How To Winter Camp In A Van - Living The Van Life 

One sewing machine a seam ripper and sime time and you can make your own thermal comforter. I got my walmart comforter and used a seam ripper to open up the seam on one side of the comforter then I got a nice wool blanket for insulation and I sewed it into the comforter. Omg it was si nice and warm...

Hey bud, We were camped right behind you that night. A 4x4 ambulance, 4x4 green school bus, white Mitsubishi Delica, and '93 Chevy. It was cold! Great vid, keep it up.

You should look into installing a "parking heater" Look into manufacturers like Webaso, Eberspacher, vvkb. They burn gas or diesel from your tank. They will keep the inside warm when the car is parked overnight. The engine does not need to run. They are used in Canada, Europe, Russia, etc.

Hey.. Great video! And thanks for all the good info :) My coldest night was 29 degrees in Amarillo, TX, on a cross-country trip in Nov. I don't run a heater at night either, but my sleeping bag is rated for 0 degrees, and I put a 12v fleece electric travel blanket (Amazon) inside my bag before leaving on my trips. If the forecast indicates a cold night, I plug in the cord for approx. my last 30 min. of driving, then unplug it when I park for the night. My sleeping bag holds in the heat till I'm ready for bed, and I sleep warm and toasty all night :)

Surprised no one has mentioned Internal Thermal Mats for the windows!? You lose most your heat through the glass. Makes a huge difference for winter camping.

I have done -20 degrees in the back of my Audi allroad. I had two 0 degree sleeping bags. It was very cold and I was ok. I did it in Boston in the cold snap of 2019

Thanks for your video, it's appreciated, I'm living in Finland and we gave very cold winters mostly -35 so the van I'm currently converting, as you can imagine, the insulation process is hardcore compared to the many videos that are out there.

I am a Floridian. I am currently building it out. After purchasing it I took a month long vacation in April with just a bed and a table went north to see my grand kids in Virginia and Maine. I froze my kahoonas off at night when not wrapped up in bed with my wool blanket. I brought an electric heater thinking camp grounds would be good, WRONG. Most were seasonal and didn’t open until May. So in July , in 100 degree weather , in Florida, I installed an Espar diesel heater. Lol

Now imagine the Eskimos who lived in sun zero temperatures in an igloo 500 years ago. Impressive to say the least! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

I live in Colorado. Just purchased a minivan. Keep these videos coming. I may do a couple when I get my set up done.

No gas heating running while sleeping... good choice... and good video! 👍

For snow you want less surface area on your tires so you can cut through the snow and reach hard ground otherwise you will just slide around on top. Hi from canada!

I use to work in Northern ,Alberta stayed in my westy down to down to -30c. My limit now is -10c.I use a US Army MSS 3 piece bag.Does all seasons. Gortex outer bag, thin inner bag and middle heavy winter liner.It all clips together.Thermo ground matt underneath bag .. Wear a balaclava on my head. Burn a candle lantern they last 8 hours keeps the temperature up.I stapled insulted survival blanker to the outside of my curtains , reflex heat in winter time ,keeps van cool in the summer.Have a small black cat propane heater. Remove your domestic water pump and drain the water tank as the water will freeze below zero. The pump will split.At -35c do not touch your kitchen door handles they snap off plastic is brittle and propane remains liquid.Use synthetic 5w 30 engine oil in winter . Ordinary engine oil freezes to a wax.

Chad, I've been watching for a couple of years and I definitely want to be you when I grow up. However, I'm old already and I miss me from before. Watching this.... Damn. I miss you too. Your youthful enthusiasm makes me smile. While your talent has unquestionably left us all gasping (that drone work is stunning) as it's grown. I miss this guy who is so excited here. Just sayin.... Nothing we can do about it and I miss me, too. Someday you'll understand.

