My biggest gripe on the camping videos are the ones that I started watching (stealth and regular camping) of people just getting out and having fun. Next thing you know the channel has turned into a 15-to-30-minute infomercial on gear or a camp cooking channel. I believe that you have pretty much the same gear that you had when I started watching your channel. keep 'em coming Kevin
Haha yeah, almost exactly the same gear, with a few small upgrades here and there. I get a LOT of e-mails trying to send me gear, but I'm happy with my setup, and I don't have a ton of space to keep a bunch of new stuff. Plus it's usually garbage.
@johndumarney1630 didn't start with Steve. He just got lucky off a few videos early on (bear fence one) in the algorithm and it grew from there. There was a guy who traveled by bike across Michigan and another series from Michigan to Florida and stealth camped the whole way on each trip. Those videos were done before Steve ever made a stealth camping video.
As someone that has some camping content on our channel, I want to thank you for pointing out that these videos take a lot of effort. My last two were solo trips so I didn't even have my wife to help with the filming. Most people have no clue how much work is involved.
So annoying when there are multiple cameras set up,and they’re going off trail pretending that they’re not sure where they are. Drives me nuts! Also,the videos with non-stop eating and drinking.
Alexis Outdoors used to be one of my favourites. Simple camping videos I could learn from. Then she married a richer guy, 'rehomed' her dog, and started showing off her new house, truck, houseboat, and all her expensive gear.
@@tallyrc Justin Barbour! He has a youtube channel. A real outdoorsman! He's not a stealth urban camper but a wilderness camper. Hopefully the youtube link works. th-cam.com/video/ys-xDACRGlE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=v8wgexZaofXHG6gP
The ones which make me laugh are the supposed scary ones where they hear a twig break and its "feral humans" or they're hiking on a public trail and get freaked out because someone else is walki g on the trail at the same time
Totally with you regarding "survival" videos! Lately I keep seeing suggested videos with titles like "surviving a cold winter night in an insulated hot tent." First, if you have a wood stove or propane heater in your tent, you are comfortably camping, not "surviving". It may be an enjoyable camping video, but just call it that instead of being dramatic. Second, if you have an insulated tent and a decent sleeping bag, the same is true even if you don't have a heat source. Finally, "cold winter night" is very subjective, but you definitely are not "surviving" if it is above freezing or only slightly below. And speaking of that, "sub-zero survival" campouts are not impressive if you're speaking in Celsius. Get back to me when it's waaay below freezing.
Finished and this is amazing. Consider it shared. Van Life = Foresty Forest or nothing. EDC = lighter, pack of smokes, knife. Who wants to see that? Thanks for calling out Chris (bearded woodsman)- though I love Woodobo, he's bunk. Kevin, you are the Man, and I can't wait to drink with you again.
Thanks for highlighting underrated videos! Being a guy who makes what falls in your 'movie' category I appreciate your acknowledgment of the effort it takes to film and edit the videos.
Haha no collab videos are awesome! And yeah, we gotta do that soon! I've been having issues with my car, but I'm like 3/4th done with everything I gotta do to get it back in shape, so I'll be able to travel!
I found myself enthralled with this video while fidgeting with the EDC keychain I carry in my pocket. Ha. Quiet Nerd is one of my absolute favorites. And you too Kevin.
Very true, although some of the Vanlife creators from prior to 2018 are pretty good, The market for videos has been oversaturated. I'm gonna go Hunker Down. Steve Wallis is the GOAT and Blot Outdoors from England is hilarious. RIIGHTS.
Awesome Kevin, I can't wait to get my truck back and stealth camp #1 on your list. My everyday carry is a fenix light and Leatherman and i even wear to weddings, but i don't make videos of it😂 #2 I'm clear on #3 and #4. #5 I'm guilty, my channel has, gardening, builds, outdoor cooking, general cooking, exploration vlogs, everything camping related, family events. Not into making another channel, because I do this for fun. You are 100 percent correct on how much time goes into a video. Some of my videos start out with 4-6 hours of video from 2 GoPro's, 2 phone cameras, 3 trail cams. I do multiple passes, chopping, cutting, deleting, then going back for, audio, music, sound effects, voice overs, then back for transitions, embellishments, etc... I average 4-5 hours a day for at least 3 days till I'm satisfied. The worst part is a 24 hour render time before I can even edit, yeah I know, not the quickest computer. Love the video, keep it up my friend.
I think sleeping in a truck is closer to camping than sleeping in a camper van, anyway haha. And on #5, thats more directed at people who made their millions on camping videos, and don't go camping anymore, they just flaunt their camping wealth. You rock, SQWIB!
One guy that gets on my nerves is the guy who does Outdoor Gear Review! He is a drama queen and makes some of his videos look and sound like he is in the wild dealing with major adverse weather conditions, when he is on his own piece of property with a shed and his vehicle in walking distance. He calls the shed his cabin!😂
@@gud2go50 he’s the worst when he has to add 10 views of him walking past the camera from every angle too. Always makes it like his life is in danger from a small rainstorm lol
I think you may have started a new trend amongst the 'Tubers. Van life doesn't impress me when you have spent what used to be the price of a house on a tricked out Sprinter van with all the luxuries of home.
Hey Kevin, you are original and genuine in your video making and camping. You actually "rough it" and are a minimalist. I mean, you actually cook and eat steak and hotdogs off the bare hot embers of the fire 😮 ......nobody does that anymore Kevin......but, you do man! It's just one of the many attributes that I admire about you and your primitive camping practices. I wish You and Sam Bananas a warm and safe Christmas with your families! I eagerly look forward to Small Plots 2025! God Bless! 👍👍😉😃
Shew I thought you were going to say tuna creations and hammocks and space kitty and occasionally Bob Bananas and glizzies on the coals. Because those sir are NOT OVERRATED.
