Solo Camping Gear Check 

Glad to see you spoke about personal protection, no matter how brief

“Leave it better than we found it” words to live by. Thank you Brad! 🇺🇸

Glad you take the steps to protect yourself. Stay safe.

I have one of those Glock cases in my gear, I also carry a Henry’s lever action 30-30. There are mountain lions where I camp and fly fish. When I finish this video I’m out the door for a week in the wild of central Idaho.

I find it interesting watching people go from these big elaborate systems going back to a simple throw your gear in the truck system. keep up the good work.

Brad solo camping: “better get the camera out so I have someone to talk to” 😀

Thanks for the reminder on taking care of your own and others trash. I’ve wished some pretty bad things on those who left a campsite worse than they found it⛺️

Man I agree with you about the mess. People pleasae don't leave crap after yourself, and if it's not too difficult please pick up trash that's not yours. Trust me, you'll feel great about it. Knowing you did something good.

Brad kicking it old school! He is retired military, I never doubted he carried.

That’s a cute bear burrito! I mean swag...

Thank you, thank you, thank you for featuring your G-lock. I get some grief when I tell my friends that I brought mine along, but they all say they feel a little safer.

Our "bears" here in NC that i worry about while camping are hair covered and walk on two leggs. Be safe out there.

Awesome video! let's go there! But... I'm bringing my RTT and skottle!

Im from australia and my friends and I love our swags, combined with an awning it is a great setup and easy to strap to a roofrack for camping and then easy to take off again to drive to work. I used to sleep in traditional tents but now i wont go back.

Good to know you don't frown on packing something to protect yourself when you're out there. 👍👌

Love that you brought an ice chest and swag for this trip. Shows that you don’t need the $1000 fridge w/ dual batteries and a $2000 RTT to go “overlanding”

OMG. This brought back somewhat frightening memories of my dad loading the car up for fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada. We had an old dark blue Hudson Hornet, and he would pack that thing full to bursting. He was an old Army Quartermaster Corp soldier and knew how to pack the most stuff in the smallest amount of space. He even had a car top carrier into which he stacked boxes of fishing worms in dirt and then covered the whole thing with a tarp. You can imagine how much that smelled after driving for a couple days in mid-western heat and humidity. Once packed, somehow my mom and us 3 kids all wedged ourselves into the car and off we went. Then when we got there, we transferred all the fishing stuff into a small aluminum boat, and all 5 of us piled into that and around the lake we trolled with 5 fishing rods bristling out of the boat and getting totally tangled up about every 30 minutes. Fun? Well, it was debatable.

G’day Brad, first rule of swag camping is wet it at least three times. The fibres swell and become more water repellent. There’s also spray ons that help. Second, bring a tarp, there’s ultra light weight ones out there for the bad stuff. Third, the smaller the swag the more thermal efficient it is. If it’s a large swag and cold, you’ll freeze hands down!!

Liked your comment about leaving the campground better than how you found it. Wish ALL campers would practice this.

Nice video, love the solo camping thing. Glad that you aren’t afraid to express your right of self preservation, I don’t leave home without one. As for litter, I always carry out the debris of others. Amazes me how people can camp and leave trash everywhere.

THANK YOU !!! Mentioning about picking up trash. I camped a couple weeks ago and the people that were there before, TRASHed the place. Beer bottle caps everywhere and the fire pit fun of junk. People need to be more considerate for the next guy, but pick up trash that isn't yours too. There are times if we don't, the place will end up as a garbage dump.

You can cut steel plates 1.5 inches to 2 inches wide, 1/16" or a little thicker, to fit in the rails. Drill a 19/64 inch hole centered on the plate and 3/8 inch carriage bolt through the hole with a wing nut to attach items to the rail system. My hi-lift is mounted on the front rail, the four-way and shovel are passenger side, and air compressor on the drive side. This keeps everything secured, in reach, and still tons of room.

