I love my candle lantern. Had it since the 90s and take it on every trip. The only issue I ever have is keeping the glass clean of wax dribbles without scratching it up.
Watching your video was so entertaining, not only do you have some really cool items, but you are funny and charming, kind of like a big kid. Keep up the good work.
the uco candle is a top-notch piece of gear. I have one with my daily gear bag. not only is it a 9 hr lamp. it is a superb emergency heat source paired with your tarp/bivy. i always have my lantern plus 4 extra candles 2 plain -2 citronella
Another thing you can do with the UCO light is to use citronella candles as they repel insects. Another tip is to buy mosquito tablets and put one on top of the candle light holder to activate it with the heat. If you don’t want crap on the top of the candle holder put a bit of tinfoil on first and put the tablet on that.
Also... They don't generate enough heat to damage a tent if you keep it hanging. So if you're using a single wall tent and leave it lit overnight it'll help immensely with the condensation. I just got one a couple of weeks ago and I absolutely love it... and I have no idea why. It's nostalgic and yet also the pinnacle of candle holding technology. LOL.
That UCO light is the perfect size to fit a small can of red-bull refilled with water on top to heat up just enough water for a cuppa. It’s almost as if it was made to fit and is surprisingly stable. The convex top fits nicely into the concave bottom of the can.
@@StephenJReid yes. Many folks have done it before me. The candle tends to put itself out if it were to fall or be jostled too quickly. In fact, I had mine blown out by a strong enough gust under the vestibule. Unless you're just being intentionally idiotic, it is easy to figure out where you'll be okay with it by placing your hand above it. The last time I used it was 39F for the low (warm, but unusually humid in CO with the snow melting off). I had a fitful sleep due to the gusting, but the glow was awesome to wake to. The last time I woke was from a gust, and my lantern had been blown out. The psychological impact of that was significant. Every other time, waking up to a reassuring, warming (soul anyway) glow was just pleasant. The last wake-up without was not. Later, I went in and lit the candle inside to see how much more time I'd get out of it. I got another 8 hours!
I have had and still have a U.C.O. Candle Lantern since 1971. Mine is a Brass one and has been everywhere I go camping , the Everglades , The Okefenokee , The Florida Trail and all of the other parts of the U.S.A and even into Canada. No matter what style of camping , Car to Backpack to Canoe it's there with me. Needless to say it is one of the old models where you have to unscrew the base to replace or light the candle.
Great video. It has taken me a bit to catch up on your videos. Hope this helps someone. I have had tons of issues with my feet being cold. I have found what works for me, Darn Tough Wool hiking socks with mesh trailrunners. My feet get cold because of them getting sweaty but the wool helps wick the moisture and mesh shoes lets it evaporate. I tested this with water shoes and wool socks in 2 ft of snow for a 2 hour hike. Feet stayed warm as long as my feet were moving some.
Those UCO candles lanterns are for keeping the condensation down in your tent...lol Switch the carabiner out for a firebiner (a sparking carabiner for fires) and you've doubled the usefulness of that carabiner.
A chest rig!! Why didn’t I ever think of that before? I’m always struggling with pocket space and don’t want to stop and open my day pack just to get snacks or gloves. This is a game changer!
@@StephenJReid i dont mind the weight for the extra options it gives me there is only slighty more weight at the back not in the front they combined the 3 lights into one display now and i use it for cycling at night as well
Some good handy kit there that I also own. One thing you could use is a stainless steel Nalgene. Purifies water on the fire and can be used as a hot water bottle. Very useful.
I used my candle light since 1990s in my tent. Love them. They work great in stormy conditions. When everything is shaking, they still work without loosing wax all over your stuff. And they got this little spring underneath, so it pushes the candle always up. Really great gear. Only thing is that the candles are very rare. So you have to take some extra candles with you sometimes. Greetings from Germany 😊
I usually wear a 70ltr pack when camping and I carry my food and waterproofs in a regular backpack that I wear in reverse as a chest-rig. It’s not something I thought of until I seen someone doing it and the lightbulb went off. I find the offset of some of the weight from back to front helps with balance and stability.
Yes! Another one joining the chest rig revolution! I have the Osprey and just got a hill people gear rig. It's great for travel as well. Slings and hip packs are ok... But chest rigs make so much more sense. They are so comfortable and can fit tight to the body better than a sling and not as cumbersome to access gear in a hip pack. Military concept makes its way to the civilian market.
It’s such an obvious solution that works really well. It’s a fascinating insight into how something incredibly useful can be unpopular just because it’s not fashionable.
@@StephenJReid it is gaining some traction, I carry one when I travel and on my last trip to Disneyland, there were a couple of us wearing them so I am hoping this is a trend to gaining more popularity.
Chest rigs are the way to go. I began using one this year as well. Mount my GMRS and HAM radio on the exterior of it too. Keeps all the essentials and camera gear readily accessible, even when you take the pack off, which is nice.
UCO is perfect for mosquitos with the citronella candles. But the perfect companion for avoiding condensation while sleeping out in autumn/winter. Just leave it hanging in the tent.
True! I was kind of nervous first night. I would never in stormy conditions. But now I’m up to 20-30 candles in, but always be safe and test out with your tent. It works perfect for “Robens Starlight 2”
Very interesting, I’ve got and regularly use about half of those items. I even take my UCO candle as a luxury item when I’m out overnight in the Lakes despite the little bit of extra weight.
Hoping you also have a slingshot 😂 I definitely think luxury items are justifiable on a camp unless doing something ultralight. Gotta have comforts! Most of these are new to me in the last 6months.
