Oh my goodness! I must be really old school. I was always taught if I got stuck to take the floor mats from the car and put them underneath the tires and they flip out the back end once you get traction going. So I just used my rubber floor mats, when I've gotten stuck. LOL 😆
I've been prepping since our horrible Texas Freeze a few years back. I now have different heat sources. 2 types of Mr Buddy heaters. A canister heater thing that I can put on my gasOne stove. A 12volt electric blanket. Of course, other blankets too. A 20° sleeping bag. Hot hands. Although I live in a small motorhome, I also have a full sized van that is rigged out for camping/bug out. 3 power stations. 400 watts of portable solar. 2 Dr Prepare batteries with power max hubs to run my 12 volt fridge & freezer. And of course, lots of food & water. I should be prepared for our upcoming freeze if the grid goes down. 👍 (did laundry today too) I hate being cold! 🥶
Great video Dee. One thing I’ve seen with vans for winter to stay extra warm while sleeping is creating a tent covering /\ over the bed sleeping area to keep your body heat in an enclosed area to keep you warm and toasty. Using a retractable spring loaded rod to hang a blanket over your bed in the classic A frame style can really help to keep the cold air out to ensure a comfortable warm sleeping environment. Of course plenty of warm herbal teas and hot chocolate is always a bonus in cold weather too. Stay warm and safe girl!❤
I have actually tried that before. It did work very well!!! I just used a bungee hooked between my back door and curtain rod in front. Thanks for the reminder🙌🏼
Good Winter tips to stay safe and warm! You should have mentioned your fingerless gloves you’re wearing. They keep your hands warm and lets the fingers still grip things! Onward in 2024. 😎
I've wanted to remove the passenger seat in my wee Transit van for years. I wasn't too worried about the actual seat removal, it was all the mysterious wiring attached. Your video on that project was the thing that got me through. The key was the resistor (airbag emulator...funny!). Thanks to you I just finished, turned on the ignition and voila! Airbag light goes off just like it should. You are my hero. I tried to think of some tangible way to thank you and the best I came up with was to join your channel. Yours is the first channel I've done a paid subscription for so you must be special. Thanks again and stay warm and safe!
I am planning on making my 2010 Honda Odessey a no-build camper. I've slept in it one night during a December trip from Texas to Wisconsin and back, and am making a list of some essentials to add to what I already have. The traction packs, the beeswax candles and the window scraper all sound like very good suggestions. Thanks for the suggestions! 😊👍
Actually, was just noticing your coffee filter holder is metal. You could flip that over the beeswax candle to concentrate the heat and it’ll conduct it. Multipurpose! (prob just need to wipe the inside before using it for coffee again)
As an army veteran, i highly recommend E-tools (trenching shovels) for every vehicle. I have mine from being in the army and i ordered a second one recently because there isn't such a thing as too many. Also it can turn at a 90° angle if it works easier for you than how you demonstrated.
I didn't have a brush scaper for removing snow off my van last year but I happened to have left a large plastic dust pan in my van which i found was very helpful for removing 6" of snow off my hood and windshield. It acted like a hand held shovel.
You can put a coffee can or ceramic flower pot over the long burn candles for a makeshift space heater. Also pour hot water into a Nalgene bottle then wrap the bottle with socks and put it in the sleeping bag. Some sort of clicker and flares for emergency
All great essential items, Dee! I have to add a beanie hat. No matter how much warm clothes or blankets you have, you are in for rude awakening sleep if your head is not covered (70% of your body heat loss via your head)
I learned long ago to have the following in my trunk (specially if driving with kids): Water, individual juice containers, snacks such as trail mix or nutrition bars, a first aid kit, portable battery ,charger, portable tire inflator, paper towel, baby, wipes at least a blanket and pepper spray. I also have matches that can be used in wet weather.
Always great to have little reminders like this on van life essentials while on the road. The bee wax candles are a great idea over traditional wax. Definitely picking some up today..❤ Thanks Dee
Great list, Dee. Ditto on all five in my van. I have the Maxx tracks orange boards that are high visibility. They serve a dual purpose as breakdown indicators when planted upright in the snow. I do have a Nemo 15-degree sleeping bag and although cool to the touch initially, it quickly traps heat and I sleep in shorts and a tee shirt; occasionally in a Hoodie for those freezing temps. I use the Nemo as if it were a comforter. The hoodie goes over my head to trap or prevent heat from escaping. The footbox of the Nemo keeps my feet toasty without my having to wear socks. I have military wool blankets on the bed underneath my cot's foam pad just in case. With my taller van I use the long handle scraper with a long brush at the opposite end to "sweep" off thick snow on the hood and windshield first, then scrape if necessary. My Beattit battery charger has a built in flashlight and three USB ports and fits neatly behind the driver's seat. I found a cylindrical heat convection gadget on Amazon that fits perfectly over a stove burner. Even at low flame heat is dispersed outwardly minimizing heat rising upwards. I warm up the van interior for five to ten minutes then turn the flame off. If I need heat during the night I will turn the flame on as needed then off. It was $17 for the cylinder. You can DIY a cylinder using a coffee can and a beer can opener.
Dee, you mentioned should you experience a breakdown. Amazon sells a three- or four-pack of emergency breakdown lights in high visibility orange casings that have various flashing capabilities. They have magnets so you can attach two on the front and two on the rear of your vehicle. The lights are visible hundreds of yards away. I used them once on a breakdown near Tahoe and attracted the attention of a CHP officer who said he noticed them two miles away. I was able to use my folding snow shovel and Maxx Trax to drive out of a snow drift.
