Це відео не доступне.
Перепрошуємо.
How to Survive Winter in a Van WITH ONLY 6 Things!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 2 сер 2024
- How to survive winter in a van with only 6 items! They might seem obvious, but some of them weren't to me.
Support the Channel:
Patreon: / vanlifemovies
Paypal: PayPal.me/vanlifeplusmovies
Merch Store on Spring: vanlifeplus.creator-spring.com/
OFFICIAL WEBSITE WITH AFFILIATE LINKS: www.vanlifeplus.ca
AMAZON WISH LIST: www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/...
Mailbox:
Matthew Allen
Unit # 112
440, 10816 Macleod Trail S.E.
Calgary, AB Canada
T2J 5N8
On Rumble: rumble.com/user/VanlifePLUS
VanlifePLUS Q.A. Back Up Channel: / @vanlifeplusq.a.2206
Contact
Instagram: @vanlifeplusmovies
Facebook: / vanlifeplusmovies
My name is Matthew and I live in a van. I lost my job due to "cut backs" from the pandemic of 2020 and decided to seriously restructure my life. I am also a single dad who needed to find a solution that would allow me to remain in my daughter's life and plan for her future. After tons of research into #vanlife, I knew it was for me.
From March 2021 until October 2021 I spent my days building out my Chevrolet Express 2500, which came to be known as "Lucky" and as of October 18, 2021 I have been living in Lucky full time.
The build was done with almost no experience on my end and I used the one incredible tool I had at my disposal - the internet - to learn what I needed to build Lucky into a very comfortable tiny home.
I have always had a bit of a passion for being in front of the camera and really enjoy capturing the world around us. This really played into how I was feeling after almost a year of working from home when I "commuted" from the bedroom to the couch. I was starting to feel extremely unhealthy, unmotivated and despondent. I HATED that, and that's not a word I like to throw around. This new lifestyle gives me opportunities I just didn't have before and I am so excited to be able to share it all with you.
I truly believe we all have the capabilities to turn our lives around, should we choose to do so - and if I can inspire you to shoot for something better then I have done a decent job and that will keep me going.
There is more to life than the consume, consume, spend, spend lifestyle I feel we have all been conditioned to follow and I just want to do the best I can for myself first and foremost. Our time is limited and I do not want to waste another second on a lifestyle that doesn't bring me joy!
Be Happy, Be Creative, Be Yourself and BE POSITIVE!
I really appreciate the fact that you keep pumping out the videos on such a frequent basis - especially given the back issues you are having at the mo. All good suggestions and most of which I have on the go myself - albeit only on a vacations and weekends basis. One further handy thing I found about a hot water bottle is that if you don’t fill it right up you can use it as a form-fitting tray for your dinner plate on your lap. Keeps your legs and your food warm while you eat - especially good for outdoor eating on camping trips. 👍🏻
If you live in a house and have gas water heating, one emergency trick in a power failure is an empty plastic milk container filled with hot water and wrapped in a towel. Sleep in bed with it and it'll take the edge off.
And the award for best supporting actress goes to:
(Insert breathless pause)
STELLA!
Penny & Stella are adorable! I hope that you are finding relief from your back pain! Thick wool socks, nothing worse then having cold feet! And a wool neck scarf!
"If you want to be a super hero under your clothes." LOL.
Wow! And I thought I was being "old fashioned" using a hot water bottle. They are very comforting on cold nights! Kudos to you for promoting their use. And if you're "lucky" enough to have shore power, and electric blanket is another option.
#1 Insulation in the trailer R 7.5 ✔
#2 Chinese Diesel Heater - switched for wood stove (allergic to diesel) ✔
#3 backup heat - 350w heater (10:17 works great off grid), tent propane heater $25 from Amazon and I used my backpacker's stove for years in my SUV ✔
#4 Oh, the hot water bottle named BUB a.k.a Back Up Boyfriend ✔
#5 Um, cargo pants ARE stylish!!! Why do you think BSA Scoutmaster's wear them ALL THE TIME! Throw a pair of long johns under them and your set! I also have fleece pants to put under my cargo pants for the really cold days - DON'T TAKE AWAY MY CARGO PANTS! Wool is an awesome base layer, then a fleece mid layer, then a jacket layer-I like a fleece or puffy jacket or vest, then Gortex - breathable but water resistant top layer. And do not forget wool socks-when you go wandering around Banff of course ✔
#6 I actually love my -20C rectangle sleeping bag-the fleece inside makes me so happy! But I also have other blankets to pile on top as well if really cold. And the one thing that I do that is a GAME CHANGER-I wear a wool toque/beanie, thin gloves, and socks to bed. When I take off my "PJ's" they all get stored together-I have different hats, gloves, and socks for day use✔
Back up boyfriend...Love it!
