’d have rather slept in it!

@pala4833 Жыл бұрын

Snug and cozy, drifting off to sleep in a whiskey haze by the light of the Dickinson fireplace.

@tannerlightfoot1688 Жыл бұрын

If I ever come up your way I’d love to meet up and camp. I also have a Pro4x - I have a travel trailer and Gazelle tent. Best of both worlds 😄

@OutOfOfficeCamping Жыл бұрын

So great to see you having fun with the new Topo. Cool to see you had Chuck with his Scout. I've always liked the overall design philosophy of the company. Plug and play systems keeping it all simple. Says a lot from a company which makes 3 different brands of slide in campers. Very cool! Congratulations again on the new set up! Mark (& Teresa) Hampstead Maryland Ford Ranger - GFC Camper V2 #1919

@pala4833 Жыл бұрын

Mark, I'm super happy with both the camper and the company. As you say, the modularity, and minimal systems is exactly why we bought it. That, and the Dickinsen heater, which is actually ever better than we hoped. My Yoho was one of the first out of the factory so there were definitely some "First Model Year" issues. Ryan (customer service) and Krystal (warrantees) both bent over backwards to be helpful.

@OutOfOfficeCamping Жыл бұрын

@@pala4833 Chuck that's so great to hear. Love for you to get Donald to do a walk around if you felt comfortable plus he felt it was fitting for his viewers. I don't thank folks understand just how light the Scouts campers are. Plus how simple the systems that come with them. Yes I love the Dickinson heaters and sure would love to have one. I'm not sure if you know but they also make that same model in a Wood and Diesel model. Also besides the start up they use next to extreamly little power. Plus in this day and age you can find a Dollar General in the middle of no place to do a tank swap. Added bonus you can enjoy the beauty of the flame. Win win! But you know all that. 🤣 you own one! Once again hope to see you out on the channel in the future. Thank you for the reply. 🛻+⛺️=🙂 Mark (& Teresa) Hampstead Maryland Ford Ranger - GFC Camper V2 #1919

@pnwxplore Жыл бұрын

Great video man!

@jonnytacooutdoors Жыл бұрын

Love the video

@elaine8477 Жыл бұрын

There's nothing more peaceful than snow falling especially camping, though logistics can ecome interesting. Beautiful scene with the river fire puppy and just chilling out.

@danielcargill8019 Жыл бұрын

It's quite the winter out west this year, Massachusetts got only one big storm and mostly rain in Boston.

@artofoverland 8 ай бұрын

Planning a snow trip. If you find my Sequoia in the wilderness, just know we had fun! My footage and Lumix gear is free for the taking, just leave us frozen behind for the Overland Research Committee in the year 2097

@kensai77 Жыл бұрын

Now I'm curious about that Scout on the Tacoma!

@pala4833 Жыл бұрын

Ask me anything.

@brentkellner5107 Жыл бұрын

@pala4833 is it a special order to fit older Gen tacoma?

@pala4833 Жыл бұрын

@@brentkellner5107 Nope. It's their smallest model. Fits between a 40" wheel well.

@jimrobertson3753 11 ай бұрын

Looks like a camping spot I've used many times out state rec road in lapine Oregon

@rcjames5286 Жыл бұрын

👍👍

@kristianhagerup978 Жыл бұрын

@softroadingthewest I like your coat Donald! Where’d you get it??😅

@elizettlemoyer1197 Жыл бұрын

Where’s this at? I live in Oregon and would love to go and camp here, looks beautiful!

@LorenDavis Жыл бұрын

What forest and/or location were you in? Great video

@IcyReaper Жыл бұрын

Any problems with water leaks from the front of the cap? I've seen reviews on that brand that keeps talking about front end leaks.

@easttn_pro4x Жыл бұрын

I’ve been meaning to ask if you are still running with your ADO medium coils after adding your bumper and winch or did you need to switch to the heavy ones?

@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын

Yes, still the medium. We put them on knowing I would have a winch on the front; I actually had already made the bumper when we installed this kit (it's very lightweight in any case). I think if one were running something like the ARB bumper or some other big, heavy-duty steel bumper, it might be another story. I think the mediums are the right fit for me.

@christopherhusta9915 Жыл бұрын

How you liking the wheels? Seriously thinking about the ADO 16s in bronze for my fronty. Any adverse affects in scrub or turning changing the offset by 20mm? And worry about wheel bearings? Love the rig by the way!

@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын

I absolutely LOVE these wheels. I love this clean (and easy to clean) design, and the offset is just perfect to improve the stance without going crazy. I have a little rub at full lock but part of that may be the oversize tires. I doubt it's significant enough poke to really impact wheel bearings...nothing like what I see some people doing. :-)

@christopherhusta9915 Жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest your comment just cost me 1200 bucks lol

@rogerulmann9847 Жыл бұрын

beautiful place... but..why would I use a gas stove for cooking when I have a fire??? (Sorry I'm a crazy outdoor person from Australia) I really like your country!!!