Nicely done Dee. The candles are nice. I have a UCO mini candle lantern does does the same job. If you want your candle to crackle, add a few pine needles to the melted wax. It will definitely pop. 🌲 🕯️ 🔥
I love that you found a sleeping bag that matches the decor in your van! Seriously, you have the prettiest van inside that I’ve ever seen. 🥰 But yeah, I know what you mean about the rustle and the feel of a typical sleeping bag. It’s so much harder to find ones that don’t have that feel! Since I don’t do beeswax, it’s been a long time since I’ve used that type of candle, but I do remember the lovely smell they give off. It’s divine! I had no idea that tracks even came in such a compact version like yours that roll up! That’s brilliant!
Also, seeing that winter around you is lovely from here, where we’ve been going through a heatwave! I currently have been having the bedroom ceiling fan running all night!
Awww thanks, Coralie. I really tried to make the interior soothing. Crazy that you are experiencing a heatwave. Almost the entire US is experiencing a polar vortex 😝
These are great items. I have traction devices too but mine are hard and do not roll up. They work really well. And I also have a battery jumper too called "Scosche PBJ300-1 PowerUp 300 Portable Car Jump Starter, Battery Booster for Automobiles" and that thing is AWESOME! Being on the road by yourself and having the ability to just jump yourself is great and safe. I love that thing. I bought my nephew one as a Christmas present and he was so glad I did because he actually needed to use his one time. I love the candles too, but I stopped using three-wick candles because my last one actually caught fire! So I only use one wick candles now.
All great tips Ms Dee👍🏻 In addition to the folding spade shovel like yours I also carry a tri-fold up snow shovel and after getting blocked by a fallen tree limb one time A 21” collapsing bow saw with an extra blade always Very handy in a pinch I’m old school in agreement with you on the wool blankets Wet or dry they will keep you warm Thank you again for another great video Take care, keep safe and see you next time👍🏻🙏🏻😃😊
They make several versions of them ranging from 12” - 36” that I’ve seen advertised They disassemble down about the diameter of a paper towel tube and whatever length the saw is Very easy to stow and hopefully never need Take care Ms Dee and see you on your next video👍🏻🙏🏻😃😊
Hi Dee, thanks for another great review of products that can be so useful! I have the bought the white tea kettle, the wooden tabletop burn stand, and the tools for cleaning a rug! I use all 3 so much! I like everything you showed today as well. It's 3 degrees today here in sunny Colorado so all the items you mentioned today would be useful here! I hope your week is tremendously awesome, and I look forward to the next one! Stay warm Dee!🥰
These are some great compact winter essentials! 2 things come to mind for me. I would probably want something I could put on the outside of my windshield, at least on the drivers side, so if it was snowing and I got in a situation where I had to drive away suddenly, I could flip it and the snow right off and I would have a clean enough windshield (or at least a section of it) that I could see out of. The other winter issue would be my drinking water freezing, but I don't have a suggestion besides running a heater all the time. I lease an EV to save money (not living in it, but I do use it to car camp often in all temps). I can set the car on "Utility Mode" so the heat stays on without the car actually running. Do the same for A/C in the summer, and always surprised that it hardly puts a dent in the charge.
Hey there Dee! Yet another great video with even more great information. I would add that if one doesn’t have a tire inflator, they might get one as well as a tire plug kit. We know that as the temperatures fluctuate, so does the psi in our tires. Who wants to wait on AAA or any other roadside assistance? Also, a set of emergency flashing lights that you put behind your vehicle in case you are stuck and need assistance. I am definitely looking into the recovery “boards” that you have. I like that they roll up and are not bulky. Girl, I will say it again. We need to meet over a cup of coffee and a chat. Good friend you are to all of us. Take care Dee!
Hey Dee, I have the shovel, I used them in the service - so part of my gear in the car. I have blankets in the car, a Gery can for gas/diesel, a water purifier and container - Crusader withe cooker and cup, Axe and a couple of other bits, however i don't have those things for traction under the wheels I will be availing myself with them! Thanks for the heads up. I only have a car so I'm not going to burning candles which means I'm using the usb chargeable hand warmers and the not electric chemical versions. I first started using them on Winter camps by placing them in the footbox of my sleeping bag an hour or so before getting in, two where my feet go and two where my torso goes does the trick. Much of the car kit is from camping gear I already had; oh I am getting one of the jump starters next payday, I have a very good and switch battery charger already. Stay safe and happy trails young lady.
Always great ideas. That portable jumper has saved me while on a remote mountain. I also keep warm with a rechargeable hand warmer and extra hot hands. I got an electric blanket that plugs into my jackery but wouldn't sleep with it on. Thanks for the videos!
You have a knack for finding useful, interesting products, Dee. I think you may be one of the few people who spends more time on Amazon than me. Although I have many sleeping bags, both down and synthetic, I did not know that they came in cotton also. Your bag looks very comfortable for my SUV camping, and I am seriously considering buying one. As for the jump starter, I know that mine works because I loaned it to other campers twice with good results. A cautionary tale: I was at Bombay Beach on the shore of the Salton Sea in SoCal when an older sedan pulled onto the beach and was immediately immobilized. I went over to his car with what I thought were good traction boards (having read the Amazon reviews). One of the boards broke in half and the other cracked. When I returned to Michigan, I ordered a much sturdier and more expensive set. Unfortunately they take up even more room in my Jeep. It might be a good idea to try yours out. (If you have not been to Bombay Beach, it is an almost abandoned town that is being repopulated by artists who are transforming the town and beach via colorful murals and amazing art installations in town and on the sand. Also, nearby are the not-to-be missed Slab City and Salvation Mountain. Inexpensive Corvina State Park on the shore of the sea has some of the best camp showers I have ever enjoyed. If you would like to camp free on immense sand dunes, try the not too distant Imperial Dunes. It can be loud here some weekend nights because many ORV/dune buggy owners use this vast area for recreation, but it is safe to camp here and there is a ranger station on the premises. At the moment, I am not too concerned about winter gear. I am in India traveling along the Indian Ocean from one inexpensive, ramshackle beach town to the next ramshackle beach town-great sunny, warm weather, delicious food, cold beer on the beach, etc. I have been here for two weeks and will be wandering around for another 8 weeks before I fly back to Michigan. So, in March I will probably take off for a Southwest road trip which will cost me more than being in India (including the flight cost) even though I will camp most of the time while road tripping. Some unwanted, unsolicited advice for you from someone whose advice is most often impractical or useless: leave the Midwest and go to the Southwest for some sun and warmth this winter. I know that you have been there before, and you have also mentioned before that you have things to do near home, but you would still be able to get home quickly if necessary. Thanks for the excellent product ideas! No need for any detailed response to my run-on comments. Many random ideas just quickly flowed from my mind to my keyboard.