I agree with the AI generated. The monotone voice spewing off nothing but random facts bug the heck out of me. I watch thruhiker videos because I love that, unfortunately when they are finished and want to maintain you tube the content changes to, “this is the dinner I cooked in my house, this is the hike on pavement going past houses in my neighborhood” etc. if your channels is built around a theme, stay in it otherwise I’m uninterested.
I think most people feel that way. I had a little dig at wooded beardsman changing his content to his compound build videos... he has over a million subs but gets similar views to my channel at 15k subs. It looks like he's trying to gat back into the content that made him famous, but based on views, it looks like he's having a hard time getting people to come back. It's unfortunate because his main content (eating foxes and skunks and stuff) is so unique, but it's an interesting study in youtube content.
Paranormal Camping videos. People who want that Zac Bagans money but who can't go act like a toolbag in a famous building because they don't have a TV network behind them so the go into random woods (or abandoned structures) that probably have NO history of anything, and go, "What was that?!?! Did you hear that?!?!" allllllll night long. And in nightvision. They are literally just camping videos with some dudes being like, "I heard a scream in the distance" that of course the camera didn't pick up. Titles and thumbs like, "We spend the night in the most haunted woods in Idaho, will we survive the night?" Yeah cause it's just a goddamned video where you just plain ass went camping.
your underrated list is pretty spot on . cheers ! I especially like the silent nature film / camping genre (i.e no talk) with high quality nature audio which is surprisingly hard to make
Oh my goodness! While you're standing there and that building's in the background, I kept looking at those smudge marks on the building and all of a sudden when you closed in close to your face And you switch to black and white in your video while you were talking, it finally made sense what it was. It's a little baby bird holding an egg in its feet. What a delightful picture on the side of a building. A painting actually. Thanks for all your words of wisdom!
This is a breath of fresh air. I only sleep in my car when I go hiking or fishing. I would not want to live in my car. I think those that do or want to are free to do so but all this stealth camping is overrated and I couldn’t be convinced to run to 24 hour gyms and gas stations to shower and …..
He's lost his charm and is a bit overrated now. Rambles on and on about nothing, cooks, eats, 4 placed ads in the video and drinks beer. Same thing each video in general, just a different location.
@@ButteryBiscuits-hk4px I'll say this about Steve. I think he's had a rough stretch for a couple of years and at some point became dependent on TH-cam so we have definitely seen a few obligatory videos but what I've always liked about Steve is the fact that he is actually doing what he loves.
People and their tarps. Pfffft. I'll take my shelter anytime. One thing you missed on overrated TH-cam genres was the women very little tight clothing that obviously don't know what they are doing camping videos. They like to say they are alone and doing everything themselves but who is the camera man moving around with the camera?
Tbh I thought about those, but I can't get mad. We all use our innate talents to get by, and if a lady wants to wear tight clothing and put her butt in the thumbnail, I think that's totally legit. No hate... Although I am jealous that I can't use the same strategy haha
The vanlife guys I watch built their own rigs and sometimes have to stay at a Walmart while traveling to their camp spots because that’s the only place they spend the night. Can replenish their supplies as well.
I found you with Sam Banana's wasn't sure at 1st, I'm not into stealth , but I've listened & I like what I hear, you're OK Kevin & I'm gonna keep watching, listening, & learning, thanks Bud from Canada !
This was an excellent video, but for me personally it was even better due to the fact that we've sat around a campfire many times and discussed a lot of these same pet peeves 🤣
Love this video. Was just thinking about this today. I also can’t stand the have to get the shots of them walking past the camera on the trail or driving past the camera for those artsy wanna be photos. No one gives a shit about someone walking down a path from 10 different angles.
I mean, I do that, too haha. It's not about showing off the walk, it's about using the limited amounts of camera shots in your arsenal while on a camp, so it's not all the same hand-held vlog style or just statically sitting in front of the camera.
I don't know any of the insulted people. I don't know you Kevin, but I love your channel and it is awesome. Most underrated is AI created theme songs for camping channels. Yours is fire.
Pretty much agree with your top 5 overrated.. the total deal breaker for me is random 'heavy' music when (if you really did enjoy nature) you should just let the view and nature be the star.. (I know sometimes its because of background noise). but total wind up for me..
Totally agree! It is a struggle on my channel as I put out mainly motorcycle camping/cooking content. Perhaps if I start putting myself in assless chaps on all fours with a bit of side gut hanging out, I might get more traffic? Yeah, very doubtful! I subbed; great video, great points.
We were all thinking it... YOU ACTUALLY SAID IT!! OHH!! Love it 😂 You're so Right though, I've seen a lot of 3rd world Guy's that are "filming" video on a motorla flip phone and it's like "A" Game actual Survival Knowledge! and Matt Posa (shout out to Morty and Ruger and Smashrooms!) and Joe Robininett are part of the reason I started doing YT! Thumbnails are totally an ArT. (typing not so much) And Bro you Own Rochester! How you Have down so Many Videos in that Amazing City is a testament to your Awesomeness in the Niche of Outdoor content! Thanks for this, you pulled me back from the EDC and Storytime AI thoughts they really are annoying! Love you Kevin!
Another peeve of mine are "sexy camping videos" that have provocative thumbnails and such showing very scantily clad campers going about the usual routine. Sam Bananas is guilty of this... WAIT! I didn't mean to say that, umm... Maybe it's Stan Fananas... Oh gosh well look at the time gotta go... 🙂
Base camp chris is another example of a failed camping channel. He used to do small backpacking trips, which were always enjoyable, now all he does is tell stories either sitting in his house or just out in the bush. A channel that really tanked.
