The 'Stealth' Cabin: First Night in the Heated Flat-Pack Cabin
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- I spend my first night in the black stealth cabin and cook a German military MRE on the woodstove. The heated flat pack stealth cabin is an improved version of the instant folding tiny cabin. This time it is coated with black jack bitumen paint, and has an improved skylight built into the roof frame. It also has RGB lighting controlled via a small remote control. Thanks for watching and subscribe for more!
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This was great fun! Watch PART 1 of the build process here: ua-cam.com/video/QHvow-379eE/v-deo.htmlsi=UydUUTYLTDRDT4FW
This makes me thing of those videos about 20 years back of pickup truck bed liner coating over a cheap, styrofoam ice cooler like those from gas stations where the full-grown adults stood on the coated styrofoam and it didn't break. Here's my high cost, (presumably) lightweight idea - just use styrofoam insulation board coated with the polyurethane be liner for strength.
😂😂😂
This was delightful! And please don't apologize for expressing the simple joy of colorful lights and a successful project! Nothing wrong with being happy about it! Keep up the good work, my man.
I would totally mount this on a garden wagon, and have the legs come down for stability! These would make great homeless shelters in urban areas. Much better than ratty old tents along the streets!
As an occasional minimalist comfort camper, I enjoyed seeing the cabin improved and used. What I admired the most of what I saw were your smile and your teeth. You have a great attitude.
Loaded with positive, powerful energy. Pleasure to watch!
Like you say, a bit of tweaking here and there. Instead of a porthole in the door, put a low vent. It will be near your head as you sleep. The high vent on the other end will give a draught to keep the air clean and fresh. Don't build the fire so hot. We tend to want a roaring fire, but it isn't necessary in such a closed environment. Less is more. Saves on wood too. Thanks for the video. Ian
I really enjoy the genuine excitement you had for the led strip it was like the smallest simple upgrade but you were like 100% quality of life improvement lol
I used to live in my 17ft camper and during the winter I'd put a skirt around the bottom to keep the wind out from under it. Not only did it keep it more stable during high winds but it kept the camper warmer. A drop down canvas one would work great.
The birdsong there is enchanting! I recommend painting the edges of the OSB again, that is the easiest pathway to the center of the product. I love the lights, but makes it no longer stealth whatsoever!
Agreed; I noticed that, too.
This is absolutely hilarious! You saved my day, you really brought me smile as I have had setbacks today so I could get away from my stooped life for a while and feel the freedom and boyish happiness, the calm nature, the good food... I want this kind of cottage to my backyard. Thank you thank you.🌞
When you mentioned adding wheels to it, I pictured 2 wheels on one end and two handles on the other end, turning the flat pack into it's own "wheel barrow". Eliminating the need of an actual wheelbarrow. Plus having two wheels spaced further apart would make it more maneuverable and less likely to dump your load. The wheels would be less likely to sink into the mud like those skinny legs. 💖🌞🌵😷
Good Idea, it could be pulled instead of pushed which would improve the transport on difficult terrain
Wheels would need to be on the side opposite the door, because you would also need some form of lip in order to stop the parts that aren't attached to the base from sliding off.
@@kiritotheabridgedgod4178 , yes! And I was thinking the lip could be big enough to accommodate other gear as well: lawn chair, camp stove or even his backpack. 💖🌞🌵😷
... then train a cart goat...
Adding wheels to it could make it into a bicyclecamper
I bet that little cabin is a sauna with that wood burner in there! Which is awesome because I don't do cold. Lol
First of all, I'm so stoked you were able to build this just off the back of your own prowess and knowhow. Even though you don't claim to be a carpenter, I guarantee you a lot of us disagree. Secondly your reaction to the LED's working was by far the highlight of the video. Stoked that it worked!!! Love it.
Fyi, if you want to drill holes in plexiglass to mount with screws, use a drill bit in reverse mode at slow speed and it won't crack. To saw it, use a very fine metal cutting blade at slow speed on a variable speed jigsaw and push very slowly ie let the blade do the work. A single part epoxy paint or varnish might reduce off gassing of plywood chipboard. Rust-Oleum makes an inexpensive Marine single part waterproof epoxy called Topside Marine Coating. No respirator needed. Some bicycle wheels would let an ebike tow your camp. Cheers from New Orleans
Make holes in acrylic with hot soldering iron?