Great tips for if you live in the northern states whether or not you have a van. I need to collect some of these items, it could save a tow call. Stay warm Dee, its amazing that you stay where its cold in a van, in the winter - I think you are tougher than I am.
You are brave to stay in the Midwest in your van over the wintertime. I definitely would not have that much courage. But I do travel between cities in Texas during the winter, and 40° can feel like 15° in 35-50 mile an hour winds and I do know the importance of having my car winterized, having a battery jumper, and having ways to stay warm in my car should I break down in the middle of nowhere. And there is a lot of nowhere in West Texas! Thank you for these great ideas.
Those are good items to have with you. I would add a tow strap that could be handy for getting unstuck. Great idea on the candles and blankets as well. If all else fails, I know a hot blooded Greek that could keep you warm…😂🤗
Awesome video, Dee. How about an air pump with a gauge for a quick pump on the tires, even in the sand, its a good idea to deflate a bit and then when you hit the asphalt you can reinflate for safe driving. Love all the insight you bring. Thanks again, and warm regards, JD.
I have a Nalgene water bottle that can be filled with hot water to keep warm, as I don’t trust hot water bottles, having had several rupture over the years. I also have pocket hand warmers in my emergency bag, just in case.
The candles are good to have. I saw a video: man used charcoal cloth, some copper, glass jar with lid, and very small amount of olive oil (1/2" or less). The charcoal cloth-carbon felt, never burns up. (Uses drops of alcohol to lite the charcoal cloth-carbon felt wick) He also mentioned now in not using candles, he does not get stopped up, and a cold as when using the candles. (This was interesting side note to me). Another interesting video, Dee. Stay warm!! This morning, 1/14/23 was 14 degrees here in central Arkansas. Brrrrr
Some of these winter vehicle gear items are going on my shopping list, thanks for the recommendations and for showing us how to set up the shovel! My must-have item for my van is my HomeFi hotspot, it's been so helpful for working remotely and it can fit in my pocket!
I have been eyeing one of those-is the homefi reliable? I have been researching and putting off purchasing until I am satisfied it will be a worthwhile investment. I’d appreciate any thoughts you have on your set up☺️
@@LadyBugout I find it reliable, I really like that it can use whatever provider is strongest nearby instead of just one. It meets my needs, hope this helps :)
Great suggestions. Love those traction pads. The design looks like it might be more durable on shifting/uneven surfaces than the flat ones. Nice & easy to store for those of us without roof racks.👍
Thank you, Dee will be looking at getting some tracks In the past, used my trenching tool to break up small amounts of ice in front of my tires obviously, if I had the tracks would not need it The trenching tool being made of metal maybe beware of freezer burns Great Advice, thank you so much Hair looking great
@@LadyBugout some of the most essential pieces of equipment are so small, but literally can be the difference between life and death. I keep on telling myself, I am not buying any more gadgets or equipment and you are totally to blame for me buying more 😂😂
Thank you Dee. I have the shovel. Its great. Guess i better get the traction things cuz i have rear wheel drive. You look so lovely. Its obvious this life is for you. Stay safe out there.
Do you have any type of heater? You can cover up with blankets but your nose will breath freezing air and in my case that feels terrible and makes me get sick
Here is a video I did on that wood camp fire thing Vanlife: ruclips.net/video/X_mEZJNKZ3o/видео.html the link to it should be in the description of that video🥰
Weird me probably, but a garbage bag can provide you from the cold coming in when you wear it under your jacket/coat /whatever you wear. Just something to keep in mind....
I don’t drive where it snows! I developed an allergy to it while serving on a mountain top radar site in the Air Force. Learned I don’t like digging my car out of it.
@@LadyBugout Really do. Esp the increased tread things. But I may get everything but the battery booster. I already have booster cables that go with my Jackery.
hey there Dee, How you going!! Im still a keen fan of your channel, and I love the idea of the rollup wheel tracks. ive been looking for wheel tracks but not a fan of the great huge wheel tracks for which I have no room and they are so heavy to use. So great find I am likely to get those, Ive been stuck in the mud and sand and had to get pulled out. I also have the battery charger they are great I have used it for my van, and they work straight away. A must for women especially, they are light and convenient.
Hi Dee, I love your adorable van, great video. You always have great ideas and the foldable traction mat is genius. Here’s a suggestion for a video topic, how did you decide on your color scheme? Did it just evolve over time or did you have an inspiration item? Everything looks so great together!
Great suggestions and I love the compact versions you have; thanks for providing the links; love the collapsible shovel and compact traction boards, tire inflator. I believe you also wear marino wool clothing and have videos on what to wear to stay warm, which are also watch worthy.
Hey hey chickie 🤗 Wow ...🥰Ur hair looks crazy hot 😉 I love that u are one friend I never "worry" about , u r one smart lady . I always enjoy seeing how prepared u are . Thanks for planting ur seeds in helping others 💕🙏💫
Would only add, anything Cotton does not insulate when wet. Same limitations as down in that regard. Love the traction devices. I carry a different type in my small rig but am going to look at those you have since they’re so much smaller. Good video. Thanks.