Love the BUB...👍👍
While I have never lived in a van, I was homeless during a few Canadian winters. Hand warmers. The Disposable chemical warmers will do in a pinch but I like the Zippo usb hand warmers. I used to keep one in the front pouch of my hoodie and another in the inside pocket of my coat. I won't say that I was never cold but they certainly helped. I had a solar charger and 2 anchor batteries that kept everything charged.
I don’t live in a vehicle, but my kitty is like a little furnace. I love it when she creates a warm spot for my feet! 😻 Hot water bottles are great - learned that trick from my British friend (I’m American).
Who needs a scarf when you have a Stella 😊
Great Vlog Matt very informative and excellent advice.
Brings back memories of curling up with a warm pis jug 😅
This channel is like eating junk food. FUN!
I actually have a two person sleeping bag. It has a fleece sheet inside & I put a wool blanket inside too. I sleep under it all not in the bag. Plus I sleep on a fleece blanket. I stay very warm. NJ had a few colder than usual nights. I’m good with cold weather, it’s the summer sauna weather I don’t like. Stay awesome Matt!!❤️
Great video Matthew, very informative. I've been following you for a while and you're most entertaining and a real stand up guy. I can relate to your back pain because I worked as a mechanic for about 35 years and I'm sorry to tell you that the pain doesn't really go away, you just have good days and not so good days. Anyways I thought I would share that with you. Looking forward to the next video and rest your back as much as possible. Good luck sir and God bless you.
I lived in my van for just ove a year up here in Northern Ontario, and I really have to agree with the hot water bottle! You wouldn't think it would help that much, but it does.. cool video!
Great tips Matt! One thing I found that works in a cold bed is sleeping on top of a wool blanket. Keeps the cold underneath your bed from coming up...
I agree - a thick wool blanket makes an awesome underblanket.
A tiny woodstove is good for a backup, as long as you know what your doing with it. A good source of heat in case of emergency, like if you get stranded with no electricity or fuel!
I use 2 down comforters with duvets on them. One is a winter weight down and one is a summer weight and I generally end up throwing off the lighter one in the middle of the nite. Oh and did I mention I have a large dog in bed with me? 😂 Instant heat! Hope your back is easing up ❤️
If you like the fleece lined clothes you should try flannel lined jeans! Loved the video.
Ooo sounds right up my alley!
LL Bean carries them!
Matt, this is a wonderful tutorial in winter van life. It seems you have got it nailed. It might be useful to do this again in the summer when it is hotter, to see how you keep cool.❤😂🎉😂❤
Overalls, down feather blankets. Wool socks,
Clay pot candle heater system. Candle heats he cyramic pot creating warmth
Nothing beats wool! Keeps you warm even when wet, and is naturally antibacterial. Just make sure you wash it with detergent for wool, regular stuff ruins it.
LOVE my water bottles. I have 2. One for my feet and one to snuggle to my chest. Those saved me and my little dogs for the unexpected week of Texas snow and Alice a couple of years ago. Electricity was intermittent and propane needed to be used sparingly.
Warm
Warmer
Warmest
Ya dead‼️😂👏🏼
Thanks for giggles Mathew
Lots of good ideas and a bonus appearance of the cats.
Merino base layers are awesome !
I suggest two things you didn't mention to keep warm. First - a couple of "space blankets.," the aluminum foil looking things. They reflect body heat and keep you very cozy. I used a couple on a cold winter's day when my heat went out. One under me (and the cat) with a blanket over it and one over another blanket over me (and the cat) kept us both very warm. My other suggestion comes from my camping days in Minnesota: a down sleeping bag. If you get the kind that zips open fully, it makes a wonderful blanket. In fact, I'd use one over me and another under me.
