Feel free to comment. These are just my open thoughts. In summary, I would love the hiking, backpacking and wild camping community to come together to help new people starting out, those with less knowledge and experience, and to support the creators who try their hardest to showcase their adventures and inspire others. We all know how good backpacking is for our physical and mental health. Lets help others start out and grow.
Greedflation?? Energy crisis ?? Man you buy all the bs excuses do you chum 😂😂😂 They robbing you mate using their financial system .......how don't you get it yet ?
Personally IV found in the last 4 years wild camping has got a very negative image because these new people ( I suppose I can’t blame only the newbies )but this has got much worse since COVID, the bad practices people have, leave no trace which has been the number 1 rule for us is now ignored by so many, as a farm owner also a mountain leader and general outdoor person I see this from Both sides, and I can’t wait for it to get back to the way things were, i know I can afford the best equipment, but your right Andy the manufactures have jumped on the band wagon outdoor technical clothing is now v expensive and I was buying stuff from America just because there a much more to choose from and better prices , but the import taxes are killing that, but maybe that’s a good thing and we should all get on the buy from this side of the Atlantic and even better by from the UK but I seems to me that American companies listen to the customers more as far as product’s and development go, now iv just had a rant lol I best leave it there and calm down lol
You touch on some great points there Andy. The pandemic brought a huge influx of new people to the outdoor community. Mostly that’s a positive, but it also brings more fly campers and areas getting a bit overused. The point about the tolerance of some viewers is a great one. Some times it doesn’t matter what you share, you get shot down by some. Most things in the niche have already been done. The camp location, the jetboil boil test, the Helm 1 review, and the IPA taste test. We have all had our turn at that 😂. The only true thing that is unique is ourself. Our stories and how things work for us. As you know, you can gain views by camping in storms, or trashing an expensive tent. The those viewers come…then they go. The people that tune in week in week out is who we really make our videos for. That is a true following. Subscriber count is really just a vanity metric. I can vouch for that. Great video 👍
I don't think the wild camping bubble has burst, just as Paul's last upload proved - he bumped into a few wild campers on the way to meeting another wild camper. The UA-cam thing has died down because it's got formulaic and boring. I used to tune in to UA-cam vids to get info on different hikes/routes and enjoyed an authentic experience shared by a genuine enthusiast. Now it seems people are doing it just to be 'UA-camrs' and it feels a little contrived. I'm pretty sure Wild Camping numbers are higher than ever, it's just that people are doing it for their own personal experience and not to watch or post online.
I hope you all get everything for free and earn a billion quid from it. Like it or not your are influential and brought me into the hobby. I just don’t understand the jealousy 🤷🏻♂️ The only thing I find frustrating is I how some people hide the spots they go to but I can fully understand the reasons why too. This is why I have given up the plan of wild camping. I have almost everything I need now to hike and brew up. If I spot a place to camp in future I might reconsider. I wish you UA-camrs all the best and hope you get all the sponsors you can just like the fishing influencers.
We watch you because your interesting, informative, but mostly because we believe in what you are doing and enjoy your company on a screen - for whatever amount of minutes per week. Xx
Great points. Well made 😊. Best underlying message is to get out there in peace and appreciate time you get without leaving crap all over the place. Overall you make a great point M'andy😊😊
I think it’s like he said you’ve sometimes got to give people a hand at the end of the day camping and hiking is meant to be fun and if someone keeps telling you your doing it wrong people will lose interest but I do agree respect nature and other peoples property
I always think it’s only polite to put a like when I’ve watched a video someone has taken time to produce it’s like saying thank you for your time & effort
as someone who has been camping in the UK for 40yrs or so, I noticed an increase after lockdown of people not normally seen up here in Cumbria who clearly had no idea about camping or how to behave, the terms wild camping and wild swimming started being used for some reason. Trees and branches were hacked down for fires, tents and litter left blowing over the fells....locals being abused in the most spiteful way. these people are slowly returning to their dreadful package holidays etc it is only for the good that this is happening. true campers and lovers and respecters of the countryside have always been around practically unnoticed. So called wild camping was a fad and I for one am glad to see the back of it and the odious people it attracted. here endeth the rant !
There are people that respect nature and those that don't. That is true as much at a campsite as it is wild camping, those that are experienced and those that aren't. That you think people wild camping are odious is a little sad in my opinion, I could quite happily convince myself that people who rock up to a campsite and sit for a week outeide their hymer or whatever are awful, but what use is that?
@@gb2983 nahh hes not saying everyone who wild camps is bad, just the people that pick it up as part of a phase suddenly and butcher the process leaving rubbish and stuff behind or staining the name. Thats what I took from it anyway, I do see your point though 100%. But I think its more the people that bust onto the scene without the passion or proper respect for the land.
_"true campers and lovers and respecters of the countryside have always been around practically unnoticed."_ I don't agree with the "practically unnoticed" mentality of this comment. I don't think that it's normal for wild campers to be unnoticed. Because they're so unnoticed, no one is willing to make any concessions for them. To be honest, if I was in charge of ANOBs like Peak District or Lake District, I'd make wild camping locations. As in, places where you still bring your tent to camp, but there is an unobtrusive bin that gets cleared out regularly so you don't have to carry your litter with you. Where there are several built to purpose fire pits, so you can gather around with your friends for a fire. Where there's fire wood available so you don't go out and cut down trees. And, most importantly, where you can actually camp, and not be in at sunset, out by sunrise. I've been to such a location in Romania, years ago. It's probably gone now. It was in an actual nature reserve. There was a semi-forested area with designated campsites. There was a forester working there, he'd greet you when you come in, he'd assign a spot to you, and while you were there it was like you were camped in the middle of the woods, just by yourself. You had a purpose built fire pit so you wouldn't set the substrate on fire. And he made it very clear: Do not pick up any kind of wood off the ground for a fire. If you wanted fire wood, you'd just ask him for some and he'd give it to you, free of charge. And this was in a nature reserve, not in a random forest somewhere. This is what camping should be like in a country like the UK, where public wild spaces are relatively rare, and almost everywhere you go there is a serious risk of setting peat on fire. But because wild campers themselves are playing by this "unseen" mentality, the authorities too prefer to not see them and do nothing for them. I think we should be seen. I think the authorities should acknowledge that we exist. And I think that the public should be encouraged to spend more time out in nature, but in harmony with it.
The decline started quite some time ago I think. Early signs amongst the horde of You Tube regular video makers, " I nearly died in the woods"..." Stealth camping on a roundabout " ..." Zombies outside the tent" Then there are the " You can't go camping unless you have a £850 tent" Brigade. Signs of desperation crept in soon after Covid restrictions were lifted.
Well said, Andy. I’m not going to comment on other channels but my views have dropped significantly in the last 12 months. Saying that I don’t consider myself a “UA-camr”. I think the only way to be “successful” is to make videos of what most people want to watch, but unfortunately these are not the type videos I want to make. As for the money side of things, it doesn’t even cover my fuel costs. Nevertheless it’s always nice to get positive comments from those who appreciate what we do, whilst asking for nothing in return. ATB bud 👍
I am not a content creator but I feel it is good to see somebody pointing out how much work is involved in putting these video’s out on UA-cam and pointing out how much people can enjoy the outdoors and help with mental health. Always enjoy your video’s and honest reviews which help people like me to start hiking and get new ideas.👍
Many thanks Andy for shouting out creators. It takes a lot of work to get a video up. Personally, I try to focus on my enjoyment of making and creating as I know it will inspire or entertain someone somewhere - even if it is just one person! I have seen several channels close over the nearly 6 years I have been a 'Tuber'. It is sad as I've really enjoyed their content. For some, it is dealing with all the nonsense but also I think it's just very hard for some to juggle the demands of running a wild camping channel and do normal life at the same time.
Totally agree with you. The same thing happened with the cycling industry during Covid. The price of bikes & components literally doubled in the space of a year & the companies milked it as the demand was so high. The last year has seen demand plummet & lots of companies are now struggling to sell. The same thing will happen with the camping industry. Keep up the great work
I'm a keen cyclist too (I used to race Road, MTB and CX), and bike prices have gone up astronomically. It's an absolute joke. They all tried to cash in on the new found love of cycling. Same happened with camping. To be totally honest, I hope the companies that took advantage get what they deserve. It's a shame as if they had been more reasonable, people would have stayed with their hobby longer and kept purchasing new gear. It's very short-sighted.
What's interesting is running seems to have been somewhat immune to this inevitable decline. Although that particular boom began long before Covid so perhaps that's why it's faired better than other outdoor activities.
@@BackpackingUKI too was bike racing but in the 70s then cyclo tourist, I still have a few friends that have bike shops. The Covid period really done the independent bike shops over, they couldn’t replace anything they sold in some cases for a year or so like many other retail businesses. Your good 😊
I'm 65 and I still subscribe to your channel along with others .I only occasionally camp but love your content and look forward to your posts ..thank you .
Andy, I have only recently discovered the UK UA-cam hiking/camping providers and I must say that I watch and follow more of you folks than my US providers. Many, too many of the US creators end up being outdoor equipment merchants, taking the easy money from the manufacturers. You, FellmanDave, Paul Messner, Kent Survival, Simon, a Bloke in the Woods and Andrew Park have been the enjoyment that got me through this past New England Winter!! Great video, looking forward to more!
