How To Tent Camp In The Rain - Welcome to Tamborine Mountain Caravan Camping

27 Insanely Easy Tips for Camping in the Rain (Plus Rainy Day Camping Activities)

If you have ever gone camping before, I am confident that you have done it in the rain. If you’ve been fortunate or if you’re a first-time camper, believe me when I say that you will end yourself camping in the rain before the season is up! The weather may be beautiful and blue when you depart for your camping excursion, but it may soon turn sour if the wind picks up. Alternatively, you may have scheduled a camping trip and realized it was too late to cancel (or that you just did not want to) since the weather prediction indicates rain.

Prepare for Camping in the Rain

Before it rains, you should take care of some of the most critical things you can to stay dry and have a better camping experience. Some tasks should be completed before you leave your house. Prepare yourself by planning ahead of time. This post includes affiliate links for your convenience. For more information, please see the entire disclaimer here. 1.Bring a decent tent with a rainfly that fits well. In the past, I’ve heard of individuals who have forgotten their rainfly – I presume it wasn’t put back in the tent bag?

The rainfly on certain cabin tents is structured in such a manner that it just covers the top of the tent (much like a roof on a home), and some campers have complained about rain blowing into their cabins via the windows.

Purchasing a dent with a vestibule is another option.
This will assist you in staying dry when opening the tent door.
3.
Seam sealer can also be used to join the seals together.
4.
It is important to examine the weather prediction for your camping spot rather than your home area.
Camping in the rain is one thing, but camping during a violent storm is not recommended if at all possible, according to the National Weather Service.

If you are camping in an area where you have the option to select where to pitch your tent (i.e., there is no specified tent pad), choose a location on higher ground rather than the lowest point on a site or the bottom of a steep slope.

If you are required to pitch your tent on a designated tent pad area, try to select a spot that will not be submerged in water for an extended period of time.

We were once camped at a huge Scout camp with numerous other families when this happened.

The middle of the night brought a severe rain storm, despite the fact that it had been a gorgeous sunny day.

One family discovered several inches of water in their tent when they awoke.

Some tents have “footprints” that may be purchased that are particularly designed for them.

Just make sure that the tarp does not extend past the bottom of the tent.

A tarp on the bottom of your tent inside is also recommended by some, although we have never done it ourselves.

Use a tarp to protect your tent if you are concerned about keeping your tent dry or if you have any worries about how waterproof your tent is.

Just be sure you bring along plenty of additional rope or paracord for the tarp.

Make sure you have watertight containers and/or bags to keep your equipment.

This will assist to guarantee that they do not become wet.

Install a mat outside your tent or RV door to catch dirt and debris that may fall out.

12.

This will provide you with a safe place to hang out and prepare food away from the elements.

13.

I am surprised by the amount of people who claim that rain blows into their cabin tent windows as a result of a smaller rainfly in their cabin tent.

I am aware that it may be quite hot and sticky during the summer months.

Once the rain has stopped, open the door and unzip any windows that have been closed.

Related Camping Post: 32 Camping Tips for Staying Cool While Camping in the Heat 15.

If the weather is very bad, it may be difficult to prepare meals.

Under a tarp or a cover, the stoves are simple to use.

Download my free cheat sheet and instructions by clicking here.

Bring your own firewood if you are able to– owing to pests and illness, some localities have strong laws regarding bringing fuel into their territory.

Cover your dried firewood and kindling with a tarp to keep the elements out.

Then covering the wood with the remaining part of tarp will help to keep it dry.

You may not want to attempt to start a fire in the rain, but you will require dry wood for a fire when the rain has (hopefully) stopped in order to keep warm.

19.

Wood shavings, dryer lint, cotton balls coated with petroleum jelly, and other such materials Despite the fact that some individuals swear by InstaFire, we have never utilized it.

Consider digging a little deeper — the needles may be dry beneath the surface layer.

Aferrorod is used and adored by certain people.

