Solo Winter Camping with a Snowmobile in Brutal Conditions 

Jon, another great video. If we could all just walk 50 ft from the roadway it wouldn't be necessary to have the sled...it is an end to a means...it takes u back to those places that are remote...its just the nature of the north and how rugged it is...im happy for you and you have tremendous perseverance...you will do just fine with that sled. 😊

Damn man, you went through hell and back. Equipment malfunctions can really put you down. I might have just given up and curled up in the slush beside the snowmobile and accepted my fate! You're a trooper. I love trips like this because every other trip in comparison is the best trip ever. Happy you kept the sled. I'll pick one up too and we can go drink 10 15 swirly pops and rip around (I know that's your kinda thing)

This is basically my worst nightmare. I too have an older sled, limited mechanical capabilities and a thirst for adventure, but not this kind of adventure! Thanks for sharing your experience in such an authentic way. One of your gifts as a storyteller is to share your frustrations as gracefully as you share your successes. I thoroughly enjoyed this video.

For the adventures you go on the Tundra you purchased is probally the best sled you could have gotten. Trappers to this day still prefer the old tundra over the newer machines due to lightweight and simplicity of the machine. Hindsight is always 20/20 but the sled should have been looked over first and maintenance done before the 1st adventure. This would have been avoided with a breakdown. Now moving forward machine is all ready for the backwoods. Do not let this outcome discourage you from using a sled. They are a great tool. I use mine mostly for ice fishing to places that are just to far to walk too . Things to carry extra spark plugs, drivebelt. a small toolkit with wrenches and sockets. Enjoy your sled. Looks in great shape.

One of the things I really like about your content is you aren't afraid to show the bad as well as the good. Anyone who spends time in nature knows that things like this can happen and there's always a lesson to be learned. Sometimes trips aren't always rainbows and butterflies - sometimes it's trudging through mud or dealing with a breakdown in equipment but you always keep a positive attitude. Kudos and thanks for sharing!

There’s nothing wrong with having a machine that can aid you in your journeys. One way of looking at it is that the snowmobile will save you time and energy in your winter adventures. Energy and time that can be better spent at your destination. Love your vids man.

I can identify with what went wrong in your recent video. Quite a few years ago in mid-January in Northern Minnesota, my wife and I were pulled in a sleigh behind another couple with a snowmobile. It broke down in the middle of nowhere late on a Sunday afternoon. It was getting colder and sunlight was fading. Very fortunate for us, it started up again and we made it back okay. It had been a very helpless feeling at the time. What we saw in your misfortune here was that above all, you remained calm and still kept filming during the whole ordeal. That deserves a real "tip of the hat" to you. That is very impressive. Although your plans were altered, it was still a very interesting video to see. We like watching them all, and that includes those in which you pair up with Xander. Well done.

I also struggle with using machines (motorboat) to take me to places that would otherwise take hours to reach. Hats off to guys like you who travel almost exclusively through the wilderness under your own power rather than using noisy, modern machinery! Like you discovered, they're handy when they run good, but when they don't, they can quickly become a liability. Thanks for another great video! I always enjoy watching them!

I know I should be wearing a helmet but was looking for a used one and was putt-putting along very slowly in the meantime. Here's the info on the sled from Paul if you're into this stuff: TUNDRA INITIAL DIAGNOSIS Fuel line to carburetor had a hole in it. Drive belt was destroyed Primary clutch had failed, internal parts of the clutch were worn to the point of failure. Broken clutch parts and belt debris covered the entire engine compartment. The engine fan shroud was missing which was critical for air flow for cooling the fan cooled engine. REPAIR Replaced fuel line, fuel pump and vacuum line. Replaced primary clutch with working used clutch. Sourced a used fan shroud and installed. New belt. New spark plug. Greased all suspension components. Still needs a new throttle cable and carburetor then tuned.

Friendly advice.... always turn the kill switch back on immediately after shutting it down, so it doesn't freeze. Carry a extra pull cord and belt. Plus some dry gas. Good luck young man.

As a long time snowmobiler my first thought when saw your thumbnail was this is going to be painful. And watching you struggle with your sled it just made me feel very anxious. We never ride alone. (that way more of us are miserable) But I have to say when we would get to an area away from other sleds and turn them off the shear stillness and calm is amazing. I'm pretty sure that's one of many reasons why I enjoy your videos so much.