Some valid points mate. I've done wild camping etc since being a kid. I started a channel and it started off quite strong but it's now bombing and it affects you and you wonder why. I've nearly quit the vids multiple times (still doing the trips in the background).. you've inspired me to put some more content out now. I'd be happy on my channel with just a comment or a thumbs up.. I'm not big enough for payout and that's not why I ever set out to do it. Keep up the valued content mate
Its such a shame, in my opinion even when my favourite youtubers bring out a video there just doesnt seem the passion and quality that we used to see. Saying that i will still continue to watch and follow my favorites. You hit the nail on the head.
Personally I am very grateful for channels like yours. At 70 I am about to start wild camping/backpacking and am grateful for the inspiration and information I have got from You Tube. I always hope content makers take the time to go out without their cameras sometimes. Thanks for the videos.
Well done speaking your mind. I really think you need to do what makes you happy. That will allow you to produce the best videos. I've spent almost all my life outdoors, over 50 years. I use Facebook groups to allow me to pass on some.of my knowledge. I wildcamp every Friday (unless injured like now). I am ASD and don't want to be around people, I do that during the week. My employer will not allow me to make videos on UA-cam. I might be what you call a keyboard warrior but I'll always be positive or sometimes constructive. For selfish reasons, I hope the bubble has burst. I do think people on social media go more into details of what "Leave no trace" means. I usually come off the hill with a bin bag full of rubbish, I tend to have at least 2. People are having fires, demolishing dry stone walls, diverting streams etc. Those leaving rubbish, possibly thing someone will just clean up after them, like mum at home? I know you always state leave no trace, I just think some people are so stupid, they need the message with more description of what it means. What a shame you only get effectively 1 coffee in a million views. I wish Terry Pratchett was correct when he said 1 in a million events happens 9 times out of ten. 😂 Thanks for your videos, they are amongst the very best on UA-cam.
I started hiking a few birthdays earlier than you, but 70 was so important for me. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, was operated on in April, and I then hiked the GR10 route across the Pyrenees in July. I did it in 51 days, now that I'm 79 I'll never do any better, I can still manage the Pennine Way though, just!
Great video mate, i must confess i was part of the covid boom but it honestly changed my life, not trying to sound dramatic or anything like that it just changed my priorities and my outlook on things and thats thanks to channels like yourself and im very grateful for that. Ignore the hate you’re doing great!
I should of added, it's not just hiking, backpacking and wild camping. Literally, all the outdoor hobbies that boomed during the lockdowns are now we're seeing a correction. It happened quickly though. I thought the legacy would have lasted much longer, but that's the world we live in now, our brains are always after something fresh and new.
A good watch this. Always hiked but getting more and more intrigued with wild camping. Stumbled across your challenge as i saw you on the Apex Everest challenge so follow all 4 of you now. If you can recommend any others that would be good but love your style mate. So educational without making it boring!!
I’ve always been a hiker 👍 but only started wild camping a couple years ago. My videos I make are just like a record of my adventures for myself & my family to watch when I’m older and hopefully showing people how to go about it in a respectful way always leaving no trace. I’ve really enjoyed making content and it’s nice to have regular viewers and like a little community. I’ll just keep making videos I enjoy and hopefully a few other people might enjoy them too. Keep up the good work mate
I agree with you that there is a lack of sensitivity of some UA-cam channels with respect to the affordability levels of the followers. You are also right about the increasing intolerance and disrespect of followers un general. Unfortunately, that reflects society at large. There is a trend towards rubishing the work of others.I do appreciate your work on this channel.
I camp and film as much as I can because if I stay in all weekend I feel I have wasted the free days I have from work... Editing is my favourite part of doing UA-cam and if a company sends me stuff I show it on videos then give it away so we all win in the end... Also taking people with me on camps and meeting other creators has been amazing for me, swapping stickers and patches, and giving out t shirts is also a great part of this community.... Long may we create content for those that cant go out their houses and for those that are thinking of taking up the hobby.....Great video...ATB Chris.
The biggest don't want competition. I find a lot of UK You tubers are supportive though. The biggest problem is the algorithm. I only come across fellow small you tubers through comments. You tube does not push the smaller you tubers into my feed.
Crazy prices are destroying it . Most companies can't see that they are killing the interest in getting our there. I don't bother watching vids showing gear that I will never buy.
@@simplelife6827 I have to disagree as there is too much cheap stuff still available that allows idiots to go out, cause chaos, leave crap and walk away and leave it all just like they do at festivals.
The only thing companies are doing is putting themselves out of business and driving customers to ChinaCo. brands that are laughing all the way to the bank. To stanch the bleeding and delay the inevitable for as long as possible, they continually raise their prices even higher and lower the quality more and more to decrease production costs, making their products even less worth the money and driving even more people to ChinaCo. brands. Case in point: MSR just replaced about 80% of the mesh on the Hubba Hubba with cheaper solid fabric *and* raised the price. And the irony? The brands they're driving them to, e.g., Naturehike and 3F UL, are owned by the very same factories that make their products for them.
Interesting video Andy. You e got some good points. I don’t get out much anymore due to cost of living making me work average 12 hours more a week. Yeah I’ve got a lot of good gear but I’ve sacrificed a lot of my time and other things to afford good gear. I stopped following a lot of content creators because of all the ads ect. If it changes from what I wanted to see into a commercial advertisement platform I just don’t watch it anymore. I seen a farmer post a video of covering a lad in dung for camping responsibly tucked behind a hedge. What chance have people got if that’s how English access laws are. I hope that wild camper is okay
Great video Andy! I’m a very small content creator and I personally haven’t uploaded a video for several months,, as I feel like I’m banging my head against a brick wall. I also know many other creators who have stopped creating all together, such a shame, as I think everyone has something to offer! Keep up the great work Andy! 👍
A great video raising some interesting points. Keep up the great, I am extremely grateful that I can hike vicariously through people such as yourself who give so generously of your time and talent. All the way from Australia I love travelling the UK countryside from the comfort of my chair.
We all need to stop & ask ourselves the question why are we out in the first place ? Is it because it’s a hobby u enjoy irrespective of making money & getting free gear ? Or is it the other way around where the novelty wears off because we are not getting the response & rewards we hoped for ?
Great video and some very valid points however my biggest gripe with UA-cam and wild camping is its made people more aware of what’s out there but unfortunately thats encouraged the idiots who haven’t got a clue for their own safety and also they have no idea what “leave no trace” means. Covid made it worse and I still see people camping along the side of Ullswater leaving their crap.
To be honest, it's amazing such a bubble existed to begin with, considering wild camping is pretty much illegal in England and Wales with a few exceptions.
I tend to wild camp as much as I can, and often decide because of the outrageous prices that some people try to charge me. The highest I've agreed to so far is £12, my normal limit is £10. It's not because I can't afford it, I can, but I believe a few campsites have jumped on the bandwagon of the word 'inflation' so I often say no! On the Pennine Way, Bowes loop, recently (I much prefer it to the main route) I stayed on a really great site in Bowes, £6 for the night, a lovely, clean, shower and toilet area, and a great pub down the road. £10.50 for a main course, and that was the best meal I had, and the cheapest as well. Everywhere else seemed to be £14.50 and above.
Well said Andy. You inspired me to buy my first camping gear this year (although ive been subbed and watching you for a couple of years now), thought this summer was the now or never with camping. ive only managed to get out once mind because the weather has been shocking every weekend ive managed to be free its been lashing it and im not quite ready for that weather yet. You come across as a very genuine and nice guy, thats what drew me to your videos in the first place. I can see why your channel is an upwards trajectory as you're so likeable, and when you review a product, its from a genuine place. You're not the kind of guy who puts self interest first, probably to your detriment in some parts of life i would imagine ... but definitely our gain in having you on You Tube. Keep up the great content. I rarely comment on you tube, byr felt i needed to on this occasion. I always watch and like your videos though. All the best and thanks for helping me buy my first camping gear. -Paul
Hi Andy, a great video. The points you make are all valid as I see it. Unfortunately I can no longer hike and camp due to my health but always watch you and others and wish I was out there with you. One of the things that I really hate is people telling us that the only tent, or ther kit, you should buy is the high end extortionate priced stuff. The majority of people haven't got that sort of money, why can't they go back to basics because I am sure they didn't start out with a £1000 tent
We only started camping again last year after an almost 20 year break. We gained an awful lot from watching channels like yours, which meant we were able to put together a pretty good quality budget camping set up. If any of you guys get any freebies, or are fortunate enough to be in the position to be able to buy high end gear, then the best of luck to you. I think you all earn it for all the hard work you put into your channels.
I'm here for this, lots of valid points that you've raised in this video mate! Cheers for bringing these to light! I've bailed from wild camping in severe winds before, and got some comments that I was a coward. Is a bit ridiculous! But that's their problem. I love creating content, so I shall keep doing so! Gotta protect those who love what they do :) Earned a sub from me!
Don't want to gatekeep the hobby...but to a certain extent...the less popular it becomes...the less idiots there are out in the countryside fly camping/littering/having fires
Well said Andy! I do my outdoors channel just for fun, but there's really no prospect of it making any meaningful money. It has been monetised for 6 months now, I've published about 16 videos in that time, and it has made a total of just under £160 so far. So that's about £10 a video on average. I don't think a single video has even broken even when I take into account travel costs etc. Like I said, I do it for fun, so it's not a big deal, but I wouldn't want to encourage anyone to start an outdoorsy UA-cam channel in 2024 for financial reasons, unless they were extremely confident they had some unique angle. It's a very overcrowded space. Do it for fun, sure, but expectations need to be set accordingly about the likelihood of actually making any meaningful income from it.