(Take a look at this convenient clothesline that is ready to use.) If it continues to rain, you may want to consider putting your clothesline beneath a tarp or umbrella.

22.

Make sure to bring a rain poncho with you.

Some folks pack a pair of boots as well as an extra set of shoes.

They like wearing them even when it isn’t raining or muddy!

Don’t forget to bring towels.

The majority of individuals who go camping in campgrounds normally pack a towel for their shower.

24.

Overcast sky, overcast skies, and wet weather can all contribute to the darkness.

25.

Don’t forget to check out the additional rainy day camping activities listed below!

If it’s warm enough, you can just go outside and play in the rain!

If you find yourself camping in the rain, keep a happy attitude and look for things to be thankful for.

Let the sound of the rain hitting your tent lull you to sleep at night, and take in the post-rain landscape – moody forests, foggy mountains, and rushing waterfalls – to recharge your batteries.

Rainy Day Camping Activities

Even if it rains, your camping vacation may be a lot of fun. Maintain a container packed with materials and games that will be used just during inclement weather.

Play board games and cards, such as Go Fish, Old Maid, UNO Wilderness, Dutch Bllitz, Monopoly DEAL, and so on
Watch movies. Check out a book or a magazine
Conversational games such as 20 Questions, I Spy, Would You Rather?, and Just a Minute can be played. Sing the song ‘Rain, rain, go away.’ Seriously, though, have a good time belting out some camp songs or any of your other favorite tunes. Inform them about your life by telling them amusing and/or emotive anecdotes, particularly about former exploits
Keep a diary to record your thoughts. Draw on it and add stickers on it to make it more interesting. Pray and record your thoughts in a prayer notebook. Consider spending some of your downtime with God. Design and make crafts: leatherwork, trekking sticks, jewelry, paracord constructions, coloring, and so forth. This may be entertaining for both children and adults. Improve your knot-tying abilities (which I am hopeless at! )
Take a little snooze. You may take a break
You are not required to be always amused. Make a plan for your next camping trip. After the rain has stopped, look at trekking maps to find out about local excursions. If there is a clubhouse on the campground, you should take use of it. (Be aware that it may be packed!) If you are staying in a national park, make sure to stop by the visitor center. Take a drive to see some of the local sites

Go Fish, Old Maid, UNO Wilderness, Dutch Blitz, Monopoly DEAL, and other card games are recommended. Book or magazine reading is recommended. Games such as 20 Questions, I Spy, Would You Rather?, and Just a Minute can be played to stimulate dialogue. “Rain, rain, go away,” you can sing to the heavens. On a serious note, though, have a good time singing some camp songs or any of your other favorite tunes. Inform them about your life by telling them amusing and/or sentimental anecdotes, particularly about your previous travels.

Add drawings and stickers to make it more appealing.
Consider spending some of your down time with God.
Color is also an option.
); Lie down and rest for a few minutes.
Make a plan for your next camping vacation.
If there is a clubhouse at the campground, take use of it.
If you’re staying in a national park, make sure to visit the visitor center.

Pack your tarp and canopy last if you’re going to leave in the rain so that you may work beneath them if at all feasible. Even if the rain has stopped, there is a strong probability that your tent and gear will still be wet when you pack it up. Garbage bags are in helpful for storing tarps, tents, and other gear that has been wet on the way home. Don’t forget to pack up your wet gear. You should hang your tent up or pitch it in your yard when you return home, so that it can dry completely. Sleeping bags may be wet and must be dried as well as the rest of the bedding. The majority of the time, you may simply hang them outside. Make careful to thoroughly dry any camp stoves and cooking equipment. If you packed your camping goods in a hurry at the wet location, you should reorganize your things.

Share Your Camping in the Rain Hacks and Stories

Do you have any tips or tricks for staying dry when camping in the rain? What if you found a tent you really liked that was water and leak proof? Please share your favorite (or worst) camping memories in the comments section below!