Northern adage… The advantage of having sled dogs over a snowmobile is that if you get stuck… You can eat the dogs

I share the same frustrations with snowmobiles. They have given me a lot of fun and adventure as i owned multiple sleds for 20 yrs but have had them fail multiple times too and a frozen solid track from slush too. I find joy like you in knowing my limits and know that im able to get out on my own without relying on machinery. Great video i felt bad for you but it also felt like i relived some of those moments you went through. Best to sell it and move on is what i did. A machine sitting for 9 months of the yr only for a few times use a yr and then to have to sweat your but off to just get the thing working….. oh yea your story hits close to home. I just have to figure out how to lighten up my sleigh load as pulling by hand in powder is not fun either but rewarding thats for sure.

With the maintenance done and the fixes you now have one of the most reliable snow machines on the planet.

Snowmobiles can be a full-time hobby by themselves, but once you get them dialed in and you get to know your machine better you learn its limitations as well. Definitely worth it, it can get you into places few people get to see. Love the videos, and keep your head up.

I agree with everything you said. In my opinion, if you rely on a snow machine then you need to be very mechanical. You need to bring along all the necessary tools, extra parts, etc. to fix it on the go. Mechanics like your friends are life savers. I am so jealous how they can diagnose, repair, improve mechanical items with ease.

Hi Guys!! Just found your channel last week and have been binge watching your videos!! I just wanted to give some suggestions for getting the Tundra out of slush. My father and I ran a trapline north of the Sault and have been in that situation with our Tundra. The first thing is that a old bumper jack (or farm jack) is invaluable for lifting the track out of the slush. Make sure you weld the base of the jack to the upright or you will lose it under the slush. Put the base down on the good ice and jack up the back end of the machine. Clean out as much slush as possible, then start the machine and run the track out. Pack down the snow beside where you got stuck and pull the track over on it. The second suggestion is that you put on your snowshoes and walk beside the machine while driving it to solid ground. Not having your weight on the machine seems to work wonders. Overall I like your adventures but I'm not so sure I would want to camp out in a tent in those temps!!

your positive attitude never ceases to amaze me. incredibly difficult situation to be in. speaks to your preparedness and perseverance

That which doesn't annoy the heck out of you will make you stronger, you'll learn from this. Bravo to your strength in not pushing it further into the slush. 😊

Glad you're safe Jon. I also owned an old tundra for several years (needed it to pull my hut out onto Simcoe) but when I stopped putting a hut out (I now walk everywhere, pulling a sleigh) I sold it and never looked back. When you get to be 58 years old and you think nothing of pulling a sleigh 10 plus km in a day, all the while hand auguring your own holes, it's a very satisfying feeling (he says, smugly). Plus, seven trips out on the ice and I haven't had to fish next to anyone! But I hear Simcoe is as busy as ever..... 😉

I agree that a snowmobile is a useful tool in the bush. Great post - I like the frankness and fact that you showed the difficulties and challenges that one often encounters in the bush. Have been in similar circumstances many times myself and every one has been a learning experience. Thanks for sharing.

With every new experiences comes with new lessons to be learned for new opportunities. I hope you don't get discouraged from using your snowmobile. I can respect and appreciate your point of view of not wanting to use one in the first place. You're doing a very job making your winter camping videos. Keep up the Excellent work

Feel the pain of being stuck in snow can be so maddening and nothing breaks until you use it. The first time you do anything always some paying a stupid tax but better to challenge the process than never have a different experience. You are just braver than the rest to put it on RU-vid and that's why I appreciate this channel.

As always, enjoyed the video. I also own a snowmobile, snow shoes, and cross country skis. They all have their place. Maybe your buddies could run you through a snowmobile tech 101 course. Changing a spark plug, drive belt, or clearing a flooded engine can save the trip. Respect the slush, it is nasty stuff.

I found your channel a few months ago, and I think you guys have the best backcountry/paddling/exploring channel on RU-vid. I just love your videos, and watching them has given me so much inspiration to do more backcountry trips myself. I've done a couple, but not for a few years, and now I can't wait for spring and warmer weather to arrive so I can get outdoors again. Your style of filmmaking is awesome, and I appreciate how much respect you show for the natural world and everything in it. And also how many helpful tips you share in your videos. I've learned so much from them. Best wishes to you both, and I hope 2022 is a great year for you guys.

I am glad you came to the same conclusion I did watching this. This is not a failure but a learning experience that made you stronger and improved your servial skills. As well as reaffirmed who you are and how you like doing things. I am glad your not giving up on the sled just yet as well. It is a new tool in your arisnal like a canoe or kayak, all be it mechanized. Once you try it out a few more times and build on successes, I can see it being a vital tool to longer non solo trips exploring the North back country in winter.