@@StephenJReid My other luxuries are a folding table, down booties, Pringles, bottle of red wine (but I save weight by putting it into a wine carrier) and a Thermarest Trekker Chair. My total Summer pack weight is usually about 17kg.
Wow that’s a lot of luxuries. Near enough my typical winter camping weight and that’s with cameras too. I couldn’t fit a table in my tent, not enough space. I did once pack 22kg when I decided to bring along my laptop one night and do some editing at camp.
@@StephenJReid My heaviest Summer weight was 22kg but that was when I used to take my DSLR, filters, tripod, etc, etc but I binned that a couple of years ago after dragging it all up the hills a few times only to be engulfed in clag. I now just use my IPhone and GoPro.
Some unique suggestions there, including several I'd never have thought of but make perfect sense (e.g. the mints tin). I've always had a soft spot for the UCO lantern but never took the plunge - does it give off enough light?
Instead of that pouch, I proudly use a fanny-pack. Can't beat it. :p And also top tip about the sleeping bag liner mate. Indeed, layering works much better than buying different bags and pads for every season. I don't even have a winter sleeping bag but can still camp in winter-time just because I layer my sh*; I use an emergency blanket on top of my footprint and set my tent atop that. Then I use an aluminium mat (one of those radiator foil kind of things) underneath my sleeping pad, and a sleeping bag liner with a SUMMER sleeping bag combined with a few layers of clothing. To top it off, I use an aluminium bottle with hot water wrapped in a sock to act as a warm water bottle inside my bag. Believe it or not but that cheap summer sleeping bag becomes warm and cozy even at sub-zero temps. Never had to buy a 300 dollar winter bag at all.
Oh, and forgot to mention another trick when it gets really cold, is to put the liner "inside" the sleeping bag rather than outside. The idea is that there is less air-space left inside for your body to heat up, making it warmer than when you'd have it on the outside of the bag. And yes, there is in fact a real difference there. Just try it out ;)
Mate in the Uco candle get the tea light version . This one cost a bomb for candles . Unless You make your own which I do And add so essential Oils For the midges and use bees wax ! Ow and half the stuff you have talked about I have for the same reasons 👍🏻
But the tea light one doesn’t have a cool open and closing mechanism 😂 I’m not going to bring this on every camping trip so at £2 per candle/per trip it’s not terrible as a luxury item. Hmmm but candlemaking is an interesting idea!
@@StephenJReid the tea light one I have from Uco opens in a cool way just like the other one and stores extra candle in the bottom 👌🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻and comes in a neoprene protective case . Fancy pants 🩲 !!
Am seriously considering my first wild camp this year. I like the idea of doing the mourne wall over 2 days like you did. Great video, lots of good advice.
I can't decide between doing the MW fast and light in one day or slower over two days. 30k is doable in one day but for me after 20 it gets a bit Earnest Shackleton.
Good useful items in list - check Names & links to items in description- check Good sound quality and editing -check Entertaining presentation- check Liked and subscribed; well done! Incidentally, here in Florida we call the micro mosquitos “no-see-ums” and you’re quite right: a quarter of the size and quadruple the aggression. Bites sting worse than your average mosquito.
I use quite a few of those things especially the hothands used them for years.some of the best things I got last year were down booties and down pants.the pants especially are great when you get camp set up there so warm.
I've had my eye on one of those UCO Lanterns for a long time now. There is just something about them, I think the same about the trangia stove. They're just so simple and rustic which makes them even nicer to use, I love them. Great video, I'll definitely be picking up a few bits. That chest bag looks class too... you have cost me a fortune 😅
I found for the UCO candle lantern an led light that replaces the base . so you would then have candle and small led . Look for UCO LED retrofit kit for uco candel lantern . at this time its $ 21.90 USA at top gear . I got two i liked it so mutch . Thanks for the vid . Roy Boy
Good list, I have the UCO lantern too, green version. Instead of toothpaste I use toothpaste tablets for a slight weight saving. Nalgene also make collapsible bottles. No cheese board?
Stephen which padded camera case/cube thingy do you recommend when carrying your equipment in a hiking pack? Thanks for giving me some good ideas for gear I don't really need but want anyway.
I use backpacks designed for photography/video so they have camera sections built in. LowePro have sent me a few of their bags and I've bought a few of my own.
I got myself a poncho (210cm x 140cm unfolded I think) for less than £20 which I use in the same way as I would a DD magic carpet (it has eyelets in the corners) as well as something to lie on when tarp camp and it doubles up as a waterproof layer and pack cover. Really versatile piece of kit, would highly recommend
@@StephenJReid ah it appears TH-cam removed my reply with the link. The brand of the one I got from amazon was LAMA, though there are many that appear to be the same spec/size (turns out to be 230cm x 140cm when laid flat).
Toothpaste: Try toothpaste tablets. They're smaller, stable, and won't squidge out of the tube. Colgate makes some but there are several options. Quite good! Sleeping bag liner hack: If you use a tapered sleeping pad, you can actually put that liner over the pad. This makes the pad much grippier so it isn't sliding everywhere (and you're not sliding off of it) but also much nicer between you and the pad, keeping your pad cleaner as well. It also helps keep your pillow where you want it. If you can get a rectangular pad into it, it'll curve up the bottom edges. This is excellent when using a pad in a hammock, and if you put an inflatable pillow under your thighs, under the pad, you'll find you're now in an exceptionally comfortable recliner while laying longitudinally.
