Solo trek riding out a storm in the tent & winching the truck
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- Опубліковано 7 лип 2024
- I set out on an unplanned trek into Idaho, get battered by wind, rain & snow while camped on a mountain, and get stuck multiple times trying to get back down in the dark. Good thing I finally got that winch set up and those lights wired up!
Some of the gear I use:
Yankum Ropes synthetic winch line & recovery gear:
yankum.com/?afmc=softroadingt...
(use code SOFTROADINGTHEWEST for a discount)
Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro power station:
www.jackery.com/products/expl...
Alldogs Offroad/Koni 2" lift kit:
www.alldogsoffroad.com/alldog...
Alldogs Offroad wheels for Frontier/Xterra:
www.alldogsoffroad.com/alldog...
ASFIR 4x4 skid plates:
www.asfir.com/skid-plate-set-...
Warn VR EVO 10 winch:
amzn.to/3Bs9Q5u
(I bought this steel cable version and swapped in synthetic winch line from Yankum Ropes)
LED CoLight driving lights (my large round lights)
www.led-colight.com/products/...
Diode Dynamics SS3 LED pods (my amber pods)
amzn.to/341SWv2
MAXTRAX MKII recovery boards:
adventure-imports.com/product...
Claymore 3 Face camp light:
amzn.to/2wo2sKq
Odistar budget USB flashlight:
amzn.to/3pW8Yyw
Mr. Heater Buddy
amzn.to/2UyX3Kw
Midland 105 GMRS radio (works with handheld FRS radios)
amzn.to/35WcYEY
Breakfast & snacks thanks to Grizzlies:
www.grizzliesbrand.com/
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made after clicking one of my Amazon links, even if you ultimately choose another product. Purchases made via my links at Yankum and Jackery also provide a small benefit to the channel. This costs you nothing, but the small commissions earned on referrals support the ongoing creation of content for this channel. Thank you!
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MUSIC CREDITS All music fully licensed via artlist.io
Oak Road 2 - by Oakfield
King Road - by Oakfield
For The City - by Sean Magwire
Tonight Is Golded - by Ardie Son
Immaterial - by ANBR
Autumn Mist - by Nobou
Prologue: (0:00)
Chapter 1 - Ghost Town: (1:28)
Chapter 2 - Where Minivans Won't Roam: (5:03)
Chapter 3 - The Lullaby of Nature's Wrath: (12:25)
Chapter 4 - Recoveries Required: (20:31)
Epilogue/debriefing: (28:10) - Авто та транспорт
BEFORE YOU COMMENT, please read these FAQs 😆
*You should have waited until daylight*
Believe me, I gave this a TON of thought before heading down, but I was most concerned about accumulating snow making conditions even worse. With my lights, I could see just fine. Later in the day, I looked back and could see that the mountains were all white up where I had been. I made some mistakes on this trip, but I remain convinced heading down immediately was the right call...I think I still would have got stuck in the same spots in the daylight, and possibly stuck in even more places as well with snow obscuring the trail and making things even more slippery.
*You should have put your camper shell back on*
That was the plan...the contractor cap is still sitting here in my driveway. I just ran out of time to reinstall/rebuild that setup before I needed to leave on this trip to meet Jason. I'm going to appreciate it even more now, LOL.
*What was the hissing noise?*
I never definitively figured this out. Once I got to my cousin's place, I thoroughly cleaned the underside of the truck and crawled around looking for any sign of damage or a disconnected line, but found nothing. I subsequently chatted with a friend who is more knowledgeable in vehicle systems than me, and he speculated that the way the truck was sitting twisted half on its side, perhaps something was impacting vacuum lines, and righting the truck resolved it. I really don't know though. The truck has been fine ever since.
Donald, don’t worry about people’s opinions. We travel through life not knowing what is down the road next and make decisions based on all our senses, including the ones that video cannot capture. That is adventure. In addition, it does not hurt that it makes for great video content.
Probably one of my favorite videos from you Sir. Not because you got into a tough situation but that you were able to think through various scenarios and come up with a workable solution to self rescue.
Anything we survive - makes for awesome memories and campfire stories. As it should be.
This is a prime example of how to overcome a challenge, or multiple challenges. What doesn't kill you will make you stronger. We love this video! So proud of you, man!
No criticism from me! So many learning moments in this video. Thank you for not "sanitizing" it, but keeping all those learning moments in. Those of us out living the adventure lifestyle need a reminder that things can go wrong in an instant. And they can go from bad to worse even quicker. I've had my share of challenging trips. 🙂 Well done getting out and glad that you are safe!
You did so awesome for a very difficult "adventure". I find it interesting how unexpected things like losing a tarp in the wind, a shovel on a trail can and not have spare keys with the vehicle at all times, not necessarily on the key ring, can be major learning experiences. What a challenge and well done on continuing to video and share all that with us. Thankyou!
