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.
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!
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.
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).
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!!❤️
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.❤😂🎉😂❤
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!
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
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
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!
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
#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✔
As a nudist my van would have to have a custom made log burner 1.2 meters wide to burn 1 meter logs. Three stacked on top of each other about 8 inch in diameter 😊
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
A good friend of mine bought one of those Chinese made and his semi almost burned up. Number one is the fuel tube is not rated for oil n fuel. Wabosto is the best. Will last forever. Now they all do need to be cleaned out. I found to just every 3 years to buy the rebuild kit and clean it. I put new igniter gaskets and fuel filter.
@@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
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!
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.
****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. ruclips.net/video/dbSRZ5r_xU4/видео.html 🎉😊
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 🌞
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.
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. 🧡🍀
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.
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 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😁❤️
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...
Do you know these little thingys from the dollar store? The chemical hand warmers? They are amazing in a pinch! Yes you need to revive them with boiling water, but for those coldest hours at night they're ready in one second. I have 4-8 always on hand in my van.
Beautiful. Thanks. My $80 used military sleepimg back is one of the best investment I've made. Consider it for full time sleeping or as a survivalist backup. Montreal, like Calgary can get super cold and humid on top of that killing cold.
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)
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
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)
Congrats on 25k!! Another great video! I'm trying to soak up all the knowledge for when I finally get to buy and build a van so any tips are appreciated. I would 100% insulate the floor though....hate cold feet! Hope your back/leg are feeling better.
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 ❤️
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…
Can't beat pure wool, all seasons. Especially for socks! There's also the benefit that pure wool can be worn lots without being washed, just hung to air. There's even on RUclips videos on people doing the hundred day challenge! Bit extreme for me but you get the point.
I agree 100% with what you say about keeping warm, can I suggest a down filled duvet or comforter. OR a winter rectangular shaped sleeping bag, one that can be used as a duvet or comforter. I had toatlly forgotten about a hot water bottle, thank you, added to my shopping list.!!!
At work all the vehicles have ebaspacher (espar) diesel heaters, they often go wrong and the ebaspacher engineers bills soon mount up. A second unit is cheap enough, but also the spares are all available and very reasonably priced, next day delivery from Amazon. I run it on Kerosene, only 65p per litre instead of 1.3999 for diesel. That’s 75p a litre cheaper. In my A class motorhome (think Hymer type rig) mostly only need it on low to be toasty, Set at 2hz pump speed X 2ml per pulse X3600 (seconds in an hr) that’s only .144of a litre per hour or nearly 7 hrs per litre. When running at that speed it’s under 1/2 an amp, so for 8 hrs it would drain battery by 4ah.
Amazing vid man! Diesel heater it is! Getting prepared to spend the winter in my rig for the first time (18ft stealth box truck)… I already insulted it
Most people will need to acclimate to a weighted blanket. Blankets are purchased by buying one that is 10% of your body weight. Of course, less than the 10% are okay too. Redundancy is key…so back ups with back ups! Thanks for all the suggestions!
I read of your interest about this in a much newer video. If you want to be in a permanent spot more, look into extended stay hotels, Just renting a hotel space, maybe more like a suite. Bonus is there could be a cooking area, laundry somewhere in the building and a pool. Much less costly than renting a room. I have read about many doing this.
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.
Thank you! I don’t live or camp in such a cold place bc I have asthma. But I have the big Blueti portable power source and solar panels so I use one of the little plug in heaters. I think the Jetboil would be my back-up. I hope your back is better!
In Canada the buddy is not passed to use indoors. I know this because I contacted them when I purchased one. They are passed in the us for indoor use but not in Canada. That said we have used ours inside but always leave a window open at least 4”, and run it off propane tank that sits outside. We never ever leave it on while we are sleeping. That’s where extra blankets come into ply.
Let me add a suggestion. An average heating pad. Unlike a space heater that can draw up to 1500 watts, a heating pad will draw between 60 to 120 watts. The space heater is made to heat a room whereas the heating pad is made to slip inside a blanket or under your back. With your VTOMAN or inverter, you could operate one all night without fear of draining the batteries completely (provided they were fully charged). I have something similar to your VTOMAN, it can supply up to 1150 watt/hours. That means at the highest setting I could power off my box for up to 10 Hours before needing to recharge it. I think I saw that Lucky uses a Renogy inverter powered by a house battery. That would last even longer. This is just for the night(s) when you might need a little extra or everything else went on strike.