You don’t want to push down on the top of that UCO lantern like that after it’s been burning for a while - that will blister you right through those gloves!!! I use one in my tent in the winter time - burn it for 2 or 3 minutes in the morning and it’s a lot nicer getting out of the sleeping bag… Also, in the tent, I set it on the ground so the heat rises past me - if you hang it up top, you don’t get much heat from it at all…
you can get a heated wast coat on the internet for 20 pounds and you can wear it or put it in your sleeping bag to keep your feet warm lasts 6 to 8 houers i have used mi one for some 15 years now and its still working well
Some great gear there stephen, especially looking forward to try the candles myself, be good in woods like you said pal, thanks for the info,would you say the chest bag is ok for a dji mini 3 drone. ? Electric socks 😂
3 Inexpensive Cold Feet remedies I use. 1) I take a pare of heavyweight oversized socks to sleep in. You want them to be loose fitting so they won't slow down blood circulation. 2) The hand warmer companies also make foot warmers that stick to your socks. Attache one on top of your toes inside your shoes or sleeping bag. 3) I take a little extra vitamin E and stay well hydrated to help blood circulation. Vitamin E thins the blood so talk to a doctor & use a directed. If you take too much E, a small nick will bleed, bleed, bleed, so really: AS DIRECTED, folks. Happy camping.
That chest rig looks a great piece of kit. Couldn't help but laugh at the electric socks, it's something ridiculous that I could see myself buying for the hammock
Haha, hammock socks. One thing about the socks is that they need to be in shoes to get the best effect. If you’re just wearing them with no shoes, the heat dissipates much faster.
So the chest rig, it doesn't look big watching that video. I've been thinking about mini pro 3 drone fir ages. Does it take it no probs and do you put on the chest rig first then your rucksack. Can you then fasten the top buckle on the rucksack?
It’s bigger than it looks, I can fit Mini 3 Pro, controller, 2x spare batteries, GoPro + shorty handle, insta360 x3 + pole and still a bit of space for a buff or thin gloves. Yeah put on chest rig first and the rucksack, you can still fasten top and bottom buckles no problem.
Light sources, attention getters, fire starters and water systems are never enough. For those I prefer the military PACE - Primary, Alternate, Contingency and Emergency. I've 4 lights, a head torch, flashlight, keychain and a dynamo one. A lighter, Storm matches, a ferro rod and a magnifying lens. Multiple water bottles, a water filtration system, replacement filter, a couple prefilters (coffee filters and bandanas), one steel to boil if need be, one foldable extra large capacity one, and chlorine tabs. A phone, a radio, a whistle and a signaling mirror. Just like a knife, these are things you do NOT want to need and not have. Ultralight is only possible if you stick to the beaten path - anything solo or isolated and I feel compelled to bring more than necessary. You don't know when disaster will strike - you could be the net 127h protagonist. Emergency shelters a map and a compass are pretty good to carry as well. DAMN I talk too much...
For the Nalgene bottles I really recommend a Human Gear Capcap. It reduces the mouth of the bottle so you don't just pour water over your face when you're drinking.
STEPHEN! Why oh why did you not make this in mid-November?? I would have had my Christmas gifts totally done by Dec 1st. But glad to have this list for next Christmas. Secondly, please watch the original cartoon version of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas with Louise. (The one from the 60’s?) Then look in the mirror. You are TOTALLY channeling the little dog (the eyes!!) when you mug for the camera.
I had planned to originally make this in Nov dressed as Santa but other videos and client work got in the way. Haha, never been compared to a cartoon dog before! 😂😂
I only needed to take 1 thing away from this video for it to be useful, and it was! Also, you peeking out from behind your hand with green thing on it, made me realise how much you look like Oscar the grouch with your beard and hat!
The uco candle lantern dont push it down like that without gloves on cos u will burn urself like me lol that silver part gets realy hot , i forgot to engage common sense mode lol
Nice overall gear review. . . . but these UCO candle lanterns suck big time. WHY ? Because the candle recharges are way too expensive ! In addition burn time for one candle is approx. 8h compared to a tealight 6h. You get a pack of 100 decent tealights for 5€ only. Just buy a cheap lantern 4 your tealights and you're done. I ended up buying oil-lamp inserts on Ali for my two UCO candle lanterns so that I can still use them in an economic way . . .
@@StephenJReid You need to look for "50ml Chemistry Alcohol Burner" and make sure the height and width fit nicely on the base and into the glass cylinder. The model I bought years ago isn't online any more. It had a silicone suction cup on the bottom. Each and every year I use cheap citronella flavoured lamp oil to fuel the inserts and this works like a charm.
Sorry but electric socks?....LMAO. You are going to love the candle lantern and I recommend getting the Uco neoprene case for it. I use a Ti canteen and for the wife I would fill it with hot water and wrap a shemagh/scarf around it and put the bundle in a large freezer bag(just incase of a leak) then put it in her sleeping bag. The first time I did it I was surprised how almost hot the water was in the morning and we used the water for tea(reheated just a bit) you can do the same with your Nalgene although I'm not sure how they would hold up to really hot water so you would have to sus that out. I have and love DD tarps but check out dyneema tarps(any brand that you feel comfortable with). I have a an 8.5x10ft that weighs 7.1oz or 200g's and although I balked at the price it has since become one of those items I won't leave home without. Its so light and it does not absorb water so give it a shake and you can put it back in your bag almost dry.
Love my electric socks, warm feet on cold hikes for the first time in my life 😂 Just hope they don't break after a few months! When I used the Nalgene as a water bottle I had about 500ml in it. I reheated it once during the night after about 4hours and then used it to cook breakfast. makes for a much faster morning boil!
