Finally! Someone who addresses So Texas heat camping. I camp in the same general area, and this summer is absolutely miserable. I have one more trip before I call it quits until autumn. This year, 2022, we are breaking heat records. I’m camping in one of those heat waves where the heat index will be 105+. Luckily I’m camping from a car, but in a primitive site, so I can bring some extra gear to help. But your advice help in my setup in my reserved site.
Friend of nature, we appreciate having you around :-) Your teachings are very important. entertaining and fun ...much needed by all of us ...we thank you from out hearts ...thank you and Peace be with you always Kenneth Kramm :-)
Stop, look, and listen is something I always do when spending time in nature. We walk pass and miss so much beauty. The thought of a plant growing naturally from the earth is an interesting subject to dive into.
Hey Ken, I’ve really enjoyed your videos and adventures. Have learned much. Hope to see you return someday or at least the current videos back. Be well and happy trails!
Everyone needs to know this! Not just in case of an emergency outdoors, but just to enjoy yourselves and to not let the heat beat you, making you stay inside. +1 - Awesome work Ken!
Thanks for watching and commenting. Your feedback is especially meaningful to me. Thank you. Less than 60 years ago, most people in the USA did not have air-conditioning. Less than 100 years ago most people in the USA did not have refrigerators. The ideas Iive demented were common sense to folks at that time. Somehow, in recent years, we've forgotten how to survive and enjoy the outdoors when conditions are less than perfect. ...ken
I just saw that you are having to make your channel private ☹️ It's sad that it has come to this but understandable. I have thoroughly enjoyed your videos and the knowledge you have shared with all of us. Thank you for the hours and hours of learning and entertainment you have provided. Best wishes ✌️
Zurgo 2004 He was going to make his channel private because of trolls but he’s back to making it an open channel. Be sure and check out his older videos and subscribe to keep up with new videos, he’s awesome.
Loved the sunrise across the lake ken, so calming. I note that the morning sky there was red though, can be a sign of bad or stormy weather to come. The English had or have a saying which says "red sky in the morning sailors warning", meaning there's bad weather to come, and also if the sky was red at sunset at night it was "red sky at night sailors delight", in rural or farming areas it was "shephards delight" or "shephards warning". There's usually some or a lot of truth in those old old sayings from here, or from anywhere I guess, thats why I put store in them, old old wisdom passed down from many many generations back. Thanks again Ken, peace.
Thanks for watching James and taking time to comment. Interesting saying about red skies in the morning. sometimes this happen when there are distant forest fires as far away as Mexico. We continued to have hot dry weather, with just a few passing clouds. Take care my friend. ...ken
Here in central Florida we deal with the same stinkin' heat as you. A trick I learned from a former IDF soldier is Israeli a/c. For good sleep on those hot nights, take along a thin 100% cotton sheet. Soak that sheet in water and wring it out. I then wrap myself in it for the night. By evaporation I am kept cool all night long.
@@alejandrorivas4585 Hadn't thought about as a game changer, but it does work better than totaly stripping down to my scivies, then sleeping under open air and the dern skeeters wreck your night.
@@steveh4962 my solo backpack strategy has literally been bug net and bug spray in the nude. I will try your thing in my backyard today. I'm in SF by the everglades so I get it.
@@alejandrorivas4585 I remember how muggy it gets there. I used to live in Hollywood, but would go dove hunting with buddies way out there at Frog Pond. I remember camping in the Nat'l Park in July once. Horrible! Rain, bugs, terrible heat. Currently I live up in the Sebastian area.
Wow! Ken how did you catch that overnight scene at 23:20 - absolutely wonderful is the only way i can describe it! And I love the cleanup at the end, its what I do too! Best regards to you and Bear, -7
Neat! I would be curious what the temperature would have been up high in the foliage . Pull the thermometer up like you did the bear bag. I have seen were they resort way up high in the jungles. Cooler and less Mosquitos . Thanks for sharing .
Good question Loy. I'll try it. Places that catch the wind and are in the shad, and have an evaporation water source (such as leaves) are usually the coolest. ...kne
Dear Sir,I grew up on a farm without all the amenities but always instinctively followed the rules you tried out. Maybe I learned more from my father than I ever realized. He did not teach, he lived the lesson. Today I am so thankful.
Thank your for commenting Louise. You raise a very important point. Lessons that you learn from living are the most important ones. Most folks today don't experience nature. ... ATB ken
Hey Ken, thank you for the tips. I'm headed to the sipsey wilderness next weekend, for a 3 day hammock backpacking trip, and these tips will definitely come in handy. Much appreciated. -ATB Adam
Thanks for sharing another adventure! I really enjoy watching your adventures when time does not permit me to go on mine. Your video inspired me to go on a walk this evening in the woods! Thanks!
You must be S. African Ken. You have on a t shirt, long sleeve shirt, long pants and don't even break a sweat in that heat & humidity. I'm a natural born Texan, fit and can barely make it to the barn and back without getting soaked.
Great magic Ken. Liked your tips on camp selection and beating the heat. I see your new hammock and tarp are doing quite well. Time lapsed is always a bonus. Appreciate you Ken. atb Opal
Thanks Opal. Your feedback means a lot to me. Folks sometime ask me why I spend so much time making UA-cam videos. My answer is that many folks learn from the videos and are inspired to appreciate and see nature up close and persona. You comments mean a great deal to me. ...ken
That was a great video Ken. I wish more people would pick up their own trash before they leave but, that's why I keep trash bags in my truck. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching Darby. Oh man, you are the expert in hot weather camping. And the cap you gave me is awesome! The problem with using evaporation to cool off the during the summer in south Texas, is that the ponds and creeks are dry. My suggestion: Go east, to the pinewoods and you'll discover plenty of water, fewer cicadas and lots of mosquitoes. ...ken
You know what I like about you the most , Kenny. Your voice matches your demeanor matches your ego ( lack of ) matches your well Ok your like nature , not looking to gain off of everybody else , like nature does . Or dos'nt. I don't know how you could clean up after the human trash without wanting to strangle them . Thank you .