Regardless of perspective, I appreciate your unvarnished opinion. It unto itself is a breath of fresh air after a bunch of relentless sunshine blown up our keisters.
Longest camping video I ever watched was Xander budnick go on like a 15-day canoe trip and it was fantastic and beautiful. Of course I'm always envious of these people who get to camp in the snow.
EDC is, by definition, the stuff we carry every day to use throughout the day. For me, it’s the gear that supports & enables my lifestyle, work, and hobbies. I’m not a big fan of collecting EDC gear itself as a hobby. I’m really not a fan of TH-cam EDC content creators that shill unused & untested new gear. Great video!
I think you were spot on about some things ! ie stealth camping in a parking lot is not camping ! , underrated…..hygiene videos, almost no one does these , I would like to see some fresh camping videos, and the silent (bad weather) videos are great ! Thanks for being honest and pointing out the obvious 👍
I like Vanlife(see Vanlife Plus) videos when they don't claim to be "camping", and never seen an EDC vid and now i will avoid. I like Steve Wallis obviously and TOGR is great too. Random Adventures 2.0 and AB Camping.
“It’s giving the douche vibe…” Ha! I laughed for 41 to 43.7 seconds on that one. Everything you said was true in some capacity. Camping in a van would never be my first choice, but I do it to reach the things I want to see and do. Vanlife as a means unto itself… that’s gonna expose you to some crazy people. Van camping should be a means to an end, for example, making a French press and getting deep into Yellowstone before the RVs start making their coffee. Finding parking where a big RV can’t. Living with 3 dogs and a boyfriend is a TH-cam channel at best, a failed life at worst.
The videos that drive me crazy are the camping opinion videos. Gear reviews are great, but if someone is ever telling you what you should use, instead of how it worked for them, move on. You’ll see titles like “Gear you should never use” or crap like that. That’s not a review, it’s just their opinion. I use my skill as a photographer to make mini movies. These are from my backpacking and thru hiking adventures using the cinematic experience to entertain my viewers with my adventures in the wild. I am also an outdoor industry vet so I know textiles and gear. So my reviews are based on my actual use of the items I review. I agree with you on this list for the most part. I’ve been duped by a few thumbnails as well. Some stuff just doesn’t need a video. Cheers! 🍻
This is clearly AI generated. No human would make content like this. And it left out the most annoying trend: the dreaded Top list. So overrated! 😂 I'm kidding of course. I really enjoyed this. I watched twice, liked and subscribed. Maybe I'll comment, too, if I have time later.
Completely agree with van life. I did 8 years of van life and it's definitely overrated. Driving around with no purpose is unfulfilling and pointless. I'm not sure why I did it for so long!
Kevin you are TH-cam gold...stay Kevin..more snow videos thanks bub. Ooh btw that fiat, they re not great cars....you strike me as a Subaru guy, give em a try when the budget allows. Cheers...oh also..you are funny and entertaining..don't change ok bye...also yes this is a succesfully entertaining voice over format..it will suffice.
I have a Van. When I go to a VA medical facility 70 miles from my home for a 7 am appointment. I stay at a truck stop halfway there. Vans do have their purpose. It is camping to me when I can't hang my hammock. Yes, the stealth and bushcraft vids are sometimes ridicolous. Best thing to do about stealth camping . Stay still for the most part. Wanderlust can't make up her mind about hammock or tent . I stopped watching her videos. She does it for pay. Stopped watching Hawk on the AT. Even though he did it quite a few times. Seems to have many people helping him and paying his way. Nothing personal. But when I go camping I pay my way or I don't go.
Thanks Kevin I watch you and Sam bananas all the time. Many others I've been watching over a period of 4 years. I learned so much from these guys. I know zero about filming and editing. I'm just starting out I'm 65 years Young😂. I like the videos where there is no talking. I watched a ton of those. I watched a lot of minimalist to the van life. I will be honest once I see somebody has a million subscribers I don't generally watch them very often anymore. Somewhere I like a great deal especially currently I watch is going solo. Someone else I really like is outdoors MeGee. It is about being outdoors is it good for the mind. March on
From a fellow camping/vanlife youtuber... this is 100% spot on. Also yes it's a lot of work. I feel your pain. Maybe a little envious of the million view edc videos myself. Lol
I love how you snuck Zach in there 😅 my gripe is the silent long hike in, your filming it so you might as well chat to us at the same time also very very long drone shots, I don't a little bit but longer than 2min is pushing my patience.
This really is one of the freshest, most unique and down to earth channels in this genre. Has a lot to do with the personality of the creator. Just don't condemn those of us with an open mind about the BF.
I'm trying to think of a specific example but it's easier for me to say "I hate inauthentic videos". When there's clearly added drama or like catastrophes every single outing that they heroically overcome. Like Outdoor Gear Review. There's an appeal to just a dude going out in the woods doing a thing and not trying to dramatize it. That's why I love the trifecta; Steve Wallis, Sam Bananas and of course Small Plots. Matthew Posa too but he kinda stopped uploading videos which is sad. The internet has provided a refuge from the over-produced reality TV nonsense by annoying for someone to do what they do with zero influence from producers or editors who think they know better and delivering a product that is all theirs and totally authentic.
I watch 4 out of the 5 Overrated, and this is HILARIOUS!!! I agree with so much of what you said, but I still watch 'em. Lol. I enjoy your content, Kevin!
I’m a nerd and I watch the EDC videos because I like Gear and gadgets, and it’s a good way to find new gadgets and an awesome way to save money and time NOT buying stuff that might not be good. But I can also see why it’s just boring as hell to a lot of people to watch those kind of videos.