Probably the best video I've seen from your channel as it shows what can happen. Keep it up. Love the content.
This video is your best so far. So intense. The drama. The emotions. It has everything.
This is probably one of the best overlanding/camping videos I've seen thus far.
You did great! Thanks for posting this video! You survived and at the end of it a great story your old aged days will share with those around you! How fortunate are you!
Adventure = overcoming adversity with the resources available. For me, that is often the most memorable and satisfying part of adventuring.
Realities of going solo. I would’ve just hunkered down in the truck until sunlight. That was knarly. Glad everything worked out!
I thought long and hard about that, but I was concerned about accumulating snow making conditions even worse. Really, with my lights, I could see just fine. Later in the day, I looked back and could see that the mountains were all white up where I had been. I made some mistakes on this trip, but I remain convinced heading down immediately was the right call...I think I still would have got stuck in the same spots in the daylight, and possibly stuck in even more places as well with snow obscuring the trail and making things even more slippery. 🙂
Donald, Donald, Donald!!!!
1st time you were in a hurry looking for a spot to camp & slid into a Tree, 2nd time driving at night rushing down a muddy trail, lets NOT make the Third time a Charm @softroadingthewest. Stay put & go over the First Two Times.
Besides that DAMN what a Suspenseful vid that will Hopefully Help out so many other people. The scenery, your videography, audio & editing is exceptional. All your vlogs are great & just keep getting better & this is up there with some of your best.
Thanks for taking us along & Sharing the ups & downs of what You go through.
Thanks Again
Honestly? One of your best videos. I know it was a little scary, but that was real, and real is what the majority of content creators are lacking. Real offroading and camping needs to have a little scary in it. Thank you.
Nice job Donald! Driving in the dark, in the rain, on an unfamiliar road by yourself with lack of sleep can test your calm and ability to make good decisions. I think you did well with the situation you were in. Nice job with the wench! I still don't have one so I always have to keep that in mind.
Since no one has the guts to say it... I will....
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Glad you had a REAL adventure!!!
"Vacation" something you plan to have FUN
"Adventure" something you can't plan fully, but hope it turns into FUN
"REAL adventure" something you had planned that became fun after you survived (typically a story shared with friends around a campfire)
Thanks for sharing the good, bad, and the funky!!!
It was a great example of how even experienced people can get into sticky situations. I think I'd have waited for daylight, but I'm saying that well rested, warm, and dry. It's hard to make good decisions when tired, cold, and wet.
I went back and forth on it as I sat there, but I was concerned about accumulating snow making conditions even worse. With my lights, I could see just fine. Later in the day, I looked back and could see that the mountains were all white up where I had been. I made some mistakes on this trip, but I remain convinced heading down immediately was the right call...I think I still would have got stuck in the same spots in the daylight, and possibly stuck in even more places as well with snow obscuring the trail and making things even more slippery. 🙂
@@softroadingthewest that's fair, snow accumulation makes things much harder.
Driving a perfect trail, camping in perfect weather is what you hope for. Driving and camping in sketchy conditions that bring on higher levels of self reliance, allows you to "level up" on experience. You build on what you learn from each experience.
That and it make great content regardless of haters and baiters.
I could critique you,
BUT,
1: You survived. Not only that, you flourished in adversity.
2: When things start going wrong, is when the 'adventure' begins! This is bragging rights, and good for a heart filled laugh at fire side war story chats!
3: Have fun with what you have, do whatcha gotta to make it work. You struggled, but you made it work.
Bravo, and great vid!
I was laughing about the wind as you were trying to pack up your tent. Sorry but the flapping was funny. Then when you started driving in the dark all I kept saying to myself is sit still and wait for daylight. This was very exciting episode. Great work Donald!
Wild landscape and conditions. Thanks for sharing!
Super useful lessons for all of us, thanks for the honesty.
Epic. Nice solo spotting the day before the storm.
Well recovered. And safely down.
Spectacular scenery!
That was quite a trip! I'm glad you were able to extricate yourself safely. Your night in the tent reminded me of a trip with my family years ago. We were camping somewhere in Wyoming after driving into a strong headwind all day. It appeared to be a protected site but in the middle of the night the wind changed directions and tried to tear the fly off the tent. I managed to get out of the tent, grab on to the fly, and hang on for dear life. I tried waking my wife by yelling but she never heard me over the wind. She and my two young kids slept through the storm. After holding the fly for what seemed like hours. Crazy night!
LOL, that is an awesome story! 🤣
You’ve got guts Donald, I selfishly think this was the best episode I’ve ever seen of yours I think many people watching felt the intensity of the moments they were definitely palpable. Great Job. And you definitely had a story to share with your family!