@@LadyBugoutI have a couple of the sleeping bag blankets - zipped up or unzip it's a blanket. Kinda like the fleece throw blankets but warmer. Also have the hooded blanket. I used to have a dog I traveled with & she'd sleep inside to warm it up til it was my turn. My cat 😺 would curl up & keep my feet warm. 😂 For the windshield I just put a small tarp over it. Also a lil tobaggon sled is useful. I used it to store things under the bed and it easily slides out. Lot's of cool gadgets ya can find in surplus stores & thrift stores (& temu has good prices). 😊 Stay safe. Stay warm and have fun! Shalom.
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Oh my goodness! I must be really old school. I was always taught if I got stuck to take the floor mats from the car and put them underneath the tires and they flip out the back end once you get traction going. So I just used my rubber floor mats, when I've gotten stuck. LOL 😆
That would be a brilliant hack if someone is caught without tracks!!!!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Great idea
A hot water bottle is an essential! Great for taking to bed, and also just comforting if sitting around at night!
I agree! I love my hot water bottle🥰
It surely helped me on my travel
I've been prepping since our horrible Texas Freeze a few years back.
I now have different heat sources. 2 types of Mr Buddy heaters. A canister heater thing that I can put on my gasOne stove. A 12volt electric blanket.
Of course, other blankets too. A 20° sleeping bag. Hot hands.
Although I live in a small motorhome, I also have a full sized van that is rigged out for camping/bug out.
3 power stations. 400 watts of portable solar. 2 Dr Prepare batteries with power max hubs to run my 12 volt fridge & freezer.
And of course, lots of food & water.
I should be prepared for our upcoming freeze if the grid goes down. 👍 (did laundry today too)
I hate being cold! 🥶
Sounds like you are very prepared!! Good for you. Yes, the cold is not fun 😝
Great video Dee. One thing I’ve seen with vans for winter to stay extra warm while sleeping is creating a tent covering /\ over the bed sleeping area to keep your body heat in an enclosed area to keep you warm and toasty. Using a retractable spring loaded rod to hang a blanket over your bed in the classic A frame style can really help to keep the cold air out to ensure a comfortable warm sleeping environment. Of course plenty of warm herbal teas and hot chocolate is always a bonus in cold weather too. Stay warm and safe girl!❤
I have actually tried that before. It did work very well!!! I just used a bungee hooked between my back door and curtain rod in front. Thanks for the reminder🙌🏼
That sounds great! Need to remember! Thank you!
Good Winter tips to stay safe and warm! You should have mentioned your fingerless gloves you’re wearing. They keep your hands warm and lets the fingers still grip things! Onward in 2024. 😎
Yes, they do keep my hands warm. Did you see they have a mitten part that flips over??? 😊
I've wanted to remove the passenger seat in my wee Transit van for years. I wasn't too worried about the actual seat removal, it was all the mysterious wiring attached. Your video on that project was the thing that got me through. The key was the resistor (airbag emulator...funny!). Thanks to you I just finished, turned on the ignition and voila! Airbag light goes off just like it should. You are my hero. I tried to think of some tangible way to thank you and the best I came up with was to join your channel. Yours is the first channel I've done a paid subscription for so you must be special. Thanks again and stay warm and safe!
Oh my gosh… thank you so much. I feel very special🥰 I’m glad it helped you out. 💃🏻
I am planning on making my 2010 Honda Odessey a no-build camper. I've slept in it one night during a December trip from Texas to Wisconsin and back, and am making a list of some essentials to add to what I already have. The traction packs, the beeswax candles and the window scraper all sound like very good suggestions. Thanks for the suggestions! 😊👍
Very cool! You are welcome, hope they serve you well.😊💃🏻🙌🏼
Actually, was just noticing your coffee filter holder is metal. You could flip that over the beeswax candle to concentrate the heat and it’ll conduct it. Multipurpose! (prob just need to wipe the inside before using it for coffee again)
Great tip!!!!
As an army veteran, i highly recommend E-tools (trenching shovels) for every vehicle. I have mine from being in the army and i ordered a second one recently because there isn't such a thing as too many. Also it can turn at a 90° angle if it works easier for you than how you demonstrated.
That’s awesome. Yes, I forgot to demonstrate that part 😬
I didn't have a brush scaper for removing snow off my van last year but I happened to have left a large plastic dust pan in my van which i found was very helpful for removing 6" of snow off my hood and windshield. It acted like a hand held shovel.
That is pure genius!!! 🙌🏼💃🏻💪🏼
Hey Dee. You can add a little water to make your candle crackle…usually. Bonus tip: another warm body though it does not apply to you and I. LOL
I’ll have to try that! Hahah…one warm body is enough for me😝
You can put a coffee can or ceramic flower pot over the long burn candles for a makeshift space heater. Also pour hot water into a Nalgene bottle then wrap the bottle with socks and put it in the sleeping bag. Some sort of clicker and flares for emergency
Great suggestions!!! Yes flares and flashers are a must! I was tuned into more winter things…but should go over those too!💪🏼
All great essential items, Dee! I have to add a beanie hat. No matter how much warm clothes or blankets you have, you are in for rude awakening sleep if your head is not covered (70% of your body heat loss via your head)
Yes, for sure… I always have a hat on in winter 💪🏼
I just absolutely love your beautiful soul and spirit. This world needs more sweet people like you. Stay safe out there little darlin.
You are so kind. Thank you☺️
I learned long ago to have the following in my trunk (specially if driving with kids):
Water, individual juice containers, snacks such as trail mix or nutrition bars, a first aid kit, portable battery ,charger, portable tire inflator, paper towel, baby, wipes at least a blanket and pepper spray. I also have matches that can be used in wet weather.
