Join me as I prepare for one of the coldest winter nights I have dealt with yet living in my car! It’s going to be a wild ride! #livinginacar #carlife #nomad #nomadlife #livinginmycar
My 1st time here, but you should add "NUTS & RAISINS" For PROTEIN, FIBRE, IRON N STAY "FULLER" Much longer n ADD: ( CINNAMON) REGULATES "BLOOD SUGAR" & "BODY HEAT" & ANTI- FUNGAL..ANTI-BACTERIAL..(FIGHTS THINGS=YUCKY!😢)... SPICE TASTES GOOD N HEALTH BENEFITS....keeps yr BODY HEAT & 💪!!! 😉
Put a soft DOLLAR STORE SOFT..FLANNEL SCARF Under yr BEANIE HAT Not TIGHT N WRAP YR EARS N THROAT AREA... MAYBE..BUY A USB CHEAP $$$: ELECTRIC BLANKET..LOW WATTS..YR JACKERY UNIT..SHUTS OFF IN 15-30 MINS INTERVAL'S??!!...JUST When yr EXTRA COLD 🥶 PRE -SET UP To GRAB "CLOSE-BY"!!! 🙏♥️ 🙏
That is why more and more people are buying used Toyota hybrids because they can set the climate control to keep the interior temperature at 70F for the whole night, and the engine will kick on now and then as needed, using only around 1 gallon of gasoline for the whole night even in -20F temps.
Hey, it’s you!! That small gesture of kindness went a long way that night so thanks again! I want to come in and do a “Taco Tuesday” type video one of these days. See you soon!
Years ago I ended up living out of my Hyundai Tucson with 3 cats, cages, the whole nine yards. I stayed at night at a truck stop, so my schedule was based on the trucker's arrival as I had to squeeze in-between them for the night. I spent some cold nights, no reflectives, jackery, nada. Yeah I froze my toucas off. lol. I would spend the day at the library charging my phone, laptop, while job hunting. I totally relate to what you are saying. No judgement here pal, you do what you have to do. You could say I was doing hard core micro mini rv'ing in my car. I had it all rigged out, so for my budget, I managed. Could I do it again? I can, I would prefer to do this in a van, more room for sure. I think you learn what you can deal with, do without, still be happy. Love your channel.
Omg, I'm thinking of getting some kind of rig for myself and my 3 cats. This is why I'm surfing you tube and of course to watch Bren because he has the experience and great advice and wisdom. But seeing your post got me excited. I'll bet it wasn't easy for you. Hope you find that job and it's something you love doing. I'm retiring as a special education teacher and I always loved the challenges. But now it's my turn to take care myself and cats. Good wishes to all who read this!
U have to "THINK OUTSIDE-The-BOX" : COME UP With ADAPTIVE IDEAS, TRIAL N ERROR, NO PROPANE HEATERS= CARBON MONOXIDE, EVEN IF CRACKED WINDOWS..TOO CONFINED AREA!😢. GOOD CYLINDER STOVE: EASY SET-UP= NICE WEATHER...PARKS, CHURCH PERMISSION, + STILL SOME WALMART'S? A BIZ FOR NITE WATCH! 😉 OR AS HERE: FAST FOOD DELIVERY= MORE WEAR & TEAR ON TIRES, BRAKES, ALTERNATOR, GAS ETC!
My son served in Afghanistan in 2010 in a mountainous area, below zero temperatures. I sent him boxes of Hot Hands in several sizes. I asked local hunters before buying Hot Hands and they confirmed before I sent them. They camped out a lot, no fires allowed so they didn’t attract enemy gun fire. Their Marine Corps sleeping bags were not enough or even close. For Christmas, I sent him a gift in late October of a Special Forces sleeping bag ($300+). It looked exactly like his Marine Corps issued sleeping bag so he hid the Marine Corps bag and used the one I sent. It allowed him to use the Hot Hands during the day. Hot Hands definitely work.
I use an electric blanket with my power station and that keeps me toasty all night long. I also bought one for a back-up, just in case the first one fails for some reason. They also make the electric blanket that plugs into the cigarette lighter.
I bought a Cabela's sleeping bag for $179.00. Its rated down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. It's extra big also. I get in that thing and it's snug as a bug in a rug. No fear of cold. The outer layer protects against most of the cold. The inner layer is like a soft flannel shirt. I think the model is the Outfitter XL sleeping bag. Best investment ever.
The airflow over under and around the car is a big factor of pulling heat out of the vehicle. You’ll still feel muted effects of windchill because the heat is being dissipated at a higher rate.