I think one of the camping trends thats aggravating to me is when creators go out into like a state park or federal forest and "stealth camp." Thats called dispersed camping as its allowed there... Or the ones who swear by these big battery packs... Only because the company sent it to them to review. Which leads me to my next gripe is the battery packs and ebike "reviews". How can you give me a good review of a product that you've only had a few weeks and used a few times... Long term reviews mean more to me. Many of these "camping channels" dont even camp now, they just show off thier new gear. But not how to use it in a realistic situation. Many of them won't even do much research on their new gear and they mumble and bumble through the video. And their fanboys and girls drool over these videos because they'll probably never own the gear, much less get off the couch go go camping.
Most overrated: turning camping videos into cooking shows then recording yourself eating while seemingly amplifying the sound of chewing. Feel free to mention your food. Don't need to watch it or hear it.
@smallplots Sometimes meal prep is pertinent to the theme. I get that. Sometimes "I'm going to enjoy my pb&j. Catch you on the otherside." is cool too. What's up with the "cheers" thing everybody says? Unsub'd from the "Cheers everybody cheers" dude because he was way annoying.
I started watching a new to me channel that talked about stealth camping events he had planed for that week or at some future point. What it turned into was a guy who was too lazy to go to 12 Step meetings talking about how unhappy he was with work and life. And this while he was getting married to some unfortunate woman. Gripe gripe gripe about his job, camping in his office. Clearly working for family with the house and a boat and a job he publicly complains about on TH-cam. Then "stealth" camping became sleeping in his high end pick up. Not a cool converted pick up just an expensive pick up bought from the family mercy job he tells the world he hates. When livestreams became his therapy sessions one too many time I just couldn't stand it. Camping With Steve or Crazy Quady he is not. Thanks for letting me rant.. Maybe I should livestream my rant while promising that it was going to be from a stealth camping site but I'm late and it turns out I'm sitting on my couch.
My biggest gripe on the camping videos are the ones that I started watching (stealth and regular camping) of people just getting out and having fun. Next thing you know the channel has turned into a 15-to-30-minute infomercial on gear or a camp cooking channel. I believe that you have pretty much the same gear that you had when I started watching your channel. keep 'em coming Kevin
Haha yeah, almost exactly the same gear, with a few small upgrades here and there. I get a LOT of e-mails trying to send me gear, but I'm happy with my setup, and I don't have a ton of space to keep a bunch of new stuff. Plus it's usually garbage.
I really do not like the ones in which they want you to watch them eat from every which angle! 🤣 Kevin, loved your commentary. Thanks!
It all started with Steve, still the gold level
Definitely!
I don't get it myself. Mostly because at 63 I've come to realize. Nobody cares, at least not anymore because of all the homeless.
@johndumarney1630 didn't start with Steve. He just got lucky off a few videos early on (bear fence one) in the algorithm and it grew from there.
There was a guy who traveled by bike across Michigan and another series from Michigan to Florida and stealth camped the whole way on each trip. Those videos were done before Steve ever made a stealth camping video.
Nutnfancy camped with Allie 15 years ago.
Steve was many people's first view into camping and stealth camping, but he wasn't the start of it all
Foresty Forest is one exception to the van life videos. His are pretty good.
As someone that has some camping content on our channel, I want to thank you for pointing out that these videos take a lot of effort. My last two were solo trips so I didn't even have my wife to help with the filming. Most people have no clue how much work is involved.
When you get bored of camping I’ll still watch cos you’re funny and very entertaining
Haha thanks
So annoying when there are multiple cameras set up,and they’re going off trail pretending that they’re not sure where they are. Drives me nuts! Also,the videos with non-stop eating and drinking.
Alexis Outdoors used to be one of my favourites. Simple camping videos I could learn from. Then she married a richer guy, 'rehomed' her dog, and started showing off her new house, truck, houseboat, and all her expensive gear.
Yeah, it's a trajectory I've seen a few times, it's almost inevitable haha
The dude who canoed 10 days to get his canoe he had left is underrated
Now that was an interesting video!
Sounds amazing!
Who was that?
@@tallyrc Justin Barbour! He has a youtube channel. A real outdoorsman! He's not a stealth urban camper but a wilderness camper. Hopefully the youtube link works.
th-cam.com/video/ys-xDACRGlE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=v8wgexZaofXHG6gP
justin babour(barbour).....a dude from Newfoundland
The ones which make me laugh are the supposed scary ones where they hear a twig break and its "feral humans" or they're hiking on a public trail and get freaked out because someone else is walki g on the trail at the same time
would it be camping if you were in a tent, in a walmart parking lot perhaps in a green space within the lot?
yeah, absolutely
I love how you ended this with doing it at all. ❤ I appreciate the consistent content of my favorite channels because it is a lot of work!
Totally with you regarding "survival" videos! Lately I keep seeing suggested videos with titles like "surviving a cold winter night in an insulated hot tent." First, if you have a wood stove or propane heater in your tent, you are comfortably camping, not "surviving". It may be an enjoyable camping video, but just call it that instead of being dramatic. Second, if you have an insulated tent and a decent sleeping bag, the same is true even if you don't have a heat source. Finally, "cold winter night" is very subjective, but you definitely are not "surviving" if it is above freezing or only slightly below. And speaking of that, "sub-zero survival" campouts are not impressive if you're speaking in Celsius. Get back to me when it's waaay below freezing.
Finished and this is amazing. Consider it shared. Van Life = Foresty Forest or nothing. EDC = lighter, pack of smokes, knife. Who wants to see that?