Haha, I promise you, they are already sick of hearing me talk about it. 😂
@@softroadingthewest 😂
@@softroadingthewest nah.........
Incredible trip. You got thru it all. A real learning experience for us all. Thanks for sharing.
I would have been too afraid to try to get out in the dark. What a crazy ride down the mountain!! It was a great video. I always learn more good info from you. Very inspiring.
I was concerned about accumulating snow making conditions even worse if I stayed put. With my lights, I could see just fine. Later in the day, I looked back and could see that the mountains were all white up where I had been. I made some mistakes on this trip, but I remain convinced heading down immediately was the right call...I think I still would have got stuck in the same spots in the daylight, and possibly stuck in even more places as well with snow obscuring the trail and making things even more slippery. 🙂
Great Adventure! Thanks for sharing. I'm glad you made it out to tell the story.👍🙂
Wow, crazy trip! Glad you got out ok.
Always a pleasure when you post a new video. Your adventures always inspires me to go out on a trip myself.
What an adventure! I'm sure you learned some things. Nothing like facing a situation, thinking it through, making a decision, then learning what you did right, or wrong. A fantastic video These last videos from your trip have been your best.
Whew, that was a tough one. Thanks for sharing. A good reminder about preparedness for those of use that wheel solo.
The trips that go wrong make the best stories.❤👍🏻
Absolutely amazing!
Thanks for always sharing the good and the bad. I appreciate it!!!
Quite the adventure! Glad you made out safely.
Oh MY: You really gave my heart a workout! Whew!!! And then to be “rewarded” by the wild horses! You do you so well. Thanks for the awesome video.
Wow. Now that was REAL. Strong work and thanks for sharing.
Such a good video. So many things I’ve learned. Thanks!
Never travel in the dark when you have weather like that in the desert. You are best to wait until the light of day. Secondly, you don't try to move when the weather is coming in. Out in that desert weather comes and goes quickly, and even though the mud becomes treacherous quickly, it also dries quickly after the weather passes. I have spent many of nights/days in the same situation, and you can get into real trouble if you try to move too quickly. Kudos to you for having the recovery gear onboard with you, but you were very lucky that you did not end up in a dire situation. Kudos to many more safe travels, love your channel.
All part of the adventure! Nice job of staying calm and thinking things thru before taking action. Looking forward to the next video.
Excellent video. Not every trip is perfect and you show that with every issue, stop, think and proceed. 😊
Here’s the post I was looking for! Thanks for the information today!
Thank you for sharing the not so glamorous aspects of overlanding. Thankful for the valuable lessons learned through you!
This is an incredible video Donald. So real, so out there. Excellent my good man!
Now that was a pretty good adventure! I have been in those predicaments myself before. Great video.
I just respect the fact that you get out there man! Keep it up, please.
thats what the adventure is happy to see you didnt get injured and your truck did not suffer as well be safe and take care
Well, you made it. Good for you.
Awesome video even though you went through some trials and tribulations on this one. You persevered! Thanks for sharing Donald.
This is why we call it AN ADVENTURE! Thanks!
Great video. A lesson in staying calm under pressure and thinking things through. I appreciate your humble honesty. That, more than the spectacular scenery your shared, serves to encourage me to follow in your tracks. Many thanks.
I listened to a talk by Jim Whittaker, a mountaineer from Seattle. This is probably the only thing I remember from his talk. He said when disaster struck one of his excursions it never was one big lightening bolt thing that happened. It was an accumulation of many small things. Like:
1. unplanned solo driving 2. an area that wasn't researched, no gps data 3. shovel falls off 4. forgot the key 5. tent a little lighter duty 6. not checking the weather, etc. But, the redundant winch pulls through.
I've been there. It's easy to get rattled and plunge into a worse situation, maybe driving over the cattle guard was an example of that.
Thanks for showing it all. May you be more than a bad example to others.
Kiddin... I liked this video very much. Carry on Don.
Imperfect fun ! Thanks for sharing 👍
Brave... you are safe, the truck working, so a huge experience. Congratulations on been able to go through the situation.
Impressive adventure leg and congrats on the triumphs and lessons learned. One of your best videos. I had a solo trip in the 90s that went sideways four ways and this reminded me of that nail biter. I still enjoy telling that story over beers.
Dude total respect for you you handled that adventure like a champ and you had a great adventure learning a lot along the way and you shared it with us you're an amazing guy thanks for letting us see it 👍💯
Very impressed! You overcame each obstacle. Your out, your safe and all in one piece! Well done!!!
One of the best videos you’ve made, it was truly an adventure! And I’m happy you and the truck made it out safe and sound, thank you for sharing!
Ooooo! Beautiful territory.