Jon with a machine? I thought I'd never see it! We just had to rescue a broken down sled from a small brookie lake this weekend; always carry spare spark plugs.

Always have to have ( confidence ) in your (maintenance) …of your snowmachine. ( snowmobile )The more you learn about it the better you will feel. I have used one my whole life I’m 55 and I’ve only broke down one time and it resulted in my lack of maintenance….Good camping,fishing ,good videos have fun enjoy be safe.

Great video Jon. Snowmobiles are definitely their own set of problems, especially when alone and a new/unfamiliar machine. Don’t give up though. Sounds like you’re on the right track with repairs as noted in some of the other comments. Great video and content. Winter is too long without adventures. Cheers!

All I could think about as this started to unwind was. This must have been what Shackleton was thinking dam slush. Expected to see the lake crush the snowmobile in the slush and take it down. Then after being out all day not eating or drinking half frozen he comes back to camp and does a science experiment that pushed me over the top. Great video on what can go wrong and not to give up and have a backup plan. Your the guy I want in my plane when it goes down in the frozen north👍. Take care and carry on.

Good for you for trying something outside your comfort.. and the sled can expand your range.. It has allowed us to visit your camp so earned its keep already. Great little video sharing honestly your journey.. and welcome to the north where everyone helps each other so we can all thrive!! Love that you still find time to see and show natures beauty .. it’s what sets you apart as a creator!

Tough day brother! Kudos for the effort... you’re a beast ❤️

Yes those machines can be unpredictable even the newer ones. It’s an experience but I’m happy for you that you have buddies to assist in fixing it. Glad to hear Erin wud like one. With both having a machine when you are out is a little more comforting should something go south with one of them! Keep up the great videos! Enjoy them very much!!👍👍👍

I feel the same about snowmobiles, it is a like/hate relationship. I find in one way they are helpful and convenient but when stuff goes wrong they are really stressful. I do hate the noise but if it is a trip to and from could probably put up with it for the short term. I could feel your stress that first day. All worked out in the end and at least the machine is working properly now. Thanks for sharing. :) :)

Wow. My heart sank a few times on this one. Glad you were safe and thank you for posting with all your troubles and tribulations I'm sure it ain't all sunshine n lollipops out there.

We had snowmobiles back in the 60's & 70's and they could be unreliable at times. We always carried extra spark plugs and a belt. We ran into the overflow issue as well. But we learned to hug the shore,seemed to work for us. I've seen people get trucks stuck on the ice before, not good. Anyway nice recovery from your issues, and good friends to rescue your sled.

Live and learn that’s for sure. Big reason I don’t use a snowmobile is I’m not very mechanical. I wish I would have listened more during auto mechanics class in high school ! Thanks for sharing. Take care and stay safe.

Last comment. Ty for showing the actual dangers. This is informative to us southerners who watch these videos and think it looks easy!

We feel your pain Jon, we have snow shoed into our camp for years, we keep saying about a snow machine, like you I feel part of the enjoyment is the trek in. That said this past weekend was a 4.5 hour marathon , the snow was so deep we had to unload our pelicans to break trail and then return back to pick up the off loaded of supplies,-30c . Arriving at the cabin it was -20 c inside which took 5 hours of feeding the woodstove to bring it up to temperature inside. We questioned our sanity but, in the end it’s all part of the journey and we spent 3 glorious days in the wilderness. Sorry for your troubles but looks like you have your machine up and running now, all the best, thanks for sharing. Bob

Nice. Good on you Jon for making such an honest post. Lessons to be learned. Thanks for sharing.

I'm proud of you John you tried a new way of going about your tours in your camping trips I'm proud of you very in the long run you have accomplished a lot keep it going from Canada

I know your not fond of snowmobiles. But if it will help you be able to venture further it will be worth it. You looked so tired and down at the end of your trip. Coupled with being on your own and the freezing temperatures it was working all against you. I really felt for you Jon. Hopefully now you’ve had the repairs done, it will run a lot smoother for you her on in and I know your probably doing your reading up on the machine as we speak. Still I appreciate your efforts and sharing this with us. Hope your both keeping well x

Only in Canada could you leave your sled by the trail and expect it to be there when you return. What I thought of while this was happening was how commendable it was of you set up the camera and documented the breakdowns as they occurred. That takes time and energy at the time when you have very little of both. I've been in that situation with my small children. Fortunately, I figured out how to get the machine started, but my poor judgement, relying on the sled, in that situation soured me on extended use of snow machines. I continued to use mine for short trips, winter picnics with the kids, with the same caveat as you. If I couldn't walk back to safety, I wasn't going at all.