I rekon I have about 16 items on that list (maybe some cheaper versions tbh ) , but nothing do do with some guy off youtube influencing my thought process 😂😂😂😂 . Will pass on the heated socks though , my feet are so warm all the time I could nearly hang them out the tent to keep them cool . could be something to do with the excess weight they have to carry 😂
Brilliant video! One suggestion - You may not want to put the UCO lamp out the way you did in the video; that top piece of metal gets REALLY hot, and you can burn your fingers on it. I just blow it out, myself.
Biolite has really great headlamps.
Great backpacking 101. We need a Southwest Desert in the US version of this exact video. We use 'electric' garments here to on cold nights.
I love my candle lantern. Had it since the 90s and take it on every trip.
The only issue I ever have is keeping the glass clean of wax dribbles without scratching it up.
This was amazing. Thank you.
The candle! really!
I love those candle lanterns too and they make a good bit of heat in the tent too for cold evenings.
Watching your video was so entertaining, not only do you have some really cool items, but you are funny and charming, kind of like a big kid. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Andrew! 🙂
Great job brother
Thanks!
Great video! That candle lantern is neat.
Thanks Keith 😁
Thanks for some really good tips. Good content 👌
Cool vid thanks, I got the 1000th like 👍🏻
Wooo I rarely get that many likes on a video! Thanks! 🙂
Great video, super useful and I am totally getting some from your list!
the uco candle is a top-notch piece of gear. I have one with my daily gear bag. not only is it a 9 hr lamp. it is a superb emergency heat source paired with your tarp/bivy. i always have my lantern plus 4 extra candles 2 plain -2 citronella
Hadn’t really thought about the heat benefits of the candle!
Funny. Thanks for you advice.
Thanks!
Just for the skit of you getting a compound fracture you’ve earned a thumbs up 😂
😁 thanks!
very creative use of a Cadbury flake 👍
Definitely
Another thing you can do with the UCO light is to use citronella candles as they repel insects. Another tip is to buy mosquito tablets and put one on top of the candle light holder to activate it with the heat. If you don’t want crap on the top of the candle holder put a bit of tinfoil on first and put the tablet on that.
Good tips!
Also... They don't generate enough heat to damage a tent if you keep it hanging. So if you're using a single wall tent and leave it lit overnight it'll help immensely with the condensation. I just got one a couple of weeks ago and I absolutely love it... and I have no idea why. It's nostalgic and yet also the pinnacle of candle holding technology. LOL.
@@dangerpudge1922 Is that safe enough? I think I'd be slightly paranoid about setting the tent on fire.
That UCO light is the perfect size to fit a small can of red-bull refilled with water on top to heat up just enough water for a cuppa. It’s almost as if it was made to fit and is surprisingly stable. The convex top fits nicely into the concave bottom of the can.
@@StephenJReid yes. Many folks have done it before me. The candle tends to put itself out if it were to fall or be jostled too quickly. In fact, I had mine blown out by a strong enough gust under the vestibule. Unless you're just being intentionally idiotic, it is easy to figure out where you'll be okay with it by placing your hand above it. The last time I used it was 39F for the low (warm, but unusually humid in CO with the snow melting off). I had a fitful sleep due to the gusting, but the glow was awesome to wake to. The last time I woke was from a gust, and my lantern had been blown out. The psychological impact of that was significant. Every other time, waking up to a reassuring, warming (soul anyway) glow was just pleasant. The last wake-up without was not. Later, I went in and lit the candle inside to see how much more time I'd get out of it. I got another 8 hours!
I have had and still have a U.C.O. Candle Lantern since 1971. Mine is a Brass one and has been everywhere I go camping , the Everglades , The Okefenokee , The Florida Trail and all of the other parts of the U.S.A and even into Canada. No matter what style of camping , Car to Backpack to Canoe it's there with me. Needless to say it is one of the old models where you have to unscrew the base to replace or light the candle.
Timeless bit of kit! I hadn’t heard of them until this year. Probably because it’s a US product
Thank you for keeping the name of the product on the screen!
You’re welcome, wanted to make it easier for people
Nice video, thanks mate. Interested to hear your thoughts on the Grayl bottles
Great video, I also always take a catapult for small game hunting
Thanks! I would need to practice a lot more to actually hunt with the slingshot. I’ve a friend who has hunted a few squirrels with his
Great advice on the hot bottle in a sock. Belter
Thank you. Choice vid....and wot a laff🤣
Thanks Shane!
I'm blown away by those socks🤯
I’m toasty in them 😂
Great video. It has taken me a bit to catch up on your videos. Hope this helps someone. I have had tons of issues with my feet being cold. I have found what works for me, Darn Tough Wool hiking socks with mesh trailrunners. My feet get cold because of them getting sweaty but the wool helps wick the moisture and mesh shoes lets it evaporate. I tested this with water shoes and wool socks in 2 ft of snow for a 2 hour hike. Feet stayed warm as long as my feet were moving some.
Interesting combo! one to test
Those UCO candles lanterns are for keeping the condensation down in your tent...lol Switch the carabiner out for a firebiner (a sparking carabiner for fires) and you've doubled the usefulness of that carabiner.
A chest rig!! Why didn’t I ever think of that before?
I’m always struggling with pocket space and don’t want to stop and open my day pack just to get snacks or gloves. This is a game changer!
Yup! So handy!
I use the biolite headlamp 750 the options on it are awesome and the light for setting up in the dark is awesome
Yup, I have the 750 as well, great light but I don’t use it as much as it’s quite a bit heavier by comparison
@@StephenJReid i dont mind the weight for the extra options it gives me there is only slighty more weight at the back not in the front they combined the 3 lights into one display now and i use it for cycling at night as well
Some good handy kit there that I also own. One thing you could use is a stainless steel Nalgene. Purifies water on the fire and can be used as a hot water bottle. Very useful.