If you buy the thicker cargo aka furniture blankets, like at Harborfreight, quite cheaply, work as good as those more expensive "weighted" blankets. I have two, 72-80" in size, I paid with tax $13 for one 2 years ago, and last year another camo like the first, for about $15. For some reason they have a tag "not for bedding", maybe some legal protection reason, but they are very warm.
You are so cute and funny. Thank You for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I’m Here in Miami Florida I travel twice a year for a month at a time in my Prius so I’m a van life fan. ❤
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.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Brings back memories of curling up with a warm pis jug 😅
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. 👍🏻
Lots of good ideas and a bonus appearance of the cats.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Who needs a scarf when you have a Stella 😊
Great Vlog Matt very informative and excellent advice.
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).
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!!❤️
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!
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.
Overalls, down feather blankets. Wool socks,
Clay pot candle heater system. Candle heats he cyramic pot creating warmth
Remember, however, that down does not insulate if it gets wet so keep it dry (also, can use thinsulate type products as backups).
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.
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!
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!
3:25 my man's said insulation is detrimental in the winter and I started screaming 😂😂😂
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.
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.
"If you want to be a super hero under your clothes." LOL.
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.
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.❤😂🎉😂❤
I've been watching your older videos and enjoying them. Hope you & little one are doing well. Take care, stay safe & God Bless You 😇🙏.
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!
Merino base layers are awesome !
Good tips…I’m sure many will appreciate this video! 😊 “You will never find me doing that though!” I love your honesty! 😂😂😂
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
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
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!
U.S. residents - get your Chinese ones now before U.S. prices go up and no longer challenge Webasto and Esbar prices.
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
#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...👍👍
I agree, but I prefer mittens to help keep the fingers warming each other 😊 Yes! Have a day set and a night set = yes, yes, yes 😅
As a nudist my van would have to have a custom made log burner 1.2 meters wide to burn 1 meter logs. Three stacked on top of each other about 8 inch in diameter 😊
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
A good friend of mine bought one of those Chinese made and his semi almost burned up. Number one is the fuel tube is not rated for oil n fuel. Wabosto is the best. Will last forever. Now they all do need to be cleaned out. I found to just every 3 years to buy the rebuild kit and clean it. I put new igniter gaskets and fuel filter.
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
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!
So many helpful ideas!! I even use the hot water bottle at home in freezing Montreal!!
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.
****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. ruclips.net/video/dbSRZ5r_xU4/видео.html 🎉😊
@@ck6070 ❤❤❤
💃💃💃💃💃💃🥳🥳🥳🥳
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 🌞
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.
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
Warm
Warmer
Warmest
Ya dead‼️😂👏🏼
Thanks for giggles Mathew
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. 🧡🍀
I have a Onesie suit lol. It's one piece from head to toe with a hood and its Sherpa lined. If you have this, you won't need nothing else.
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.
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
Yup...😊 Lists are good 👍
Also to keep warm: a big fat 250 pound plus woman w/ big banana boobies !
ooohhh, the warm water bottle, what a oldfashion solution, use it al the time with my rheumatism
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😁❤️
This channel is like eating junk food. FUN!
I have a 12 volt electric blanket, wool blanket, and 2 weighted blankets. 🔥
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 reminder..
Now if i can just remember the reminder next time...
Keep on tinkering
Do you know these little thingys from the dollar store? The chemical hand warmers? They are amazing in a pinch! Yes you need to revive them with boiling water, but for those coldest hours at night they're ready in one second. I have 4-8 always on hand in my van.
Beautiful. Thanks.
My $80 used military sleepimg back is one of the best investment I've made. Consider it for full time sleeping or as a survivalist backup.
Montreal, like Calgary can get super cold and humid on top of that killing cold.
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)
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
Great suggestions. I would thought of having several sources of heat but it does make a lot of sense. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much for giving this advice! I've got all the things, except for a weighted blanket, I like that idea. 👌
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%
Congrats on 25k!! Another great video! I'm trying to soak up all the knowledge for when I finally get to buy and build a van so any tips are appreciated. I would 100% insulate the floor though....hate cold feet! Hope your back/leg are feeling better.
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 ❤️
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! 😁
12volt electric blankets are great too. You can even put it underneath as a layer to lay on.
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!
Great information. Oh Stella was majestic at the end there 🐈⬛💚🍀💚
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…
Can't beat pure wool, all seasons. Especially for socks! There's also the benefit that pure wool can be worn lots without being washed, just hung to air. There's even on RUclips videos on people doing the hundred day challenge! Bit extreme for me but you get the point.
I agree 100% with what you say about keeping warm, can I suggest a down filled duvet or comforter. OR a winter rectangular shaped sleeping bag, one that can be used as a duvet or comforter. I had toatlly forgotten about a hot water bottle, thank you, added to my shopping list.!!!