I came across your channel and i just want to say thanks. I’m raising a teenage son on my own and lost my mom a few years ago. I struggled with drinking to numb my sorrow, and seeing you get back on track is really inspiring. Thank you again…from Chicago.
I was wondering, as I was freezing my behind off walking the dogs this weekend, if you were going to ride this out and maybe film. I really appreciate that you did, and this video def didn’t disappoint. Your channel and Nomadic Introvert are my two staples now. You are both so positive-I love it. You have great energy. Stay safe and be well, friend 😊💜
You have such a great personality for doing these videos. 😊 I’ve found that so many people in recovery are some of the most creative (and sensitive). I’m 7 years alcohol free and nearly 3 for weed, and also was a theater kid in high school (also do car camping with my dogs here and there). Congrats on your continued sobriety - I’m rooting for you and I’ll keep watching! 🎭👏🏼💚
I've been in my SUV in weather in the teens. I had a -20F sleeping bag and I found myself setting an alarm on my phone to wake me up every 2 hours. I would start the engine and run the heat for about 5 minutes and then repeated in 2 hours. Not great sleep but I was comfortable. Good luck tonight. Hope you sleep well.
Awesome video. I am a new sub. You are doing it right my friend 🤙. One tip I found helpful when I sleep in my jeep is I use a car electric blanket plugged into my Jackery 240. I use it to pre heat my sleeping bag and then turn it off because it does draw a fair bit of power. I then can turn it back on in the night for a little top up of heat. This worked for me in minus 47 Celsius in my wrangler. Keep doing what you are doing 🤙
I love the oatmeal. I add chopped walnut or pecans, and dried golden raisin or cranberry’s while the oatmeal is cooking! So yummy with honey added to that!!!❤
I've used Hot Hands in the toes of my shoes for years in cold weather. You just have to make sure your socks aren't so thick they block air circulation in your shoes since a little air exposure is what keeps Hot Hands active.
Try thermal cooking. Boil water, pour into thermos to preheat it., then empty boiling water, put oats in and add new boiling water, cap it and shake. Wrap in blanket and set on side. In an hour or so, you will have great cooked oat meal. You can do the same and make stew.
It's all about the sleeping pad. Makes a huge difference. Heat conduction from the body is an enormous drain. Get something with an R value of 6 or better. Something like foam with a reflective space blanket on the bottom to reflect infrared back towards the body.
First time seeing you, and i don't know anything about you, but real wool clothing will keep you warmer than man made material. It's nature's own thermal jacket, keeps you warm even when it gets wet.
Hello. I just found your channel and subbed. On those super windy nights, if you can find a wind break, it will greatly help keep you from becoming an ice cube. If there is a space right beside those big containers in the parking lot, get right next to one. Or if you can find a building you can park right beside for the night. It will make a difference. You will still get cold, but not constantly hit by -30 winds. Stay safe.
I lived out of my minivan for 2 years up in the Sierra Mountains.. Woke up a couple times -20..Eating nutmeg, 2 tbsp before you go to bed, keeps you warm all night.
Excellent Video Bren.....Good to have found your channel man👍......I lived in my small van for a year N a half/two years around five years ago.....Actually considering going back to van living at some point in the future.....all the best Bren.....Keep on Keeping on Fella👍
This sure didn't feel like a long video, informative and entertaining...I just missed not seeing your TMNT friends...Now I'm off to watch and like all of your "shorts"! Take care Bren! 😄
🙂 Glad this weather came in on year 2. This would have been bad for a newbie in a car. Thanks for the tips and cool to see the cooker is working out for meals.
you have to find a parking garage to shelter out of the wind. middle of a parking lot is just dumb. I have my doubts sometimes about people saying they live in their car.
Considering most parking garages cost money to park in and he’s living out of his car he’s actually smart for not spending a lot of money to park overnight
Those mummy sleeping bags are awesome! Have used them myself. Also one of those cups or insulated bags you can plug into the cigarette lighter in the car for cooking is nice too.
Add a wool blanket and some mylar emergency blankets. Shroud the interior using the mylar, it reflects heat back to you. Use the wool to insulate you in the bag. My wife and I survived 13 degree below zero with heavy winds at North Rim of Grand Canyon. We had a army sleep system, she used the heavy bag, me with the patrol bag, 2 poncho liners and 3 mylar blankets. I kept the truck running all night, windows slightly cracked for ventilation. She slept great, I was dozing on and off all night to monitor the truck and heater. It was cold but we survived. The reflectives insulation works great! All the air leaks in a vehicle are hard to plug. We used newspaper and paper towels to plug up gaps at the doors.