When I would sleep in the van during the winter I would just use 2 comforters and a small table. I slept on a cushion on the floor. I would position the small table so that it was straddling the cushion where my head would be. I would then put one of the comforters over the top of the table so it created a kind of small fort. I would then use the other comforter like normal. If it was all the way down to like zero I might toss on an extra normal cover. The table fort helped trap body heat so that I could sleep without the need for caps, coats, etc. In fact, I normally just slept in shorts without a shirt on even. It was definitely more comfortable than sleeping in the van during the summer...lol. At least until it was time to get up... lol. I would pop out of the fort just long enough to turn that Mr. Buddy on... then pop back inside for a few minutes while the van warmed up. I'm sure that the comforter for the fort does matter since you want it to be able to breath some so you don't get too much CO2 buildup.

i bought a -20F sleeping bag. I slept in 0 degree weather in my underwear. I highly recommend it! 50 bucks off amazon. was such a good investment. And narrow tires actually cut through snow better than "air down" tires. Thats why rally cars that run through snow run 5.5-6" wide wheels

A fleece liner will help alot. I have slept in a tent at 17 degrees in a 15 degree bag with a fleece liner and was warm all night.

this Channel is my best camping channel in this life

That time lapse was epic wish it was longer

If you're looking for something warm to use instead of a sleeping bag, id checkout "top quilts". They are often used for those who go hammock camping.

To reduce condensation inside the van with the Buddy Heater on. Crack open a window. Very small crack.

I will be living in a short bus in Michigan next winter and I THANK YOU for the advice on all of the way to get through some deep snow I from Arkansas and I have no clue on what to do. being a Solo Woman need to know those things.

Love your setup! For the people scared by the Mr Heaters, there are alot of videos on RU-vid where people test them in a tent or like with a Carbon Monoxide tester and I've never seen it reach hazardous levels. The flame is a different story I guess.

when I was in the army we slept in tents when it was really cold, it was -37 degrees farenheit. When I woke up in the morning, my hair was frozen stuck, in the canvas.

Its fkn awsome to see your older videos. After seeing your new upgrades... Keep it going bro...

I normally like to stay around places with plug ins. Got some good electric heaters. Does a good job even at 20-30 below nights. 1 winter with a Rav4 be going into 2nd year with my Sienna. Instead of throwing money at hotel rooms every night when working out of town I prefer just to crash in my van.

I was an International truck driver, all over Europe for 26 years and went from Russia to Southern Greece , My goto sleeping arrangement, a 10.5 Tog down duvet with a mattress warmer under me. I personally cannot sleep with clothes on, and I have always managed a good nights sleep. Obviously I had a night heater ( diesel powered ) in my cab, but cannot sleep with it on. I would warm up my cab, then turn it off to sleep. Never had a problem. Easy in the morning to swtch the night heater on.

Chad you and Eldon does an excellent job on what you do I got to get a van then I'll start living in a van van life is pretty cool

Enlightened Equipment has the down comforters you are looking for. I already own a couple of their products which worked great on my long distance hikes!

I sleep in mine in similar temperatures in winter. I use a winter quilt and a similar memory foam mattress but every night I boil up some water and use two hot water bottles! They work a treat!

Ive had big buddy for many years no issues, airflow and safety first. Been in -45°C northern ontario during dec and survived. Moved away from bags and got a thick synthetic bed topper that beats anything you can mention. ;)

Winter camping, I can't survive without my hot water bottles. I put them inside my sleeping bag to prewarm my bed and they keep me cosy warm for the rest of the night. . Usually I use 2. I keep one at my feet and one to cuddle. I use the same water over and over, so you aren't wasting resources. Last season I splurged and purchased a 12v electric blanket, after getting recommendations from other campers. I haven't used so can't comment on them personally.

I love a sheepskin atop the fitted sheet, down comforter, sleeping bag over that...bliss.

Thats like summer here in Finland 😁

Two great reasons to winter camp, no bugs and no people!

You are right on, we learned by what I called ( let's sees what the road dictates) we ended up with the same Mr heater and we use The zero degrees plankets in addition with our light jackets we permanently keep in our promaster for those cold nights,and against my other half wishes .wee do not sleep with an open flame ether.thanks for the info and keep on trucking.