Very wise!!! Great tips.☺️
Always great to have little reminders like this on van life essentials while on the road. The bee wax candles are a great idea over traditional wax. Definitely picking some up today..❤ Thanks Dee
Glad it was a good reminder! ☺️
Great list, Dee. Ditto on all five in my van. I have the Maxx tracks orange boards that are high visibility. They serve a dual purpose as breakdown indicators when planted upright in the snow. I do have a Nemo 15-degree sleeping bag and although cool to the touch initially, it quickly traps heat and I sleep in shorts and a tee shirt; occasionally in a Hoodie for those freezing temps. I use the Nemo as if it were a comforter. The hoodie goes over my head to trap or prevent heat from escaping. The footbox of the Nemo keeps my feet toasty without my having to wear socks. I have military wool blankets on the bed underneath my cot's foam pad just in case. With my taller van I use the long handle scraper with a long brush at the opposite end to "sweep" off thick snow on the hood and windshield first, then scrape if necessary. My Beattit battery charger has a built in flashlight and three USB ports and fits neatly behind the driver's seat. I found a cylindrical heat convection gadget on Amazon that fits perfectly over a stove burner. Even at low flame heat is dispersed outwardly minimizing heat rising upwards. I warm up the van interior for five to ten minutes then turn the flame off. If I need heat during the night I will turn the flame on as needed then off. It was $17 for the cylinder. You can DIY a cylinder using a coffee can and a beer can opener.
Dee, you mentioned should you experience a breakdown. Amazon sells a three- or four-pack of emergency breakdown lights in high visibility orange casings that have various flashing capabilities. They have magnets so you can attach two on the front and two on the rear of your vehicle. The lights are visible hundreds of yards away. I used them once on a breakdown near Tahoe and attracted the attention of a CHP officer who said he noticed them two miles away. I was able to use my folding snow shovel and Maxx Trax to drive out of a snow drift.
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing 🙌🏼
That’s good to know. I will look into it!
Nicely done Dee. The candles are nice. I have a UCO mini candle lantern does does the same job. If you want your candle to crackle, add a few pine needles to the melted wax. It will definitely pop. 🌲 🕯️ 🔥
Thanks for the tip! That’ll smell great too🥰
I love that you found a sleeping bag that matches the decor in your van! Seriously, you have the prettiest van inside that I’ve ever seen. 🥰
But yeah, I know what you mean about the rustle and the feel of a typical sleeping bag. It’s so much harder to find ones that don’t have that feel!
Since I don’t do beeswax, it’s been a long time since I’ve used that type of candle, but I do remember the lovely smell they give off. It’s divine!
I had no idea that tracks even came in such a compact version like yours that roll up! That’s brilliant!
Also, seeing that winter around you is lovely from here, where we’ve been going through a heatwave! I currently have been having the bedroom ceiling fan running all night!
Awww thanks, Coralie. I really tried to make the interior soothing. Crazy that you are experiencing a heatwave. Almost the entire US is experiencing a polar vortex 😝
Thankyou for showing us things useful for cold weather. Be prepared. Take care and stay warm. Love your hair color too. ❤️☕🚐🕯️
You’re welcome! Yes, stay warm. I’m getting used to the hair little by little 😝
These are great items. I have traction devices too but mine are hard and do not roll up. They work really well. And I also have a battery jumper too called "Scosche PBJ300-1 PowerUp 300 Portable Car Jump Starter, Battery Booster for Automobiles" and that thing is AWESOME! Being on the road by yourself and having the ability to just jump yourself is great and safe. I love that thing. I bought my nephew one as a Christmas present and he was so glad I did because he actually needed to use his one time. I love the candles too, but I stopped using three-wick candles because my last one actually caught fire! So I only use one wick candles now.
Yep those portable jump starters are a must!!!😊
More light if a mirror behind the candle.
Great suggestion!!! Love it. 😊
All great tips Ms Dee👍🏻
In addition to the folding spade shovel like yours I also carry a tri-fold up snow shovel and after getting blocked by a fallen tree limb one time
A 21” collapsing bow saw with an extra blade always
Very handy in a pinch
I’m old school in agreement with you on the wool blankets
Wet or dry they will keep you warm
Thank you again for another great video
Take care, keep safe and see you next time👍🏻🙏🏻😃😊
Ya agree on the wool blankets plus I think the down ones can get moldy easy with dampness in the air etc...
A saw is a great suggestion! 💪🏼🙌🏼👍🏼
They make several versions of them ranging from 12” - 36” that I’ve seen advertised
They disassemble down about the diameter of a paper towel tube and whatever length the saw is
Very easy to stow and hopefully never need
Take care Ms Dee and see you on your next video👍🏻🙏🏻😃😊
Having lived in an area with lots of trees kept not one but several saws in my vehicle to assure could get in & out the subdivision.
Hi Dee, thanks for another great review of products that can be so useful! I have the bought the white tea kettle, the wooden tabletop burn stand, and the tools for cleaning a rug! I use all 3 so much! I like everything you showed today as well. It's 3 degrees today here in sunny Colorado so all the items you mentioned today would be useful here! I hope your week is tremendously awesome, and I look forward to the next one! Stay warm Dee!🥰
Yikes!!! Stay warm. Where I am is snowy but not so cold😝
@@LadyBugout Sounds beautiful . You are a trooper for sure to do that in the winter...
My biggest tip for winter van lifers is to go south! That's what i do lol
😂 yes!!!
Thank you
You're welcome🥰
Hahaha I like how you have a shot of me under my blanket by the fire 😂. Extra blanket you can take out by the campfire is always a good essential.
Oh yeah!!!!😎
These are some great compact winter essentials! 2 things come to mind for me. I would probably want something I could put on the outside of my windshield, at least on the drivers side, so if it was snowing and I got in a situation where I had to drive away suddenly, I could flip it and the snow right off and I would have a clean enough windshield (or at least a section of it) that I could see out of. The other winter issue would be my drinking water freezing, but I don't have a suggestion besides running a heater all the time. I lease an EV to save money (not living in it, but I do use it to car camp often in all temps). I can set the car on "Utility Mode" so the heat stays on without the car actually running. Do the same for A/C in the summer, and always surprised that it hardly puts a dent in the charge.