I lived on a boat in Pawtuxet Cove between Warwick n Providence (in Cranston) 13 mos thru the winter back in 90&part of 91 very cool to see the area again!!! Plan to buy n convert a van in near future! Love your videos!!! ❤
❤please pudge blanket from wool, put it over your sleeping bag when it’s very cold. Use a camping underlay under your mattress, it will isolate the cold from your body.❤
Great Analysis of the situation ! Fascinating !! I live in Buffalo NY now and we get loads of snow and such and it is a damp cold but I swear it ain't nearly as cold as when I lived in Dorchester, Boston, MA. That winter wind up there with that dry cold. Feels way colder than Buffalo. Granted I visited Chicago, They got the same Damp Buffalo cold but with a lot of wind also. !!! Chicago is probably colder !! Subscribed !! Great Channel !! Very Honest Analysis !!
An excellent video well worth your time to make and for us to watch. I appreciate your explanations at the end of the video. I was confident of your abilities the whole time. Russ
Believe it or not, I was taught in one of the 8 SEAL survival schools I went to, you can also wrap your feet in tin foil. Worked for me. Love your videos.
You really are an inspiration. Found you today, 25th Feb 24, and started with your oldest video. Need to get to sleep now but looking forward to journey ahead, which you’ve already lived! All the best. 👍🏴
Ok.. haven't even watched yet, but so excited this is over 30 mins chillin (literally!!) with my boy! Can't wait to relax, grab a drink and snack and watch!
Sounds good but the wife and I carry an extra carbon and fire detector to resorts and motels. This would be a good idea in case tyou are really tired or sick and run the engine and go into a deep sleep.
I do outpatient hospice nursing, so out in my car all day for work, much like you. In the winter, it seems like no matter what I do, my feet are freezing. One of the VERY few complaints I have about my Outback is the heater on the foot setting just doesn't really hit your feet, just your legs. These days rocking a pair of Bogs, double wool socks, and my feet STILL get cold. It's nuts.
Mannnnn... omg ... I did it in -28 windchill earlier this year in KC - the night MaHolmes helmet cracked, remember? Id done cold temps before, but THAT was pushing "the outer limits". O..m.g😮😮 What I do is create a "mini tent" inside the vehicle. A heavy blanket suspended by bingees and clips that hang over me at about a foot an a half. The next morning upon rising, theres always a huuuuuge difference in temp outside vs inside the "tent". BUT ... the key is adjusting hiw much air u let in.
😎 New to finding your channel, but I'm really glad I did. I'm really liking the content you put out. Especially ones like this where it's showing us a day in the life and all the little things you encounter. Well done! Keep up the great work
For Winter there ate heated insoles Hot Hands.....lasts about 8 hrs 😊 I am a Hiker and they are fab in Winter. I put one each at my toes in between two socks Put a hot Hands at your low back and hold one at you stomach...helps with mid and lower body
Really enjoying your content...Such a nice way for me to wind down in the evening. One suggestion for a nice breakfast or a light dinner instead of oatmeal, I think you can still get it in the States...You have to try Malt-O-Meal or Cream of Wheat. Same kind of cooking with milk but you add brown sugar and salted butter to taste...trust me.
Go to local Walmart or Home Depot and walk around the store to get your circulation going. Eat foods with protein and fats.. these are tricks backpackers use to warm up before getting into sleeping bags in back country in snow.
Hi Bren. I'm enjoying your channel. I live in the Boston area and have slept in my Outback a few times at 30° outside. The night you made this video, I think you can only count the frigid 9 below, not the wind chill factor, because you don't have wind INSIDE the vehicle. Anyway I have a couple of questions. Do you normally crack a couple of windows an inch or so for ventilation? And how do you deal with condensation on the inside of the windows in the morning? When you made this video, it was probably frozen condensation. I use reflectix similarly in most of my windows but I'm usually dealing with condensation in the morning.
When you meet your goal for the day have you broken it down to calculate how much you made per hour and accounted for wear and tear on your vehicle (ie. 20 cents/mile…ish)? New subscriber. Thanks for posting. I’m a full-time van dweller in the Northeast as well. This is my third winter in my van. I agree, it’s easier to manage the cold than the hot summers. I use USB handwarmers to keep my fingers warm. Having sleep socks are a must.
Plus ADD DOLLAR STORE : KNIT LEG WARMERS.. INEXPENSIVE...BUY SEVERAL..KEEP CIRCULATION & HEAT... DURING FRIDGID WEATHER..HIDES UNDER PANTS..BUY GUY COLORS= GREY N BLACK, ETC! NO ONE SEES THEM UNDER PANT 🦵 LEGS !!