Camping in the Rain: Every Tip, Trick and Hack You Need To Know

It is possible that rain will completely destroy an otherwise fantastic camping experience if you are not prepared. Wet gear, standing water in your tent, unlit campfires, and other difficulties will leave you with a strong desire to return home and never return. When it comes to camping in rain, however, if you are adequately equipped, the experience may range from a little inconvenience to something that is truly delightful and even a welcome challenge.

Index:

You may use this index to skip directly to the portion of this post that you are interested in learning more about further.

When it rains, there are several things to consider: choosing the best campsite location, creating a rain-free space, drying wet gear, building a campfire in the rain, staying dry without shelter, and rain camping clothing. Keeping Your Gear Dry – Waterproof Backpacks
Staying Warm If You Get Wet
Keeping Yourself Warm If You Get Wet
Camping In The Rain Checklist
Camping In The Rain Checklist

Choose the Correct Location for your Tent and Campsite

Choosing the proper campsite and tent position is one of the most important aspects in ensuring that you will have a dry, warm, and happy experience camping in the rain. This is especially true if you are going to be camping in a group. Look for a location with high ground and, preferably, trees overhanging the building (that you will later attach tarps to). It is best to avoid low locations that might gather runoff and get saturated in the event of a strong downpour. You are not need to reach the highest position possible, but you should avoid reaching the lowest point possible.

Valleys are typically the wettest and coldest parts of the country.

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Creating A Rain Free Outdoor Space With Tarps and Paracord

Camping tarps are quite handy for practically any camping excursion, and they are especially beneficial while camping in the rain or snow. A lightweight tarp will allow you to quickly and easily construct an overhead shelter for relaxing and waiting out the rain while out camping. With a tarp, a roll of paracord, and a few trees, you can quickly and inexpensively construct a shelter in which to cook, play games, take a sleep, or simply hang out with your friends and family members. It is common for me to set up a tarp shelter even when it is not raining or when rain is not in the forecast so that I may have a covered lounging area and to protect my culinary setup in case of an unexpected downpour.

This enables me to keep my tent dry and out of the weather while I am putting it together.

If I have enough tarps, I’ll even lay one down on the ground beneath my tarp shelter if I’m lucky enough to have enough. In the event of a rainfall, this prevents campers from being forced to walk around on wet and/or muddy ground, so causing havoc and ruining everything.

Drying Out Wet Gear

Occasionally, rain sneaks up on you, and you can’t help but wind up with dripping wet clothes and equipment. You will need to dry out your gear in order for it to perform at its peak. The problem is that there are so many variables to consider that drying out your gear may require some ingenuity.If you have a tarp and paracord and have been able to set up a tarp shelter, your obvious option is to string a drying line through your shelter and hang out your clothes and gear to dry overnight. It is possible to fast dry your gear by using the heat generated by a nearby campfire (but don’t get carried away!).

Other options are not always as enjoyable.On a few occasions, I have had to try to dry my clothes inside my small 1 person tent, while another option (which I have not tried) is to place wet clothes inside your sleeping bag to dry out from your body heat.If you are wearing good wicking clothes (which I will discuss later), keeping them on will cause them to wick moisture away from your body through the clothing.If you are not wearing good wicking clothes (which I will discuss later), keeping them on will If you can’t get them on a decent drying line near a fire, this will actually help them dry up faster than removing them from the water.

Creating A Campfire In The Rain

Constructing a decent campfire is an art form in and of itself; however, creating a campfire in the rain, with potentially wet firewood, is a genuinely challenging undertaking. IgnitionFirst and foremost, you must ensure that you have the capacity to ignite a fire at all times. When camping, you’ll need a dependable lighter to start your fire, whether it’s a little stove, campfire, or anything else. Your serious fire starting alternatives are aMagnesium Fire Starter, Waterproof Matches, and a Waterproof Lighter, which are listed in order of least to most effective effectiveness.