this is a great video. very well done as always. I find that bug nets hold in a lot of heat but defiantly are still worth it. I will be trying out a new one soon myself
Thanks Travis. I'd do a video on how to stay warm, but we don't have cold weather in southeast Texas ....so I leave that video for you.... but you've done it. I still remember where you took ice cold showers to acclimate to the winter. I do the opposite acclimate to the summer heat here... I spend time in hot tubs ... sipping a margarita
Great demonstration... my friend is considering going to hammocks... so gonna make sure he watches this series. Thanks as always for your time in posting. :-D
Hi Ken, This is an awesome video. Everything about it is "Cool" LOL. You went "Ultralight in and packed heavy coming out! The night lapse was stunning, you really have got the hang of that. Good to see the Wisp being put to use. I will try and use Bob's tip to setup camp soon. Peace Man Sandy
Thanks Sandy. You're right about going in ultralight and comfy back heavy. I'm slowly learning how to get the best night lapse videos from my Gopro. Like everything else, it takes practice, practice practice. Yes, use the snap for finger trick to setup and takedown your camp. It saves a lot of time (especially for the viewers of the video(. Take care my friend. Peace, Ken
I'm going to have to learn the snap trick Ken, thanks for all the advice on microclimates. it's awesome to know the drip clothes helped and to know it was your child hood air-condition.... take care my friend
Hi Bill. It's easy to to the snap trip; Remember it will only work if you leave your campsite better than what you found it. Yes, dripping wet clothing make fantastic air-conditioning. This is a good reason to get wet in whatever water is available. Take your wet clothing off, and let it hang to dry next to your tent or hammock. Sleep naked, and in the morning your close will be dry, clean and smell good for the next day's hike. ...ken
Hey Ken, great video, as always. Shame about the internet trolls, you must do what you must. Hope to see you back on UA-cam in the future. In the meantime, I wish you and your family well. Also, I'd like to wish you a merry Christmas from Australia. I watched your video of the Australian night sky captured from your twin brothers house tonight, a spectacular time lapse. Australia always gives a great view of the night sky. I will keep an eye on your fb page for future videos. Take care Ken!
I remember the "swamp coolers" that house had on them back when I was a kid, I also remember the evaporative refrigerators that people used in Arizona (other places too I'm sure). A tray of water on top of an open sided box with shelves covered with burlap cloth the burlap dipping in the water tray... not anything like the old icebox but it did keep things cool, not cold but cool. Something on the order of a pie safe
Oh yes, evaporation works great in place with low humidity. Not so well in with high humidity, but it is better than nothing. We can pant like dogs.... Big smile, Ken
Another great video. Living here in Florida I can relate to the heat and humidity. People always ask me how I get used to it. I don't, I just learn to live in it. The swamp air conditioning works well. Thanks for the video
Your comment on micro comments was spot on. I've been in the AZ desert where standing in the sunlight was really intense. Stepping into the shade was like A/C and very pleasant. I will have to try the wet rag technique as well. I have noticed too that when I hike through woodland when it's so hot and humid, the mosquitoes and biting flies get miserable. Even they don't want to be out in the full sun. As always, thanks for taking us along and ATB!- Steve
Thanks Steve. Big smile. My research topic as a graduate student, many years ago, was on microclimates. My twin brother and I watched and recorded the activities and microclimates used by black beetles (Eleodes, sp) in the Mojave Desert of California. It's amazing what you learn when watching wildlife. Thanks for hating my videos Steve and taking time to comment. Ken
Great tips for beating the heat, and awesome time lapse I really enjoyed this video. Choosing a spot next to the water was a great idea to take advantage of the breeze off of the lake. Do you fish? I occasionally hike these trails around Lake Conroe to find tranquility and a place to wet a hook. I would love to see some of your ideas on fishing gear and tactics for backwoods angling.
Thanks Keith. I don't do much fishing, so I'm not the right person to answer ask about fishing gear. I suggest going to Stubblefield Lake at SHNF and ask the folks who are fishing. There are usually 10 to 20 people fishing from the bridge. ...ken
Cool info!! You mentioned being close to the ground for cooling. I remember when I was in the Marines, I was stationed in the Desert and we always dug down a bit in the sand to find a bit cooler place to throw our sleeping bags. I notice you keep your trousers "bloused" is there a reason you do this? I thought it would be an invite for ticks? Thanks for another great video!!
Wild edibles in season, fish such as sardines, tuna, salmon; trail mix and oatmeal. Yes Oatmeal. As early as the 1870s, oatmeal grinds/flakes were added to water to become a nutritious energy drink. See John M. Gould, 1877, How to camp out, advice from a Civil War Veteran.
I always have to have a fire even in the summer, but I keep them very small and between 10'-15' away just for the extra free light, and something to look at
Good video Ken. I can't even think about camping because of the recent heat. Here in Ohio we have had temps in the nineties with humidity in the eighty percent category. Way to humid for me.
Thanks David..... It was very hot yesterday and I was surprised to see roofers working on the neigbor's house. I can't imaging the temperature they were enduring....
i've had so much trouble with heat in the past couple years. i'm from finland and deal with heat really badly. we did the tour de mont blanc this summer and the temps were a constant 30-40 degrees c with the sun hitting really hard in the midsummer. on the higher elevations it was cooler but the sun was even stronger there and climbing mountains all day you still got way too hot. and no protection from trees either. how are you able to use double layers in that kind of heat? are those some kind of silk underlayer? should i invest in silk for hotter temperatures? or do tech layers keep you cooler?
Great series; thank you very much for sharing!! I also have an iPhone 6plus, and was wondering what type of phone case you were using for this video. It looks very adequate for the bigger phone. :-)
Thanks. Great question about the phone case. Unfortunately, I don't remember which I used for the 6plus. I am now using a pause and changed cases to a thinner one (but still adequate). My wife bought the case ...