Keep on trucking> Peace out! God bless you on your next journey😘

Great video man, Have you thought about putting a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag? If you fill it with boiing water that will keep you really warm until the morning. Just be sure to wrap it well so you dont wake up to a burn!

I am really appreciate your videos. Thanks for sharing your experience and points of view. Good luck and growing of followers!

This was last week, you got hit bad, more snow and adventure temperatures. Springs coming, you know how incredible it is spring an summer.

I used to have a 1980’s VW bus, had great times traveling, working away and living in my bus, total freedom 🙂

I lived 12months in my van here in Oslo, Norway. Did the same as you. No heat on when sleeping. Get a solid sleeping bag. :D

Great vid dude. I love Mt Baker. Going to try the sleeping bag and wool clothing. New sub here.

I put the T3 technique 3 squirter windshield washer squirters on that’s a big plus in snow driving I also add a pint of 91%isopropanol alcohol to my 20 or 30 below washer fluid just to be safe and not take a chance in freezing and busting the no longer available washer fluid bottle..love the air compressor thanks for the link

I love the reflective, insulated, fitted interior window coverings I got from GoWesty. They have suction cups to hold them in place. I work nights as a traveling RN and sleep during the day in my 84 Westfalia. The window coverings keep me cool and dark in the summer and warm in the winter. Definetely worth the investment. Love your vids, keep em coming.

One thing youd might add in is a Firman Gas Powerd Generator, i know you got MR heater Buddy but Electric heaters are awesome too. and dont gotta worry about when out in bush about your heater catching fire as you sleep. Reflective RV foil insulation helps keep in that heat, after you have run Mr Heater Buddy for a bit and are ready to go to bed, For storage wise those Grocery bags you can get from grocery store the ones that are like 99 cents are worth buying when you grocery shop as they can be good for organizeing your clothes to make more room for other stuff you may need. for a comforter i use this Snowman White Goose Down comforter currently on amazon their like 100 ish dollars good for all seasons very warm and it gets to -30C in winter were iam

Your van is loaded! Awesome!!! 👍👍👍

Love my Mr. Buddy.

I've slept down to 16 degrees with just a quality down comforter, Propper base layer shirt, underwear and wool socks, nothing else. Perfectly comfortable. Moisture was definitely the biggest bummer to deal with. I tried a small candle burning all night but it didn't really do much.

Hi from Norway! MY best advise: Wear wool underwear and clothing! No cotton or polyester. :-)

I’m using a Little Buddy (single burner) heater until I decide if I want to upgrade to a permanent heater. Coldest night was 5°F and it did great, especially since my windows weren’t insulated. I let it run all night but had about 3’ clear floor space around it and made sure nothing could fall on it. I did have a window down a few inches and the roof vent partially open. When I changed the bottles I would turn on the fan for a few minutes to pull in some new outside air. The only thing negative about it was the 1# bottles only last a few hours then have to be changed.

The night time lapse shot of the van was so awesome!!

When he first said it’s 19 degrees I was like wait how is that considered cold then I forgot he’s American

Nice work mate. Get up here to Canada for our excellent winters and good beer. All of the other tips are great but my advice to you: get a husky! My boy keeps me warm and happy and stoked.

Well done Chad! My two cents...get an emergency thermal blanket, turn the silver side facing down underneath and place sleeping bag/blankets on top. In this position, cold air from the ground level is radiated away from the body. This one simple idea and cheap addition to my sleeping items has made a HUGE difference. Try it - you will not be disappointed. Been watching you since the van movement was in its infancy. Be well! Thanks!

Very Nice Rig, and useful info, Thanks👍.

those k02 tires rock it. we have them on our jeeps. great video Chad.

Good tips on safety and comfort.