@@eggandchips4t In my experience, it will work, but holes are limited to the size of the tip and burnt/melted plastic stays on top and bottom rim of the hole. It also can drip and burn whatever it lands on (ie don't have a hand or toes underneath).
Better yet use polycarbonate instead. It's much less brittle and overall stronger.
Very cool cabin Mike!!!! What a great adventure, sky light, stove, and mood lighting lol
You could build a small bench or shelf to get the fireplace up a foot. That way, you could store wood and have room for your feet underneath.
i know nothing about building things, are you not worried in that case about the stove falling over?... i guess thinking about it, theres not much more risk just because it's elevated if the bench is secure
It's really cool seeing everyone's ideas for adding to or tinkering with what you've got here.
I love your enthusiasm. Between the skylight and the LED lights, it was like watching a child playing with their favorite Christmas gifts. So fun to watch! It reminds me of my overnight adventures in the lean to I built in the woods in upstate New York when I was 12. Great memories!
Painted with bitumen makes that a really flammable cabin.
Should add a detachable tarp around the bottom edge of the roof hatch for a little covered area or so if it's raining you can still have hatch open for better air circulation
mate, install a sipper water bottle and the human size rabbit hutch is complete. Love it!
Next: install a washable floor covering. I held my breath while you did the pasta scene! Given your soggy ground, storing stuff under the cabin may not always be an option. Maybe a hanger system inside the door?
I was going to suggest the modular foam flooring, if it will work with the pack down. hard wood gets sore on knees and bums.
You should take a bicycle tire tube and split it open length ways to use as the peak cover. More flexibility when opening the hinged side. Just a thought. Great mobile unit though.
I've enjoyed this series very much so far, love anything that's different and unique like this! Keep up the good work.
I would put all the fasteners on the inside. That way no one can get in while you're sleeping, and you will always have an exit.
I was thinking the same thing!
I’m thinking more of bears!
They can open many kinds of latches and you’d be a ‘sitting duck’ in there!
That stove is so cute!’and it totally finds up!
@@pamsmith7369if he’s camping in the UK we don’t have bears so he’d be safe. I’m not sure where he is mind you! 😅 Just clicked on recommended channel.😊
@@pamsmith7369 A bear would tear that thing apart in less time than it took to open the door. Flatpack, man portable, and no tool assembly...do not lend themselves well toward 'bear proof'.
@@Chrissyhappythey had that mean bear in Scotland the "brave" red haired girl had to fight. 😂
Put a couple of wheels for a cart, add a horse and hey presto you have a medieval prisoner transport, wicked
Your pallet cabin build with you da is one of my favourites! Keep putting out these great videos. They’re great and fun and informative, so thank you for sharing them with us!
*"Stealth LED disco"* is something I did not expect tbh. 😂 Very cool little house though. Love it.
Very cool little hut.
If you live far enough out in the boonies and away from others, with bad winters. It's good to have your house and a backup cabin nearby. If your pla e catches fire during the winter you won't freeze to death.
You have a backup shelter.
Mate, you don't know how excited I was about you doing the overnight after the intro. I think I have something wrong with me.
The joy at the lighting working was worth watching the video
What a delightful video! I cracked up when you having fun playing with the light strip, like a kid with a brand new toy! Nice tweaks to your cabin! Glad to hear you enjoyed the night out in the night! If you decide to make another one, just add a bit more width and height for more comfort. Great job!😊😊😊
Mike is a builder and teacher. Thanks to him I realized I have tossed two little farrow rods into the bin along with the ”whistle” from a couple of gift survival kits. Live and learn. 😅
Was thinking that if you were going to put lights in it or use a power bank of some kind, you could stick a powered fan in one end to make sure there's continuous ventilation for safety reasons.
I also like the idea of building it as a wheelbarrow/cart-type setup. Fold it up, secure it while you're moving it, and set it up when you arrive at your destination.
This is the human equivalent of a cat finding a really nice box.
I just finished up building a winter cat box for a feral, pretty spot on the same in miniature.
I was thinking about a dog house!
@@barbaraurban9824I was thinking about you 😘
@@raphiphop9617 chat is this rizz?