Thank you for the great advice. Love Bear! We are in Southeast Texas as well. I’m learning to rough it since my oldest son no longer lives in society as we know it & I want to be able to bond with him. Do you think a mosquito net is a waste of packing space? He refuses to use Deet.
Besides what you covered there is another way to cool down as you go down the trail. When I was a kid back in the dark ages I use to put fresh green leaves in my hat to cool me down as the day wore on. Today the thing that works really good for me is one of the Mission Endura Cool Multi Cool items. I use it in place of a hat to cool down. Wet it , snap it and I reverse it . Put my hand in it and place the palm of my hand on my forehead and then pull it back over my head covering my head and let the excess hang down the back of my neck. It cools you by evaporation and the process needs to repeated every couple of hours for the best results.
Is that what you hike in too? Or do you pack them in?That's what I was wondering! Thanks for your reply! Enjoy your videos, the old time as well as the new!
Thanks for watching Dr Strangelove. The 99 cent ponchos are great so are the space blankets I often carry them. I usually carry a big trans bag, because you can cut a head hole in the bottom and they may awesome ponchos. They also are fantastic for cleaning up trash from the forest. ...ken
I live in Northwest Florida. On a typical summer day it's 90 degrees with 70% humidity. At night it gets 78 degrees with 90% humidity. I haven't found any good way to enjoy summer camping. It's just too hot and muggy and I use a fully screened Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 1. Sweat all day, sweat all night. I'm up for suggestions though, if anyone has any.
High humidity and high temperatures, Find a place with a breeze , sprinkle yourself with water and there will be a temperature drop. ... Some folks dig holes in the ground and there is a temperature drop.
Here in the uk it's been REALLY HOT!! That's up to 84 F or 33 C. :) Most people here don't have AC in their homes, just a fan. In the woods it's much more comfortable but I usually end up at the top of the local mountain and still end up too hot. Lol. Out of interest, do you follow Survival Lilly on YT? At present her videos are from Canada, she's using a bear bag and other survival styles you use, her home is in or near Germany so being the other side of the pond is a real adventure for her. All the best..
In addition to your knowledgeable discourse on microclimate and making best use of the environment, I was impressed by the sense of drama in this piece when you started down the heavily vegetated path I thought on no chiggers! Then at 4 minutes + you rubbed leaves on your neck and I thought surely chiggers. Later the can of insect repellant (maybe DEET) offered relief from the tension. Then you brought it all back risking cotton mouths and alligators! Also the mystery, is this Toledo Bend? Thanks for video that is both informative and entertaining. We are expecting a cool down to 94-96 degrees here in the Dallas Fort Worth area tomorrow.
Water moccasins? Gators? Snakes? I live in South Texas so I know the challenges camping has in light of these predators. You really have absolutely great vids! Thanks, dear man!
Give you credit for getting out there this time of the year in our part of the country. Think I'll run over to Pedernales Falls State Park next week for a couple of days. At least in the heat of the day, I can go sit in the river to cool off. Keep on having fun. Let's hope we never get too old to get out there. BW@
whew Good luck to ya with the heat. (im out here in the Willamette Valley "Oregon) looking forward to some more of these Ultralite videos. (its the only way to camp lol)
Thanks for watching and commenting. I know it it safer to use gloves; I need to remember to used disposable plastic bags over my hands when picking up trash. ...ken
At some point in discussing packs, it should follow that a mention to pack size vs useage would come up. I think the following might be helpful. A weekend trip is quite different than a week-long adventure, and the amount of gear needed for climbing will be much different than equipment needed for a day-trip. Carrying capacity is largely determined on the type of activity and the duration of your trip. Here are some general guidelines Less than 2,500 cubic inches: Ideal for ultra light overnighters, climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing trips or any other high-intensity day-trip activity. This is where Ken is. With his 20 Liter pack. 2,500 to 3,999 cubic inches: The perfect range for weekend trips, excluding winter trips that require bulkier clothing and more equipment 4,000 to 5,999 cubic inches: Great for a winter weekend or a week or more any other time of the year. 6,000 cubic inches and over: An ideal number for longer extended trips, winter camping or adventures requiring a lot of gear. It’s also the magic number for parents who will be hauling gear for their kids.
Excellent comments my friend. Great guidelines. You're reading my mind. I just returned from a 3-day (two night) ultralight backpacking trip. And yes, my kit did change. I used as 28 L pack rather than a 20 L pack, so I could hold more more light weight clothing / food. By the way, the "sales people" who tell you that a large ultralight pack is EXPENSIVE are wrong. They just want to sell their expensive packs. My larger 28 L pack was $18 and my Osprey 20 L pack was $50. Empty pack weight of of both were same! Stay tuned for the next video. ....ken
I don't how you manage it with those temperatures. With climate change (I'm in the far North) it's gotten worse each passing summer for New England as well. I think I'm just going to move to Canada! lol. I'm practically there anyhow.
Ken, the biggest thing that I will never figure out is why humans are the laziest , filthy, trashiest, people on the face of the earth. It's not just here, it's everywhere. I had a job of picking up trash in a recreational area on Federal Land for a private entity , it was never ending, same area different day, over and over. Tons of it each season (four mo./year) shame on us! Thank you for helping out Mother Nature. Keep your Koop. Ha,ha,ha. Nice video, thank you.
cool vid ;) yep that's cool too I always say "Leave only footprints and take only memories and photoes " oh and other slackers rubbish , damn when will they learn ? maybe when they grow up ?
Redsorgum yeah I had no idea people were trolling him . I've enjoyed Kens content for a few years now and learned a lot from him. This is kind of a kick in the teeth to your true fans .
john galt hopefully he can make it private for his subscribers. That way, if there’s any more shenanigans, he can simply delete those people from his subscriber list.