Not going to say anything bad. You made it out and that's what matters. I will say that when you said "this is a great place to camp" I immediately thought uhhhhhh, no! No judgement though. I love the honesty of showing the whole truth of the trip. Great video.
You inspire, thank you!
Great adventure.
You did awesome
Nice job Donald.!
Good you were able to get out safely and presence of mind is a plus. 👏👏👏
You came you saw you conquered. Great recoveries. The adventure was certainly worth it for you. And it seems you were properly prepared in equipment and mind. Nice job. Adventure!!!!
Now that's what I call an adventure. Terrific video. You handled the adversity like a pro.
So much for softroading! Well done keeping your cool and making it out successfully.
This was one of your best adventures and videos. Was far easier for us to watch then for you to live through. I am faithfully subscribed because of your adventurous spirit. Keep up the good work. ..... and ...I really need to get a good winch for my rig.
Great shot of the horses 🐎
BEST VIDEO YET!!! LOVE WATCHING YOUR TRUCK IT LOOKS SO SICK WITH THOSE WHEELS AND TIRES!
Good one. Drama! Mystery! Suspense! Glad there was kind of a happy ending. Keep up the good work.
What an adventure! You now have memories and a video for the rest of your life, and your viewer's have a great video to watch. Glad you kept the camera going even when things went sideways. Thankyou for the great content!
Don't worry so much about the criticizers. It looks like you learned a lot on this little trip that will help you improve your knowledge in the future. That's really what life does to us all. I know that I learned a few things just watching you! Glad you got yourself out of there.
Man, you weren't kidding! Great adventure though, and you learned a thing or two!
Really enjoyable. Another tip, you have a rear diff lock, if in doubt engage it prior to the obstacle. They are more effective stopping you getting stuck, than getting you unstuck! Love your truck. Affordable, realistic and capable.
Nice work!!! What a great journey and I think you handled it well. 👏 glad you had your winch!
Me too!
Your pictures are always incredible
Wow what the heck that's a real adventure!
That was good! Glad nothing was broken.... quite the learning experience. I don't know why but sometimes I need to learn things 3 or 4 times before I LEARN the lesson. Thanks for sharing!
Amazing Donald. Outstanding trip with so so much to learn, enjoy, have fun with later.
Thank you for sharing it with us with all ups and downs.
P. S. Nobody shouldn't be perfect. It's where the fun begins.
Thank you one more time.
Respect!
Terrific and exciting video. Well Done.
Looked like a fun area to explorer! Great job capturing the recoveries!
It was amazing, and I was disappointed not to film some of the amazing scenery I saw the next morning. I'd love to poke around up there more, at a time when I know the weather will be stable and dry. 😏
You made it out safely, that’s what matters most. Just don’t forget the lessons learned. 😊👍🏼
This is one of the best overlanding videos I have ever seen!
Every time I have been bogged or rained out you look back on it later and realize it was a great adventure and I was glad it happened
This was great! I know it was a lot to endure, but wow…you did it! It was challenging and your cool head prevailed. Loved this..I know it wasn’t exciting at times, but it must feel good on the other side of it! Well done and thank you!
Another great video. I have started to tie down the hubs of the Gazelle whenever a threat of wind is around. (Never had the roof hub collapse) We were in Big Bend with high winds and did the hub dance as well. Not fun. Thank you for sharing your adventure. You made it down and you learned from the situation, so life is good! Keep up the great content and be safe out there.
Glad you are safe. Nice drive
Best video you’ve ever done.
I’m living in Nampa now, thanks for showing me some places to venture out to next spring
Full marks for putting the lows in the video along with the highs. A lot of people might be saying "Do this..." or "Do that..." but that's all nice and easy when you're sitting at home watching a video on UA-cam. The only way you really learn is by getting out and doing it - and you're doing a pretty good job of that. I'm sure you've picked up a few things you won't forget/do differently next time ;) No one has all the answers until they've made all the mistakes - and even then you'll find new and creative ways to make more mistakes. It's how you recognise, deal with and prevent yourself repeating those mistakes that is the measure of your abilities.
enjoyed a REAL example of what can happen when traveling alone in the backcountry. Many UA-cam videos only show the best of what can be. Great video.
I can't believe you kept your composer as much as you did. Wow what a trip.
Damn that looked like a fun trip!
Wow. I would feel proud in your shoes. You got yourself out multiple times!!
Gnarly stuff! Glad you made it out in one piece. That Nissan was impressive!
So..... Now you got a great tale to tell and the only thing that got hurt.... was your pride, a little. LOL Best part is you LEARNED! And lived to use it next time! Those open mesh top tents with rain fly covers are against my religion! Give me a solid tent with a tub floor and LOTS of stakes! So what if I'm old fashioned! Keep ROCKIN' that Rocky Road!