That is the great thing about EVs. I’ve had water freeze on me too😝. I now sleep with some heated water so it is not frozen in the morning.
Hey there Dee! Yet another great video with even more great information. I would add that if one doesn’t have a tire inflator, they might get one as well as a tire plug kit. We know that as the temperatures fluctuate, so does the psi in our tires. Who wants to wait on AAA or any other roadside assistance? Also, a set of emergency flashing lights that you put behind your vehicle in case you are stuck and need assistance.
I am definitely looking into the recovery “boards” that you have. I like that they roll up and are not bulky. Girl, I will say it again. We need to meet over a cup of coffee and a chat. Good friend you are to all of us. Take care Dee!
Yes, I have both a tire inflator and plug kit!! Good suggestion. I agree, Rita, it would be nice to chat over coffee🥰
The candles are genius, as it helps to dry out the air
Glad you like them.😊
Good advice. My jump starter is in my vehicle year round.
Yep!!! That thing has been golden😊
Hey Dee, I have the shovel, I used them in the service - so part of my gear in the car. I have blankets in the car, a Gery can for gas/diesel, a water purifier and container - Crusader withe cooker and cup, Axe and a couple of other bits, however i don't have those things for traction under the wheels I will be availing myself with them! Thanks for the heads up.
I only have a car so I'm not going to burning candles which means I'm using the usb chargeable hand warmers and the not electric chemical versions. I first started using them on Winter camps by placing them in the footbox of my sleeping bag an hour or so before getting in, two where my feet go and two where my torso goes does the trick. Much of the car kit is from camping gear I already had; oh I am getting one of the jump starters next payday, I have a very good and switch battery charger already. Stay safe and happy trails young lady.
Great idea!! I need to figure out where to put a Gerry can. I’ve been thinking somewhere on barn doors in back …🤔
I'm adding the USB hand warmers and a battery heated vest to my stay warm list.
Always great ideas. That portable jumper has saved me while on a remote mountain. I also keep warm with a rechargeable hand warmer and extra hot hands. I got an electric blanket that plugs into my jackery but wouldn't sleep with it on. Thanks for the videos!
Yes! Hand warmers are a must too!!’
USB recharging Go Warmer hand warmer is awesome. I bought mine at Home Depot. It is the size of a deck of cards. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Yes!!! Hand warmers are a must. Good suggestion!☺️
Bravo!
I love these suggestions. I'm going to buy a few of these items 👍
Glad you liked them. Thanks💃🏻🙌🏼💪🏼
Great video ! You are my inspiration for one day start van life 🚐 ❤
Thanks! That’s great.💃🏻🚗🐞
Dee, I’m loving the lighter hair on you !!! Looks beautiful 🤩
Thank you ☺️
It’s been a brutal fall and winter, even in normally warm and sunny Southern Arizona! Many are fleeing south into Mexico!
Yes, I’ve seen the weather there…pretty brutal too 😬
And then there's those that don't even notice weather lol .not me I'm getting older I notice every degree fluctuations 😅
Also, It’s refreshing to see a solo female camping in the snow instead of the desert! I’m so tired of Quartzite, etc… camping videos.
I understand completely. 😝 plus it’s pretty cold there right now!!!
You have a knack for finding useful, interesting products, Dee. I think you may be one of the few people who spends more time on Amazon than me. Although I have many sleeping bags, both down and synthetic, I did not know that they came in cotton also. Your bag looks very comfortable for my SUV camping, and I am seriously considering buying one. As for the jump starter, I know that mine works because I loaned it to other campers twice with good results. A cautionary tale: I was at Bombay Beach on the shore of the Salton Sea in SoCal when an older sedan pulled onto the beach and was immediately immobilized. I went over to his car with what I thought were good traction boards (having read the Amazon reviews). One of the boards broke in half and the other cracked. When I returned to Michigan, I ordered a much sturdier and more expensive set. Unfortunately they take up even more room in my Jeep. It might be a good idea to try yours out. (If you have not been to Bombay Beach, it is an almost abandoned town that is being repopulated by artists who are transforming the town and beach via colorful murals and amazing art installations in town and on the sand. Also, nearby are the not-to-be missed Slab City and Salvation Mountain. Inexpensive Corvina State Park on the shore of the sea has some of the best camp showers I have ever enjoyed. If you would like to camp free on immense sand dunes, try the not too distant Imperial Dunes. It can be loud here some weekend nights because many ORV/dune buggy owners use this vast area for recreation, but it is safe to camp here and there is a ranger station on the premises. At the moment, I am not too concerned about winter gear. I am in India traveling along the Indian Ocean from one inexpensive, ramshackle beach town to the next ramshackle beach town-great sunny, warm weather, delicious food, cold beer on the beach, etc. I have been here for two weeks and will be wandering around for another 8 weeks before I fly back to Michigan. So, in March I will probably take off for a Southwest road trip which will cost me more than being in India (including the flight cost) even though I will camp most of the time while road tripping. Some unwanted, unsolicited advice for you from someone whose advice is most often impractical or useless: leave the Midwest and go to the Southwest for some sun and warmth this winter. I know that you have been there before, and you have also mentioned before that you have things to do near home, but you would still be able to get home quickly if necessary. Thanks for the excellent product ideas! No need for any detailed response to my run-on comments. Many random ideas just quickly flowed from my mind to my keyboard.
Sounds like you are having a great time! Enjoy🙌🏼
Great tips for if you live in the northern states whether or not you have a van. I need to collect some of these items, it could save a tow call. Stay warm Dee, its amazing that you stay where its cold in a van, in the winter - I think you are tougher than I am.
Glad they are helpful! With the cold all over the country it’s a little bit or miss. But I’ll be heading to warmth soon!!!🥰
All very important items. My #1 winter essential is a compass! Head south!!😂 Thanks for sharing!
Love that!😂
Great info Dee. I'm going to get those traction pads .I could sure use those. And what I like about them is they roll up nice and small. Safe travels.