Nice idea with the steel Nalgene.
I used my candle light since 1990s in my tent. Love them. They work great in stormy conditions. When everything is shaking, they still work without loosing wax all over your stuff. And they got this little spring underneath, so it pushes the candle always up. Really great gear. Only thing is that the candles are very rare. So you have to take some extra candles with you sometimes.
Greetings from Germany 😊
Thanks for the comment! 🙂 can’t wait to give my candle light a proper use, I hadn’t heard of them until this year
Oh, YES, been using a candle in my tent for years…in the winter for warmth. I know, it’s dangerous; but, it really knocks the cold off.
Thumbs up for the chest package even just for the weight distribution. 👍
Yup, great for that!
I usually wear a 70ltr pack when camping and I carry my food and waterproofs in a regular backpack that I wear in reverse as a chest-rig. It’s not something I thought of until I seen someone doing it and the lightbulb went off. I find the offset of some of the weight from back to front helps with balance and stability.
Definitely! I used to do that as well, often I wouldn’t have enough room by the time I packed in my camera kit.
Yes! Another one joining the chest rig revolution! I have the Osprey and just got a hill people gear rig. It's great for travel as well. Slings and hip packs are ok... But chest rigs make so much more sense. They are so comfortable and can fit tight to the body better than a sling and not as cumbersome to access gear in a hip pack. Military concept makes its way to the civilian market.
It’s such an obvious solution that works really well. It’s a fascinating insight into how something incredibly useful can be unpopular just because it’s not fashionable.
@@StephenJReid it is gaining some traction, I carry one when I travel and on my last trip to Disneyland, there were a couple of us wearing them so I am hoping this is a trend to gaining more popularity.
Lol I love when men discover purses 😂😂😂😂
Chest rigs are the way to go. I began using one this year as well. Mount my GMRS and HAM radio on the exterior of it too. Keeps all the essentials and camera gear readily accessible, even when you take the pack off, which is nice.
yeah keeps all the essentials together, really handy when camping too.
been happily using capilene glove liners since the last century
I’ll check them out
UCO is perfect for mosquitos with the citronella candles. But the perfect companion for avoiding condensation while sleeping out in autumn/winter. Just leave it hanging in the tent.
I’d be a bit paranoid about leaving a flame burning all night in the tent. Even though it’s shielded.
True! I was kind of nervous first night. I would never in stormy conditions. But now I’m up to 20-30 candles in, but always be safe and test out with your tent. It works perfect for “Robens Starlight 2”
wizard c2 wr is the best flashlight on the market in this class
Youre on number 9! Dont thank me just here to help! 😎
Haah thanks
Love the intro!
Thanks Jeff! 🙂
Love the thingymabobber, top tip
Never be without a thingymabobber!
Very interesting, I’ve got and regularly use about half of those items.
I even take my UCO candle as a luxury item when I’m out overnight in the Lakes despite the little bit of extra weight.
Hoping you also have a slingshot 😂 I definitely think luxury items are justifiable on a camp unless doing something ultralight. Gotta have comforts! Most of these are new to me in the last 6months.
@@StephenJReid My other luxuries are a folding table, down booties, Pringles, bottle of red wine (but I save weight by putting it into a wine carrier) and a Thermarest Trekker Chair.
My total Summer pack weight is usually about 17kg.
Wow that’s a lot of luxuries. Near enough my typical winter camping weight and that’s with cameras too. I couldn’t fit a table in my tent, not enough space. I did once pack 22kg when I decided to bring along my laptop one night and do some editing at camp.
@@StephenJReid My heaviest Summer weight was 22kg but that was when I used to take my DSLR, filters, tripod, etc, etc but I binned that a couple of years ago after dragging it all up the hills a few times only to be engulfed in clag. I now just use my IPhone and GoPro.
Some unique suggestions there, including several I'd never have thought of but make perfect sense (e.g. the mints tin). I've always had a soft spot for the UCO lantern but never took the plunge - does it give off enough light?
I'll find out how good the candle is next week, first camping trip with it planned. but loads of comments from fans of it on here.
Nice one mate!
Some great ideas to have on camp
Thank you 👍👍
Cheers Graham
Thanks Graham!
Great topic Stephen and love the shock cord and caribiner and the lantern 😁
thanks! 🙂 One other thing I forgot to mention is the shock cord is really useful for attaching things to a bike. Coats, jackets etc.
@@StephenJReid and putting up tarps quickly 😁
Love the gear, but I’m digging the jacket too. What is the brand
It’s a Rab Downpour Plus I think
Instead of that pouch, I proudly use a fanny-pack. Can't beat it. :p
And also top tip about the sleeping bag liner mate. Indeed, layering works much better than buying different bags and pads for every season. I don't even have a winter sleeping bag but can still camp in winter-time just because I layer my sh*; I use an emergency blanket on top of my footprint and set my tent atop that. Then I use an aluminium mat (one of those radiator foil kind of things) underneath my sleeping pad, and a sleeping bag liner with a SUMMER sleeping bag combined with a few layers of clothing. To top it off, I use an aluminium bottle with hot water wrapped in a sock to act as a warm water bottle inside my bag. Believe it or not but that cheap summer sleeping bag becomes warm and cozy even at sub-zero temps. Never had to buy a 300 dollar winter bag at all.