God Bless Brad!!! Just went camping with my family and my Ruger for bears!! Spent an hour cleaning our campsite of cig butts and part bits. Always cleaner than found is our motto!!!

Dude I was wondering if you have that “box” good to hear.

Brad spent over 26 years in the military and knows how to defend himself, Having a firearm with you camping WAY OUT in the WILDERNess you need protection. A Knife is not going to do it.. not just for protection but also a deterrent to others who may want to harm one self. I always carry when out there, I don't care if others dislike this but I know I'm coming home.. its a piece of mind knowing you can protect yourself, I'm also former military and know exactly how to handle firearms.. if you are not sure get some training, get to a range and learn how to use it. Thanks Brad. Always informative. US Army Vet.....

Something we use here in Australia for the Swag is a boot bag. We put our shoes or boots in them then put them in the Swag with us at our feet. Keeps them dry if there’s rain and also keeps the spiders etc out of them.

Thank you for the message about trash. Awesome video, your observations show how cool of a person you are(rain sounds). Jeep looks great in the outdoors 👍👍

1) I have a Kelty high back chair that has been working great for years, especially considering I'm a big boy (290+lbs). 2) "The metal on foldable shovels is thin and flimsy." - I use the same E-tool that was issued to me in the military. Definitely NOT flimsy and available at military surplus stores. 3) Another option for portable toilet is a seat ring that attaches to a 5-gallon bucket (use single-use liners). The lid seals tightly and the bucket doubles as a trash container to to haul out refuse, though it will take up more space. 4) "What's the most important thing? Coffee." - I wholeheartedly agree. 5) Flip-Flops: For myself, I've found that slip-on shoes are better around camp. I'd used flip-flops for years but kept getting loose debris caught in them, and they were never adequate when I needed to step further away from the campsite or for entering water. I still take a pair for comfort, but find I use them less and less often. 6) Kodiak Canvas Tents are quality products: I own their 10'x10' Flexbow and have used it in high winds, torrential rain, freezing and scorching weather and it always keeps me comfortable. They also have a sleeping bag that is amazing.

Solo camping is my jam! Love it!! Also loving the looks of Amelia without the rack 👊

For a sleeping mat, I highly recommend the KLYMIT INSULATED STATIC V... Used it on multiple boy scout trips. Amazingly comfortable and small.

Awesome video brother! I carry a glock 19 all day everyday but i usually rotate in my glock 20 with my handloads when im out in the woods, jeeping or otherwise. I hope to be able to slip away for a day or two myself soon. A man occasionally needs some time alone in the woods to clear his head. Keep up the awesome content !

Nice, quiet camping - just the thing to clear one's mind and "get away from it all". Well done, sir!

Brad, thanks so much to give this insight ! My recomandations are: Put a large tarp up to cover the cooking place and the table. I fix the tarp on the roof rack of my pickup and pull it all over the back and beyond. Just one pole needed, but some sturdy spikes and ropes. I f the weather is not too lousy, I just pitch a foldable bed under that... off the ground, tarp protects! If weather is worse, the Gazelle tent pitches in one minute and gives much more space and comfort,

Hey hey great to see a swag in action!! Loads of ppl use them here in Australia.. they're pretty nice and simple. Def nice and cosy when it's cold and surprisingly cool in the heat. You can even get massive double swags now for only a couple hundred. You see many awnings over there? Usual swag setup here is swag under the awning. Perfect for a bit of cover too. Thanks for the vid 👍

You know when someone solo camps with a truck, because your personal swag tent is larger than my entire camping setup lol. Love your videos. Agreed good to get out solo but love to camp with family.

I was surprised to learn you guys over there don’t usually use swags, or at least don’t use them as much as us Aussies. Glad to see you’re touching on conservation and cleaning up after others.