Thanks for calling out Chris (bearded woodsman)- though I love Woodobo, he's bunk. Kevin, you are the Man, and I can't wait to drink with you again.
Haha you're the man, Jack! I gotta come check out that outlaw camp of yours
Agreed! When it comes to van life... Foresty Forest or nothing.
Thanks for highlighting underrated videos! Being a guy who makes what falls in your 'movie' category I appreciate your acknowledgment of the effort it takes to film and edit the videos.
LOL great video Kevin I'm glad you didn't say collab videos because I'm still hoping we get to do one together at some point
That would be awesome!
Haha no collab videos are awesome! And yeah, we gotta do that soon! I've been having issues with my car, but I'm like 3/4th done with everything I gotta do to get it back in shape, so I'll be able to travel!
@smallplots absolutely brother I do have a passenger seat you know LOL I could always swing by pick ya up and then head out.
I found myself enthralled with this video while fidgeting with the EDC keychain I carry in my pocket. Ha. Quiet Nerd is one of my absolute favorites. And you too Kevin.
haha thanks Joe! I think a keychain is legit, sometimes you need a tool!
I was ready for overland camping to be on the list especially since that was all I filmed this year. What a relief, now I can get to editing them 😉
I have a 20 pound backpack and I swear I have no idea what's in it at any time. Didn't know cIeaning it out on camera was a thing.
It's a whole culture, unfortunately
Very true, although some of the Vanlife creators from prior to 2018 are pretty good, The market for videos has been oversaturated. I'm gonna go Hunker Down. Steve Wallis is the GOAT and Blot Outdoors from England is hilarious. RIIGHTS.
Wooo!
I'm 3 minutes in and this is the greatest thing I have ever seen on TH-cam.
Haha thanks man! Just felt like railing against the norm for some reason
@@smallplots EDC Guy's Sorry not Sorry!
Awesome Kevin, I can't wait to get my truck back and stealth camp #1 on your list.
My everyday carry is a fenix light and Leatherman and i even wear to weddings, but i don't make videos of it😂 #2
I'm clear on #3 and #4.
#5 I'm guilty, my channel has, gardening, builds, outdoor cooking, general cooking, exploration vlogs, everything camping related, family events.
Not into making another channel, because I do this for fun.
You are 100 percent correct on how much time goes into a video.
Some of my videos start out with 4-6 hours of video from 2 GoPro's, 2 phone cameras, 3 trail cams.
I do multiple passes, chopping, cutting, deleting, then going back for, audio, music, sound effects, voice overs, then back for transitions, embellishments, etc...
I average 4-5 hours a day for at least 3 days till I'm satisfied.
The worst part is a 24 hour render time before I can even edit, yeah I know, not the quickest computer.
Love the video, keep it up my friend.
I think sleeping in a truck is closer to camping than sleeping in a camper van, anyway haha. And on #5, thats more directed at people who made their millions on camping videos, and don't go camping anymore, they just flaunt their camping wealth. You rock, SQWIB!
One guy that gets on my nerves is the guy who does Outdoor Gear Review! He is a drama queen and makes some of his videos look and sound like he is in the wild dealing with major adverse weather conditions, when he is on his own piece of property with a shed and his vehicle in walking distance. He calls the shed his cabin!😂
100%
Haha I haven't watched him in awhile, but every time I say "Rain event" in a video, I'm soft-quoting that guy
if you look closely he seems to speed up footage to make it looks like its really windy
Yeah, and add to that his audio loop of wind and rain edited in. Fakery at its worst.
@@gud2go50 he’s the worst when he has to add 10 views of him walking past the camera from every angle too. Always makes it like his life is in danger from a small rainstorm lol
I think you may have started a new trend amongst the 'Tubers. Van life doesn't impress me when you have spent what used to be the price of a house on a tricked out Sprinter van with all the luxuries of home.
Hey Kevin, you are original and genuine in your video making and camping. You actually "rough it" and are a minimalist. I mean, you actually cook and eat steak and hotdogs off the bare hot embers of the fire 😮 ......nobody does that anymore Kevin......but, you do man! It's just one of the many attributes that I admire about you and your primitive camping practices. I wish You and Sam Bananas a warm and safe Christmas with your families! I eagerly look forward to Small Plots 2025! God Bless! 👍👍😉😃
Thanks Papa Smurf! Merry Christmas!
Shew I thought you were going to say tuna creations and hammocks and space kitty and occasionally Bob Bananas and glizzies on the coals. Because those sir are NOT OVERRATED.
😂
Thank you for speaking out about this Kevin. I feel the same way!!
I agree with the AI generated. The monotone voice spewing off nothing but random facts bug the heck out of me. I watch thruhiker videos because I love that, unfortunately when they are finished and want to maintain you tube the content changes to, “this is the dinner I cooked in my house, this is the hike on pavement going past houses in my neighborhood” etc. if your channels is built around a theme, stay in it otherwise I’m uninterested.
I think most people feel that way. I had a little dig at wooded beardsman changing his content to his compound build videos... he has over a million subs but gets similar views to my channel at 15k subs. It looks like he's trying to gat back into the content that made him famous, but based on views, it looks like he's having a hard time getting people to come back. It's unfortunate because his main content (eating foxes and skunks and stuff) is so unique, but it's an interesting study in youtube content.
Paranormal Camping videos. People who want that Zac Bagans money but who can't go act like a toolbag in a famous building because they don't have a TV network behind them so the go into random woods (or abandoned structures) that probably have NO history of anything, and go, "What was that?!?! Did you hear that?!?!" allllllll night long. And in nightvision. They are literally just camping videos with some dudes being like, "I heard a scream in the distance" that of course the camera didn't pick up. Titles and thumbs like, "We spend the night in the most haunted woods in Idaho, will we survive the night?" Yeah cause it's just a goddamned video where you just plain ass went camping.