Honestly, I'm more tired of these self-proclaimed professional UA-camrs complaining about viewers not paying them enough. It all starts off with them saying, 'I can't believe I get to do this for a living' and then complaining that viewers aren't watching enough of thier content or contributing to patreon when that proves not to be the case. For the most part, people are watching your content because it's free and wouldn't even pay for a subscription platform which just had UA-cam style content. In the grand scheme of a household entertainment budget, people swithering on whether to cancel Prime, get a free trial on Apple TV or pay £4.99 for Netflix, aren't going to pay you even £1 per month for less than an hours worth of entertainment. This is particularly the case when you're drawing in crowds who are looking for OEX & Decathlon kit for under £100. Granted, there will be people from wider demographic backgrounds and this is purely anecdotal, but I'm certainly not inclined to go throwing any of my hard earned into the begging cap of a UA-camr who is clearly buying kit and taking trips that I can't even dream of affording. I get that some of the appeal of UA-cam content creators is that they are open and personable, but that's because it started as a type of social media. So pick a lane, it's either social media, and your pouring your heart out to people who care, or a professional content creator - not both!
Hi Andy,just like to say you do a fantastic job on UA-cam. I'm a beginner myself and have been watching your videos for a while now. You always give good honest advice and you've helped me out massively picking up the right gear for wild camping. Like you said everyone's got to start somewhere. Keep up the good work 👍
I’ve only been into ‘proper’ hiking since last October after a trip to the beautiful Lake District. The natural progression was to start wild camping with my dog. Thanks to creators like yourself and other hiking and wild camping videos I learned an awful lot especially about gear, which I’m very grateful for. To me it doesn’t make a difference if the ‘bubble’ has burst. I do hope people like yourself continue to upload interesting content. I guess particularly in The UK it is a bit of a niche market not so in The US. As regarding some of the reviews I’m of the opinion if you can’t say something that is constructive either in praise or in criticism then say nothing. I part watched thousands of videos either wild camping hiking or whatever if it doesn’t click with me I watch something else certainly don’t slag off someone else’s very often hard work Interesting video keep it up mate
Good and thought-provoking video. I think anyone starting a hiking and camping channel needs to do it first and foremost from a love of video creating and sharing their adventures or else it can become a chore. I have a really small channel but that's okay because I love filming, creating and editing my videos and if I can inspire people then that's great. It would be nice to be able to grow it to a point where I make back some of my expenses but that's a long way away, if ever. I can see how frustrating it is for bigger creators though.
Hi Andy..bit of advice please...i'm looking to purchase the vango zenith 300 or vango microlite as i cant afford down or want the maintenance of it and both the vango's are compact anyway...they are 3-4 season bags with comfort rating of 1...my question is...if i intend to use closer to winter time..can i just add a bivvy bag to the equation...i already have a sleepijg pad of 5.2R...thanks in advance.
I don`t know why people can be so nasty. I enjoy certain presenters including yourself. You are informative, entertaining and whats more FREE! Thank you.
Hi Andy, Thank you for your insight. Someone had to say it and I am glad you did. No one should knock someone because their equipment is not gucci, it makes no difference. I see guys wild camping in naturehike tents on mountains. All these people should be encouraged. Also people should appreciate all the hard work, time and expense that goes into content creation. Great channel mate Mike
Dont dispair andy , youve always done an honest decent job and people watch because that shines through. Your point about gearfreaks applies to all hobbies and interests please believe me .
Thanks Andy for a thought provoking video. Covid brought a lot of fly camping, not wild camping which I think did a huge amount of damage to the wild camping community. In essence we got tarred with the same brush. Whereas wild camping was tolerated I think it has now become less so and certainly given some landowners more fuel in repelling greater access. I have seen more 'no camping' or 'keep out' signs recently than ever before even on open access land. Comments on my own channel in relation to this matter reflect this. In terms of newcomers, I would encourage anyone to go wild camping. It can have huge physical and mental benefits. However, it has to be done responsibly. As a community, we have a duty to support and promote good practice. Does someone new to wild camping know where and where not to pitch, know how to wash and toilet responsibly and understand the principles of 'leave no trace'. In fact do they 'leave it better' , and take out any additional litter they may find. As for you tube creators, I think you need to make the personal decision of what your content is and whether your motivation is financial or a hobby you like to share with others. I think as creators, if you put out good content, be genuine, showcase wild camping for the wonderful activity it is, promote good practice and a connection with our amazing wild areas, then people will watch it.
Well done Andy. Been crying out for someone like yourself to highlight all of this. I don't know how you guy's do it, some with full time jobs and families. There's hundreds of outdoor UTUBE channels ou there now, some really great, some just getting on the bandwaggon with little information just videoing a day out. You boys, Bushman and Blue, Goodbloke outdors, Andy Foster and Rock star and all the others, you know who you are, keep going lads and lasses, you're all doung a great job. Buy you all a pint if ever I see you in a pub at the foot of a mountain. Cheers, Ozzy.
Yeah people just don’t understand mate it’s not like these daft tiktokers sitting in there house all day with there live on lol, to be an outdoor content creator we need to get out and put the graft in. 🏴✊🏻🏴
Thank you Andrew for everything that you do! Please dont let that stopping you from sharing your passion! You are such as lovely and pleasant guy to watch and me as a wild camper beginner really learn a lot from you! Best regards and keep being awesome!😊
When you say UK, do you just mean England? Scottish Outdoor Access Code still permits us to wild camp in small groups and LNT, don't think there's a real issue there outside of Loch Lomond
Couldn't agree more. There's loads on you tube that I don't enjoy or irrelevant to me so I simply scroll by, even some some of the stuff you do isn't always relevant to me but I'd never feel the need to leave my negativity in the comments. I've left a coffee for you in the past as a very small Thank-you as it was down to you why I got going wild camping in the first place. I appreciate you buddy.
As former Military myself, I love the outdoors, I have 2 children, my Son is more into his Guitar playing and my Daughter loves the outdoors also, so we go on 6 - 10 miles walks 3 times a week and we walk along the canal that runs at the bottom of our street, we walk past several farms with small crops of wooded areas, I spoke to a few of the farmers on the route as and when I catch them working, and I asked them if they needed help on the farm in any way and if they did could I do that work for free and maybe use a small plot of woodland to teach my Kids bushcrafting and just general outdoor activities, and we leave no trace except when we cover up the hole for the fire if we lit one. Both said yes as long as we cleaned up and do not cut the trees down, so during the week we are off to help out on the farm and then camping out that night. Just goes to show, go for walks, get talking ( Politely of course as you should always be ) and offer some help in exchange for a little bit of wooded area. You never know what you might get, could be nothing or could be just what you need. Great video, subbed.
I subscribe and always like your videos. I've made a few purchases based on your recommendations; the Nortiv8 and the Trekology UL80 and recently the NatureHike 400 sleeping bag. Your recommendations are more affordable than most other channels. Hope you keep it up.
Very interesting insights Andy. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Yes, so much effort and time goes into making a video. I personally (and i reckon many people) are now sick of the over exaggerated, fake drama, click baity type of videos. UA-cam is so engrained with them that i feel people just want good old, bog standard TRUTH. It has now become refreshing when you see someone down to earth, no BS producing something honest.
I must have watched at least 90% of the videos you’ve ever uploaded. To the point where I get a funny look via the mrs every time she hears “hi guys I’m andyyyyy” my point is I’ve only seen sad Andy maybe once or twice and it’s heartbreaking. The blatant amount of effort you put into this channel you deserve a knighthood…….Sir Andy, Hazaaar! Think I speak for everyone here by saying please keep it up, we love you and we’d all be gutted to see your uploads fall off. Hope to see you out one day however unlikely, I’d certainly make you a cuppa….any day!
Wild camping as a hobby can get stale very fast, once you’ve hiked up half a dozen hills and spent the nights atop them you start to realise that one wild camp is much the same as another, just a different view. Many of the UA-camrs seem to make videos as something to do while camping. Personally I like to read, each to their own. Wild camping you tube is much the same, one video of a person walking up hill is much the same as another. Once you find a UA-camr with a personality that you like you stick with them. Gear reviews lose interest once you’ve got your kit mostly dialled in and you only search for reviews if you want to purchase a product. I can fully understand UA-camrs shifting the content they make, making the same videos over and over doesn’t make for compelling content creation. People change. And then you’ve got UA-cam, if they decide that your genre is no longer cool it’ll cull the whole genre.
I first camped out up the hills about 50 years ago. The tent was and still is a means to be able to enjoy the hills. I enjoy camping, on a site or in a Glen in the Highlands but I don't go to specifically camp. It is the walking and backpacking that appeals to me. I've bivvied, bothied and slept in a bus shelter as well as a tent. The specific wild camping channels are often akin to the bushcraft ones. People off to a nearby nwood to try out the latest tent, cook a steak and drink IPA with the sound of traffic just beyond the trees. My channel is tiny but it is more a gear, backpacking and hiking channel than a specific "wild" camping channel and that is what I like to do. Hillwalking and long distance hikes. When I started it wasn't even called wild camping. It was just camping.