1- Insulation
2- diesel heater
3- back up heat source
Mr buddy - 21 volt
4- stove - propane
20 lbs tank
5- jet boil- back up
6- water bottle
Keep water hot. Help warm your body
7- fleece clothing
8- long johns
9- pants lined with fleece
10- 260 marino clothing
11- weighted blanket
To stay warm
I've been watching your older videos and enjoying them. Hope you & little one are doing well. Take care, stay safe & God Bless You 😇🙏.
Warm, Warmer, Warmest, you're Dead!!! Bloody hilarious!🤣🤣🤣
Excellent tips, Matt. I live and travel mostly in California along the coastline. It does get chilly but I have not experienced temperatures much below freezing or 32F. My van is not insulated and I hardly ever have to use my Mr. Heater Buddy or my stove. Warm clothing (layers of merino wool), a hoodie and a warm hat usually suffice. I tried a weighted blanket but I felt claustrophobic with its use. Weird, I guess. On occasion I may turn my stove on just to remove the chill in the air.
I have a 12 volt electric blanket, wool blanket, and 2 weighted blankets. 🔥
Everyone says it but the diesel heaters really are a game changer for cold weather vanlife, I lasted about a week with propane, just way too much risk and moisture, but good for a back up. The chinese versions are still relatively new on the scene, before the german patent on the webastos/ebers expired a few years ago, winter van life was a completely different animal. Install is everything on these heaters, and parts are cheap, like you implied the german ones do fail and parts are expensive and can be harder to get. Good solid tips!
Matthew Good Evening. You never fail to be genuine in your concern for your fellow Van Lifers. And yes fur babies are heat seeking missiles. Once they are next to you everyone is warm 🥵 I don't think you mentioned an electric blanket for when you have shore power or a generator. I bought my only one specifically for moving into my camper. The preheat will run you out of the bed..WoW. But then again I have always been my own personal oven. As far as getting to sleep when it's cold I also depend on my weighted blanket. Take care of you, Penny& Stella. Be Safe, Be as Healthy as you can and Always find Joy in your day. Remember....
Rest is Rust and Motion is Lotion....Liam Neesom
ooohhh, the warm water bottle, what a oldfashion solution, use it al the time with my rheumatism
Good tips…I’m sure many will appreciate this video! 😊 “You will never find me doing that though!” I love your honesty! 😂😂😂
****25K SUBSCRIBERS**** Thank you to everyone new and old for the support! As always go out there you guys, be happy, be creative, be yourselves and most importantly be POSITIVE.
I am re-watching all these great videos. Just re-watched the 3,000 sub video. Just as awesome today as it was then. Congratulations Matthew and thanks Marc for leading the charge. ua-cam.com/video/dbSRZ5r_xU4/v-deo.html 🎉😊
@@ck6070 ❤❤❤
💃💃💃💃💃💃🥳🥳🥳🥳
Great video, since I am a knitter my ears went up when I heard the word WOOL, THAT is the number ONE source to keep You warm. Please check it out, because it breaths You will not transpire and it has multiple very good qualities for Van Life, my advice to You is; please check it out. It will help You too with pain releaf. Fleece is a by-product of plastics, just as Your not so warm long underwear. I have chronic pains 24/7 and learned the hard way of plastic by-products, I too was wearing fleece, lived on laminate floor in a house that had iron bedding in the concrete, that was my start of getting nerve pains and much more. This is not to complaine but to advice and/or warn for You and others.
And let's not forget #7 - Someone to snuggle with, but then you may get a bit too warm in some situations.😉
25K! Congrats! I always used an electric blanket. Then I discovered the weighted blanket. It keeps me nice and warm and brings the comfort of the weight like a thick pile of blankets without the storage room needed. And yes, a kitty snuggled up with you is a great heater!
Reusable hot packs that you press a metal clip to activate is an other great item, you just boil them to re-use. That has kept me nice and warm in the harsh cold winter nights in my SUV.
Awesome video! Don’t know how you do -20, never mind -40!!! I am a delicate West Coast Flower, with a diesel heater, and electric heater, and Olympian wave 6, a hot tent woodstove, a flowerpot heater, and many many blankets. 😂 Goats also help, but tend to eat everything in the RV and don’t really love being under the blankets.