I have gone through similar experiences with outboard motors. The noise, fumes, and breakdowns made them a poor means of transport. I went to an electric outboard and that solved the problems, but I must say that simple paddling is the real pleasure. When it is very cold you never want to have to depend on mechanical solutions.

Sweet‼️✅ I know what I'm watching tonight. 👌 This reminded me for a few seconds... of that Survivor man. Where he takes apart a Machine... 💪👌. Great Vid. 🇨🇦

I have to say I was a bit surprised you got a snowmobile cause it didn't sound like you at all. Hope it works as a means to get you out in the wild areas you so love. Thx for sharing.

That was one Hell of an adventure. But you kept at it and didn't let yourself be defeated.. I really love your content and thank you for all your hard work it doesn't go unnoticed and I know alot of people would agree it's appreciated 💯

"I don't have any passion for driving but I love that it gets me to access points for wild places". BINGO! The best attitude on utilitarian machinery. Sure, if your into racing or blasting (Ostacruiser) then spend the money and time. But I have neither the money or time and I enjoy the woods too much to dedicate my resources to get those types of machines.

Hey Jon tough go so thx for keeping it real!!! Great idea to keep the snowmobile and give it a shot another day. Mechanical issues are stressful your lucky to have such handy and kind friends. CHEERS!!!

Love the tundra's, they are great machines. But with any machine you should always pack a spare spark plug, belt and rope for the pull start and the tools to change them. An old pair of down hill skis bolted to the bottom of the toboggan greatly reduces the effort required to pull behind the snowmobile. Look forward to more snowmobile camping videos! Cheers.

Yes anything mechanical will leave you when you need it the most, never give up attitude.. well done Jon

I grew up in Labrador and spent many days on snowmobiles when I was young. Now that I'm an old man I prefer to snowshoe and drag a sled when I go winter camping. Great video by the way!!

Nice video, At least you have buddies to teach you on snowmobile things. I got tired of dragging flip over ice fishing huts on snow and ice, so I bought a used snowmobile to do that part. It is just an easier way to do what you like and farther out.

If you bought a little bit nicer, 4 stroke I think you would love it and it could open up more adventures for you.

The snowmobile is a useful tool in getting you to those portages that where impassable in the summer and clearing them for future canoe trips exploring more lost lakes

Always love your content. It's great that you kept the unedited thoughts and emotions in this one...very relatable. Even the pros have their trips that go sideways. All the best to you and Erin!

Recently tried my hand at winter hot tent camping. I tell people it was the hardest I've had to work to have fun. Love that you are honest about the hard work and exhaustion that goes into the adventure. Great video! Thanks for entertaining us!

Right back at you with the sled

Funny this, I grew up North of Sudbury, everyone had snowmobiles. My father said things much like your quote of how you would rather hear the trickle of the stream and the crunch of the snow. Our family cross country skied through the deep bush, and that was my childhood. Great decision, the silence too is lovely.

Nice to see you happy with. the stove.

This trip looked exhausting and you still kept the camera rolling. I know that wasn't easy, so on behalf of all your subscribers, thank you for sacrificing that time to document this gruelling trip. Stay safe out there bud.

Jon, good for you for trying something new and reach outside your comfort zone. Good job.

Another great video, Jon, thank you! My favorite thing about the snow is how quiet it is. It's so peaceful. I would prefer to walk over snowmobiling too.

By the way, that is an excellent point you bring up about how you use a car. It could let you down but rarely does. And it gets you to places you would like to be

Glad to see a sled added to the channel and that its staying!

Jon with some horsepower!! Getting to be a serious Northern boy.

New subscriber, love your videos. Your appreciation of nature is inspiring & I am glad that you are sharing your travels. Cheers from Vermont!

This one looked painful. Fair play going back out there, sticking it out, with all those dramas, in those conditions… Much respect 🙌🏻 Glad to see you stayed positive, well done John.

Not sure if you're familiar with the story of Rulon Gardner, the American Olympic wrestler, but his is an example of why some basic survival knowledge can save your life when technology lets you down. Great video. The bad trips make the good trips even better.

“Broken Down” …. Is that a reference to the snowmobile? Or Jon?! 😎

Great video, anyone who’s been stuck in the slush was feeling your pain! Some great tips from people in the chat on getting a good maintenance done before going out (and having friends who are mechanics! 👍). And slush boots!! 😉👍 Thanks for sharing this experience, great job, keep it up!