@coachezhevsky5378 Жыл бұрын

More temperature control. Won't burn your hands either!

@swidahooverlanding2867 Жыл бұрын

3rd!

@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын

Haha! Thanks George!

@swidahooverlanding2867 Жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest Thanks for posting! Love little adventures in the spring. See you on the trails. George.

@darrylk808 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful... Your friend Chuck's camper makes it look like the truck is top heavy? Maybe he should look into Topo?

@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын

Not to worry. Chuck has traveled extensively in that truck/camper for years. He doesn't really do crazy off-road trails, his truck is not a 4x4. He seems to have things under control. 🙂

@barnetts9812 Жыл бұрын

Question... How's the weathermax 80 material in the cold? Stiff? Hard to roll or fold down? Thank you.

@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын

I've had no issue at all. I think the stiffness/thickness may actually be a plus when trying to fold it down, because it tends to stay where you put it. I give it one push inward from the left side and one push inward from the right side as I'm bringing the lid down and it largely settles into place, even on this snowy morning. I could see how a lighter weight material might want to billow and puff more. I was also pleasantly surprised at how little it buffeted in the wind even camped right on the beach parked broadside to the incoming storm. I got this camper fully prepared to endure some tent noise on windy nights, but it was nothing like camping in my tent. With the truck rocking in the wind like a cradle, I literally slept like a baby. :-)

@barnetts9812 Жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest encouraging, thank you.

@jarrodcox2625 11 ай бұрын

How has it done in the rain? Thinking of buying one and that's my biggest concern.@@softroadingthewest

@softroadingthewest 11 ай бұрын

@@jarrodcox2625 I've had no issues with the tent in the rain. I've occasionally had the tiniest dribble at the bottom center of the front (cab facing) window, where the two ends of the seal around the window meet. It's like tablespoon of water overnight, not even enough to spill off the ledge of the camper framework to the floor...I wish there was nothing dribbling in, but a single paper towel wipes it up on the rare occasion it has happened. The rest of the camper has been weathertight even camped at the beach during a coastal wind/rain storm.

@arcenciel2968 Жыл бұрын

Hey, Donald, why did you not choose a roof top tent that expands upwards so that its roof is parallel to the bed, as opposed to the tilted one, whereby you have to wedge yourself into ? Thanks.

@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын

• Wedge campers are more wind-resistant (and I've got more than a little history with windy nights LOL)...you can point the solid roof into the wind to reduce how much the canvas is buffeted. •Setup & break-down is faster & less complicated. • Overall camper weight is lighter. • Topo's wedge camper is about $3,000 less than their full pop-up...this approach feels like a better fit for my budget-minded channel. • Topo hasn't yet developed their full pop-up version for the Frontier, only their wedge camper, so it was this or nothing. 🙂 I don't feel "wedged into" the bed space. The roof is high above most of the bed and the "upstairs" of the camper feels ample and spacious, it's only my feet down in the wedge end when I'm fully stretched out in bed. I'll try to capture this better in a future video. 🙂

@arcenciel2968 Жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest Thanks Donald, albeit the 3000$ differential alone would be enough!! LOL. Im probably taller and I would certainly not fit in that wedge, but if you fit, there is really nothing more to say. I have a 2003 forester (my 6th subaru) and I love this model, it is long enough to accommodate a 2meter sleeping arrangement so really I’m not looking into tents, a bit like you in your old forester only that was a later model which Im not sure it was as long as mine. Im essentially a boat “camper” as I live aboard my boat for more than 100 nights per year...I follow your adventures from Athens and I really enjoy them. Good luck!

@cbertulfo Жыл бұрын

Are you selling your leer cap?

@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын

I just sold it actually, it's getting picked up Monday and will be heading off to new adventures in Idaho :-)

@IcyReaper Жыл бұрын

Wow, Is that Tacoma as top heavy as it looks?

@pala4833 Жыл бұрын

It's not really. It's very comfortable to drive. I often forget it's there. And it gets me to plenty of great off-the-beaten-track places. I get tons of comments that it looks top-heavy, and seeing it now in this video I can agree, it does look that way. I've been running this rig since Dec 2020. I go out at least twice a month for several days, sometimes as long as a couple of weeks. I've put about 12-15K miles on it since then.

@johndej Жыл бұрын

Great video! Looks like you had a peaceful jaunt. I see others noted the camper on the other truck. It looked a bit top heavy too but I noticed that he had some strong looking tie downs underneath. I guess it's whatever floats your boat as long as it works.

@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын

Yeah, Chuck has traveled extensively in that truck/camper for years. He doesn't really do crazy off-road trails, his truck is not a 4x4. He seems to have things under control. 🙂

@johndej Жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest Good to know. Thanks!

@pala4833 Жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest "Under control" being a relative term...

@fourdoorexpeditioner1570 Жыл бұрын

Nice upload; always surprised to hear KZfaqrs saying the weather surprised them. My job as a District manager means I drive 2800 miles per month. I plant routes around the weather so I’m never surprised