We have a Mr buddy we found at a rummage sale for 5.00, it is the best 5.00 dollars we spent. We have a small enclosed but not heated front porch that we had to turn into a home office since 2020 and it heats that porch well. We have a special adapter that allows us to use a larger propane tank, that makes it a little more affordable.
Thank you for all the pointers Matt! I can apply most of, if not all as I live in similar climate on the east coast. I hope recovery is going well for you
I have arthros (and other pain too) and now I am wearing long pants and long sleeve shirt, in merino wool. Now I can stay warm outside... And inside my campervan. It's a game change, for me at least
Because I did not want to think about a second fuel source to manage. I really tried to make gasoline heaters work. I have tried a General components gasoline heater ($700). Too expensive to service, the atomizer is part of the burn chamber. I tried an Espar Gasoline heater ($1300). Servicing it was better until the non serviceable motor packed it in. $450 for a motor.
Finally I gave up and went Chinese diesel. I cannot imagine I will go back. I added the afterburner controller and really like it definitely keeps the heater from overheating the van.
If you insulate well enough, the van heater will warm the van right up and it takes a few hours to cool off. I made insulated bifold doors to separate the cab from the back but still allow me to open up and enjoy the giant picture window. (Windshield)
7 years ago when I started my vanlife, I didn't know what to use for heat. This video will be a huge help to anyone starting their journey in vehicle dwelling. I've also tried various ways of heating and I agree a diesel heater or similar gas air heater is the best option and also a backup small electric heater with a pre-planned place to plug in when issues occur with your air heater. And...issues will happen...always plan with that in mind. Great video, Matthew. Much love and hugs
This is great content, especially for those planning to spend winters in the cold. Who better to advise them, than you, who has done it for 2 winters. 🧡🍀
Another great one Matthew! I ALWAYS bring my hot water bottle along, even in hotels. Toastie tootsies. 🥰😘💞
Haha hey now, don’t underestimate us fluffy cats 😂
I won't go too far without my weighted blanket either. Also, I rediscovered how wonderful a hot water bottle at the foot of your bed under the covers, for me better than an electric pad.
So many helpful ideas!! I even use the hot water bottle at home in freezing Montreal!!
There is a 12v electric blanket on Amazon that a lot of truckers use and yeah I've used one and loved it. I used a solar battery bank for my power source. As an experiment during the coldest couple of weeks on the 1500 amp hour system. Using it on average of 12 hours a day my system lasted me 4 days. That's NOT bad for emergency power outages, stuck on the side of the road, winter camping and van life. By the way the blankets are usually fleece or flannel but oh so comfy. How's your back pain? Hope it's getting better. Happy trails and safe travels to you and the kitties!
The drive to 25K subscribers. How can you help the channel? It is easy...... simply subscribe, SMASH that like button, share, comment, engage and like other comments. As always go out there you guys, be happy, be creative, be yourselves and most importantly be POSITIVE.
👍👍👍👍
And we’re almost there 😊💃
@@monikarohr4994 this video should do it!
@@marconion For sure! he called himself a dum dum....that's gotta do it
@@lja6420 🤣🤣
Now I’m going to go back and watch your build out videos.
Wow ur amazing matt u post as much more often to make a living and u enjoy making videos for us and it awesome hope u feel better sooner
Great list Matt but in hindsight...would you add something more to the floor during your build for insulation? (I know it takes away more head room though)
100%
Thank you Matt Great information on how to keep Warm...Brrr it's cold out there..
I do have a question meaning to ask for a while now How is your Friend Amber is she still around Calgary... She hasn't posted anything.... Little Worried 😯..
Thanks again for another GREAT VIDEO.. Sending Paws of Love to your Kitty's 🌿💕🐾🐾💕🌿 Bug Hugs to you
Keep warm more Snow on the way an Cold...