At work all the vehicles have ebaspacher (espar) diesel heaters, they often go wrong and the ebaspacher engineers bills soon mount up. A second unit is cheap enough, but also the spares are all available and very reasonably priced, next day delivery from Amazon.
I run it on Kerosene, only 65p per litre instead of 1.3999 for diesel. That’s 75p a litre cheaper.
In my A class motorhome (think Hymer type rig) mostly only need it on low to be toasty,
Set at 2hz pump speed X 2ml per pulse X3600 (seconds in an hr) that’s only .144of a litre per hour or nearly 7 hrs per litre.
When running at that speed it’s under 1/2 an amp, so for 8 hrs it would drain battery by 4ah.
Amazing vid man! Diesel heater it is! Getting prepared to spend the winter in my rig for the first time (18ft stealth box truck)… I already insulted it
The hardest part is done then! Congratulations and good lucky on the heater install! 👊
Most people will need to acclimate to a weighted blanket. Blankets are purchased by buying one that is 10% of your body weight. Of course, less than the 10% are okay too. Redundancy is key…so back ups with back ups! Thanks for all the suggestions!
I read of your interest about this in a much newer video. If you want to be in a permanent spot more, look into extended stay hotels, Just renting a hotel space, maybe more like a suite. Bonus is there could be a cooking area, laundry somewhere in the building and a pool. Much less costly than renting a room. I have read about many doing this.
It’s not a terrible idea - however I much more prefer the idea of being able to provide and decorate a separate bedroom for my daughter
Carbon dioxide detector with propane. A really warm hat is a MUST when it is really cold then a hoodie. Warm wool socks
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.
Thank you! I don’t live or camp in such a cold place bc I have asthma. But I have the big Blueti portable power source and solar panels so I use one of the little plug in heaters. I think the Jetboil would be my back-up. I hope your back is better!
Sudbury, ON here. Thanks for this info. It's handy having a reference point for Canadian temperatures. 😊
In Canada the buddy is not passed to use indoors. I know this because I contacted them when I purchased one. They are passed in the us for indoor use but not in Canada. That said we have used ours inside but always leave a window open at least 4”, and run it off propane tank that sits outside. We never ever leave it on while we are sleeping. That’s where extra blankets come into ply.
And let's not forget #7 - Someone to snuggle with, but then you may get a bit too warm in some situations.😉
Let me add a suggestion. An average heating pad. Unlike a space heater that can draw up to 1500 watts, a heating pad will draw between 60 to 120 watts. The space heater is made to heat a room whereas the heating pad is made to slip inside a blanket or under your back. With your VTOMAN or inverter, you could operate one all night without fear of draining the batteries completely (provided they were fully charged). I have something similar to your VTOMAN, it can supply up to 1150 watt/hours. That means at the highest setting I could power off my box for up to 10 Hours before needing to recharge it. I think I saw that Lucky uses a Renogy inverter powered by a house battery. That would last even longer. This is just for the night(s) when you might need a little extra or everything else went on strike.
If you buy the thicker cargo aka furniture blankets, like at Harborfreight, quite cheaply, work as good as those more expensive "weighted" blankets. I have two, 72-80" in size, I paid with tax $13 for one 2 years ago, and last year another camo like the first, for about $15. For some reason they have a tag "not for bedding", maybe some legal protection reason, but they are very warm.
Funny ending. And good talks. I agree 100%
Good morning from Australia Matt, new to your channel, great commentary - nice to see you enjoying our Aussie McCafe ☕️
You are so cute and funny. Thank You for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
I’m Here in Miami Florida I travel twice a year for a month at a time in my Prius so I’m a van life fan. ❤
I've been eyeing those weighted blankets. I think I'm gonna try one.
I hike a wee bit, merino wool socks and base layer are the mutts nuts :)
Thank you for sharing the knowledge.
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.
Stella, Vanlife Roof Kitty 😊 so cute!
Stay warm. Enjoyed the video.
Insulation is instrumental , not detrimental . Lol... Bravo man great job !
Woohoo 25k! Congratulations Matthew!
You didn't mention that your diesel heater will heat up a can a soup in 15 to 20 minutes if you pop it open and set it in front of the vent.
Great tips. Look at Stella. Hearts to Penny.
Your videos are entertaining and easy to watch. Thanks for making them.
I think you should start turning out your own warm scarves called, The Stella. And Penny bellaclavas.😍
Omg such cute kitties. That's another worry i would have keeping them cool and safe.
Congrats on 25K Subscribers Matt! :)
All great tips, thank you Matthew!!