Yes they are! That’s what I like about them too. So easy to store.💃🏻💪🏼🙌🏼
I have horsestall mats, cut into squares, but your tool looks like it would be better & take up less space! Stay warm & safe!❤
Wonderful tips for cold weather and some for year round use. Thanks Dee and see on the next one!
You’re welcome as always! Thanks for tuning in😊
Very useful tips no one else is sharing. Thanks for sharing! Be well!
I’m glad you found it useful! ☺️
You are brave to stay in the Midwest in your van over the wintertime. I definitely would not have that much courage. But I do travel between cities in Texas during the winter, and 40° can feel like 15° in 35-50 mile an hour winds and I do know the importance of having my car winterized, having a battery jumper, and having ways to stay warm in my car should I break down in the middle of nowhere. And there is a lot of nowhere in West Texas! Thank you for these great ideas.
I know that what you say about Texas is so true!!!😝
🥰
Dankjewel. Wat heb je het toch gezellig en wat word ik altijd blij van je en je filmpjes👍🏻
Groet uit Nederland
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoy the channel 🥰
I have the jump starter they are great also great for charger up dead phones.
They are great little devices!!!!
Those are good items to have with you. I would add a tow strap that could be handy for getting unstuck.
Great idea on the candles and blankets as well. If all else fails, I know a hot blooded Greek that could keep you warm…😂🤗
Yes!!!! A tow strap should definitely be part of that list.
Love your hair color.
Thank you!! Getting lighter little by little 😝
Thank you, Dee!
Great content again 😉
Glad you enjoyed it!🐞
Wool is, by far, the most effective insulator out there.
Even wet, it's warm.
Yep!!! It has served me well for sure🥰
Awesome video, Dee. How about an air pump with a gauge for a quick pump on the tires, even in the sand, its a good idea to deflate a bit and then when you hit the asphalt you can reinflate for safe driving. Love all the insight you bring. Thanks again, and warm regards, JD.
Yes, That’s a good one!!!
Great info. Love van camping in my minivan.
Nice!!! 💃🏻🙌🏼🫶🏼
wOw. Such a small space. I dont think I could do it. Pretty amazing gal. Very resourceful and creative. Love your smile. BTW, I am a huge tent camper.
I imagine that if you tent camp, my van wouldn’t seem too small. It’d feel like a hard shell tent 😜
I have a Nalgene water bottle that can be filled with hot water to keep warm, as I don’t trust hot water bottles, having had several rupture over the years. I also have pocket hand warmers in my emergency bag, just in case.
Yes, hand warmers are a must!!! The water bottle is a good idea🥰
Dee, I love your spirit! Very helpful with information and such an inspiration! Thank you for roaming this earth and sharing your sunshine!
You are so welcome!🥹
The candles are good to have. I saw a video: man used charcoal cloth, some copper, glass jar with lid, and very small amount of olive oil (1/2" or less). The charcoal cloth-carbon felt, never burns up. (Uses drops of alcohol to lite the charcoal cloth-carbon felt wick) He also mentioned now in not using candles, he does not get stopped up, and a cold as when using the candles. (This was interesting side note to me). Another interesting video, Dee. Stay warm!! This morning, 1/14/23 was 14 degrees here in central Arkansas. Brrrrr
Love the suggestion!!! I’ll have to try that.🙌🏼
Thank you! There are a few I will definitely purchase. 😊🙋♀️
Glad you liked them! 💃🏻🙌🏼🫶🏼
Some of these winter vehicle gear items are going on my shopping list, thanks for the recommendations and for showing us how to set up the shovel! My must-have item for my van is my HomeFi hotspot, it's been so helpful for working remotely and it can fit in my pocket!
I have been eyeing one of those-is the homefi reliable? I have been researching and putting off purchasing until I am satisfied it will be a worthwhile investment. I’d appreciate any thoughts you have on your set up☺️
@@LadyBugout I find it reliable, I really like that it can use whatever provider is strongest nearby instead of just one. It meets my needs, hope this helps :)
that does help…a lot. It’s always good to hear from someone who is actually using it rather than the ads
Great suggestions. Love those traction pads. The design looks like it might be more durable on shifting/uneven surfaces than the flat ones. Nice & easy to store for those of us without roof racks.👍
Yes it is rubber with a steel coil inside. They seem very sturdy.🤗
Winter is different everywhere
True!
Always a joy to see your videos! Great ideas!
Glad you like them! 🥰
Thanks for sharing those useful gadgets! ❤
You are so welcome!🤗
Thank you for all your tips and the knowledge you share. Bless you Dee.
You are so welcome😊
Dee, a year or so ago you gave us the dishwashing hack using a spray bottle of: 50% vinegar and water, or was it 50% hydrogen peroxide and water?
@@MHM-Nautilus Hydrogen peroxide and water. You can probably do the same with vinegar. I just don't like the smell as much. 😄
Thank you Dee. I hope you are keeping warm in this cold snap. I’m in the Corpus Christi, TX area and it’s right at freezing. God bless you dear.
Thank you, Dee will be looking at getting some tracks
In the past, used my trenching tool to break up small amounts of ice in front of my tires obviously, if I had the tracks would not need it
The trenching tool being made of metal maybe beware of freezer burns
Great Advice, thank you so much
Hair looking great
The tracks are tiny but mighty!!! 💪🏼🙌🏼💃🏻
@@LadyBugout some of the most essential pieces of equipment are so small, but literally can be the difference between life and death.
I keep on telling myself, I am not buying any more gadgets or equipment and you are totally to blame for me buying more 😂😂
😬😂
Thank you. Wonderful ideas. I so appreciate your videos!🤗💗✌️
You are welcome! Glad they are helpful 😊
Thank you Dee. I have the shovel. Its great. Guess i better get the traction things cuz i have rear wheel drive. You look so lovely. Its obvious this life is for you. Stay safe out there.