Hey Ken! I really enjoy your videos ! I have a question about your base layer for hot weather. Are your shorts and shirt a particular type of fabric ? Have you found undergarments that help keep you cool ?
hi Bear and Ken... thanks for the shout-out Ken. hey bear I cannot believe Ken put you in a ziplock bag. I hope he put some air holes in there so you can breathe :-) Ken I enjoyed seeing your thought process on how you chose a campsite. I almost did the same thing. I like the idea of making a natural swamp cooler. I will have to give that a try the next time I do a hammock overnight..... that's your was a cool night time lapse video you did.... I wish my camera would do that. Another enjoyable and informative video. Thumbs up for sure. :-)
Good question. My Alice pack fully loaded and that includes camera gear food and water for 2 days and one night weighs 40 pounds. My everyday use pack fully loaded with camera gear and enough food for one day and of course water. Weighs 30 pounds
He Bob, I told Bear to hold his breath and pretend he was hibernating. He did, and survived!!! Tell LB that he can do the same, and go camping with you. The natural swamp coolers really work, expsical if you're not in a swamp. I hope to go camping again next week; and this time I will do something different, based on an idea from your videos, if you don't mind. I will make a miniature Dakota Fire pit (using my Bathroom Tube Shovel .... you've got to see tis invention. AND I will get water from an artisan spring in east Texas where this is an abandoned town. You will wish you were with me on this trip!!!! Big Smile.!!! ... Bear is very excited about this adventure. ...ken
Ken, I admire and respect your knowledge and experience. But I sat here and watched you lay straight in your hammock, length-wise, like a banana, like a newbie. You of all people should know about laying flat in a hammock. Diagonally.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I respectfully disagree. Yes, I know how most people lay in hammocks; and the correct way is "Diagonally," so you will lie flatter. I don't like it; Diagonally makes my old crooked back hurt, (I have severe spinal stenosis in all lumbar vertebra, and bone spurs in all cervical vertebra, and scoliosis). At home, I am not able to sleep in a flat bed, It must be curved with cervical and lumbar pillows. You may understand when you get old and your body begins to fall apart. I don't care what anyone says, this is the way I sleep best. Period. RULE NUMBER ONE: DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU. IT MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM WHAT WORKS FOR OTHER PEOPLE; DO NOT RELY ON WHAT THE "EXPERTS SAY IS BEST. Experiment for for yourself. After all, you are the one sleeping, not someone else. If sleeping diagonally works for you, AWESOME. Good for you.
Finally! Someone who addresses So Texas heat camping. I camp in the same general area, and this summer is absolutely miserable. I have one more trip before I call it quits until autumn. This year, 2022, we are breaking heat records. I’m camping in one of those heat waves where the heat index will be 105+. Luckily I’m camping from a car, but in a primitive site, so I can bring some extra gear to help. But your advice help in my setup in my reserved site.
Friend of nature, we appreciate having you around :-) Your teachings are very important. entertaining and fun ...much needed by all of us ...we thank you from out hearts ...thank you and Peace be with you always Kenneth Kramm :-)
Stop, look, and listen is something I always do when spending time in nature. We walk pass and miss so much beauty. The thought of a plant growing naturally from the earth is an interesting subject to dive into.
Unrelated but have you ever seen those tiny black and yellow bugs with little wings? Im in southern europe. The bugs have kind of like a roach shape
That was a beautiful time lapse there at the end!
Thanks Blake. ...ken
Fantastic !!
👍🇺🇸
Hey Ken, I’ve really enjoyed your videos and adventures. Have learned much. Hope to see you return someday or at least the current videos back. Be well and happy trails!
Your videos have broght so much good vibes of respect to nature, good tips for camping and mindfulness. Thanks for sharing!
You're welcome Rogerio. ...ken
Everyone needs to know this! Not just in case of an emergency outdoors, but just to enjoy yourselves and to not let the heat beat you, making you stay inside. +1 - Awesome work Ken!
Thanks for watching and commenting. Your feedback is especially meaningful to me. Thank you. Less than 60 years ago, most people in the USA did not have air-conditioning. Less than 100 years ago most people in the USA did not have refrigerators. The ideas Iive demented were common sense to folks at that time. Somehow, in recent years, we've forgotten how to survive and enjoy the outdoors when conditions are less than perfect. ...ken
You are more than welcome my friend and I couldn't agree more. Winter is coming :)
It’s a pity the trolls have spoiled it for everyone, I’ll wish you all the best and merry Christmas.
Thank you ken.
Thank you Ken! Another beautiful and instructive video...all the best...
Thanks Kees. ...ken
thanks ken all your video are amazing my friend hope one day i could feel better n get back to camping again
Thanks, your feedback means a lot to me. ...ken
I just saw that you are having to make your channel private ☹️ It's sad that it has come to this but understandable. I have thoroughly enjoyed your videos and the knowledge you have shared with all of us. Thank you for the hours and hours of learning and entertainment you have provided. Best wishes ✌️
I'm a new fan, what happened?
Zurgo 2004 He was going to make his channel private because of trolls but he’s back to making it an open channel. Be sure and check out his older videos and subscribe to keep up with new videos, he’s awesome.
Loved the sunrise across the lake ken, so calming. I note that the morning sky there was red though, can be a sign of bad or stormy weather to come. The English had or have a saying which says "red sky in the morning sailors warning", meaning there's bad weather to come, and also if the sky was red at sunset at night it was "red sky at night sailors delight", in rural or farming areas it was "shephards delight" or "shephards warning". There's usually some or a lot of truth in those old old sayings from here, or from anywhere I guess, thats why I put store in them, old old wisdom passed down from many many generations back.
Thanks again Ken, peace.
Thanks for watching James and taking time to comment. Interesting saying about red skies in the morning. sometimes this happen when there are distant forest fires as far away as Mexico. We continued to have hot dry weather, with just a few passing clouds. Take care my friend. ...ken
another awesome 1 love the series. thanks again
You're welcome.!
Great series Ken. I'm really enjoying the videos, thanks!
You're welcome my friend. ..ken
Here in central Florida we deal with the same stinkin' heat as you. A trick I learned from a former IDF soldier is Israeli a/c. For good sleep on those hot nights, take along a thin 100% cotton sheet. Soak that sheet in water and wring it out. I then wrap myself in it for the night. By evaporation I am kept cool all night long.