Ahhh such a missed opportunity, I totally forgot! I'll have to do a part 2 and mention those people
True!
your underrated list is pretty spot on . cheers !
I especially like the silent nature film / camping genre (i.e no talk) with high quality nature audio which is surprisingly hard to make
I don't like cooking channels that claim to be a camping/overlanding channel.
Oh my goodness! While you're standing there and that building's in the background, I kept looking at those smudge marks on the building and all of a sudden when you closed in close to your face And you switch to black and white in your video while you were talking, it finally made sense what it was. It's a little baby bird holding an egg in its feet.
What a delightful picture on the side of a building. A painting actually.
Thanks for all your words of wisdom!
Yeah i love that mural! Hopefully the city can do something with that property
I've never seen any of your videos before this one. I subbed because you are 100% spot on with all of this!
I subbed
Hope you enjoy the other videos too, and thanks for subscribing!
What did the stinky tent smell like?
Kinda like poop
Camping in the backyard IS camping. Especially when you have an acre of woods and a campfire ring.
oh, if I had land with a forest on it, I can guarantee you that like 50% of my vids would probably take place there haha. It would be TOO convenient
This is a breath of fresh air. I only sleep in my car when I go hiking or fishing. I would not want to live in my car. I think those that do or want to are free to do so but all this stealth camping is overrated and I couldn’t be convinced to run to 24 hour gyms and gas stations to shower and …..
Steve Wallis is the only camping video I really like.
He's lost his charm and is a bit overrated now. Rambles on and on about nothing, cooks, eats, 4 placed ads in the video and drinks beer. Same thing each video in general, just a different location.
Steve Wallis is an amazing camping video
@@ButteryBiscuits-hk4px I'll say this about Steve. I think he's had a rough stretch for a couple of years and at some point became dependent on TH-cam so we have definitely seen a few obligatory videos but what I've always liked about Steve is the fact that he is actually doing what he loves.
I watch Steve's vids for his dry sense of humor. Don't really care what he's doing.
People and their tarps. Pfffft. I'll take my shelter anytime.
One thing you missed on overrated TH-cam genres was the women very little tight clothing that obviously don't know what they are doing camping videos. They like to say they are alone and doing everything themselves but who is the camera man moving around with the camera?
Tbh I thought about those, but I can't get mad. We all use our innate talents to get by, and if a lady wants to wear tight clothing and put her butt in the thumbnail, I think that's totally legit. No hate... Although I am jealous that I can't use the same strategy haha
But, but... the fate of civilization hangs on the random crap I have in my pockets and everybody with internet access is dying to find out what it is!
Please, look at my box cutter, it's important
The vanlife guys I watch built their own rigs and sometimes have to stay at a Walmart while traveling to their camp spots because that’s the only place they spend the night. Can replenish their supplies as well.
I found you with Sam Banana's wasn't sure at 1st, I'm not into stealth , but I've listened & I like what I hear, you're OK Kevin & I'm gonna keep watching, listening, & learning, thanks Bud from Canada !
Appreciate you!
This was an excellent video, but for me personally it was even better due to the fact that we've sat around a campfire many times and discussed a lot of these same pet peeves 🤣
Hahaha yep, absolutely
Love this video. Was just thinking about this today. I also can’t stand the have to get the shots of them walking past the camera on the trail or driving past the camera for those artsy wanna be photos. No one gives a shit about someone walking down a path from 10 different angles.
I mean, I do that, too haha. It's not about showing off the walk, it's about using the limited amounts of camera shots in your arsenal while on a camp, so it's not all the same hand-held vlog style or just statically sitting in front of the camera.
@ kevin your videos always make me laugh and you always make it seem like a good time. You and Sam Bananas are my 2 favorites! keep it up
I don't know any of the insulted people. I don't know you Kevin, but I love your channel and it is awesome. Most underrated is AI created theme songs for camping channels. Yours is fire.
😂
Ha ha it's like stealth camping in middle of the wood's 😆
Haha yeah i can't rail too much against that, lest I draw unwanted scrutiny 😎
@smallplots yes I understand funny video this one couldn't stop laughing all the way through atvb 👍
Pretty much agree with your top 5 overrated.. the total deal breaker for me is random 'heavy' music when (if you really did enjoy nature) you should just let the view and nature be the star.. (I know sometimes its because of background noise). but total wind up for me..
Totally agree! It is a struggle on my channel as I put out mainly motorcycle camping/cooking content. Perhaps if I start putting myself in assless chaps on all fours with a bit of side gut hanging out, I might get more traffic? Yeah, very doubtful! I subbed; great video, great points.
We were all thinking it... YOU ACTUALLY SAID IT!! OHH!! Love it 😂 You're so Right though, I've seen a lot of 3rd world Guy's that are "filming" video on a motorla flip phone and it's like "A" Game actual Survival Knowledge! and Matt Posa (shout out to Morty and Ruger and Smashrooms!) and Joe Robininett are part of the reason I started doing YT! Thumbnails are totally an ArT. (typing not so much) And Bro you Own Rochester! How you Have down so Many Videos in that Amazing City is a testament to your Awesomeness in the Niche of Outdoor content! Thanks for this, you pulled me back from the EDC and Storytime AI thoughts they really are annoying! Love you Kevin!