I’ve done a lot of long hiking and time away sleeping pretty rough. A swag is definitely not a tent and they serve very different purposes. In the army if we can take it, it’s the first thing that comes. Low profile and comfy. Much better than a cot or the ground. Hiking gear is a good alternative too, but it gets expensive.

"Way too much coffee"? I am unfamiliar with this term.

Good to know you are keeping yourself safe brad.

Another great video Brad. 👍 The only thing that I’d add to your gear is an over head tarp and paracord/guy line. Provides that dry place outside the swag

9mm Glock loaded with 9mm Luger +P+ 90 gr. Xtreme Defender (1550 FPS) WILL take care of Bear Problems! Don’t need large calibers - high velocity rounds with shot placement is the key. Great video!

Glad to see you have the one box of 'bear and heaven forbid 2 legged protection' with you! Another great video. Thanks Brad.

for a tent that packs small i would recommend the Coleman Rondeau 3 man tent! it packs up to the size of a regular camp chair and is VERY cozy, has a tarped tub bottom and a rain fly that actually works.

Thank you for telling us about the temperature on your sleeping bag as I used to organize hiking trips in Colorado years ago and always had someone complain about there bag wasn't warm enough. I'd tell them well your alive today so it worked .

I solo camp 99% of the time and actually prefer it lone wolf since age 10 growing up around the woods and rivers of central Ohio. While serving 16 years of 23 (Air Force paramedic) in Europe, North Africa and in the Middle East I loved backpacking and exploring. I love all of your adventures with your friends but it was a nice surprise to see you on a solo adventure. Thanks for sharing your load out. I would not have enjoyed sleeping in the swag even though it looked rather comfortable; I get claustrophobia in tight spaces. My preference is using a 10X10 Aqua Quest tarp and sleep either in a hammock or on a ground bedroll. I recently picked up a Teton base camp mat that is super comfortable, much more so than the Thermarest air mattresses. Also, I love that popular You Tubers such as yourself stress the points regarding LNT. So many campsites have been ruined by irresponsible people leaving their trash and other vile items. I usually carry a large contractor bag and pick up wherever I camp and it's disheartening to see areas get closed by the forest service due to some people's negligence. Thank you, Brad.

Brad, for your hard RTT mattresses, get a 1" or 2" memory foam topper (whatever will fit with it closed) and throw it on top. It will be the BEST night's sleep, with the combo of the firmer under mattress and the softer topper!

Brad another great video, going solo can be fun, sometimes you just need to be alone. I agree with the protection from whatever comes your way. ATB

Hell yes to North American Swag camping! I have a Burmis swag from Canada myself and I love it. Its symetrical so the dog has room at my feet and I can sit up. Plus its self-standing and fits perfectly on my Teton XL cot.

great video. I think there are to many channels that get caught up in sponsors and "Big gear" Expensive gear that the average overlander cant afford. Brad its nice to see you have gone back to your roots and haven't forgotten the little guys. I Look forward to a series on overlanding on a budget or keeping it simple. Thanks for all you do for the community of campers out there.

The tent looks as spacious as a rack on a ship, works for me!

If the swag doesn't cut it, try kamp-rite tent cot. I just got one. Can't wait to use it. Mine is the oversize model. Weighs 35lbs, like yours. I'm 6'4", 270lbs and have comfortable space. There's room to sit up in it, as well. I will actually use it atop my LJ, or on the ground.

Great video! One suggestion: it would be great if there were costs included. I know most of your current items are sponsored, but it would be very useful for a lot of us to know what a reasonable budget for full gear would be, for a 3-4 day trip.

Hey Brad. Great video and thanks for talking about the two less glamorous topics of camping: the toilet and self protection. For a solo tent, there are also tent cots that set up quick and are pretty comfy. I use a Kamp Rite tent cot. Kodiac makes a tent cot very similar to the tent you featured but it’s up off the ground to prevent you from getting wet on those heavy rainy nights.

Thank you for your service 🇺🇸

First! Always dig a more bare bones trip! Just the essentials!