Oh my god thats a life changer
@@alejandrorivas4585 Hadn't thought about as a game changer, but it does work better than totaly stripping down to my scivies, then sleeping under open air and the dern skeeters wreck your night.
@@steveh4962 my solo backpack strategy has literally been bug net and bug spray in the nude. I will try your thing in my backyard today. I'm in SF by the everglades so I get it.
@@alejandrorivas4585 I remember how muggy it gets there. I used to live in Hollywood, but would go dove hunting with buddies way out there at Frog Pond. I remember camping in the Nat'l Park in July once. Horrible! Rain, bugs, terrible heat. Currently I live up in the Sebastian area.
Sorry to see you go Ken but good luck in the future and Merry Christmas...
a shame you have to clean up after others, Thank you. another great video filled with information.
Thanks for watching and commenting my friend. ...ken
Wow!
Ken how did you catch that overnight scene at 23:20 - absolutely wonderful is the only way i can describe it!
And I love the cleanup at the end, its what I do too! Best regards to you and Bear,
-7
Neat! I would be curious what the temperature would have been up high in the foliage . Pull the thermometer up like you did the bear bag. I have seen were they resort way up high in the jungles. Cooler and less Mosquitos . Thanks for sharing .
Good question Loy. I'll try it. Places that catch the wind and are in the shad, and have an evaporation water source (such as leaves) are usually the coolest. ...kne
Dear Sir,I grew up on a farm without all the amenities but always instinctively followed the rules you tried out. Maybe I learned more from my father than I ever realized. He did not teach, he lived the lesson. Today I am so thankful.
Thank your for commenting Louise. You raise a very important point. Lessons that you learn from living are the most important ones. Most folks today don't experience nature. ... ATB ken
Hey Ken, thank you for the tips. I'm headed to the sipsey wilderness next weekend, for a 3 day hammock backpacking trip, and these tips will definitely come in handy. Much appreciated. -ATB Adam
You're welcome Adam. Good luck on the 3 day hammock backpacking trip. ATB, Ken
Can't wait to set up my pack!
Go for it!
Awesome vid as always.. Thanks Ken :)
You're welcome my friend. ...ken
Thanks for sharing another adventure! I really enjoy watching your adventures when time does not permit me to go on mine. Your video inspired me to go on a walk this evening in the woods! Thanks!
Thanks for watching. It means a lot to me. ...ken
You must be S. African Ken. You have on a t shirt, long sleeve shirt, long pants and don't even break a sweat in that heat & humidity. I'm a natural born Texan, fit and can barely make it to the barn and back without getting soaked.
As always.. I really enjoy your videos.
Thanks for sharing !
Bear hug from Puerto Rico !
Thanks Luis. You put a smile on my frace Bear and I appreciate your watching from Pureto Rico!
That litter sure is tenacious. You pick it up and seems to come right back. ;-)
Mr. Kram, thanks for all that you do. I live in north east Texas and so I listen to your advice for dealing with Texas humidity.
Great magic Ken. Liked your tips on camp selection and beating the heat. I see your new hammock and tarp are doing quite well. Time lapsed is always a bonus. Appreciate you Ken. atb Opal
Thanks Opal. Your feedback means a lot to me. Folks sometime ask me why I spend so much time making UA-cam videos. My answer is that many folks learn from the videos and are inspired to appreciate and see nature up close and persona. You comments mean a great deal to me. ...ken
That was a great video Ken. I wish more people would pick up their own trash before they leave but, that's why I keep trash bags in my truck. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome my friend
as always love the sunrises. nice tips. And thanks for the new webpage on camping.
You're welcome Dennis. ...ken
That is one sexy head wrap! LOL. Thanks for the shout out! Great video and great examples of how to keep cooler!
Thanks for watching Darby. Oh man, you are the expert in hot weather camping. And the cap you gave me is awesome! The problem with using evaporation to cool off the during the summer in south Texas, is that the ponds and creeks are dry.
My suggestion: Go east, to the pinewoods and you'll discover plenty of water, fewer cicadas and lots of mosquitoes. ...ken
You know what I like about you the most , Kenny. Your voice matches your demeanor matches your ego ( lack of ) matches your well Ok your like nature , not looking to gain off of everybody else , like nature does . Or dos'nt. I don't know how you could clean up after the human trash without wanting to strangle them . Thank you .
Keep up the good work, really enjoy watching your videos.
Looks like ya had a great camp Ken.Thanks for takin' the time to show how to stay a little cooler.It has been hot! ZZ.
Oh yee, this is an extra hot summer.
love this series .. great stuff
Thanks!
Kenneth I love your videos - and they got better and better. In visual side. Meritorical side is great as always. Greeting from Poland!
Thanks for watching and commenting from Poland. Your feedback means a great deal to me. ...ken
Another great video, full of great ideas and advice, I have no idea why anybody would not like this video !
all the best ken stay safe
Thanks Jimmy. Your feedback means a lot to me. ATB, Ken
Another awesome video Ken with very important info we never think of.
Thanks!
Just Awesome Ken! Loaded with great tips and tricks. I will try some of them out on my next outing! Hope bear made a full recovery :D
Take care -Chris
+1 for bear :)
Thanks for caring about Bear. He has learned how to hold his breath when put in a ziplock bag. I told him to pretend he was hibernating.
this is a great video. very well done as always. I find that bug nets hold in a lot of heat but defiantly are still worth it. I will be trying out a new one soon myself
Thanks Travis. I'd do a video on how to stay warm, but we don't have cold weather in southeast Texas ....so I leave that video for you.... but you've done it. I still remember where you took ice cold showers to acclimate to the winter. I do the opposite acclimate to the summer heat here... I spend time in hot tubs ... sipping a margarita
Great demonstration... my friend is considering going to hammocks... so gonna make sure he watches this series.
Thanks as always for your time in posting.
:-D
Thanks for watching and commenting ... and especially telling your friend about the series. ...ken
Ha! My buddy and I camped in that first area! I love that National Forest. I wish I didn't live 6 hours away. Great video as always Ken!