When I see new channels I always try to watch them If they’re interesting I will subscribe and ding that bell As you say Andy it costs nothing and helps them All good channels started with nerves and basic filming equipment but with confidence and experience evolved Eventually only the true and dedicated continue but without that “give them a chance” no one knows if they’re really interested or just out for views You, Paul Messner , Andy Beavers and loads more I watch prove eventually that you all love what you all do My hats off to you all Regards Jeff
Thankfully Scotland is still great for wild camping. Yes we attract a small number of idiots that don't respect the beautiful country. If you shop about there are still some great bargains.
Another great vid I'm a long time viewer and you are one of a few that inspired me to do something. I really enjoy your channel and great to hear your honest opinion, on a fun channel, on this platform
I totally get you here. I earn, pretty good morning these days. I got out of the army after 13 years just under 2 years ago now and I want to be outdoors as much as I can. I love being out on the hills or the woods. I have never been able to justify paying mad money for kit. I was fortunate enough to use Hilliberg tents while I was in the army. It was on a cold weather operators course (-32) in Estonia. They're mint but I'm never going to pay nearly a grand on a tent. I personally use a Vango Banshee two and it's the old one so only one door, got it in 2012 and it smashed it on Kinder Scout last December and it was -9 that night, crazy snow overnight too. You don't need to go mad on kit, just make sure you have the basics and make sure you know what you're doing. I would say don't worry about people, most of them are a bit douchy these days 😂😂.
Good content Andy, well said. Newcomers have a steep learning curve, but there is no excuse for littering or fire circles spreading across our beautiful countryside. Hopefully the idiots will find easier ways to amuse themselves. Keep up your work, it benefits real hikers. Well done 😎
I always believe that if you've got nothing good to say, dont bother saying it. I appreciate what you and others do and i wouldn't dream of saying anything negative for the sake of it.
I think you are spot on about covid. I ended up watching/streaming on twitch constantly as I had nothing else to do while shut indoors. So many people who were watching the games I watched have disappeared now they can go back to their normal lives
I’m yet to watch this video, but thought I’d check out the comments first, I think it will be harder for those who have made wild camping videos into a full time job, less watch hrs means less money, I’ve recently started a channel, but I’ve really enjoyed the editing side of things , and learnt something new…like everything it always comes around again, I’m not fussed about views or comments I enjoy the whole process, but have a full time job that helps me get out once a month to enjoy the outdoors. Love this channel by the way
Finally got around to watching the video in full, great message, be kind enjoy the content, and give it a like. And get ya sen into the great outdoor, great vid 👍
Some great points well made mate 👍 I’ve always been a hiker 👍 but only started wild camping a couple years ago. My videos I make are just like a record of my adventures for myself & my family to watch when I’m older and hopefully showing people how to go about it in a respectful way always leaving no trace. I’ve really enjoyed making content and it’s nice to have regular viewers and like a little community. I’ll just keep making videos I enjoy and hopefully a few other people might enjoy them too. Keep up the good work mate 🤘🏼
I appreciate your films Andy. Always interesting and enjoyable to watch. Thank you for the hard work and time you put into them. It doesn’t go unnoticed 👍🏻
Hi Andy. We are a family half Scottish, half German based in the Bavarian alps. We do a lot over here in terms of alpine trekking, camping etc. But honestly, the highlights of my outdoor year are those 6-8 weeks dotted across the year we spend in scotland hiking. My Scottish family lives in Perthshire and so I do a lot of hiking in the Cairngorms. I almost panicked after Covid by the amount of people that started hiking because what I treasure the most is the seclusion, the emptiness, the remoteness of scotland. Even my wife who grew up in Perthshire feels the same when we visit our family, coming over from crowded, busy Bavaria. So on one hand I enjoy the content you guys are creating - on the other hand it let to a lot more people in some hotspots that are covered by everyone contentwise. It is true, volume died down a little this year, but some trails like the sky trail are growing fast in frequency. Nature and countryside can only take so much - if it starts getting destructive like in Germany, it’s game over for all of us. So, these are the ambivalent feelings of an early day subscriber of your channel.
I spent 3 days in the Cairngorms in December and I saw people at the start and at the end but I didn’t see anyone for over 2 days. I’ve found that if you go venture deep into the mountains you’ll find solitude ❤
It took time for me to see you as a good wild camping channel as I have been doing it for many years but in my opinion you have progressed and I can say that I watch your channel much more often with not only your gear reviews but also your expeditions. Keep it up! It is still apresiated!
An honest overview of the behind the scenes of being a ‘UA-camr’. Myself - and I am sure- the majority of regular viewers on this channel can take stock of your expertise and advice and learn from your experiences. There will always be haters. It’s a prerequisite to those that hide behind their laptops and iPads wearing Star Wars t-shirts - but the majority are grateful to people like yourselves and the mass majority of comments I read in all your updates are positive (and I’ve watched pretty much all your uploads over the last 3 years). I’ve learned shed loads from you Andy; your reviews are candid and unbiased and your wild camping and hiking videos always a treat. I’ll buy you a coffee when I can work out how to do it.
You raise some interesting points, what I would say is if you are finding it unpleasant, stressful or the negative comments are getting to you when you started the channel for fun then take a break? On the cost of living / greedflation, I am lucky to travel to the USA & Europe particularly Germany for training courses regularly and what I have noticed is they earn a *lot* more money than we do in the UK and have much higher disposable income for hobbies. Particularly in the USA salaries are a lot higher even with the cost of private medical insurance. For content creators in the US there are so many more options as it’s a much larger country, one persons kinder scout / Lake District wild camp is much the same as any other really.
You bring up some very good points in this video. As far as YT goes, the is something going on in the background. I have spoke to many fellow UA-camrs and they all say the same thing. The last 3 months or so views, income etc are all down. I know many of my subscribers don't even get notifications any more when I upload a video. My channel is just a hobby, but people don't know how much work goes into it. All for around £2 per 1000 views.
Somebody told me yesterday they’d worked out I’d earned £50k+! They have no idea whatsoever!!!! I, and many others, don’t do it for the money, but it’s nice to be able to afford all your trips, gear and av kit without going into your own funds.
What has spoilt it for me is, unless you go to really remote areas, lakes, dales or Scotland, it’s increasingly more difficult to find areas where you can really get away from society, don’t know if it’s the increasing amount of people in the U.K. I’m not sure, but I find I have to leave it later to pitch up and leave earlier, and the last few times I’ve had people come into the camp late at night, once I had to pack up and leave because I was being harassed by local youth, so I find myself getting more reluctant.
An observation, Andy: I’d say the reason your channel is”bucking the trend” and continuing to do well is because you are a decent fella. That’s not to say that other like subject content creators aren’t, it’s because you come across as genuine and you do the do. I think you’ve called it right that interest is on the decline post Covid and to a degree, this is both understandable and to be expected. However, I for one won’t stop hiking, camping, backpacking and bikepacking. Thanks for your work and efforts, they are thoroughly enjoyable and educational.
I used to walk and camp the moors and not see a soul for days. Since covid there has been too many yobs wild camping in their Halfords Tents. Now they are returning to their drunken holidays in places like Magaluf things might return to normal.
Most people who watch outdoor content have zero idea how much time & effort goes in to putting out a video. And yep, there's definitely a bias towards those who get sponsorship & financial help within the genre & I've always found that to be quite strange
Feel free to comment. These are just my open thoughts. In summary, I would love the hiking, backpacking and wild camping community to come together to help new people starting out, those with less knowledge and experience, and to support the creators who try their hardest to showcase their adventures and inspire others. We all know how good backpacking is for our physical and mental health. Lets help others start out and grow.
Greedflation??
Energy crisis ??
Man you buy all the bs excuses do you chum 😂😂😂
They robbing you mate using their financial system .......how don't you get it yet ?
Personally IV found in the last 4 years wild camping has got a very negative image because these new people ( I suppose I can’t blame only the newbies )but this has got much worse since COVID, the bad practices people have, leave no trace which has been the number 1 rule for us is now ignored by so many, as a farm owner also a mountain leader and general outdoor person I see this from
Both sides, and I can’t wait for it to get back to the way things were, i know I can afford the best equipment, but your right Andy the manufactures have jumped on the band wagon outdoor technical clothing is now v expensive and I was buying stuff from America just because there a much more to choose from and better prices , but the import taxes are killing that, but maybe that’s a good thing and we should all get on the buy from this side of the Atlantic and even better by from the UK but I seems to me that American companies listen to the customers more as far as product’s and development go, now iv just had a rant lol I best leave it there and calm down lol
You touch on some great points there Andy. The pandemic brought a huge influx of new people to the outdoor community. Mostly that’s a positive, but it also brings more fly campers and areas getting a bit overused. The point about the tolerance of some viewers is a great one. Some times it doesn’t matter what you share, you get shot down by some. Most things in the niche have already been done. The camp location, the jetboil boil test, the Helm 1 review, and the IPA taste test. We have all had our turn at that 😂. The only true thing that is unique is ourself. Our stories and how things work for us. As you know, you can gain views by camping in storms, or trashing an expensive tent. The those viewers come…then they go. The people that tune in week in week out is who we really make our videos for. That is a true following. Subscriber count is really just a vanity metric. I can vouch for that. Great video 👍
I don't think the wild camping bubble has burst, just as Paul's last upload proved - he bumped into a few wild campers on the way to meeting another wild camper. The UA-cam thing has died down because it's got formulaic and boring. I used to tune in to UA-cam vids to get info on different hikes/routes and enjoyed an authentic experience shared by a genuine enthusiast. Now it seems people are doing it just to be 'UA-camrs' and it feels a little contrived. I'm pretty sure Wild Camping numbers are higher than ever, it's just that people are doing it for their own personal experience and not to watch or post online.