Hey, you’ve been quite for some time. Good to see again. Upload more frequently.

Glad you kept it to try again. I can understand the dislike for the noise and smell, but it opens up whole new areas ( and new videos!). I think the key is going with someone. Though I understand your passion for solo camping, this is the safer alternative occasionally. Great video Jon. More proof your a tough nut to crack!

Great video none the less, thanks for sharing. I enjoyed watching your adventure. Look forward to the next one.

Hey Jon, if I may, I would like suggest that you make a trail across the lake to your designated camp spot a day or two before - try to keep the speed up across the lake to hopefully avoid bogging down in slush. Make 2-3 passes widening the trail with each pass. The next day, that trail will be solid. Also, try to avoid idling 2-stoke machines, the cylinder walls and spark plug become fouled with oil - when ever possible try to rev the engine higher to burn off any collected oil residue on plug. Red material may have been belt fragments - getting stuck is hard on clutches and belts. Anyway, it’s spring now and we won’t have to worry about such things for a while 🙂. Great video, thank you

Friends are good like that. ☺️ Sorry tour trip wasn't better.

Good move. Even I feel better! Earning the destination is where it’s at.

Damn, you're tough! The snow was squeaking! That's cold!

Glad you’re giving it another shot, great guys helping get your machine fixed.

One cool machine Tundra, the weather will warm up and you will love it the area you’re in is some of my old stoping grounds . Keep spares plug,belt and A small assortment of bolts and nuts

Technology is a fickle friend. Can help in many ways but drive you crazy in others. Always seems to be a trade-off that has to be evaluated. Nice to see it builds character too.😅. Good video. 👍

Well done Jon. Thanks for the video.

Couple tips for a tundra. Do not trust the oil injection system, it's driven by a plastic gear that WILL FAIL. Google running mixed gas and bypassing the oil tank.Also get wide ski skins for it...will make a huge difference in the deep stuff. Tundras are a bit better in the deep stuff but if you can find a Bravo Trapper long track, they tend to be more reliable. Good luck

I watched you canoeing relentlessly for a few years and I didn't even know you had snowmobile adventure camping, great show 👍💪✌

Having a lid on the larger pot helps also. Glad you got through this. Cheers

Here's to walking (slowly)through the gorgeous winter woods, a different experience to be sure than flying across a frozen field with some buddies.

Oh man!!!! Late 90s tundra!!! Those are incredible!!!!!

Thank you for sharing the struggles! Sounds like you knew this wasn’t your deal from the start. I know I would be leery of anything used when my life depended on it working….

Pro tip. Never let a 2 cycle engine idle for to long. It will foul the spark plugs.

❤️ love that you have such amazing friends!

Thank you for sharing your adventure!

Great video Jon showing that it's not all perfect out there. So good having a bunch of friends to help you out, Funny when you showed the "red stuff" I thought that's clutch lining, to many years fixing stuff I guess ! Thanks for your video's.

When in doubt throttle out when out on a lake and in slush I, have snowmobiled quit a bit in around Sudbury found it fun, nothing wrong with having a snowmobile , i've gone down 3 feet in slush and gave it some throttle and was out, don't get discouraged the machine can help you out . always check the snowmobile over before going out carry extra parts , / gas.. you had a couple parts . You can do this even though it isn't your cup of tea . you and Erin will have fun on it am am sure , I know you will, nice your friends helped sort out the issues .

I just happened to finish re watching you and Xander canoeing when I saw this pop up, ironically. Tough trip, you look exhausted! Technology, any technology, can be such a blessing and such a failing curse! I'm kinda in the quiet woods camp, but I get the usefulness of the snow machine too, as well as the ATV, dirtbike, etc to get back to the nice places. Remember to always endeavor to perservere, as Lone Wadi once said! In other words, have a backup. Skis.

Those are great sleds. Its the braaaap sticker that made it the sad ending.

Jon carry an old jack to jack up the back of the sled and clear the slush. That's how I deal with being stuck in slush.

Glad you are safe and got the sled sorted out John. We ran into a couple slush traps ourselves last weekend on our trip. Makes travelling pretty brutal.

Good evening glad to see yea on a snowmobile

I TOTALLY get your narration on the hike out & taking in all the things around you and not just blurring by. Sucks that you had that ordeal with the snowmobile - but you found your center & pulled through. Yeah, a pun there... ;)

OMG bro, you are ALL IN, let's do this and ask questions later! So proud of you! Good job bro!! Love the NO FEAR Spirit!