Backpacking in WY mountains (& the rest of the northern Rockies) in summer can easily bring the temps in this video. Winter here brings - degree F temps and wind depending on where you're at in the state. You nailed it with a quality 0 to subzero sleeping bag. If you have that, you're golden, whether in a tent or a vehicle. Couple that with an isulated sleeping pad (not air mattress style, which makes you colder) and add a merino wool base layer and beanie and you'll sleep like a baby. Cold sleepers can add a bag liner and you might even get a bit too warm.

Dude I don’t mean to keep commenting hitting u up, but I really want to experience this man! I will pay you to try this challenge out

Last weekend I slept on the ground under my DD tarp in a wolfterritory here in sweden. Had my exped sleepingpad and and my mummy sleepinbag. It was about -6C (21F)

how about taping some reflectix sheets on your windows to improve insulation

Enlightened Equipment Down Quilts are amazing! I have a 20 degree quilt and have slept in my FWC in -30 celcius (-22 f.) I have a Furnace but it was set to minimal threshold to not freeze inside and I wore minimal clothing. They make 10 degree quilts and you can order custom extra down as well.

I’ve been using a big buddy heater in a tent for more than a decade. They have o2 sensor built into it and shuts off when tipped over. Just gotta be smart about venting the area using it. There’s a timelapse on the RU-vids with carbon monoxide detector. Big buddy heaters are perfectly safe.

Hi Chad.. since I came from a tropical country and I love to see van life, so I love to see your winter camper van vlog. And also your cooking camping skill... Thanks for tye insight

I have bought one of the China diesel heaters the one in the red frame all self contained 5kw it’s fantastic the exhaust and inlet go through the floor you can set the temperature and a timer to turn it on, there is also a key fob remote so you can switch it on from your bed

I don't know about van but air bubble sheets insulate great for room windows. I got some from Walmart with big bubbles and just a few sprays of water on glass then press on sheets. Then I wrapped my screens in plastic. It's nice because I can take screens out on any warm days.

Just get a diesel heater, they are just awesome and the thermostat enables you to sleep with it on. I recommend the autoterm 2d 2kw, amazing heater, Russian made so loves extreme cold, cheaper than eberspacher and webasto too.

Great winter weather video. I took a king-size down comforter and had it doubled up and sewn together. Keeps me nice and toasty.

I use a big Butty heat on 24 hrs a day on a 30lb propane last for 10 to 15 days on low 65 degree Fahrenheit. Dennis

Hello! I just came across your video and they’re very interesting. Not all campus for a living so I live basically in the backseat of my truck and I have a Cabela’s no Guidgear 0° cocoon sleeping bag and a Walmart 35° queen size sleeping bag so I put the 0° in the 35° and that’s how I sleep. I have the same problem with the ice on the inside of the windshield. I was stuck in New Mexico and nine below winter conditions last December and that’s how I slept no hotels were available everybody was snowed in it was kind of cool actually.

Van life is awesome....I got married and my wife and kids hate camping or living in a van....they don't know what they're missing.

He is back. Most never knew the cold or head south and drive around in circles over and over and over .... On the youtube trail Aka van version of rt 66

I'm running my Mr. Buddy nearly 24-7 here in the high mountain meadows of the Free People's Republic of Colorado. Twenty is a cakewalk. We'll hit one below zero in the next couple days but I've done as low as twenty below. The open flame thing is one thing you really have to account for, assuming you've already done the CO detector which you'd be a fool to try and skip. Because of the high elevation the humidity is so low that I don't have moisture issues. My minivan is small enough that even with a lot of window venting it's not a problem keeping the van comfortable. About the open flame. Before my dog passed away last year I didn't run the heater at night because there just wasn't enough floor space for Bandit to get to his water and not get in the way of the heater. My main concern now that he is out of the equation is making sure that I don't accidentally knock something in front of the heater while sleeping. The heater is in the place where the passenger seat up front used to be. My cot is behind the driver's seat running to the back of the van. I have all my pillows and headboard at the back so pillows are far away. I use one small blanket to ward off against drafts. I switched over to the twenty pound propane tank a couple months ago. Gets refilled about every four days at a cost of around fifteen bucks. Could not live without this device. This is the third year of operation but only the first running fullltime. I think it may be close to needing a thermocouple replacement and they are inexpensive and available thru Walmart. I paid eighty bucks for my Mr. Buddy at Walmart. It's half the output of yours but I'm in a 93 Dodge minivan so the space is a lot less to heat than your Westfalia. #hoboheretic Enjoy.

