OpenTube

Tent Advice from a Record-breaking Camper

Christian Lewis

4,269 views

For years, people have asked me for camping advice., Camping has always been deeply personal to me but recently, I thought: if sharing what I've learnt can genuinely help someone, then why not?

Having lived solidly outdoors during a record-breaking nomadic journey, camping wasn't just a hobby for me - it was my entire lifestyle. Over those years, I picked up hard-earned lessons and practical knowledge that you can only get from surviving amidst the elements day in, day out.

In this video, I'm sharing advice on tents and how to prioritise safety and warmth, whether you're just starting out as a camper or preparing for your next big adventure.

I hope this helps you on your camping journeys. Please feel free to drop a comment or ask for videos you would like to see regarding further camping tips and advice!

20 Comments

@irene-q7w-r1 13 hours ago

Thank you for making these videos Chris. Who else to give advice and knowledge after all your epic adventures!! Loved reading your books, watching all the podcasts. What an absolute inspiration. What a guy!!!

@vanlifenomad 14 hours ago

Excellent knowledgeable advice from a humble youtuber, thanks for sharing Chris

@buyinthedip 5 hours ago

You are THE great outdoorsman. Always a pleasure watching and listening to you. Thank you for your ongoing advice.

@moviebuff6490 7 hours ago (edited)

Knowledge dispells fear! Thank you Chis, I can almost guarantee that your advice will save lives.
Google needs to update their information about long time camping records.

@77bountiful 13 hours ago

Great video again Chris. My camping days are long gone but hearing how you've found the best and safest way to camp is going to be priceless for those that still love to do the camping game. Be it wild or not so wild. Thank you xx

@spoony01428 11 hours ago

Reassuring clicking on this and you are advocating for the only tent I have already 🙏

@carlxcape 24 minutes ago

Absolutely brilliant. I greatly appreciate you sharing your experiences and knowledge. I'm aware of deadfall, but had never thought about shallow rooted trees. And the advice on outer tent poles, is definitely something to think about. Many thanks Chris.

@henchy3rd 10 hours ago

Finally, someone speaking common sense.
When someone asks about the best gear blah, blah, blah..the first thing I say is..what is your expectations & experience with the outdoors & the best gear is the one you can afford..or buy second hand(better quality).

I don't go lightweight, I go midweight😁
I always take a folding chair & a fire maple dandelion table, because of my glass back😁extra weight, but so worth it.
My bivvy is a must too, because I've had a collapsed tent In horrendous weather.

@SleptOutside 12 hours ago

Great advice! I was in scotland for 2 nights only 2 years ago and had one night left to camp and there was 50mph gusts.. . I went through the spruce forest and found some young birch trees to camp inside... over 100metres from the spruce and pine treeline. I cant believe anyone gave that advice!
Love me a dome tent!
Especially enjoyed your scotland video from 3 weeks back. What a journey! Best of luck 🍀

@stigfloberghagenphotography 48 minutes ago

Interesting. Great video 👍🙂

@julieboydell8748 12 hours ago

Great video and advice Chris !

@ceridwenvikinghen 14 hours ago

The King of the campers!

@Life-Outdoors-UK 9 hours ago (edited)

Nice to hear sensible advice for a change on YT. One thing you missed as a positive for inner first is that they are quieter. You are far more experienced than me and I can't disagree with anything you said. I'll still go with an outer pitch first due to my scenario of out every week in Northern England, which as you know is predominantly wet and breezy. I'll choose where to go based on avoiding wind and thunder storms and I don't have the drying issues.

@traceygodwin2081 12 hours ago

A very informative video and you mentioned things I would never have considered if I ever went camping

@TheSevenShepherds 11 hours ago (edited)

❤❤❤ the video and the gear and your experience 😮

Its a tarp- tent for me [pyramid] and my two dogs though.
Just works.

@MrPurplepirate77 12 hours ago

Thanks for the video Chris and your great insights. You missed the tents that have a pole sleeve that runs the full length of the outer. The benefit is the strain from high wind is shared across the whole surface. The poles are not exposed so don’t freeze, and the inner stays dry when pitching. I used to love MSR but when I had an issue with the tent the service in the UK was pretty poor. I am with you on the bivy bag and use the Snugpak good enough at a fair price.

@mrefficient3855 11 hours ago

Yes I love a tent with a rain fly over in winter. I bought an inflate 6 persons tent with a wood stove. Only 3 inches of snow and the tubes split and came in our face at 5am. I was lucky I got plumbing plastic pipes with me. I cut 4 pieces to hold the inflate tubes.

@SelahRune 12 hours ago

👍❤️

@Clarabel70 12 hours ago

Really interesting, hearing you talk about the changing season into Autumn.
I also never pitch under/near trees, after a hairy night in France many moons ago!

@JusticeDevine-r2e 9 hours ago

There are two ex army campers from NE Scotland and they have been camping in the Cairngorms and living off grid for years. I use Shetland and merino wool for winter adventures and army surplus gear as well. I do not buy expensive gear and most of it is a rip off anyway. I also wax the outside of a tweed jacket and it is very warm and breathable. Highlanders could live and survive a Scottish winter and avoid getting damp and wet too. Wet clothing or skin freezes much faster than dry skin.