Lol don’t be worried. She is good we still see each other all the time
Thank you for the Update..👍👍 Sure Miss Amber... she's your Sidekick LOL. 😂
Great suggestions. I would thought of having several sources of heat but it does make a lot of sense. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hope you are feeling much better and on your way to complete recovery from your back pain. You look happy and healthy again. Thanks for continuing to put out videos through your difficult days. I’m going for knee replacement surgery next week an I need all the positivity I can get! Sending love and warmth from Florida 🌞
Great information. Oh Stella was majestic at the end there 🐈⬛💚🍀💚
Omg such cute kitties. That's another worry i would have keeping them cool and safe.
I have merino wool clothing galore and love it for summer time too, it wicks away sweat and doesn't smell, just thought I'd share, great video btw.
Great video Matt, as always 🥰🙏
Woohoo 25k! Congratulations Matthew!
Very informative Matthew.
All great tips, thank you Matthew!!
Matt ur a beautiful human! U know i didn't know Stella was as old as she is she still looks so young!👀❤🇨🇦ur fan from the Grey Eagle Casino. Thanks for sharing ur living life with Us
Hello Matthew (& girls) ... and all.
Thank you🙏 for all that information .
Sleeping bag over blankets! Keeps the heat in! Just sucks when you have to get out and go pee! But i think that is universal with blankets anyways!
Very informative Matthew. Thanks for your info.
I think you should start turning out your own warm scarves called, The Stella. And Penny bellaclavas.😍
Stay warm. Enjoyed the video.
you continue to inspire me to go vanlife dude! looove your videos!
Oh hey Matt any chance we can get an ' everybody just calm down' travel mug in your merch shop ???
Hmm I thought there was one, I’ll look into it! 😁
Thank you for all the information very helpful
One of your best episodes. Thanks!
Thank you Mathew 💖
25k congratulations 🎊 xx
Thank you for sharing the knowledge.
Congrats on 25K Subscribers Matt! :)
I have a 12volt mattress cover that heats up. And it doesn't take much power. Really nice
That's an idea I was going to mention. Do you plug it into a Jackery?
@@dianehoule625 no I have a battery system with two battleborn batteries but you could plug it into the jackery.
@@dianehoule625 I took it to Glacier national park and it was nice and cozy at nights. Heat your bed up before you crawl in😊
@@debberkebile4396 I slept on one at Christmas when I was housesitting. Loved it! Does it draw much power? More than compared to a heating pad?
@@dianehoule625 no I have the 12volt and it doesn't draw much at all. We had it on all night without draining the batteries at all. The one I put in the link is the I bought
Today you give lot of good advice 🥰😎
Very informative Matt. 🥰🇬🇧🥰
Your videos are entertaining and easy to watch. Thanks for making them.
hi 👋 Matthew congrats on 👍🤗
I love my weighted blanket, I don't sleep as well without it
Funny ending. And good talks. I agree 100%
👍Fantastic, thank you 💝
Hi Matt! You hit 25k, CONGRATULATIONS!
I found that Mrbuddy has two boxes one for Canadians and one for Americans. In canada it says not for use indoors while the American one says the opposite.
Personally myself Mr buddy gives off a smell that I can’t stand, smells like hydrocarbons not sure. From what I read it’s the pilot light that goes out if no oxygen is present and the mr buddy shuts off .
As you mentioned the diesel heater is dry air, while all the other options you listed are combustion and give off moisture. And wow it seriously makes a difference, large gazelle tent collects a lot of moisture. Fire up the diesel heater and in a short period of time the inside walls dry.
Good morning from Australia Matt, new to your channel, great commentary - nice to see you enjoying our Aussie McCafe ☕️
Yay you made 25 K !!!! Woohoo… Congrats!!!
I use hot water bottles like you described on the magical island of Vancouver😂 I live in Victoria & I like a cold bedroom with a nice duvet on top of me & my hot water bottle & neck magic bag to keep me warm & cozy😁❤️
I've been eyeing those weighted blankets. I think I'm gonna try one.
I just love this video as you are so honest with your humor on what you need and what you didn’t think of… how do you know until you live it? You are doing your best…
you are hilarious, I absolutely enjoyed this video
I'm going with a Dickenson Marine propane heater. Yeah a bit more expensive, but I trust it more than most others and it's also a dry heat since it's vented as well and they look nice adding a little atmosphere looking like a little fireplace.
Thank you so much for giving this advice! I've got all the things, except for a weighted blanket, I like that idea. 👌