Love the design. it's great, fab for children as well. Luv from the UK 🇬🇧
I keep coming back to your video. I'm hoping to build this for a bike camper. Not sure when but you/your cabin is my inspiration. Thank you from Iowa. USA.
Longer term that tarp tightly packed around it will hold moisture that comes from the ground keepin all the contents wet, ala mold and rot. Keep the tarp off the ground for ventilation. Overall great job getting something done. Keep doing, keep learning, keep enjoying.
I can imagine a fox getting excited thinking there is chickens inside that hut 😂😅
lol
Love watching the modifications and fine tuning you’re doing. Can’t wait to see what the next video of this project will look like.
So interesting!
That lighting could cause another " Rendlesham Forest" incident 😊
We saw it here first! :D
Idea: Instead of building a whole cabin, only build the foundation part of your cabin in the size of your tent. With some 2cm XPS glued to the underside of your foundation you could sit quite comfortably even in the winter times.
And I think the OSB is fine. One just needs to use it in combination with other materials. You could, for example, glue aluminium foil to the inside. It rejects condensed moisture, reflects heat and contains the outgassing.
osb is fine if you want cancer from the chemicals it offgasses....
Definitely keep working on this small cabin idea you have, love to see where you take it and improve it over time.
Nice video Mike. Enjoyed watching. Your Mussli was apple and strawberry. Greetings from Germany.
I love the LED Lights. If you put them on one of the long sides, instead of the ridge beam, You will not have to take it off when you break down the flat pack cabin. great idea for a cabin. It would make a good homeless shelter, too.
This reminds me of when Erik Grankvist built his own cabin in the woods. Brilliant!
The pallet cabin is where I first found you and I suspect that it was pretty close to the real time that you and your Dad built it. At the time, my thought was that it would be a great little get away spot and the 2nd idea was a kid's play house. Sure enough, years later, he built on for your daughter. So cool. I've really enjoyed your channel over the years and hope to continue to do so as you try new things.
Love the concept! The only thing I could think would be to do some folding shelves... maybe run a couple hinges from the wall to another scrap piece of osb as the shelf top to a hinged brace off the shelf top that sits diagonally against the wall. Would allow you to put your firewood up top, and give you more floor space
That was so enjoyable to watch! Your delight in what you are doing is contagious!
Use PETG instead of acrylic - doesn’t split , and if you need any 5 bar tread plate folding we can sort that. Keep the vids coming mate top job (and your Dad too)
i seen a shepherds bed that was built permanently in the mountains about 3'wide 4'tall 6'long . long side the whole side laid down for a door and sort of porch you could lay there and look out or sit up and look out it had an extended roof over that part were it didn't rain in and that's what it was for to get out of the rain or stay the night, watch the flock.high enough off the ground for the dogs to get under.and cozy enough for both to shelter .even had a rain gutter off the back going to a barrel for water.
The view of the sky should not be underestimated!
I got a sense of wonder from this video i haven't felt since turning 21. Thank you
The view from inside through the skylight was great. I also enjoyed the track lights as well. Great episode.
You've built a nice big dog-house. Lovely.
Try a small cot that would fit and that way your bed will be more comfortable and give you more storage.
I was thinking memory foam topper that could be cut to shape and sew a heavy muslin cover for it. We use them to replace our camper mattresses but they do need a heavy thick all round cover.
6:05 It's a German combat ration (called EPA as in Einmannpackung (one man pack), which means MRE). I have eaten a few and some are really good. Always ups the morale. 😉
15:35 It's a bit intriguing, it says Bolognese, but it is vegetarian. The "meatballs" are made of soy. But it does not matter as you can see at 19:50. I am sure, that this is really good.
Erdberann is strawberries 🍓
Love you new tiny cabin ❤ especially the sky light & the strip lighting! ✨️ great job 👏 👍 ❤
Epic, I wonder if this reminds anyone else (other than those of us who’ve been watching Mike’s channel for years) of the palletwood cabin? 👍🏻❤️
Yeah, the palletwood cabin was fun. All his projects are cool.