You are so welcome, Lynne. I do see a lot of the bigger rear wheel drive vans get stuck easier. 😝 awww thank you… ☺️
Do you have any type of heater? You can cover up with blankets but your nose will breath freezing air and in my case that feels terrible and makes me get sick
I warm up my van before sleep. Gets toasty and then I stay pretty warm. Sometimes do it again in middle of the night. Yep my nose gets cold😝
Never saw flexible trax before!
They are very durable too!
Thank you for sharing these very useful items. Everyone stay safe, warm, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia
You are welcome! Yes stay safe and warm😊
Emailed the addy for the Charcoal Cloth-carbon felt wick Candle....
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Great, I'm going to get a pair . I got stuck in mud on property. Had to call AAA to pull me out.
Thank for sharing.
Glad it was helpful! 😊
The “camp fire thing” that you placed your Emergency Candle in - can you provide a link for that? Thank you 🙏
Here is a video I did on that wood camp fire thing Vanlife:
ruclips.net/video/X_mEZJNKZ3o/видео.html the link to it should be in the description of that video🥰
Weird me probably, but a garbage bag can provide you from the cold coming in when you wear it under your jacket/coat /whatever you wear. Just something to keep in mind....
Good tip! Always have those around my van anyway so good to know!💪🏼🙌🏼👍🏼
I don’t drive where it snows! I developed an allergy to it while serving on a mountain top radar site in the Air Force. Learned I don’t like digging my car out of it.
I can imagine!!! 💪🏼😝👍🏼
For your candles maybe you could get a clay pot to cover it to help radiate heat in your van.
I’ve seen those… good idea!😊
All great ideas. Thank you. 😊
Glad you like them!😊
@@LadyBugout Really do. Esp the increased tread things. But I may get everything but the battery booster. I already have booster cables that go with my Jackery.
Great ideas! Montana is officially colder than the Antarctic today.Great video!
Oh dear… yeah, Montana is crazy in the winter 😳
You have a very nice set up.
Thank you. I have been very happy with the choices I’ve made😊
Great ideas Dee❤
Glad you like them, Helen! 🥰
Dear Dee great video on being cold weather prepared..your van looks really great by the way..as always be safe careful and stay warm!
Thank you Vicki. Yes, you stay warm as well. It’s cold out there almost everywhere 🥶
Great video. Thank you.😊
Thank you too!☺️
Do you have a video on your skin care products you use....your skin looks perfect!
Not yet! Good suggestion. ☺️
hey there Dee, How you going!! Im still a keen fan of your channel, and I love the idea of the rollup wheel tracks. ive been looking for wheel tracks but not a fan of the great huge wheel tracks for which I have no room and they are so heavy to use. So great find I am likely to get those, Ive been stuck in the mud and sand and had to get pulled out. I also have the battery charger they are great I have used it for my van, and they work straight away. A must for women especially, they are light and convenient.
Hello there!!! Yep, I had the same hesitation-didn’t have room for the big tracks. That’s why I like these little guys.😎
Me too thank you 🎉
You’re welcome! ☺️
Thank you! All great tips & I love your van!
Thanks so much!🥰
Those traction packs look great! I could really use those here in the mountains. Thanks for the brilliant gadget ideas!!! ❤
Yaaaas girl…they’d be perfect for that!
Hi Dee, I love your adorable van, great video. You always have great ideas and the foldable traction mat is genius. Here’s a suggestion for a video topic, how did you decide on your color scheme? Did it just evolve over time or did you have an inspiration item? Everything looks so great together!
That’s a great idea and very helpful feedback for me. Thank you 🙌🏼
@@LadyBugout As a lifetime member of Team Neutral, I love your calm and unclutter van. :-)
I like your style!
Thank you! 💃🏻🙌🏼😊
Great list. Definitely using your videos when I start my vanlife. Thank you
Awesome! Thank you! 😊
Watching you guys at 47 and we’re sitting here in a cold snap at -45.😂😂
Oh no!!!!
You always have great ideas. Thanks 😊
You are so welcome!😊
Great suggestions and I love the compact versions you have; thanks for providing the links; love the collapsible shovel and compact traction boards, tire inflator. I believe you also wear marino wool clothing and have videos on what to wear to stay warm, which are also watch worthy.
Glad you like them! Yes, I figured it was time to do one for what the van needs 😝
Hey hey chickie 🤗
Wow ...🥰Ur hair looks crazy hot 😉
I love that u are one friend I never "worry" about , u r one smart lady . I always enjoy seeing how prepared u are . Thanks for planting ur seeds in helping others 💕🙏💫
You are the best! Miss you girl💃🏻🫶🏼🙌🏼
Hi Dee
Hi Alan
Great tips!! Thanks Dee
Glad it was helpful! 💪🏼
I’m in Tucson. It’s freezing here. Crazy weather all over
Oh I know… I was looking at weather all over the country. Crazy!!!
Great sdvice!!❤
Glad it was helpful!☺️
Would only add, anything Cotton does not insulate when wet. Same limitations as down in that regard. Love the traction devices. I carry a different type in my small rig but am going to look at those you have since they’re so much smaller. Good video. Thanks.
That is very true about cotton. I will update how this sleeping bag does over time! 😊
I highly doubt she stays there very much in that weather 😅
@@LadyBugoutI have a couple of the sleeping bag blankets - zipped up or unzip it's a blanket. Kinda like the fleece throw blankets but warmer. Also have the hooded blanket.
I used to have a dog I traveled with & she'd sleep inside to warm it up til it was my turn. My cat 😺 would curl up & keep my feet warm. 😂
For the windshield I just put a small tarp over it.
Also a lil tobaggon sled is useful. I used it to store things under the bed and it easily slides out.
Lot's of cool gadgets ya can find in surplus stores & thrift stores (& temu has good prices). 😊
Stay safe. Stay warm and have fun! Shalom.