If you’re the sort of person who loves the great outdoors, then you probably won’t be too bothered by a little bit of rainfall now and then. Even if you don’t mind the rain, it can be remarkably disruptive to a camping trip if the weather conditions are bad. Those who are prepared can deal with a rainy day on a camping trip with no troubles, but those who aren’t might see their trip cut short or even risk getting equipment destroyed or becoming ill as a result.
The risk of rain on a camping trip is naturally much higher in some places than in others. If you go camping in a Washington national park, there is a far higher chance of rain than if you go camping in Nevada, but being prepared is always the best course of action as an experienced camper will tell you.
In this article, we’re delving into our top tips for camping in the rain so you can always be ready for the skies to open. A little water doesn’t have to ruin your campout if you take advantage of some of the advice below.
Pitch Your Tent in the Right Location
This is probably the single most important tip for avoiding a horrible rainy experience and waking up with a couple of inches of water in your tent with you. Try and pitch your tent on a slope so that the water will naturally run downhill and away from your camping area.
Flat grounds can start to build up puddles of water, but on the other hand, too much of a slope and you could find your trip uncomfortable or that it is tough to keep walking on an incline. Use your best judgment to try and find a suitable area. You should always have a scout around for the perfect pitch. Don’t just settle for the first spot you find.
Keep Wet and Dry Separate
Space can often be quite limited when you are on a camping trip. Knowing where to store clothes, for instance, can be tricky. The key is to keep your wet things away from your dry things as much as you possibly can. Make sure you have some spare plastic bags for putting damp items in so that they don’t become mixed up with the dry clothes you’re planning to wear the next day. Before going into your tent, think about whether you can dry off a little more to avoid spreading the water around.
Microfiber Is Your Friend
Microfiber is a really versatile material that has saved many camping trips from disaster. It is compact to pack away in your bags, but the main benefits are that it is both incredibly absorbent and quick to dry off again. Make sure you’ve got plenty of microfiber cloths and towels for your next trip.
Choose the Right Tent
This is incredibly basic but something people seem to get wrong all the time. A rugged and sturdy tent is an absolute essential for your trip, and even if most of your camping is done in warm and dry areas, you should have a waterproof tent for when the time comes to visit somewhere where you will be more likely to end up tent camping in the rain.
Treat the Tent
Did you know that you can purchase a spray called a reproofing spray? The coating that surrounds a tent and repels the water can get compromised over time. The more times you use a tent, the more likely it is to lose some of its repellant quality.
You don’t have to buy a new tent, though. Instead, you can add a proofer which can ensure you have a reliable camping rain shelter.
Bring Tarpaulins
Tarpaulins should also be a key component of your camping rain gear. Tarpaulin is another versatile material that can be used in a variety of different ways. You can be creative with the use of a tarp and use it as a floor cover to cover any leakages in your tent or even to create another sheltered area for a fire.
Spare Tent Pegs
Spare tent pegs or stakes can be used to create a second sheltered area. This can give you a lot more space where you are sheltered and means you don’t all have to cram into the tent when the rain comes.
This is the perfect place for a campfire, cooking, and even hanging out clothes to dry safe from the rain. Be sure to slope the roof of this sheltered area to divert rain away from the rest of your campsite.
Prioritize Your Fire
Fire should always be a key priority in your campsite. It allows you to cook, keeps you warm and can help you dry things off.
If you’ve ever tried to start a fire in the rain, you’ll know how tough it is. This is only true if you’re not prepared, though. If you know that rain should be coming, keep some kindling and firewood dry under a tarpaulin and ensure that you have waterproof matches. These can be one of the most important things you pack in your bag.
Consider a Tent Cot
There are always new tech breakthroughs and new products designed to help with camping. This is one that is not particularly high in technology, but it is an innovation that has grown a lot in recent years: the tent cot.
If you spend a lot of time camping in an area where you are likely to experience rain, a tent cot can keep you elevated from the ground and protect you from water, which can puddle underneath your tent.
If it isn’t raining, tent cots also have the benefit of being more comfortable and not on bumpy ground, and they also make it harder for bugs and other creatures to enter your home.
Protect Valuables
Phones, chargers, money, tickets, all items can be ruined by getting wet. Waterproof bags are pretty easy to find, and their importance shouldn’t be underestimated for keeping your valuables safe.
You also have the option of hammocks within your tent, which are designed to be a sort of shelf where things can be stored and kept dry within your campsite.
Taking Kids? Bring Plenty to Entertain Them!
Most of the things that children like to do when they’re on a camping trip are activities that are best participated in when it is dry. A lot of games, sports and hiking activities might get delayed by the rain, so ensure you pack games, books and plenty you can do even when the rain starts to fall. Agitated and bored children are only going to add to the misery of a rainy day.
Conclusion
Camping in the rain can be an adventure. It isn’t always ideal, but with the right attitude, you can still make sure you have plenty of fun on your travels. Be organized, follow the top camping in the rain tips and pack everything you might need if the heavens open.