Nice video, you have a good set-up. I have a 1977 VW Camper, have installed a camco wave 3 behind the passenger seat & sleep w it on low. And a coleman big and tall ZERO, that is awesome! Reflex w sewed in black (out) and a green window covers reduces both ice and water.

Hi , I live in my Subaru Outback in cold weather too I will going to try a electric blanket good job with the video good luck 🍀

So I took a 5 gallon propane tank and turned it into a woodstove. I had 4 inch exhaust pipe that I ran up through a hole that I drilled in the roof from where the westy sink vent ran through the roof. It was a 71 tin top westy. It was thee hottest bay window bus on the planet. Sold that bus but I still have that stove.

Real survival trick for the sleeping in the cold is- just before you go to sleep is fill your belly with a hot cup of water. Cold enough so it won't burn you but as hot as you can get. Your body will use alot of energy to cool it down which equals heat, plus the heat from the water will transfer the heat all throughout your body from the inside warming you alot faster then outside to inside.

A hot water bottle is priceless imho. Stay safe

I lived in my 1991 Ford Econoline for 2 years in Southern Ontario Canada, I had two captin chairs in the front and the bench seat in the back that folded down to a bed, took the middle seats out for space, I had a small shelf I made in there with a microwave, single cup coffee maker and a small TV, I had some good times but winters definitely sucked got pretty cold a few times, I'd try to find closed businesses and a plug to run my extension cord at night, Walmart, Canadian Tire and a few other places were good for the night.

The God Father of Living in a Van is back! What a fantastic video. First of all I would like to say that I’ve been living in my van full time for a year now because of your influence and videos. Thank you. Second, I have imported a Mr Little Buddy from the US to Europe as well because of your reviews. To be honest, I like the Mr Little Buddy which delivers 3000 or 6000 BTU’s but I have learned that is not the best for small van. It warms up too fast and when you turn off it gets too cold. My solution I combine little buddy heater with Wave 3 1600 BTU’s. The buddy heater kicks a lot of heat and the wave 3 maintains the temperature in the van without making a sauna. Sleeping system: I use a winter sleeping bag with a military 100% wool blanket. Wool is the highest thermo insulator out there, 100% natural and used by the military. You can get them very cheap in military surplus stores or online. For extreme weather I use a military sleeping system. Expensive system but I do not wear any clothing and packs as only one piece. It is a bit extreme but if something happens to the van and I need to go on foot the military sleeping system will keep me warm. rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F401475894549 Thank you for the great video!

Really enjoyed your video. Very informative. You talk just the right amount when explaining what you did and why. Too many you tuber's have to talk volumes without getting to the point. Also really like all the links you provide. Absolutely getting the air compressor. Glad I found your channel. Adventure on...

very nice video,i like the idea of turning the heater off before going to sleep,good idea,you never know what could happen.

We couldn't have done vanlife at this season if it wasn't for our big (BIG) duvets and all our wool underwear! Actually starting to enjoy the cold more and more

I winter camp under the stars in MN and all you need is two sleeping bags good quality a beanie hat and sleep in your underwear. If you can have a campfire have a rock. I heat it up by the fire and put it in my bag. -20 to -30 you can survive.

that timelapse at 15:18 was so cool

Thank you for taking the time to share this! And all the links!~ Alot of cool stuff and ideas! Enjoy! Love the Van! God bless!

I lived in a camper at my dads for one winter with just a 1500 watt electric heater running continuously @ -30 degrees C..... the walls werent insulated i slept on a foam matress with a down sleeping bag such as yourself..... the heater just made it warm.enough to be comfortable lol

Slept in my SUV in -22 celsius ( - 7 fahrenheit ) without a Mr Buddy. That was cold!