Awesome that you have camped here. . This is the most scenic part of the SMNF in my opinion. ...ken
Yeah, it's beautiful!
Thanks so much, Ken. Great video, loaded with valuable tips!
You're welcome Jacquil. ...ken
Really enjoyed the video Ken. Lots of good ideas on n staying cool
Thanks for watching and commenting my friend. . ..ken
Great video. Thanks for the tips!
You're welcome Jae. Thank you for watching and taking time to comment. ...ken
Hi Ken,
This is an awesome video. Everything about it is "Cool" LOL. You went "Ultralight in and packed heavy coming out!
The night lapse was stunning, you really have got the hang of that. Good to see the Wisp being put to use.
I will try and use Bob's tip to setup camp soon.
Peace Man
Sandy
Thanks Sandy. You're right about going in ultralight and comfy back heavy. I'm slowly learning how to get the best night lapse videos from my Gopro. Like everything else, it takes practice, practice practice. Yes, use the snap for finger trick to setup and takedown your camp. It saves a lot of time (especially for the viewers of the video(. Take care my friend. Peace, Ken
+KennethKramm Would you mind sharing your tips and tricks for getting the time lapses at night with your go pro? Maybe do a video segment on it.
That would be cool. I would be interested to see how Ken does it too. The whole process including the editing.
Another great video full of tips Kenneth!
Thanks my friend. ....ken
I'm going to have to learn the snap trick Ken, thanks for all the advice on microclimates. it's awesome to know the drip clothes helped and to know it was your child hood air-condition.... take care my friend
Hi Bill. It's easy to to the snap trip; Remember it will only work if you leave your campsite better than what you found it. Yes, dripping wet clothing make fantastic air-conditioning. This is a good reason to get wet in whatever water is available. Take your wet clothing off, and let it hang to dry next to your tent or hammock. Sleep naked, and in the morning your close will be dry, clean and smell good for the next day's hike. ...ken
Hey Ken, great video, as always. Shame about the internet trolls, you must do what you must. Hope to see you back on UA-cam in the future. In the meantime, I wish you and your family well. Also, I'd like to wish you a merry Christmas from Australia. I watched your video of the Australian night sky captured from your twin brothers house tonight, a spectacular time lapse. Australia always gives a great view of the night sky. I will keep an eye on your fb page for future videos. Take care Ken!
I remember the "swamp coolers" that house had on them back when I was a kid, I also remember the evaporative refrigerators that people used in Arizona (other places too I'm sure). A tray of water on top of an open sided box with shelves covered with burlap cloth the burlap dipping in the water tray... not anything like the old icebox but it did keep things cool, not cold but cool. Something on the order of a pie safe
Oh yes, evaporation works great in place with low humidity. Not so well in with high humidity, but it is better than nothing. We can pant like dogs.... Big smile, Ken
yes we could pant but we do perspire which is our natural cooling system... ';o)
Another great video. Living here in Florida I can relate to the heat and humidity. People always ask me how I get used to it. I don't, I just learn to live in it. The swamp air conditioning works well. Thanks for the video
Thanks Dalton. I'm the same, I've learned to live with heat and humidity.... Take care, Ken
Your comment on micro comments was spot on. I've been in the AZ desert where standing in the sunlight was really intense. Stepping into the shade was like A/C and very pleasant. I will have to try the wet rag technique as well. I have noticed too that when I hike through woodland when it's so hot and humid, the mosquitoes and biting flies get miserable. Even they don't want to be out in the full sun. As always, thanks for taking us along and ATB!- Steve
Thanks Steve. Big smile. My research topic as a graduate student, many years ago, was on microclimates. My twin brother and I watched and recorded the activities and microclimates used by black beetles (Eleodes, sp) in the Mojave Desert of California. It's amazing what you learn when watching wildlife. Thanks for hating my videos Steve and taking time to comment. Ken
Please do upload more of these kind videos! Keep up the good work! :)
Thanks!
Great tips for beating the heat, and awesome time lapse I really enjoyed this video. Choosing a spot next to the water was a great idea to take advantage of the breeze off of the lake. Do you fish? I occasionally hike these trails around Lake Conroe to find tranquility and a place to wet a hook. I would love to see some of your ideas on fishing gear and tactics for backwoods angling.
Thanks Keith. I don't do much fishing, so I'm not the right person to answer ask about fishing gear. I suggest going to Stubblefield Lake at SHNF and ask the folks who are fishing. There are usually 10 to 20 people fishing from the bridge. ...ken
Excellent video and thank you for helping pick up the world. If we all did this it would be great.
Thanks Kat ...ken
Cool info!! You mentioned being close to the ground for cooling. I remember when I was in the Marines, I was stationed in the Desert and we always dug down a bit in the sand to find a bit cooler place to throw our sleeping bags.
I notice you keep your trousers "bloused" is there a reason you do this? I thought it would be an invite for ticks? Thanks for another great video!!
Nice continuation in this ultralight series.
Thank you time for watching and taking time to comment. It means a lot to me. ...ken
Thanks Tim ...ken
The lights of Conroe never go out at night... Nice video.
Oh yes... Conroe is no longer a small town....
Ken, you mentioned not heating your meals. What meals do you enjoy when you do not take a stove? Thanks!
Wild edibles in season, fish such as sardines, tuna, salmon; trail mix and oatmeal. Yes Oatmeal. As early as the 1870s, oatmeal grinds/flakes were added to water to become a nutritious energy drink. See John M. Gould, 1877, How to camp out, advice from a Civil War Veteran.
I always have to have a fire even in the summer, but I keep them very small and between 10'-15' away just for the extra free light, and something to look at
Love the series...
Thanks Carlos. ...ken
I really enjoyed this video, you gave me some ideas, thanks!
You're welcome my friend. ...ken
Haha very nice video ,thanks.
well done video..really enjoy your work
You're welcome my friend. ...ken
Good video Ken. I can't even think about camping because of the recent heat. Here in Ohio we have had temps in the nineties with humidity in the eighty percent category. Way to humid for me.