Got to admit dude, this seemed bonkers but i loved how it turned out for you. Bit of fun that worked, just goes to show eh. Hope you can make it to the bushcraft show, if not myself and Cam will hopefully see you at wild in us fest. Love your stuff Mike. 🔥👍🏻🙂
Absolutely will be at the bushcraft show this year! I have a stand there. Sadly can’t do Wild in Us as I’m busy on those dates
@@TAOutdoors Will see you at the show then bud. 👍🏻
Such a fantastic idea! My only suggestion would be a smaller stove, half the size is all you need for that square footage. That perhaps would help the overheating issue. Cheers!
"glue" / cement the fire brick to the osb, add a pair of hinges and clue fire bricks to form a C around the stove but at the same time fold flat :)
Awesome job mate. You could also coat the interior of your cabin with fire retardant paint. The paint was black as well so it would match the exterior. I used it once in a client's new home.
I worked for a moving company for almost 10 years, and I have to say that using a dolly is the easiest way to carry tall, heavy objects. You should consider picking up one with some big wheels! Strapping it to the dolly should make it a lot easier to get around
I'm really liking that roof with skylight that pops open for fresh air. I think if I made one it would have to be just a tad bit wider. And no OSB.
Wider and tall enough for me to stand up in.
It would be so cool if you had attachable mudder wheels and a pull
point to move like a wagon while it's assembled.
Lov'in this! Of course I'd need a mini A/C instead of a stove.
you could use what we in the USA call all thread and a couple bicycle tires with rims to make an axle for one end of the cabin and attach a handle of sorts to the other and the whole cabin itself would act as the mobile trailer. the tires would be big enough to not get caught up on much as you push/pull it through the woods. after getting to your location you could remove the wheels and set the cabin up as normal. I hope i am explaining it properly but i do love your ideas and think it's a great project.
Very cute, however the grizzlies in Wyoming would think, ‘’Yum, Jack in the box! My favorite!’
He is such a sweetheart!😊
I have not watched a video of yours since you and your dad built that little cabin out of pallat wood. I'm glad I watched this one, nice to see you again love the little house.
I guess people with claustrophobia might not get past 31 minutes. I loved it!!
I'm horribly claustrophobic, but I think the big skylight would help.
Sometimes being dry and safe would help me get over the claustrophobic feelings. 😅
I struggled watching some bits
Definitely awesome. Perhaps use do a repeat of the roof panel on the port hole? Turned out to be an eye-opening experiment.
Brilliant mate! Very good! Keep on scheming improvements as you are doing. I have thought for years now of something similar, I thought of an 8’x8’ easily assembled cabin I could deliver in the box of my pickup truck. Put it together with a minimum of screws using a cordless driver. Hmm! You’ve done quite well with your concept, thank you.
I like the idea of a wider project.
Delightful episode, never seen you talk and laugh so much, had me laughing more than once. I'm a home designer by profession (almost 50 year career) and your little portable cabin has got me thinking of the "beta" version (Current version being the "alpha"). I like some of the ideas in the other comments, like putting wheels on the floor and making the cabin into it's own wheelbarrow, also runners to create a sled, perhaps interchangeable with wheels? Some of my thoughts: 1.) use piano hinges to attach walls to floor 2.) use full sheets of OSB/plywood to give yourself a bit more interior room. Lots more ideas in my head, difficult to explain w/words, I draw my ideas, hahaha.
Needs an ultra thin solar panel. 100 watt ones won't break the bank.
I love your wit,,I love your channel. I miss your Dad
i've detailed plans of a "micro cabin " been designing for the past year.
i appreciate your videos and other's numerous videos and the hundreds of comments gathering design ideas.
My versatile 4 season, ultralight micro cabin is for the Canadian wilderness .
i'm ready to start building it in a week.
Thank you and all viewers' comments. Maybe I'll even put it on UA-cam and motivate others to join th adventurous life .
I hope to see your micro cabin for Canada sometime.
Interesting build! You were cute with how much fun you were having with the lights.
Love it! I’m with you on the skylight and the RGB lighting! Your rooftop view is amazing! I love RGB lighting when camping… it really surprises me that I do too! 🙃 Good job! 🤗🥰🤗
Great seeing the modifications and left me with all sorts of thoughts as to what I could use something like that, including for myself and a mate when we go on weekend airsoft games but that would be steel framed and attached to a trailer (we prefer to build things rather than buy them :) ). One thought definitely occurred to me though - you could line the walls inside with some cotton batting and hessian to insulate it a touch and deaden sound a bit. Might make it feel a little more cosey overall but still a really nice idea and good bit of work.
