Walmart vs. Bass Pro Shops - $500 Winter Survival Challenge!
The challenge showed that cheap gear can work, but test critical equipment before a trip: Walmart’s heater and pizza oven both failed to regulate reliably.
- Prioritize a properly rated sleeping bag; the 15°F bag kept its user warm, while the 35°F setup raised concerns.
- Test stoves, heaters, and sleeping pads at home; the heater failed to ignite and the pizza oven scorched food.
- A tarp and paracord made a simple covered area, but a larger tent offered more room for gear.
The notes capture the gear choices and failures; the rest is mostly challenge footage and banter. · Best for: Campers comparing budget gear for cold-weather trips.
Three brothers each shop with a $500 budget at Walmart or Bass Pro Shops, then camp in cold, wet mountain weather. Their experience highlights the importance of testing gear beforehand and choosing a sleeping setup suited to expected temperatures.
The shopping challenge and gear choices0:00
- The brothers shop under a $500 limit; two share Walmart and alternate picks, while one shops alone at Bass Pro.
- They spend on shelter, sleeping gear, cooking equipment, blankets, and fishing supplies.
- Walmart shoppers find inexpensive blankets and a three-person tent; the Bass Pro shopper chooses a 15°F sleeping bag.
Camp setup and attempts to get food14:00
- The group sets up in cold, wet conditions with a winter storm forecast.
- A tarp and paracord create a covered area beside one tent; another camper prioritizes getting the tent and rainfly up before fishing.
- The fly-fishing kit proved difficult for a beginner: the line tangled, and the user discovered the setup needed tippet material.
Equipment problems and cooking results40:28
- A portable heater repeatedly failed to stay lit, despite attempts to troubleshoot it.
- The pizza oven lit, but ran too hot even at its lowest setting, burning the pizza and cinnamon rolls.
- The fish and hot dogs were more successful meals; the group rated the squirrel meat better after adding salt.
Sleeping gear and overnight outcome1:04
- The cooking contest prize was heated socks and a hot-water-bottle idea; the bottle did not work as expected with the insulated container.
- One air pad deflated overnight, while the camper using the 15°F sleeping bag reported staying warm and sleeping well.
- It rained rather than snowed. One camper reported being too warm and sleeping poorly; another described a cozy night.
Tools & resources mentioned
- Walmart — budget camping, bedding, and cooking supplies.
- Bass Pro Shops — outdoor and camping gear.
- Ozark Trail heater — portable heater tested at camp; it would not stay lit.
- Portable propane pizza oven — camp cooking appliance; it overheated food in this test.
- Tarp and paracord — used to make a covered area beside a tent.
- Fly-fishing kit — used in an attempt to catch trout; the user struggled with tangles and missing tippet material.
- Heated socks — awarded as the cooking contest prize and shared for overnight warmth.
Notes are AI-generated from the video's transcript and may miss nuance.