Love how you're so happy in nature 😄 awesome videos
Thanks ...ken
Great information and inspiration. Got to admit it does bother me a bit that I got too hot today working and came home early.
Thanks David..... It was very hot yesterday and I was surprised to see roofers working on the neigbor's house. I can't imaging the temperature they were enduring....
i've had so much trouble with heat in the past couple years. i'm from finland and deal with heat really badly. we did the tour de mont blanc this summer and the temps were a constant 30-40 degrees c with the sun hitting really hard in the midsummer. on the higher elevations it was cooler but the sun was even stronger there and climbing mountains all day you still got way too hot. and no protection from trees either.
how are you able to use double layers in that kind of heat? are those some kind of silk underlayer? should i invest in silk for hotter temperatures? or do tech layers keep you cooler?
Great series; thank you very much for sharing!! I also have an iPhone 6plus, and was wondering what type of phone case you were using for this video. It looks very adequate for the bigger phone. :-)
Thanks. Great question about the phone case. Unfortunately, I don't remember which I used for the 6plus. I am now using a pause and changed cases to a thinner one (but still adequate). My wife bought the case ...
Thank you for the great advice. Love Bear! We are in Southeast Texas as well. I’m learning to rough it since my oldest son no longer lives in society as we know it & I want to be able to bond with him. Do you think a mosquito net is a waste of packing space? He refuses to use Deet.
Bug deterrents are not a waste of space until they are over a pound.
This time of the year?
Cold beer, shady spot and wait on fall camping.
Good video as usual.
Thanks.
Ho yes... big smile ...
Thanks for the UL vids.. been enjoying them. Love Swamp AC idea! What neck knife are you carrying?
Jacklore
It’s hot why would I want hot food. Honestly as much as I camp in hot weather I never thought of this…. Thank you sir!
Besides what you covered there is another way to cool down as you go down the trail. When I was a kid back in the dark ages I use to put fresh green leaves in my hat to cool me down as the day wore on. Today the thing that works really good for me is one of the Mission Endura Cool Multi Cool items. I use it in place of a hat to cool down. Wet it , snap it and I reverse it . Put my hand in it and place the palm of my hand on my forehead and then pull it back over my head covering my head and let the excess hang down the back of my neck. It cools you by evaporation and the process needs to repeated every couple of hours for the best results.
Good idea Chuck about using green leave to cool off. Thanks for mentioning. .ken
Good video and information! Do you have water shoes that you wear in the lake?
Thanks. Yes water shoes. Not safe without them...
Is that what you hike in too? Or do you pack them in?That's what I was wondering! Thanks for your reply! Enjoy your videos, the old time as well as the new!
KennethKramm jjj
I don't know how to message, Kenneth. I'm a friend... love your channel. How do I keep in touch?
jim confer Dido for me...
i'm in central Tx. I keep a 99 cent poncho and space blanket in all my packs. never used them but they can serve multiple uses & very light
Thanks for watching Dr Strangelove. The 99 cent ponchos are great so are the space blankets I often carry them. I usually carry a big trans bag, because you can cut a head hole in the bottom and they may awesome ponchos. They also are fantastic for cleaning up trash from the forest. ...ken
I live in Northwest Florida. On a typical summer day it's 90 degrees with 70% humidity. At night it gets 78 degrees with 90% humidity. I haven't found any good way to enjoy summer camping. It's just too hot and muggy and I use a fully screened Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 1. Sweat all day, sweat all night. I'm up for suggestions though, if anyone has any.
High humidity and high temperatures, Find a place with a breeze , sprinkle yourself with water and there will be a temperature drop. ... Some folks dig holes in the ground and there is a temperature drop.
Here in the uk it's been REALLY HOT!! That's up to 84 F or 33 C. :) Most people here don't have AC in their homes, just a fan. In the woods it's much more comfortable but I usually end up at the top of the local mountain and still end up too hot. Lol.
Out of interest, do you follow Survival Lilly on YT? At present her videos are from Canada, she's using a bear bag and other survival styles you use, her home is in or near Germany so being the other side of the pond is a real adventure for her.
All the best..
In addition to your knowledgeable discourse on microclimate and making best use of the environment, I was impressed by the sense of drama in this piece when you started down the heavily vegetated path I thought on no chiggers! Then at 4 minutes + you rubbed leaves on your neck and I thought surely chiggers. Later the can of insect repellant (maybe DEET) offered relief from the tension. Then you brought it all back risking cotton mouths and alligators! Also the mystery, is this Toledo Bend? Thanks for video that is both informative and entertaining. We are expecting a cool down to 94-96 degrees here in the Dallas Fort Worth area tomorrow.
Thanks bill. Your comments mean a lot to me. I want to make my UA-cams interesting... ken
I'm going to have to try your finger snap technique next time I'm at a star party and I'm about to set up my scope! :)
The trick works great! Enjoy your star party. ...ken
I'm just curious as to why you set your hammock up so tight?
The hammock material is very thin and stretches a lot
when I get in. For it to be a comfortable 30 degree angle, it needs to start off tight
Water moccasins? Gators? Snakes? I live in South Texas so I know the challenges camping has in light of these predators. You really have absolutely great vids! Thanks, dear man!
Thanks for watching and taking time to comment. ...ken
THANKS KEN !
You're welcome my friend. ...ken
Give you credit for getting out there this time of the year in our part of the country. Think I'll run over to Pedernales Falls State Park next week for a couple of days. At least in the heat of the day, I can go sit in the river to cool off. Keep on having fun. Let's hope we never get too old to get out there. BW@
It is HOT> My wife thinks I'm crazy.... but I really love the outdoors and a river or lake is th best way to cool off. ...ken
Great video, The temperature here in Arizona is 115, IN THE SHADE.
Got to love Arizona!
Yep
What state do you camp in Ken? (Love your channel) Tho EVERYWHERE is hot right now.