Love the swag! I’ve been sleeping in a swag since I was a kid (Aussie!) and love it. If it’s raining though I’d have a tarp underneath or put it on the tray of the Ute

Nice Solo camp Brad. I was hoping for some comments on your Coleman stove. I'm in the market for a new camp stove and I can't decide which stove. One comment about "No Trace Camping". I was a BSA leader for about 15 years. All of my scouts knew that after everything was packed up, the last thing we did before leaving a campsite is we policed the area. Everyone picked up trash, no matter how small. I know many who do the same. I'd like to know who the ones are that are leaving this trash. I know far more that clean up, rather than litter. Just be decent and respectful. I know with today's culture for some, being decent has left the building though. Keep it rolling Brad.

If I hadn't already put a down payment on a rav4, I'd be at the jeep dealership right now. You make overlanding seem so rich and amazing.

Yeah the Monsoons have been bad around there the past week. I have a buddy that is a LEO around Telluride and had to help with a recovery of a vehicle on Last Dollar Road. Then I’ve read about the mudslides and rockslides on Imogene and Bridal Veil. Stay safe out there, and bear spray may be another thing good to carry in bear country.

Kelty makes really quality stuff - don't have to worry about if it breaks. And if it does, their warranty is great!

Love Peets coffee! Thanks for the gear review. Portable toilet was interesting and informative :-).

Man I love throwing gear in my truck and going "walk a bout" for a weak.

Brad: I do agree about being cautious,(with whats in the Glock case), when in bear country, but when I'm out in the "weeds" or in my case the desert, I worry more about the "two legged" predators, it's dangerous out there! But as always a great vid! Keep up the great work!

You cannot beat a swag. Pure simplicity.

I'm just glad you're not one of those liberal Californians. Adventuring, "black case" toting American. Love it! I'm interested in that tent!

Hi Brad! Just want to say Thank you for recommending the pressurized Waterport tank! I love this thing and it already proved itself multiple times! And Yes you were right, it’s bulletproof! Thanks again!

If you ever fit an awning to the Gladiator, set up the swag under it, you will have an even better night's sleep !.....cheers, great video.

I totally agree about picking up trash. Even when day hiking, my wife and I usually carry a trash bag in our day pack just for stuff we find on the trail. I like to think most of that stuff falls out of pockets or packs unbeknownst to the person that was carrying it. Either way, if everyone considers it "someone else's job" it won't ever get picked up.

Oh boy i enjoy watching this episode. Lots of new stuff. Keeping the Adventure aside, Brad explaining all his stuff is the best by far.

Love your vids man I’m doing the same utah to Colorado trip you did next summer with a few of my good friends I can’t wait!

I dig this video with just a simple setup. It's much more my style. I've probably done more backpacking than "truck camping" in the last 15 or so years, so I'm used to only having bare necessities. I dig my hammock setup, too. Everything stays clean and dry except my tarp. Thanks for sharing.

I use a Thermarest Mondo King xl in my ground tent or in my jk. It's 6lbs 4 inches thick of foam and air. Squared off sides warm, 25 Inchs wide and very comfortable. Well worth the investment. I then typically use my normal backpacking tent as it's light, fast to set up, and large enough for 2 or me and the dog:)

Me and my wife just bought a little R-pod that I tow with my Jeep, but when I am solo ground tenting I prefer my Big Angus Seedhouse SL2 and NEMO extra wide/thick air pad. VERY comfortable sleeping, and together weigh around 5 lbs. Takes a bit longer to set up, but I think I would prefer that setup over a swag.

I like your message about packing out what you may not have packed in. I do the same.

Great video mate, I’m from aus and sleep in a swag, the double swag is a great option too, only downside is the is the rolled up size, we carry them on roof racks or along the back seat. The room for 2 is great or even better when alone.