Wow thank you man! 😁
Another peeve of mine are "sexy camping videos" that have provocative thumbnails and such showing very scantily clad campers going about the usual routine. Sam Bananas is guilty of this... WAIT! I didn't mean to say that, umm... Maybe it's Stan Fananas... Oh gosh well look at the time gotta go... 🙂
Haha sam does get pretty risqué with his thumbnails
Kevin dropping 🔥 on the camping world! Great video man. Consider bridges burned. 😂
haha thanks man! Hopefully the channels I picked on would know it's all in good fun if they saw it
Using the word 'myriad' properly is a rarity these days. Well done.
one of my favorite words, and I like that you can say myriad all alone, or say "a myriad" and both are correct
Base camp chris is another example of a failed camping channel. He used to do small backpacking trips, which were always enjoyable, now all he does is tell stories either sitting in his house or just out in the bush. A channel that really tanked.
Bummer, hope he gets back out there!
Shoutout to the guys, really just one guy, that make Rochester seem interesting!
I'll take it!
That was great, I laughed out loud at the EDC part about NOT turning to that guy.
Dude I truly don't know what's up with those edc guys. They seem really scared
Regardless of perspective, I appreciate your unvarnished opinion. It unto itself is a breath of fresh air after a bunch of relentless sunshine blown up our keisters.
Hey i appreciate it! That was the idea
Nailed it Kev! Great video.
Longest camping video I ever watched was Xander budnick go on like a 15-day canoe trip and it was fantastic and beautiful. Of course I'm always envious of these people who get to camp in the snow.
EDC is, by definition, the stuff we carry every day to use throughout the day. For me, it’s the gear that supports & enables my lifestyle, work, and hobbies. I’m not a big fan of collecting EDC gear itself as a hobby. I’m really not a fan of TH-cam EDC content creators that shill unused & untested new gear.
Great video!
I think you were spot on about some things ! ie stealth camping in a parking lot is not camping ! , underrated…..hygiene videos, almost no one does these , I would like to see some fresh camping videos, and the silent (bad weather) videos are great !
Thanks for being honest and pointing out the obvious 👍
Leave MrBallen out of it man 😉
😢😂
Exactly. That guy's great👍🏼
EDC guys just were tired of people making fun of them pretending about the Zombie Apocalypse so now they are making new nightmares .
We’re here for this energy.
I like Vanlife(see Vanlife Plus) videos when they don't claim to be "camping", and never seen an EDC vid and now i will avoid. I like Steve Wallis obviously and TOGR is great too. Random Adventures 2.0 and AB Camping.
Yeah, vanlife is fine if they stay in their gd lane haha 😂
Yo Kevin?! When we get to see you do some winter camping??
Soon!
Most of these outdoors channels are just cooking shows outside......
honestly it's pretty impressive sometimes
Hey Kevin, how about camping in that tent that was already set up. I’ve never seen that one before.
I actually thought of that, until I also thought of diseases
“It’s giving the douche vibe…” Ha! I laughed for 41 to 43.7 seconds on that one. Everything you said was true in some capacity. Camping in a van would never be my first choice, but I do it to reach the things I want to see and do. Vanlife as a means unto itself… that’s gonna expose you to some crazy people. Van camping should be a means to an end, for example, making a French press and getting deep into Yellowstone before the RVs start making their coffee. Finding parking where a big RV can’t. Living with 3 dogs and a boyfriend is a TH-cam channel at best, a failed life at worst.
Having a van to camp in is awesome!
The videos that drive me crazy are the camping opinion videos. Gear reviews are great, but if someone is ever telling you what you should use, instead of how it worked for them, move on. You’ll see titles like “Gear you should never use” or crap like that. That’s not a review, it’s just their opinion.
I use my skill as a photographer to make mini movies. These are from my backpacking and thru hiking adventures using the cinematic experience to entertain my viewers with my adventures in the wild. I am also an outdoor industry vet so I know textiles and gear. So my reviews are based on my actual use of the items I review.
I agree with you on this list for the most part. I’ve been duped by a few thumbnails as well. Some stuff just doesn’t need a video. Cheers! 🍻
This is clearly AI generated. No human would make content like this. And it left out the most annoying trend: the dreaded Top list. So overrated! 😂 I'm kidding of course. I really enjoyed this. I watched twice, liked and subscribed. Maybe I'll comment, too, if I have time later.
Agree on the the van life channels but do like SQWB shack videos. Always cool to see what he’s doing to his truck.
SQWIB has always had a bunch of different content, he never shifted because of YT money. He's awesome
I'm in Canada and all the stuff that TH-cam content creators cover when I go to look it up because it cost bloo
dy arm and a leg ridiculous...
Completely agree with van life. I did 8 years of van life and it's definitely overrated. Driving around with no purpose is unfulfilling and pointless. I'm not sure why I did it for so long!
If people like it, good on them! I'm more railing against the elitism of it all
Kevin you are TH-cam gold...stay Kevin..more snow videos thanks bub. Ooh btw that fiat, they re not great cars....you strike me as a Subaru guy, give em a try when the budget allows. Cheers...oh also..you are funny and entertaining..don't change ok bye...also yes this is a succesfully entertaining voice over format..it will suffice.
Haha thank you!
I'm so sick of the cheap gear reviews. Temu, Amazon etc.
It's useful for someone, most people are camping on a budget
I have a Van. When I go to a VA medical facility 70 miles from my home for a 7 am appointment. I stay at a truck stop halfway there. Vans do have their purpose. It is camping to me when I can't hang my hammock. Yes, the stealth and bushcraft vids are sometimes ridicolous. Best thing to do about stealth camping . Stay still for the most part. Wanderlust can't make up her mind about hammock or tent . I stopped watching her videos. She does it for pay. Stopped watching Hawk on the AT. Even though he did it quite a few times. Seems to have many people helping him and paying his way. Nothing personal. But when I go camping I pay my way or I don't go.