I hope you all get everything for free and earn a billion quid from it. Like it or not your are influential and brought me into the hobby.
I just don’t understand the jealousy 🤷🏻♂️
The only thing I find frustrating is I how some people hide the spots they go to but I can fully understand the reasons why too. This is why I have given up the plan of wild camping.
I have almost everything I need now to hike and brew up. If I spot a place to camp in future I might reconsider.
I wish you UA-camrs all the best and hope you get all the sponsors you can just like the fishing influencers.
We watch you because your interesting, informative, but mostly because we believe in what you are doing and enjoy your company on a screen - for whatever amount of minutes per week. Xx
A collaboration video with you both....I'd pay for that!
If you search google trends and stick it on UA-cam search its never been more popular. Getting at that market however, that's another matter!
The less the better , only want proper campers who respect the countryside and nature.
the *FEWER the better. Let's respect the language.
Agreed 👍 @@linjicakonikon7666
I just left a similar comment 😃
Great points. Well made 😊. Best underlying message is to get out there in peace and appreciate time you get without leaving crap all over the place. Overall you make a great point M'andy😊😊
I think it’s like he said you’ve sometimes got to give people a hand at the end of the day camping and hiking is meant to be fun and if someone keeps telling you your doing it wrong people will lose interest but I do agree respect nature and other peoples property
I always think it’s only polite to put a like when I’ve watched a video someone has taken time to produce it’s like saying thank you for your time & effort
as someone who has been camping in the UK for 40yrs or so, I noticed an increase after lockdown of people not normally seen up here in Cumbria who clearly had no idea about camping or how to behave, the terms wild camping and wild swimming started being used for some reason.
Trees and branches were hacked down for fires, tents and litter left blowing over the fells....locals being abused in the most spiteful way.
these people are slowly returning to their dreadful package holidays etc
it is only for the good that this is happening.
true campers and lovers and respecters of the countryside have always been around practically unnoticed.
So called wild camping was a fad and I for one am glad to see the back of it and the odious people it attracted.
here endeth the rant !
Cumbria is a beautiful place! I did the Cumbria way last year with my dog pablo, amazing place
Well said Stewart.
There are people that respect nature and those that don't. That is true as much at a campsite as it is wild camping, those that are experienced and those that aren't. That you think people wild camping are odious is a little sad in my opinion, I could quite happily convince myself that people who rock up to a campsite and sit for a week outeide their hymer or whatever are awful, but what use is that?
@@gb2983 nahh hes not saying everyone who wild camps is bad, just the people that pick it up as part of a phase suddenly and butcher the process leaving rubbish and stuff behind or staining the name. Thats what I took from it anyway, I do see your point though 100%. But I think its more the people that bust onto the scene without the passion or proper respect for the land.
_"true campers and lovers and respecters of the countryside have always been around practically unnoticed."_
I don't agree with the "practically unnoticed" mentality of this comment. I don't think that it's normal for wild campers to be unnoticed. Because they're so unnoticed, no one is willing to make any concessions for them. To be honest, if I was in charge of ANOBs like Peak District or Lake District, I'd make wild camping locations. As in, places where you still bring your tent to camp, but there is an unobtrusive bin that gets cleared out regularly so you don't have to carry your litter with you. Where there are several built to purpose fire pits, so you can gather around with your friends for a fire. Where there's fire wood available so you don't go out and cut down trees. And, most importantly, where you can actually camp, and not be in at sunset, out by sunrise.
I've been to such a location in Romania, years ago. It's probably gone now. It was in an actual nature reserve. There was a semi-forested area with designated campsites. There was a forester working there, he'd greet you when you come in, he'd assign a spot to you, and while you were there it was like you were camped in the middle of the woods, just by yourself. You had a purpose built fire pit so you wouldn't set the substrate on fire. And he made it very clear: Do not pick up any kind of wood off the ground for a fire. If you wanted fire wood, you'd just ask him for some and he'd give it to you, free of charge. And this was in a nature reserve, not in a random forest somewhere.
This is what camping should be like in a country like the UK, where public wild spaces are relatively rare, and almost everywhere you go there is a serious risk of setting peat on fire. But because wild campers themselves are playing by this "unseen" mentality, the authorities too prefer to not see them and do nothing for them. I think we should be seen. I think the authorities should acknowledge that we exist. And I think that the public should be encouraged to spend more time out in nature, but in harmony with it.
The decline started quite some time ago I think. Early signs amongst the horde of You Tube regular video makers, " I nearly died in the woods"..." Stealth camping on a roundabout " ..." Zombies outside the tent" Then there are the " You can't go camping unless you have a £850 tent" Brigade. Signs of desperation crept in soon after Covid restrictions were lifted.
Well said, Andy. I’m not going to comment on other channels but my views have dropped significantly in the last 12 months. Saying that I don’t consider myself a “UA-camr”. I think the only way to be “successful” is to make videos of what most people want to watch, but unfortunately these are not the type videos I want to make. As for the money side of things, it doesn’t even cover my fuel costs. Nevertheless it’s always nice to get positive comments from those who appreciate what we do, whilst asking for nothing in return. ATB bud 👍
I’ll always watch you, you’re one of the only genuine ones going.
Positive comments are worth so much more than people’s money!
@@BTurner. very much appreciated 🙏🏻
As a new outdoor UA-camr, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I’ve started my channel mainly to document and share my adventures!
Thanks for the videos and thanks for the video.👊
Legend! Thanks so much 🙏
I am not a content creator but I feel it is good to see somebody pointing out how much work is involved in putting these video’s out on UA-cam and pointing out how much people can enjoy the outdoors and help with mental health. Always enjoy your video’s and honest reviews which help people like me to start hiking and get new ideas.👍
Many thanks Andy for shouting out creators. It takes a lot of work to get a video up. Personally, I try to focus on my enjoyment of making and creating as I know it will inspire or entertain someone somewhere - even if it is just one person! I have seen several channels close over the nearly 6 years I have been a 'Tuber'. It is sad as I've really enjoyed their content. For some, it is dealing with all the nonsense but also I think it's just very hard for some to juggle the demands of running a wild camping channel and do normal life at the same time.
Totally agree with you. The same thing happened with the cycling industry during Covid. The price of bikes & components literally doubled in the space of a year & the companies milked it as the demand was so high. The last year has seen demand plummet & lots of companies are now struggling to sell. The same thing will happen with the camping industry. Keep up the great work
I'm a keen cyclist too (I used to race Road, MTB and CX), and bike prices have gone up astronomically. It's an absolute joke. They all tried to cash in on the new found love of cycling. Same happened with camping. To be totally honest, I hope the companies that took advantage get what they deserve. It's a shame as if they had been more reasonable, people would have stayed with their hobby longer and kept purchasing new gear. It's very short-sighted.
What's interesting is running seems to have been somewhat immune to this inevitable decline. Although that particular boom began long before Covid so perhaps that's why it's faired better than other outdoor activities.
@@Collected1 I think also because it’s much cheaper and easier to do.
@@BackpackingUK This.
@@BackpackingUKI too was bike racing but in the 70s then cyclo tourist, I still have a few friends that have bike shops. The Covid period really done the independent bike shops over, they couldn’t replace anything they sold in some cases for a year or so like many other retail businesses.
Your good 😊
I'm 65 and I still subscribe to your channel along with others .I only occasionally camp but love your content and look forward to your posts ..thank you .
Andy, I have only recently discovered the UK UA-cam hiking/camping providers and I must say that I watch and follow more of you folks than my US providers. Many, too many of the US creators end up being outdoor equipment merchants, taking the easy money from the manufacturers. You, FellmanDave, Paul Messner, Kent Survival, Simon, a Bloke in the Woods and Andrew Park have been the enjoyment that got me through this past New England Winter!! Great video, looking forward to more!
Some valid points mate. I've done wild camping etc since being a kid. I started a channel and it started off quite strong but it's now bombing and it affects you and you wonder why. I've nearly quit the vids multiple times (still doing the trips in the background).. you've inspired me to put some more content out now. I'd be happy on my channel with just a comment or a thumbs up.. I'm not big enough for payout and that's not why I ever set out to do it. Keep up the valued content mate
Its such a shame, in my opinion even when my favourite youtubers bring out a video there just doesnt seem the passion and quality that we used to see. Saying that i will still continue to watch and follow my favorites. You hit the nail on the head.
Good because too many idiots were wrecking the woods and leaving loads of rubbish!
Personally I am very grateful for channels like yours. At 70 I am about to start wild camping/backpacking and am grateful for the inspiration and information I have got from You Tube. I always hope content makers take the time to go out without their cameras sometimes. Thanks for the videos.