Oh, and forgot to mention another trick when it gets really cold, is to put the liner "inside" the sleeping bag rather than outside. The idea is that there is less air-space left inside for your body to heat up, making it warmer than when you'd have it on the outside of the bag. And yes, there is in fact a real difference there. Just try it out ;)
layers ftw!
I've always put the liner inside the bag, I thought that was the point, to keep the inside of the bag clean as well as adding warmth.
Informative and entertaining at the same time.
Thanks!
Mate in the Uco candle get the tea light version . This one cost a bomb for candles . Unless
You make your own which I do
And add so essential
Oils
For the midges and use bees wax ! Ow and half the stuff you have talked about I have for the same reasons 👍🏻
But the tea light one doesn’t have a cool open and closing mechanism 😂
I’m not going to bring this on every camping trip so at £2 per candle/per trip it’s not terrible as a luxury item.
Hmmm but candlemaking is an interesting idea!
@@StephenJReid the tea light one I have from Uco opens in a cool way just like the other one and stores extra candle in the bottom 👌🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻and comes in a neoprene protective case . Fancy pants 🩲 !!
Am seriously considering my first wild camp this year. I like the idea of doing the mourne wall over 2 days like you did. Great video, lots of good advice.
Thanks Michael. Well I’d advise not doing it exactly like me, maybe avoid doing it in 20C heat 🥵
Do it Michael, you will never look back 🏕️
I can't decide between doing the MW fast and light in one day or slower over two days. 30k is doable in one day but for me after 20 it gets a bit Earnest Shackleton.
Got a few items on your list,I fancy an uco lantern tho but the olight obulb is unreal tent camp light too
I’ve seen the Olight Bulb, it’s very nice
Good useful items in list - check
Names & links to items in description- check
Good sound quality and editing -check
Entertaining presentation- check
Liked and subscribed; well done!
Incidentally, here in Florida we call the micro mosquitos “no-see-ums” and you’re quite right: a quarter of the size and quadruple the aggression. Bites sting worse than your average mosquito.
Thanks! 🙂 “no-see-ums” good name! It’s usually the first bite that alerts you to them, unless there’s a swarm
I use quite a few of those things especially the hothands used them for years.some of the best things I got last year were down booties and down pants.the pants especially are great when you get camp set up there so warm.
Hmmm yeah I need to get some down pants. I have synthetic ones but they don’t pack down super small
I've had my eye on one of those UCO Lanterns for a long time now. There is just something about them, I think the same about the trangia stove. They're just so simple and rustic which makes them even nicer to use, I love them.
Great video, I'll definitely be picking up a few bits. That chest bag looks class too... you have cost me a fortune 😅
Yeah exactly, it's just a timeless design. There's something special about low tech solutions. my apologies to your bank account
@@StephenJReid 🤣
Your injury looked serious- seriously funny!😂
Still have the scars! 😂
I found for the UCO candle lantern an led light that replaces the base . so you would then have candle and small led . Look for UCO LED retrofit kit for uco candel lantern . at this time its $ 21.90 USA at top gear . I got two i liked it so mutch . Thanks for the vid . Roy Boy
Interesting! I’ll look that up thanks
Much appreciated, thanks for the ideas. Have you tried the Down Booties you can get?
Yup made a video about my camping slippers last year. They are great
Good list, I have the UCO lantern too, green version. Instead of toothpaste I use toothpaste tablets for a slight weight saving. Nalgene also make collapsible bottles. No cheese board?
Haha I’ll save the cheeseboard for my “20 Totally Non-Essential Items for Camping”
I watched for about 40 sec and like and followed you. I am sure I want to know what you say and love how you say it. So - I’m diving in at 0:41
Thanks!
Literally just ordered a lantern half way through watching the vid. How ace are them little things
They are very cool, going to have mine hanging off a tree beside my tent next Forest camp
Check out the citronella candles which will fit into lantern, blue in colour. Keep the bugs away!
Good idea!
Oh no....I'm going to end up buying more camping stuff after watching this! I do like the wee lantern
Haha, make sure and use my affiliate links if you do 😂
I use the Numbat for my survival Essentials it in case I get separated from my main pack. Also for concealed carry since I'm here in the US
Always handy keeping the essentials close.
I do the same!
Stephen which padded camera case/cube thingy do you recommend when carrying your equipment in a hiking pack? Thanks for giving me some good ideas for gear I don't really need but want anyway.
I use backpacks designed for photography/video so they have camera sections built in. LowePro have sent me a few of their bags and I've bought a few of my own.
5:31 that was fantastic 😂
Can’t be too careful out there!
From experience. That candle lantern gets REALLY hot on top. It’s better just to blow it out.
Good advice!
I laughed so hard when he said it's such a genuine injury! Hahaha
🤪🤪🤪 you should have seen my genuine first aid
I got myself a poncho (210cm x 140cm unfolded I think) for less than £20 which I use in the same way as I would a DD magic carpet (it has eyelets in the corners) as well as something to lie on when tarp camp and it doubles up as a waterproof layer and pack cover. Really versatile piece of kit, would highly recommend
Interesting! What poncho do you use? have a link?
@@StephenJReid ah it appears TH-cam removed my reply with the link. The brand of the one I got from amazon was LAMA, though there are many that appear to be the same spec/size (turns out to be 230cm x 140cm when laid flat).
Toothpaste: Try toothpaste tablets. They're smaller, stable, and won't squidge out of the tube. Colgate makes some but there are several options. Quite good!