I'm smiling Jd. This is a particularly hot summer for everyone. I live in southeast Texas. ...ken
whew Good luck to ya with the heat. (im out here in the Willamette Valley "Oregon) looking forward to some more of these Ultralite videos. (its the only way to camp lol)
Thanks a lot for motivating and useful video! :)
Sincerely,
Nikolay :)
p.s.
Please use silicon gloves to protect yoursef when you clean up the area :)
Thanks for watching and commenting. I know it it safer to use gloves; I need to remember to used disposable plastic bags over my hands when picking up trash. ...ken
At some point in discussing packs, it should follow that a mention to pack size vs useage would come up. I think the following might be helpful.
A weekend trip is quite different than a week-long adventure, and the amount of gear needed for climbing will be much different than equipment needed for a day-trip.
Carrying capacity is largely determined on the type of activity and the duration of your trip. Here are some general guidelines
Less than 2,500 cubic inches:
Ideal for ultra light overnighters, climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing trips or any other high-intensity day-trip activity. This is where Ken is. With his 20 Liter pack.
2,500 to 3,999 cubic inches:
The perfect range for weekend trips, excluding winter trips that require bulkier clothing and more equipment
4,000 to 5,999 cubic inches: Great for a winter weekend or a week or more any other time of the year.
6,000 cubic inches and over:
An ideal number for longer extended trips, winter camping or adventures requiring a lot of gear. It’s also the magic number for parents who will be hauling gear for their kids.
Excellent comments my friend. Great guidelines. You're reading my mind. I just returned from a 3-day (two night) ultralight backpacking trip. And yes, my kit did change. I used as 28 L pack rather than a 20 L pack, so I could hold more more light weight clothing / food. By the way, the "sales people" who tell you that a large ultralight pack is EXPENSIVE are wrong. They just want to sell their expensive packs. My larger 28 L pack was $18 and my Osprey 20 L pack was $50. Empty pack weight of of both were same! Stay tuned for the next video. ....ken
always do Ken
I don't how you manage it with those temperatures. With climate change (I'm in the far North) it's gotten worse each passing summer for New England as well. I think I'm just going to move to Canada! lol. I'm practically there anyhow.
This is the hottest and wettest summer in Texas that I can remember.
Ken, the biggest thing that I will never figure out is why humans are the laziest , filthy, trashiest, people on the face of the earth. It's not just here, it's everywhere. I had a job of picking up trash in a recreational area on Federal Land for a private entity , it was never ending, same area different day, over and over. Tons of it each season (four mo./year) shame on us! Thank you for helping out Mother Nature. Keep your Koop. Ha,ha,ha. Nice video, thank you.
I hope to move to arkness stress hope
Cool.
cool vid ;)
yep that's cool too I always say "Leave only footprints and take only memories and photoes "
oh and other slackers rubbish , damn when will they learn ? maybe when they grow up ?
If you continue to make videos, can you put me on your private list?..........until next time, peace ✌🏻
Redsorgum yeah I had no idea people were trolling him . I've enjoyed Kens content for a few years now and learned a lot from him. This is kind of a kick in the teeth to your true fans .
john galt hopefully he can make it private for his subscribers. That way, if there’s any more shenanigans, he can simply delete those people from his subscriber list.
Yeah I know....its just a bummer people can't be cool .Kens a good dude . I love his videos about backpacking meals and all his old timer knowledge.
Hey Ken! I really enjoy your videos ! I have a question about your base layer for hot weather. Are your shorts and shirt a particular type of fabric ? Have you found undergarments that help keep you cool ?
Synthetic fabric base layer designed for wicking water away from body and cooling. Brands state "cool technology"
Thank you!
Ok the bear....really....really?
hi Bear and Ken... thanks for the shout-out Ken. hey bear I cannot believe Ken put you in a ziplock bag. I hope he put some air holes in there so you can breathe :-) Ken I enjoyed seeing your thought process on how you chose a campsite. I almost did the same thing. I like the idea of making a natural swamp cooler. I will have to give that a try the next time I do a hammock overnight..... that's your was a cool night time lapse video you did.... I wish my camera would do that. Another enjoyable and informative video. Thumbs up for sure. :-)
Hey Bob I know you have done videos on what you carry in your pack, but I was just wondering how much your pack weights. Thanks
Good question. My Alice pack fully loaded and that includes camera gear food and water for 2 days and one night weighs 40 pounds. My everyday use pack fully loaded with camera gear and enough food for one day and of course water. Weighs 30 pounds
He Bob, I told Bear to hold his breath and pretend he was hibernating. He did, and survived!!! Tell LB that he can do the same, and go camping with you. The natural swamp coolers really work, expsical if you're not in a swamp. I hope to go camping again next week; and this time I will do something different, based on an idea from your videos, if you don't mind. I will make a miniature Dakota Fire pit (using my Bathroom Tube Shovel .... you've got to see tis invention. AND I will get water from an artisan spring in east Texas where this is an abandoned town. You will wish you were with me on this trip!!!! Big Smile.!!! ... Bear is very excited about this adventure. ...ken
Ken, I admire and respect your knowledge and experience. But I sat here and watched you lay straight in your hammock, length-wise, like a banana, like a newbie. You of all people should know about laying flat in a hammock. Diagonally.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I respectfully disagree. Yes, I know how most people lay in hammocks; and the correct way is "Diagonally," so you will lie flatter. I don't like it; Diagonally makes my old crooked back hurt, (I have severe spinal stenosis in all lumbar vertebra, and bone spurs in all cervical vertebra, and scoliosis). At home, I am not able to sleep in a flat bed, It must be curved with cervical and lumbar pillows. You may understand when you get old and your body begins to fall apart. I don't care what anyone says, this is the way I sleep best. Period. RULE NUMBER ONE: DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU. IT MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM WHAT WORKS FOR OTHER PEOPLE; DO NOT RELY ON WHAT THE "EXPERTS SAY IS BEST. Experiment for for yourself. After all, you are the one sleeping, not someone else. If sleeping diagonally works for you, AWESOME. Good for you.
Fair enough. I stand corrected. Lead on Obi-Wan. I am 61.