Yep yep yep! Same Sue, I’ve got all my info from UA-cam on gear, skills, ideas etc. Honest content creators are a God send
@@MichaelB2L Now all I need to do is stop watching You Tube videos long enough to actually get out there and put it all into practice 😂
Well done speaking your mind. I really think you need to do what makes you happy. That will allow you to produce the best videos. I've spent almost all my life outdoors, over 50 years. I use Facebook groups to allow me to pass on some.of my knowledge. I wildcamp every Friday (unless injured like now). I am ASD and don't want to be around people, I do that during the week. My employer will not allow me to make videos on UA-cam. I might be what you call a keyboard warrior but I'll always be positive or sometimes constructive. For selfish reasons, I hope the bubble has burst. I do think people on social media go more into details of what "Leave no trace" means. I usually come off the hill with a bin bag full of rubbish, I tend to have at least 2. People are having fires, demolishing dry stone walls, diverting streams etc. Those leaving rubbish, possibly thing someone will just clean up after them, like mum at home? I know you always state leave no trace, I just think some people are so stupid, they need the message with more description of what it means.
What a shame you only get effectively 1 coffee in a million views. I wish Terry Pratchett was correct when he said 1 in a million events happens 9 times out of ten. 😂 Thanks for your videos, they are amongst the very best on UA-cam.
@@suegillett2173 hahaha! Yeah me too. Having some idea before getting out and about will help hopefully tho 😉
I started hiking a few birthdays earlier than you, but 70 was so important for me. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, was operated on in April, and I then hiked the GR10 route across the Pyrenees in July. I did it in 51 days, now that I'm 79 I'll never do any better, I can still manage the Pennine Way though, just!
Great video mate, i must confess i was part of the covid boom but it honestly changed my life, not trying to sound dramatic or anything like that it just changed my priorities and my outlook on things and thats thanks to channels like yourself and im very grateful for that. Ignore the hate you’re doing great!
Hi Andy, I don't comment very often but always give a 👍. Keep doing it as you do great channel 👍
Yes 😆 I think it was always inevitable. The scariest thing is how quickly it popped 🍾
I should of added, it's not just hiking, backpacking and wild camping. Literally, all the outdoor hobbies that boomed during the lockdowns are now we're seeing a correction.
It happened quickly though. I thought the legacy would have lasted much longer, but that's the world we live in now, our brains are always after something fresh and new.
Yes. Those bandwagon jumpers who try to host wild camping channels without any genuine wild camping might be in for a shock eh, Daley Outdoors.
Hey good to see you Ben!
Social media ruins most things. The outdoors is no exception.
Brilliant discussion Andy - totally apt and excellently pitched 👍🏼. Keep up the great (and hard) work 😊
A good watch this. Always hiked but getting more and more intrigued with wild camping. Stumbled across your challenge as i saw you on the Apex Everest challenge so follow all 4 of you now.
If you can recommend any others that would be good but love your style mate. So educational without making it boring!!
I’ve always been a hiker 👍 but only started wild camping a couple years ago. My videos I make are just like a record of my adventures for myself & my family to watch when I’m older and hopefully showing people how to go about it in a respectful way always leaving no trace. I’ve really enjoyed making content and it’s nice to have regular viewers and like a little community. I’ll just keep making videos I enjoy and hopefully a few other people might enjoy them too. Keep up the good work mate
I agree with you that there is a lack of sensitivity of some UA-cam channels with respect to the affordability levels of the followers. You are also right about the increasing intolerance and disrespect of followers un general. Unfortunately, that reflects society at large. There is a trend towards rubishing the work of others.I do appreciate your work on this channel.
I camp and film as much as I can because if I stay in all weekend I feel I have wasted the free days I have from work... Editing is my favourite part of doing UA-cam and if a company sends me stuff I show it on videos then give it away so we all win in the end... Also taking people with me on camps and meeting other creators has been amazing for me, swapping stickers and patches, and giving out t shirts is also a great part of this community.... Long may we create content for those that cant go out their houses and for those that are thinking of taking up the hobby.....Great video...ATB Chris.
I’ve often wondered why larger UA-camrs don’t do weekly reviews of smaller channels to give them a leg up.
The biggest don't want competition.
I find a lot of UK You tubers are supportive though. The biggest problem is the algorithm. I only come across fellow small you tubers through comments. You tube does not push the smaller you tubers into my feed.
Crazy prices are destroying it . Most companies can't see that they are killing the interest in getting our there. I don't bother watching vids showing gear that I will never buy.
@@simplelife6827 I have to disagree as there is too much cheap stuff still available that allows idiots to go out, cause chaos, leave crap and walk away and leave it all just like they do at festivals.
The only thing companies are doing is putting themselves out of business and driving customers to ChinaCo. brands that are laughing all the way to the bank. To stanch the bleeding and delay the inevitable for as long as possible, they continually raise their prices even higher and lower the quality more and more to decrease production costs, making their products even less worth the money and driving even more people to ChinaCo. brands. Case in point: MSR just replaced about 80% of the mesh on the Hubba Hubba with cheaper solid fabric *and* raised the price. And the irony? The brands they're driving them to, e.g., Naturehike and 3F UL, are owned by the very same factories that make their products for them.
Interesting video Andy. You e got some good points. I don’t get out much anymore due to cost of living making me work average 12 hours more a week. Yeah I’ve got a lot of good gear but I’ve sacrificed a lot of my time and other things to afford good gear. I stopped following a lot of content creators because of all the ads ect. If it changes from what I wanted to see into a commercial advertisement platform I just don’t watch it anymore. I seen a farmer post a video of covering a lad in dung for camping responsibly tucked behind a hedge. What chance have people got if that’s how English access laws are. I hope that wild camper is okay
Used to be good, now wayyyy too many people not respecting the ‘leave no trace’ rules.
Great video Andy! I’m a very small content creator and I personally haven’t uploaded a video for several months,, as I feel like I’m banging my head against a brick wall. I also know many other creators who have stopped creating all together, such a shame, as I think everyone has something to offer! Keep up the great work Andy! 👍
A great video raising some interesting points. Keep up the great, I am extremely grateful that I can hike vicariously through people such as yourself who give so generously of your time and talent. All the way from Australia I love travelling the UK countryside from the comfort of my chair.
We all need to stop & ask ourselves the question why are we out in the first place ?
Is it because it’s a hobby u enjoy irrespective of making money & getting free gear ?
Or is it the other way around where the novelty wears off because we are not getting the response & rewards we hoped for ?
Great video and some very valid points however my biggest gripe with UA-cam and wild camping is its made people more aware of what’s out there but unfortunately thats encouraged the idiots who haven’t got a clue for their own safety and also they have no idea what “leave no trace” means.
Covid made it worse and I still see people camping along the side of Ullswater leaving their crap.
To be honest, it's amazing such a bubble existed to begin with, considering wild camping is pretty much illegal in England and Wales with a few exceptions.
I tend to wild camp as much as I can, and often decide because of the outrageous prices that some people try to charge me. The highest I've agreed to so far is £12, my normal limit is £10. It's not because I can't afford it, I can, but I believe a few campsites have jumped on the bandwagon of the word 'inflation' so I often say no! On the Pennine Way, Bowes loop, recently (I much prefer it to the main route) I stayed on a really great site in Bowes, £6 for the night, a lovely, clean, shower and toilet area, and a great pub down the road. £10.50 for a main course, and that was the best meal I had, and the cheapest as well. Everywhere else seemed to be £14.50 and above.
Well said Andy. You inspired me to buy my first camping gear this year (although ive been subbed and watching you for a couple of years now), thought this summer was the now or never with camping. ive only managed to get out once mind because the weather has been shocking every weekend ive managed to be free its been lashing it and im not quite ready for that weather yet. You come across as a very genuine and nice guy, thats what drew me to your videos in the first place. I can see why your channel is an upwards trajectory as you're so likeable, and when you review a product, its from a genuine place. You're not the kind of guy who puts self interest first, probably to your detriment in some parts of life i would imagine ... but definitely our gain in having you on You Tube. Keep up the great content. I rarely comment on you tube, byr felt i needed to on this occasion. I always watch and like your videos though. All the best and thanks for helping me buy my first camping gear. -Paul
Hi Andy, a great video. The points you make are all valid as I see it. Unfortunately I can no longer hike and camp due to my health but always watch you and others and wish I was out there with you. One of the things that I really hate is people telling us that the only tent, or ther kit, you should buy is the high end extortionate priced stuff. The majority of people haven't got that sort of money, why can't they go back to basics because I am sure they didn't start out with a £1000 tent
We only started camping again last year after an almost 20 year break.
We gained an awful lot from watching channels like yours, which meant we were able to put together a pretty good quality budget camping set up.
If any of you guys get any freebies, or are fortunate enough to be in the position to be able to buy high end gear, then the best of luck to you.
I think you all earn it for all the hard work you put into your channels.
I'm here for this, lots of valid points that you've raised in this video mate! Cheers for bringing these to light!
I've bailed from wild camping in severe winds before, and got some comments that I was a coward. Is a bit ridiculous! But that's their problem. I love creating content, so I shall keep doing so!
Gotta protect those who love what they do :)
Earned a sub from me!
Don't want to gatekeep the hobby...but to a certain extent...the less popular it becomes...the less idiots there are out in the countryside fly camping/littering/having fires
Keep up the great work. You cheer me up no end. Ps thank the family for letting you do it
Well said Andy! I do my outdoors channel just for fun, but there's really no prospect of it making any meaningful money. It has been monetised for 6 months now, I've published about 16 videos in that time, and it has made a total of just under £160 so far. So that's about £10 a video on average. I don't think a single video has even broken even when I take into account travel costs etc. Like I said, I do it for fun, so it's not a big deal, but I wouldn't want to encourage anyone to start an outdoorsy UA-cam channel in 2024 for financial reasons, unless they were extremely confident they had some unique angle. It's a very overcrowded space. Do it for fun, sure, but expectations need to be set accordingly about the likelihood of actually making any meaningful income from it.