Sleeping bag liner hack: If you use a tapered sleeping pad, you can actually put that liner over the pad. This makes the pad much grippier so it isn't sliding everywhere (and you're not sliding off of it) but also much nicer between you and the pad, keeping your pad cleaner as well. It also helps keep your pillow where you want it. If you can get a rectangular pad into it, it'll curve up the bottom edges. This is excellent when using a pad in a hammock, and if you put an inflatable pillow under your thighs, under the pad, you'll find you're now in an exceptionally comfortable recliner while laying longitudinally.
Good ideas, especially the toothpaste tablets. Also might be trying hammocking this year for other
You can dry blobs of toothpaste and use them instead of buying the tabs.
@@Kiki-D-Kimono that's not remotely the same thing.
@@dangerpudge1922 I've done it before, and it's worked for me. I still use a toothbrush, though.
@@Kiki-D-Kimono you use a toothbrush with toothpaste tablets too...
You don’t want to push down on the top of that UCO lantern like that after it’s been burning for a while - that will blister you right through those gloves!!! I use one in my tent in the winter time - burn it for 2 or 3 minutes in the morning and it’s a lot nicer getting out of the sleeping bag… Also, in the tent, I set it on the ground so the heat rises past me - if you hang it up top, you don’t get much heat from it at all…
Good advice! I’d before to toasting my fingers in the middle of nowhere
you can get a heated wast coat on the internet for 20 pounds and you can wear it or put it in your sleeping bag to keep your feet warm lasts 6 to 8 houers i have used mi one for some 15 years now and its still working well
Had the candle lantern and an aluminum reflector that clipped 8n.
Might look into the reflector! 🙂
Some great gear there stephen, especially looking forward to try the candles myself, be good in woods like you said pal, thanks for the info,would you say the chest bag is ok for a dji mini 3 drone. ? Electric socks 😂
Thanks! The chest pack will easily fit Mini 3 Pro plus controller, spare batteries with room to spare.
@@StephenJReid thanks stephen
Are those gloves pretty good you said?I suffer cold fingers
They are very thin, but great if you want to cut the wind and cold a bit and have fu use of hands. Also better with a hand warmer as per video
I’ve been using that chest rig for about a year now! It’s too damn handy! Great for kayaking too
Great bit of kit!
@@StephenJReid also been using a Biolite 220 for a year, might upgrade to the battery pack version. They’re best fitting Ht for sure
3 Inexpensive Cold Feet remedies I use.
1) I take a pare of heavyweight oversized socks to sleep in.
You want them to be loose fitting so they won't slow down blood circulation.
2) The hand warmer companies also make foot warmers that stick to your socks. Attache one on top of your toes inside your shoes or sleeping bag.
3) I take a little extra vitamin E and stay well hydrated to help blood circulation.
Vitamin E thins the blood so talk to a doctor & use a directed.
If you take too much E, a small nick will bleed, bleed, bleed, so really:
AS DIRECTED, folks.
Happy camping.
Thanks for the tips, I’ve tried 1 & 2
Awesome video, what is the model of the rab coat your wearing
I think it’s the downpour plus jacket. Been a while since I bought it
@@StephenJReid cheers I’ll take a look on google with that
👍
What about the bag u pulled all of those out from? I would love to have that for my next camping trip 😊
That’s a Lowepro pro tactic camera bag, definitely not very Suitable for camping. Doesn’t even have external pockets/pouches.
Thanks Stephen, is it the same brand of the bag on ur chest in this vid? Tactical chest pouch? Looks awesome
@@geoffwilliams2103 no that’s a HELIKON-TEX CHEST PACK
@@StephenJReid 🙏🏼🙇🏽♂️ thank you my good sir. Much appreciated
That chest rig looks a great piece of kit. Couldn't help but laugh at the electric socks, it's something ridiculous that I could see myself buying for the hammock
Haha, hammock socks. One thing about the socks is that they need to be in shoes to get the best effect. If you’re just wearing them with no shoes, the heat dissipates much faster.
I've been looking for a little kero lantern about the same size as that candle lantern but I still can't find one so I guess I'll just get that
I suppose the advantage of this is it can’t leak everywhere
So the chest rig, it doesn't look big watching that video.
I've been thinking about mini pro 3 drone fir ages.
Does it take it no probs and do you put on the chest rig first then your rucksack.
Can you then fasten the top buckle on the rucksack?
It’s bigger than it looks, I can fit Mini 3 Pro, controller, 2x spare batteries, GoPro + shorty handle, insta360 x3 + pole and still a bit of space for a buff or thin gloves.
Yeah put on chest rig first and the rucksack, you can still fasten top and bottom buckles no problem.
@@StephenJReid ok thanks a lot Stephen
Glad I found your channel! You’re entertaining 👍
@@lostagain2992 😁 Welcome!
I have one too, and have TONS in mine. Full survival kit, bathroom kit, firearm, 750ml water bladder, water filter, snacks........
I have a little butane torch pen. Wind can’t blow it out 🤣
Light sources, attention getters, fire starters and water systems are never enough. For those I prefer the military PACE - Primary, Alternate, Contingency and Emergency. I've 4 lights, a head torch, flashlight, keychain and a dynamo one. A lighter, Storm matches, a ferro rod and a magnifying lens. Multiple water bottles, a water filtration system, replacement filter, a couple prefilters (coffee filters and bandanas), one steel to boil if need be, one foldable extra large capacity one, and chlorine tabs. A phone, a radio, a whistle and a signaling mirror. Just like a knife, these are things you do NOT want to need and not have. Ultralight is only possible if you stick to the beaten path - anything solo or isolated and I feel compelled to bring more than necessary. You don't know when disaster will strike - you could be the net 127h protagonist. Emergency shelters a map and a compass are pretty good to carry as well.