Thanks Kevin I watch you and Sam bananas all the time. Many others I've been watching over a period of 4 years. I learned so much from these guys. I know zero about filming and editing. I'm just starting out I'm 65 years Young😂. I like the videos where there is no talking. I watched a ton of those. I watched a lot of minimalist to the van life. I will be honest once I see somebody has a million subscribers I don't generally watch them very often anymore. Somewhere I like a great deal especially currently I watch is going solo. Someone else I really like is outdoors MeGee. It is about being outdoors is it good for the mind. March on
I actually used to wear an Outdoors MeGee shirt... I stopped because the logo came off in the wash and now it's just a black shirt haha
From a fellow camping/vanlife youtuber... this is 100% spot on. Also yes it's a lot of work. I feel your pain. Maybe a little envious of the million view edc videos myself. Lol
Just know that the edc bros get a million views of equally cool guys
Pimpin ain’t easy nor is filming ENTERTAINING camp videos 👏👏👏 Hardest thing I’ve done with video. Great list!
And the list goes on and on no matter what I look up
Currently Mandingo is becoming famous
Good video. I still dont know what a 'thumbnails" are
The picture you click on to get to a video
I love how you snuck Zach in there 😅 my gripe is the silent long hike in, your filming it so you might as well chat to us at the same time also very very long drone shots, I don't a little bit but longer than 2min is pushing my patience.
This really is one of the freshest, most unique and down to earth channels in this genre. Has a lot to do with the personality of the creator. Just don't condemn those of us with an open mind about the BF.
hey thanks!
I'm trying to think of a specific example but it's easier for me to say "I hate inauthentic videos". When there's clearly added drama or like catastrophes every single outing that they heroically overcome. Like Outdoor Gear Review.
There's an appeal to just a dude going out in the woods doing a thing and not trying to dramatize it. That's why I love the trifecta; Steve Wallis, Sam Bananas and of course Small Plots. Matthew Posa too but he kinda stopped uploading videos which is sad.
The internet has provided a refuge from the over-produced reality TV nonsense by annoying for someone to do what they do with zero influence from producers or editors who think they know better and delivering a product that is all theirs and totally authentic.
I'm an edc guy but there are limits.... I completely agree with you.
I watch 4 out of the 5 Overrated, and this is HILARIOUS!!! I agree with so much of what you said, but I still watch 'em. Lol. I enjoy your content, Kevin!
This is just for fun, I like watching this content, too! Just griping for the lulz
You've likely already seen them but I really enjoy the channel "Canoe the North" Really great scenery etc.
I get bored when someone does a tour of their car, van, camper, tent, etc. and then proceeds to show you what they have in each bag or bin they own.
Are you trying to replace Dave 2 D ????
I’m a nerd and I watch the EDC videos because I like Gear and gadgets, and it’s a good way to find new gadgets and an awesome way to save money and time NOT buying stuff that might not be good. But I can also see why it’s just boring as hell to a lot of people to watch those kind of videos.
haha fair enough. If these tropes had 0 value, nobody would watch them!
I think one of the camping trends thats aggravating to me is when creators go out into like a state park or federal forest and "stealth camp." Thats called dispersed camping as its allowed there...
Or the ones who swear by these big battery packs... Only because the company sent it to them to review. Which leads me to my next gripe is the battery packs and ebike "reviews". How can you give me a good review of a product that you've only had a few weeks and used a few times... Long term reviews mean more to me.
Many of these "camping channels" dont even camp now, they just show off thier new gear. But not how to use it in a realistic situation. Many of them won't even do much research on their new gear and they mumble and bumble through the video. And their fanboys and girls drool over these videos because they'll probably never own the gear, much less get off the couch go go camping.
Wait, is that Austin?
Rochester, NY
You’re doing something right because here I am time after time 😊
Most overrated: turning camping videos into cooking shows then recording yourself eating while seemingly amplifying the sound of chewing. Feel free to mention your food. Don't need to watch it or hear it.
Yeah I hate eating on camera. I'll film the first few bites, but after that I'm gunna enjoy my meal without thousands of people watching me.
@smallplots Sometimes meal prep is pertinent to the theme. I get that. Sometimes "I'm going to enjoy my pb&j. Catch you on the otherside." is cool too. What's up with the "cheers" thing everybody says? Unsub'd from the "Cheers everybody cheers" dude because he was way annoying.
I started watching a new to me channel that talked about stealth camping events he had planed for that week or at some future point. What it turned into was a guy who was too lazy to go to 12 Step meetings talking about how unhappy he was with work and life. And this while he was getting married to some unfortunate woman. Gripe gripe gripe about his job, camping in his office. Clearly working for family with the house and a boat and a job he publicly complains about on TH-cam. Then "stealth" camping became sleeping in his high end pick up. Not a cool converted pick up just an expensive pick up bought from the family mercy job he tells the world he hates. When livestreams became his therapy sessions one too many time I just couldn't stand it. Camping With Steve or Crazy Quady he is not. Thanks for letting me rant.. Maybe I should livestream my rant while promising that it was going to be from a stealth camping site but I'm late and it turns out I'm sitting on my couch.
Great video. We're all thinking it, Kevin says it out loud.
Thanks, I appreciate it!
Camping in the fkn rain is overrated… In real life who da hell wants to camp in the fkn storm…🤣😂🤣
I personally love camping in the rain
Well said!
Great video man.
I agree 👍 thanks 😊❤
Has anyone or any channel (in the history of TH-cam) actually use their EDC or ninja knife to Get Home or Bug-out.....EVER? like EVER.
send me a link
I can't imagine
lol f the haters I agree with you for the most part I watch a lot of stealth camper content Keep up the good work sir👍👊