Honestly, I'm more tired of these self-proclaimed professional UA-camrs complaining about viewers not paying them enough.
It all starts off with them saying, 'I can't believe I get to do this for a living' and then complaining that viewers aren't watching enough of thier content or contributing to patreon when that proves not to be the case.
For the most part, people are watching your content because it's free and wouldn't even pay for a subscription platform which just had UA-cam style content.
In the grand scheme of a household entertainment budget, people swithering on whether to cancel Prime, get a free trial on Apple TV or pay £4.99 for Netflix, aren't going to pay you even £1 per month for less than an hours worth of entertainment.
This is particularly the case when you're drawing in crowds who are looking for OEX & Decathlon kit for under £100.
Granted, there will be people from wider demographic backgrounds and this is purely anecdotal, but I'm certainly not inclined to go throwing any of my hard earned into the begging cap of a UA-camr who is clearly buying kit and taking trips that I can't even dream of affording.
I get that some of the appeal of UA-cam content creators is that they are open and personable, but that's because it started as a type of social media. So pick a lane, it's either social media, and your pouring your heart out to people who care, or a professional content creator - not both!
Hi Andy,just like to say you do a fantastic job on UA-cam. I'm a beginner myself and have been watching your videos for a while now. You always give good honest advice and you've helped me out massively picking up the right gear for wild camping. Like you said everyone's got to start somewhere. Keep up the good work 👍
I’ve only been into ‘proper’ hiking since last October after a trip to the beautiful Lake District. The natural progression was to start wild camping with my dog. Thanks to creators like yourself and other hiking and wild camping videos I learned an awful lot especially about gear, which I’m very grateful for.
To me it doesn’t make a difference if the ‘bubble’ has burst. I do hope people like yourself continue to upload interesting content. I guess particularly in The UK it is a bit of a niche market not so in The US.
As regarding some of the reviews I’m of the opinion if you can’t say something that is constructive either in praise or in criticism then say nothing. I part watched thousands of videos either wild camping hiking or whatever if it doesn’t click with me I watch something else certainly don’t slag off someone else’s very often hard work
Interesting video keep it up mate
Good and thought-provoking video. I think anyone starting a hiking and camping channel needs to do it first and foremost from a love of video creating and sharing their adventures or else it can become a chore.
I have a really small channel but that's okay because I love filming, creating and editing my videos and if I can inspire people then that's great. It would be nice to be able to grow it to a point where I make back some of my expenses but that's a long way away, if ever.
I can see how frustrating it is for bigger creators though.
Hi Andy..bit of advice please...i'm looking to purchase the vango zenith 300 or vango microlite as i cant afford down or want the maintenance of it and both the vango's are compact anyway...they are 3-4 season bags with comfort rating of 1...my question is...if i intend to use closer to winter time..can i just add a bivvy bag to the equation...i already have a sleepijg pad of 5.2R...thanks in advance.
Have you thought about using a sleeping bag liner? The OEX Furnace genuinely increases warmth but maintains breathability (unlike a bivvy bag).
@@BackpackingUK and the oex furnace is mega expensive aswell...already spent a fortune on gear 😂.
I don`t know why people can be so nasty. I enjoy certain presenters including yourself. You are informative, entertaining and whats more FREE! Thank you.
Hi Andy, Thank you for your insight. Someone had to say it and I am glad you did. No one should knock someone because their equipment is not gucci, it makes no difference. I see guys wild camping in naturehike tents on mountains. All these people should be encouraged. Also people should appreciate all the hard work, time and expense that goes into content creation.
Great channel mate
Mike
Just subscribed I enjoyed your lecture very much I really appreciate what you and pat Dickinson are doing for us it can't be easy many thanks.
Hi Andy, interesting info and insights. Thanks for being one of my inspirations to get out there.
This is s really great video Andy. Things that needed to be said.
Thanks
Legend! 🙏
Thank you. Keep up the great content. I love your honesty, ambition and love for getting the nation outdoors, looking for adventure!
Dont dispair andy , youve always done an honest decent job and people watch because that shines through. Your point about gearfreaks applies to all hobbies and interests please believe me .
Thanks Andy for a thought provoking video. Covid brought a lot of fly camping, not wild camping which I think did a huge amount of damage to the wild camping community. In essence we got tarred with the same brush. Whereas wild camping was tolerated I think it has now become less so and certainly given some landowners more fuel in repelling greater access. I have seen more 'no camping' or 'keep out' signs recently than ever before even on open access land. Comments on my own channel in relation to this matter reflect this. In terms of newcomers, I would encourage anyone to go wild camping. It can have huge physical and mental benefits. However, it has to be done responsibly. As a community, we have a duty to support and promote good practice. Does someone new to wild camping know where and where not to pitch, know how to wash and toilet responsibly and understand the principles of 'leave no trace'. In fact do they 'leave it better' , and take out any additional litter they may find. As for you tube creators, I think you need to make the personal decision of what your content is and whether your motivation is financial or a hobby you like to share with others. I think as creators, if you put out good content, be genuine, showcase wild camping for the wonderful activity it is, promote good practice and a connection with our amazing wild areas, then people will watch it.
Love your videos mate, your humble approach makes you one of my favourite UA-camrs now
Well done Andy. Been crying out for someone like yourself to highlight all of this. I don't know how you guy's do it, some with full time jobs and families. There's hundreds of outdoor UTUBE channels ou there now, some really great, some just getting on the bandwaggon with little information just videoing a day out. You boys, Bushman and Blue, Goodbloke outdors, Andy Foster and Rock star and all the others, you know who you are, keep going lads and lasses, you're all doung a great job. Buy you all a pint if ever I see you in a pub at the foot of a mountain. Cheers, Ozzy.
Enjoyed the video, and thanks for explaining how much hard work is involved in being a creator with little or no reward 👏
Yeah people just don’t understand mate it’s not like these daft tiktokers sitting in there house all day with there live on lol, to be an outdoor content creator we need to get out and put the graft in. 🏴✊🏻🏴
@@wulliescottishoutdoors 💯 mate
Thank you Andrew for everything that you do! Please dont let that stopping you from sharing your passion! You are such as lovely and pleasant guy to watch and me as a wild camper beginner really learn a lot from you! Best regards and keep being awesome!😊
When you say UK, do you just mean England?
Scottish Outdoor Access Code still permits us to wild camp in small groups and LNT, don't think there's a real issue there outside of Loch Lomond
…and Wales …and Northern Ireland.
Couldn't agree more. There's loads on you tube that I don't enjoy or irrelevant to me so I simply scroll by, even some some of the stuff you do isn't always relevant to me but I'd never feel the need to leave my negativity in the comments.
I've left a coffee for you in the past as a very small Thank-you as it was down to you why I got going wild camping in the first place.
I appreciate you buddy.
Cheers, and thanks for your ongoing support 👍
As former Military myself, I love the outdoors, I have 2 children, my Son is more into his Guitar playing and my Daughter loves the outdoors also, so we go on 6 - 10 miles walks 3 times a week and we walk along the canal that runs at the bottom of our street, we walk past several farms with small crops of wooded areas, I spoke to a few of the farmers on the route as and when I catch them working, and I asked them if they needed help on the farm in any way and if they did could I do that work for free and maybe use a small plot of woodland to teach my Kids bushcrafting and just general outdoor activities, and we leave no trace except when we cover up the hole for the fire if we lit one.
Both said yes as long as we cleaned up and do not cut the trees down, so during the week we are off to help out on the farm and then camping out that night.
Just goes to show, go for walks, get talking ( Politely of course as you should always be ) and offer some help in exchange for a little bit of wooded area. You never know what you might get, could be nothing or could be just what you need.
Great video, subbed.
I subscribe and always like your videos. I've made a few purchases based on your recommendations; the Nortiv8 and the Trekology UL80 and recently the NatureHike 400 sleeping bag. Your recommendations are more affordable than most other channels. Hope you keep it up.
Thanks for what you do - your reviews have helped me in the search for secondhand gear for cycle camping. All the best.
You’re doing a great job 👏 Andy. Good advice as always, see you out there ❤
Very interesting insights Andy. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Yes, so much effort and time goes into making a video.
I personally (and i reckon many people) are now sick of the over exaggerated, fake drama, click baity type of videos. UA-cam is so engrained with them that i feel people just want good old, bog standard TRUTH. It has now become refreshing when you see someone down to earth, no BS producing something honest.
I must have watched at least 90% of the videos you’ve ever uploaded. To the point where I get a funny look via the mrs every time she hears “hi guys I’m andyyyyy” my point is I’ve only seen sad Andy maybe once or twice and it’s heartbreaking. The blatant amount of effort you put into this channel you deserve a knighthood…….Sir Andy, Hazaaar! Think I speak for everyone here by saying please keep it up, we love you and we’d all be gutted to see your uploads fall off. Hope to see you out one day however unlikely, I’d certainly make you a cuppa….any day!
Hi guys I’m Andy 😆
@@BackpackingUK hahahahaha
I've pretty much given up making bushcraft and outdoors videos. The views just aren't there.