I can definitely appreciate why you went for the acrylic skylight though, that was a stunning view!
I like it. All your projects are interesting and fun.
❤❤❤OMG I love it... NICE job... the lights r the icing on the cupcake❤❤❤
I eagerly awaited this video after watching you build this neat 'flat pack' cabin. Except for the lexan panel section in the roof, I've had a similar concept and design in my head for a few years now.
I envisioned full 4'x8' panels of roofing grade plywood all hinged together so it folded down flat onto a small trailer. The folded down cabin sections would serve as a deck for my ATV to sit on, while being trailered to a ride area. Once there, the ATV would take over by puling the trailer into the remote campsite where the cabin could be unfolded like yours.
Now that I've seen your lexan sky light, I think I'd like one too. I like your exterior paint idea as well. Thanks for sharing this build and your adventure with us!
Great Stuff Mike! Cheers from NYC. Looking forward to the next installment.
I would very much like to have a cabin like that. It wouldn't matter to me if it wasn't stealth I think it's a great concept and well done to you for coming up with it.
Imagine waking up and someone looking at you through the roof.
😅 Good morning, sunshine. 😁
Never thought I would see a cabin you can pack away. Liked for your innovative build & subscribed to see what else you do with this cabin and or future builds/videos.
Beautifully designed. I would add a fold down wire shelf on one wall, to keep gear off the floor; plus another to use for eating. They would be light weight and thin to become part of the flat pack.
Like farther like son ,I hope Graham is keeping well love that old guy to death ,keep up the great work
About 25 years ago I built a 30x8 shed/workshop using 18mm OSB on 4x2 timber. It still stands. The OSB had a coat of fence paint when I put it up and had another coat every couple of years. If sealed (especially the edges) OSB is a lot tougher and long lasting than his comments indicate. Still like the little cabin.
Watching you unfolding the foldable stove, I thought, ahhh, there's what he's got it from. :D
Hi Mike I hope this helps but in narrowboats we have vents on the bow and stern doors to allow fresh air to circulate and help stop the condensation
Give me rain over the -25c we're getting now....... Cool little build, luv the vids as always.. Thanks 4 the great content! CHEERS
Super Idea....Should last around 5 years or so if kept dry and if the snow doesn't crash in the roof.....I love the cheap cost....and the utility....
That's a fun one and you so enjoyed yourself which is what you should be doing, yes? Waiting for the next one.
Good job ! I really like seeing alternative approaches to shelter .
wonderful vid, love you channel . you do alot of amazing projects. I thank you very kindly for shareing
Replies in no certain order:
Tea Powder is freeze dried tea, like a coffee powder.
Love the improvements. Your kids will have a lot of fun in this little house; it's just their size!
Oh, a Y branch would hold the skylight open a bit better.
Brooke Whipple and her husband Dave both use those little lite bars or Christmas lights in the off grid cabins they build.
I've always thought that Pyromania is carried on the Y Gene. Guys have this inate fascination with fire and or light; they always have a flashlight/ torch or a lighter.
Not sure how you feel about it but we take little homemade packets of matcha tea back packing too. I'm not super fond of powdered instant tea.
I like it with powdered French vanilla creamer and sugar.
We do up powdered coffee with the creamer and sugar too.
But we do use a food vacpac machine to make them. Less weight than little plastic jars but we still have trash to pack back out.
Hope this helps a bit
Pyromania is definitely on the X Chromosome. Men like fire and think it's neat, but the most severe pyromaniacs I've known have all been women.
@@Emeraldwitch30 Oh, instant tea is horrible. However, my health has me homebound, so I'm never far from a kettle.
Always reminds me of the Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy Advanced Tea Substitute - tastes almost entirely not quite unlike tea
Im so glad you did this, and shared it!!
Ive had similar plans run through my head.
I can see putting 2 side by side, (sans a pair of sidewalls) for a double occupancy..
Lovely video! Your voice is so soothing. You might try to look at mini garden greenhouse hinges for your acrylic roof to be propped open.
Brilliant Mike 👍
Love it that you named it after me 🖤
All the best fella
Johnny Black
CSO 🤩👊🌟