I've camped all over Colorado, and as worried as I was about bears, moose were a bigger worry. We camped in a sight that was very remote one year, and I guess the moose had been staying there. So when we showed up for the first two nights our tents got bumped and sniffed, and snorted at...That was more than a little unnerving!

Great video, Team Glock! See you out there

Toilet=5 gallon bucket lined with a plastic bag and another with sawdust or wood chips to mix in with it. Composting toilet. Maybe add a small tarp like the Slumberjack Satellite tarp for some better rain protection over the swag.

Glock on the tailgate - at the ready, awesome. I also noted your Glock has a light. I take my gun with a light when I go camping.

So Much Stuff. Id be interested in seeing you go ultralight. Great Video.

I love those little camping chairs as well, however I highly recommend getting the high back version. You'll be surprised at the difference it makes... And doesn't take up any more room.

Looks very similar to my Oz trail swag. What you need is a spacer pole to go across the top of your swag so that you don't need to put in pegs

Brad, your camera skills continue to amaze me, and it’s good to see you out in the wild again. I hope that my rig will be as prepared as yours someday, but those are some big shoes to fill. I will certainly check out that water container. That design is great for someone like me who doesn’t have a second battery for things like a water pump. Again, great to see you out again, and safety to you and yours as always. -Hiller

Brad, with the Factor 55 recovery kit, it includes a hitch insert. To my knowledge, it doesn’t include a hitch pin. If you haven’t already, get a hitch pin and throw it in the bag. Forgive me if you haven’t overlooked this item.

Great solo camping. Regards from Costa Rica. I watch all your videos a year ago. Learning too much from you.

Brad ! solo without Marco to cook. You're going to starve !! LOL Great video .

Love my swag one-man tent. Get the tension bar for the tent, it will give additional support and a little more headroom. Additionally, for more comfort I place my tent on top of a Teton XXL cot.

We watch your videos on a daily basis, love the content. Gear reviews and trail videos. Please keep them coming. We have ditched regular tv for youtube because of talented people like you. Be safe!

How good are swags! Especially so on clear nights where you can open the top to gaze at the stars. Remember to season your swag by properly hosing it down every 6 months or so, even if it's treated canvas. I suggest using a pop-up en-suite tent if you need privacy to change clothes and some shade netting or a proper ground cover to put under and around the swag.

You mentioned not wanting to generate trash than needed. They're a small investment up front, but will save you a ton of money over time--Flame King refillable, 1-lb. propane tanks.

Great video. I'm glad that you brought out that little black case that starts with G and ends in lock. I'd love to see a video on what you've got in there. But I recognize that even saying the words causes headaches for you content creators. A shame. But thank you for bringing it out instead of hiding it entirely.

This will be me next week with my JKU in Aus - 2 nights/swag/old number 7 and my 300BLK 👍🏻

Definitely preferring a RTT in my older age. Sadly too many mattresses sway towards support rather than comfort. This is the main reason I purchased a roof top tent with enough room for extras like the foam mattress and a woolen underlay. Makes a world of difference. I still love my swag though. I recommend the side opening swags and better off placing these on top of a stretcher and under an awning in that sort of weather. Great vid. Thanks.

In my opinion, double swags are definitely the way to go. Comfortably fit you and your partner or yourself very comfortably haha. Keep up the great videos!

Nice to see a simple setup. I'm currently trying to simplify my setup just to create more room and leave more time for relaxing.

Just went camping with my wife and daughter for the first time in our lives and it was amazing. More of that coming along and need that recovery gear for my xj

I grew up in Montrose. Hope to see more videos of you there. Miss it everyday

Brad you’re my kind of guy, dude!! I’m a coffee addict! Coffee coffee coffee!!

Why in the world would RU-vid "frown upon" having (or talking about) a firearm expecially when you are putting youself in a position out there where you may need to protect yourself from wildlife? Def a legitimate topic/discussion.

Peet's Coffee! The best coffee I have found too. Good stuff! Great video Brad.