Wild camping as a hobby can get stale very fast, once you’ve hiked up half a dozen hills and spent the nights atop them you start to realise that one wild camp is much the same as another, just a different view.
Many of the UA-camrs seem to make videos as something to do while camping. Personally I like to read, each to their own.
Wild camping you tube is much the same, one video of a person walking up hill is much the same as another. Once you find a UA-camr with a personality that you like you stick with them.
Gear reviews lose interest once you’ve got your kit mostly dialled in and you only search for reviews if you want to purchase a product.
I can fully understand UA-camrs shifting the content they make, making the same videos over and over doesn’t make for compelling content creation. People change.
And then you’ve got UA-cam, if they decide that your genre is no longer cool it’ll cull the whole genre.
I first camped out up the hills about 50 years ago. The tent was and still is a means to be able to enjoy the hills. I enjoy camping, on a site or in a Glen in the Highlands but I don't go to specifically camp. It is the walking and backpacking that appeals to me. I've bivvied, bothied and slept in a bus shelter as well as a tent.
The specific wild camping channels are often akin to the bushcraft ones. People off to a nearby nwood to try out the latest tent, cook a steak and drink IPA with the sound of traffic just beyond the trees.
My channel is tiny but it is more a gear, backpacking and hiking channel than a specific "wild" camping channel and that is what I like to do. Hillwalking and long distance hikes. When I started it wasn't even called wild camping. It was just camping.
When I see new channels I always try to watch them
If they’re interesting I will subscribe and ding that bell
As you say Andy it costs nothing and helps them
All good channels started with nerves and basic filming equipment but with confidence and experience evolved
Eventually only the true and dedicated continue but without that “give them a chance” no one knows if they’re really interested or just out for views
You, Paul Messner , Andy Beavers and loads more I watch prove eventually that you all love what you all do
My hats off to you all
Regards Jeff
Nice discussion Andy, I have noticed less uploads from a number of channels.
Thankfully Scotland is still great for wild camping. Yes we attract a small number of idiots that don't respect the beautiful country. If you shop about there are still some great bargains.
Another great vid
I'm a long time viewer and you are one of a few that inspired me to do something.
I really enjoy your channel and great to hear your honest opinion, on a fun channel, on this platform
I totally get you here. I earn, pretty good morning these days. I got out of the army after 13 years just under 2 years ago now and I want to be outdoors as much as I can.
I love being out on the hills or the woods. I have never been able to justify paying mad money for kit.
I was fortunate enough to use Hilliberg tents while I was in the army. It was on a cold weather operators course (-32) in Estonia. They're mint but I'm never going to pay nearly a grand on a tent.
I personally use a Vango Banshee two and it's the old one so only one door, got it in 2012 and it smashed it on Kinder Scout last December and it was -9 that night, crazy snow overnight too. You don't need to go mad on kit, just make sure you have the basics and make sure you know what you're doing.
I would say don't worry about people, most of them are a bit douchy these days 😂😂.
Good content Andy, well said. Newcomers have a steep learning curve, but there is no excuse for littering or fire circles spreading across our beautiful countryside. Hopefully the idiots will find easier ways to amuse themselves.
Keep up your work, it benefits real hikers.
Well done 😎
I always believe that if you've got nothing good to say, dont bother saying it. I appreciate what you and others do and i wouldn't dream of saying anything negative for the sake of it.
I think you are spot on about covid. I ended up watching/streaming on twitch constantly as I had nothing else to do while shut indoors. So many people who were watching the games I watched have disappeared now they can go back to their normal lives
Keep up the good work, learnt a lot from your videos, watching from New Zealand
Very good. I think there was a lot of value in practically everything you said. Sending love and appreciation xx
I’m yet to watch this video, but thought I’d check out the comments first, I think it will be harder for those who have made wild camping videos into a full time job, less watch hrs means less money, I’ve recently started a channel, but I’ve really enjoyed the editing side of things , and learnt something new…like everything it always comes around again, I’m not fussed about views or comments I enjoy the whole process, but have a full time job that helps me get out once a month to enjoy the outdoors. Love this channel by the way
Finally got around to watching the video in full, great message, be kind enjoy the content, and give it a like. And get ya sen into the great outdoor, great vid 👍
Some great points well made mate 👍 I’ve always been a hiker 👍 but only started wild camping a couple years ago. My videos I make are just like a record of my adventures for myself & my family to watch when I’m older and hopefully showing people how to go about it in a respectful way always leaving no trace. I’ve really enjoyed making content and it’s nice to have regular viewers and like a little community. I’ll just keep making videos I enjoy and hopefully a few other people might enjoy them too. Keep up the good work mate 🤘🏼
I appreciate your films Andy. Always interesting and enjoyable to watch. Thank you for the hard work and time you put into them. It doesn’t go unnoticed 👍🏻
Hi Andy. We are a family half Scottish, half German based in the Bavarian alps. We do a lot over here in terms of alpine trekking, camping etc. But honestly, the highlights of my outdoor year are those 6-8 weeks dotted across the year we spend in scotland hiking. My Scottish family lives in Perthshire and so I do a lot of hiking in the Cairngorms. I almost panicked after Covid by the amount of people that started hiking because what I treasure the most is the seclusion, the emptiness, the remoteness of scotland. Even my wife who grew up in Perthshire feels the same when we visit our family, coming over from crowded, busy Bavaria. So on one hand I enjoy the content you guys are creating - on the other hand it let to a lot more people in some hotspots that are covered by everyone contentwise. It is true, volume died down a little this year, but some trails like the sky trail are growing fast in frequency. Nature and countryside can only take so much - if it starts getting destructive like in Germany, it’s game over for all of us. So, these are the ambivalent feelings of an early day subscriber of your channel.
I spent 3 days in the Cairngorms in December and I saw people at the start and at the end but I didn’t see anyone for over 2 days. I’ve found that if you go venture deep into the mountains you’ll find solitude ❤
Excellent video sir, from an Irish viewer
It took time for me to see you as a good wild camping channel as I have been doing it for many years but in my opinion you have progressed and I can say that I watch your channel much more often with not only your gear reviews but also your expeditions. Keep it up! It is still apresiated!
Love all your videos Andy. Keep up the good work!
An honest overview of the behind the scenes of being a ‘UA-camr’. Myself - and I am sure- the majority of regular viewers on this channel can take stock of your expertise and advice and learn from your experiences. There will always be haters. It’s a prerequisite to those that hide behind their laptops and iPads wearing Star Wars t-shirts - but the majority are grateful to people like yourselves and the mass majority of comments I read in all your updates are positive (and I’ve watched pretty much all your uploads over the last 3 years). I’ve learned shed loads from you Andy; your reviews are candid and unbiased and your wild camping and hiking videos always a treat. I’ll buy you a coffee when I can work out how to do it.
You raise some interesting points, what I would say is if you are finding it unpleasant, stressful or the negative comments are getting to you when you started the channel for fun then take a break? On the cost of living / greedflation, I am lucky to travel to the USA & Europe particularly Germany for training courses regularly and what I have noticed is they earn a *lot* more money than we do in the UK and have much higher disposable income for hobbies. Particularly in the USA salaries are a lot higher even with the cost of private medical insurance. For content creators in the US there are so many more options as it’s a much larger country, one persons kinder scout / Lake District wild camp is much the same as any other really.
Still legal in most of Scotland mate.
As someone who is very new to wild camping, the bubble bursting has been great for me. Lots of 2nd hand bargains to pick up across ebay/vinted etc
This is a great video. I like the simplicity and down-to-earth nature of it. Good points covered. 😁
You bring up some very good points in this video. As far as YT goes, the is something going on in the background. I have spoke to many fellow UA-camrs and they all say the same thing. The last 3 months or so views, income etc are all down. I know many of my subscribers don't even get notifications any more when I upload a video. My channel is just a hobby, but people don't know how much work goes into it. All for around £2 per 1000 views.
Somebody told me yesterday they’d worked out I’d earned £50k+! They have no idea whatsoever!!!! I, and many others, don’t do it for the money, but it’s nice to be able to afford all your trips, gear and av kit without going into your own funds.
Makes you wonder how the working man can afford to get out its comes across very middle class with there cottages and there camper vans
What has spoilt it for me is, unless you go to really remote areas, lakes, dales or Scotland, it’s increasingly more difficult to find areas where you can really get away from society, don’t know if it’s the increasing amount of people in the U.K. I’m not sure, but I find I have to leave it later to pitch up and leave earlier, and the last few times I’ve had people come into the camp late at night, once I had to pack up and leave because I was being harassed by local youth, so I find myself getting more reluctant.
An observation, Andy: I’d say the reason your channel is”bucking the trend” and continuing to do well is because you are a decent fella. That’s not to say that other like subject content creators aren’t, it’s because you come across as genuine and you do the do. I think you’ve called it right that interest is on the decline post Covid and to a degree, this is both understandable and to be expected. However, I for one won’t stop hiking, camping, backpacking and bikepacking. Thanks for your work and efforts, they are thoroughly enjoyable and educational.
I used to walk and camp the moors and not see a soul for days. Since covid there has been too many yobs wild camping in their Halfords Tents. Now they are returning to their drunken holidays in places like Magaluf things might return to normal.
Most people who watch outdoor content have zero idea how much time & effort goes in to putting out a video. And yep, there's definitely a bias towards those who get sponsorship & financial help within the genre & I've always found that to be quite strange