DAMN I talk too much...
Good idea, although I don’t think most people need that level of redundancy for a overnighter in the local hills.
Some heat
For your feet
With a remote
For your needs to meet
Haha. I’m standing reading this comment in the dark in a forest on a cold windy night with my feet toasty thanks to these socks 😂
For the Nalgene bottles I really recommend a Human Gear Capcap. It reduces the mouth of the bottle so you don't just pour water over your face when you're drinking.
Could I still use as a hot water bottle?
@@StephenJReid yes!
@@StephenJReid also check out the source Convertube. It lets you use the Nalgene as a water bladder.
@@SamStack Nifty!
Nalgene sipper was invented for that.
STEPHEN! Why oh why did you not make this in mid-November?? I would have had my Christmas gifts totally done by Dec 1st. But glad to have this list for next Christmas.
Secondly, please watch the original cartoon version of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas with Louise. (The one from the 60’s?) Then look in the mirror. You are TOTALLY channeling the little dog (the eyes!!) when you mug for the camera.
I had planned to originally make this in Nov dressed as Santa but other videos and client work got in the way.
Haha, never been compared to a cartoon dog before! 😂😂
I only needed to take 1 thing away from this video for it to be useful, and it was! Also, you peeking out from behind your hand with green thing on it, made me realise how much you look like Oscar the grouch with your beard and hat!
Haha, he does have better eyebrows than me though 😂
The Armytec is almost $300 CDN..
Wow that's a lot more than for me
Google sucks... I use sticky heaters for my truck's fuel filters
The uco candle lantern dont push it down like that without gloves on cos u will burn urself like me lol that silver part gets realy hot , i forgot to engage common sense mode lol
Oh I now also have a permanent thumb print on mine now 🤣
Good advice! That’s a mistake you only make once!
Nice overall gear review.
. . . but these UCO candle lanterns suck big time. WHY ? Because the candle recharges are way too expensive ! In addition burn time for one candle is approx. 8h compared to a tealight 6h. You get a pack of 100 decent tealights for 5€ only. Just buy a cheap lantern 4 your tealights and you're done.
I ended up buying oil-lamp inserts on Ali for my two UCO candle lanterns so that I can still use them in an economic way . . .
I’ll check out those oil lamp inserts!
@@StephenJReid
You need to look for "50ml Chemistry Alcohol Burner" and make sure the height and width fit nicely on the base and into the glass cylinder.
The model I bought years ago isn't online any more. It had a silicone suction cup on the bottom.
Each and every year I use cheap citronella flavoured lamp oil to fuel the inserts and this works like a charm.
You have invented a bungee cord. :)
And a lovely bungee cord it is too!
Sorry but electric socks?....LMAO. You are going to love the candle lantern and I recommend getting the Uco neoprene case for it.
I use a Ti canteen and for the wife I would fill it with hot water and wrap a shemagh/scarf around it and put the bundle in a large freezer bag(just incase of a leak) then put it in her sleeping bag. The first time I did it I was surprised how almost hot the water was in the morning and we used the water for tea(reheated just a bit) you can do the same with your Nalgene although I'm not sure how they would hold up to really hot water so you would have to sus that out.
I have and love DD tarps but check out dyneema tarps(any brand that you feel comfortable with). I have a an 8.5x10ft that weighs 7.1oz or 200g's and although I balked at the price it has since become one of those items I won't leave home without. Its so light and it does not absorb water so give it a shake and you can put it back in your bag almost dry.
Love my electric socks, warm feet on cold hikes for the first time in my life 😂 Just hope they don't break after a few months! When I used the Nalgene as a water bottle I had about 500ml in it. I reheated it once during the night after about 4hours and then used it to cook breakfast. makes for a much faster morning boil!
Dyneem looks like an epic material. Going to have to check that out as I have a few ultralight camps planned for the summer.
@@StephenJReid It borders on voodoo and the price is hard to swallow but it is worth it in my mind. Looking forward to your future trips.Cheers
Hi Stephen, I'm a biker who uses Keis heated clothing. Trust me, those socks aren't that expensive.
Can you remind me what make they are, please?
These ones are Heat Performance
i have the mini uco candle and it blows out. Not good.
The tea light one?
Yes, the lighter tea light version. I bought it to use as a warmer more homely light for backpacking. But with any sort of wind, it blows out.
That was a nasty fall 🤣🤣
Such a genuine injury too!
I rekon I have about 16 items on that list (maybe some cheaper versions tbh ) , but nothing do do with some guy off youtube influencing my thought process 😂😂😂😂 . Will pass on the heated socks though , my feet are so warm all the time I could nearly hang them out the tent to keep them cool . could be something to do with the excess weight they have to carry 😂
I need a feet upgrade! Hands and feet never stay warm 😂
@@StephenJReid 🧦🔥⛺️😎
Brilliant video! One suggestion - You may not want to put the UCO lamp out the way you did in the video; that top piece of metal gets REALLY hot, and you can burn your fingers on it. I just blow it out, myself.
Good point! I haven't left it on for long yet so haven't found that out the hard way yet.
Bear spray???
Not a lot of use for bear spray in Ireland, wind up blinding some poor sheep that stumbles into your camp in the middle of the night 😂
Never can be too safe in the wild 👍🤣
If I had all those 20 items I wouldn’t have any room for the real essentials, meat and beer!😊
Haha, you don’t have to bring them all on every trip 😁
Should get the heartburn checked out if it's that bad.
Runs in the family, my granny, my dad and me all get heartburn really easily.