I know most people dont have room or Money for 2 sets of tires But For me I have a set of Snow tires on my SUV 4x4 Perfect for winter highway and street driving and min off road And spring summer and fall I have A/T tires For northern Canada camping which sometimes has no paved roads This spring will be my rear seat and back tear down electrical and lighting , Spray foam and oak wood paneling and welded side rails for bed slats and memory foam with a few extra toys

The ice on the inside of the windows is all the humidity from your breathing and the propane heater. Have you tried some silica gel to absorb the humidity? They sell them at craft stores such as Michael's. You could put the silica gel in muslin storage bags or socks and t-shirts knotted into bags.

Great vid. In the British forces we learn to camp out in nothing more than our yfronts. But they pay us lol. Keep it up young man.

Hey guy try a bomber hat with ear/ cheek flaps & chinstrap, either synthetic/ wool or real fur. Best thing ever for cold weather sleeping. Its like a wraparound environment for your head. Although a hood and beanie is pretty great too!

Ive skied and snowboarded for years and have been one of those bums in the parking lot that you see first thing in the morning looking for first tracks. I live in the Great White North up here in Canada I've slept in - 28 quiet fine but my father was in the military he's gone now but he taught me a lot insulate from underneath first and no penetration of condensation around you prepare your bed way before you're ready to go to sleep take off most your clothes lay them beside you the B-Dry for you in the morning and ready for you to put on definitely a down sleeping bag and always wool because even if it's wet it can be warm. All down up here with no heat back up. Ps - 35 and 40 is a different bitch to sleep with. If you're dumb you better be tough. Steven blackwell Canada

JacksRBetter made a 20 degree rectangular quilt which I use in my car and backpacking. Plus they do custom work. Excellent quality. Another company called Hammock Gear also makes excellent quilts. Both of these companies used to have rectangular options but I am not seeing those available. I think Hammock Gear also does custom work. I know both of these companies and highly recommend.

Bro thanks for the advice. I live on TOP of a mountain in Costa Rica and my house is always cold. Average temperature at night here is about 45-50degrees. But the construction here never uses wall insulation. Quite often I see my breath in my home. Not winter cold but I think I'm gonna grab a Down sleeping bag as a comforter for my bed!

Chad, I use hand warmers for my feet and they keep my toes toasty all night. The toe warmers ant shit. I buy a 80 pack off amazon. It's cheeper that way. also a fleece vest for my pillow case. two pairs of long johns and north face top and bottom, 3 or 4 heavy blankets depending on the temp. no sleeping bags because they restrict movement. I put away my Mr Buddy and now i just use a one burner propane stove for my heat, and It works well for me. I can turn it on high, medium and infinitely low. it really saves on propane usage. I hope this helps all van dwellers. Happy van dwelling to all.

I use a 4x4 E350 van...Mr. Buddy to warm it up am and pm, not while sleeping. Neoprene window covers with fabric cover on one side keep warm/cool, depending on the season. Coleman, not down, Thermolock 20 degree sleeping bag to sleep in. Why? Large = can sleep/move/rollover easily. Kind of stiff = won't fold over my face and make me feel choked off. The stiffness allows me to pull over my head, if really cold, and have the ability to breathe and sleep. When I wake up to it being 15 degrees outside, water bottles frozen on the inside and me being warm and comfy in my sleeping bag all night long, life is good! Perfection is when you are comfy and happy. It can be simple or technical, whatever you are willing to put into your own design. For colder temps, I have a Coleman bag that goes a little colder, same type of style, but only use it when wheeling and in a tent. Part of the fun, is making things work for you, by you. Cheers!

ive camped in my japan hatchback in -25C banff, no heater...i think it was rough. i cant remember, i had alot of layers. whats good is covering your face entirely with a small blanket that you can breathe through; that will also block out morning sunlight.

I've used my big buddy for years with a carbon monoxide detector and it's all been good.