Rain-soaked matches become completely unusable.
Tinder After then, you’ll need your tinder.
You still have a few alternatives for tinder in a wet and rainy scenario, depending on the situation and the weather.
A dense bed of needles will often cover the ground beneath a pine tree, and if you dig down, you may be able to uncover dry needles beneath the initial layer of needles that cover the ground.
Make your own tinder out of fallen wood if you don’t have any on hand.
Hopefully, you will discover that the wood is dry behind the bark.
These should be simple to light and burn quickly and intensely.

This is actually a sensible item to include in your emergency/survival kit at all times.

This product consists of individually packed tablets that burn hot for 5 minutes and may be used in any weather condition, even rain.

Kindling Kindling is a little fuel that is easy to fire yet burns for a longer period of time than tinder.

It is most common to find the driest kindling behind trees, in tall grass, and among dense plants.

Under the tarp, you may also stack more kindling to begin drying it out while it burns.

If you’ve previously succeeded in lighting your tinder and kindling, you shouldn’t have any problem getting your fuelwood to burn as well.

Firewood should be obtained solely from previously fallen and dead trees, as live wood will not burn and it is considered bad etiquette to chop down living trees.

After that, divide the fuelwood in order to have access to the dry middle.

While a good camping hatchet is ideal for this function, a survival knife may also be employed in an emergency situation. Are you getting bored in the rain? Take a look at these 7 Camping Activities for Rainy Days.

Staying Dry Without Shelter: Top/Shell Layers

The most important factor in being warm and comfortable when camping in the rain is to avoid becoming wet in the first place. Staying under your shelter or in your tent at your campground may be the most convenient option. However, rain frequently falls when we least anticipate it, when we are not in close proximity to our shelter, or when we just do not want to be confined to our shelter. It is critical to have the right top layers in place at this point. Top layers may be worn in a variety of ways, and the one you choose will be determined by the weather conditions you will be experiencing.

When it comes to upper layers, you should look for a jacket with a waterproof membrane that is both breathable and windproof, such as Gore-Tex or eVent.

An inexpensive and compact rain suit or poncho is a wonderful option if you are looking for something easy to have on hand simply in case of an emergency.

This jacket is not lightweight, and it is not something that should be worn on a regular basis other than in an emergency.

Keeping Your Gear Dry

Backpacks, daypacks, and portage packs that are water resistant Now imagine that you’re out in the woods, it’s pouring, and you’re trying your best to remain dry when you suddenly find that everything in your bag has gotten wet because you bought a cheap backpack that was “waterproof” in principle but proved to be everything but in practice. It is important to get a high-quality backpack that is appropriate for your particular sort of journey. In addition to carrying all of the things you need, a high-quality pack will also be comfortable to wear on your body, robust, and not only waterproof, but also watertight.

They are of excellent quality, long-lasting, and reasonably priced.
These are ideal if you want to put your pack through its paces on a regular basis.
This FE Active Cloudbreak 30L backpack is an excellent option if you’re looking for a waterproof daypack.
Compared to the 30L Cloudproof above, this Outdoor Master 50L waterproof weekend pack comes with a rain cover and is a little bit larger.
If you already have a backpack and are looking for a little more protection from the weather, a backpack rain cover is the right solution.
This rain cover for your backpack from Orange Sport is both inexpensive and functional.
These packs are designed for portaging and are perfect for camping in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
They are enormous, water-resistant, and exceedingly comfortable to wear.
Portage Packs for Canoeing in the BWCA courtesy of Granite Gear 5,000 cubic inches (82 liters) is the volume of the Quetico 5000 pack.
The Superior Oneis a 7,400 cubic inch (121 liter) pack that can accommodate your tent, sleeping bag, food, cooking utensils, tarps, and everything else you can think of when out camping.
For trips where my packs may become soaked, such as a trip down the Bois Brule River, I make it a point to load everything into water-resistant stuff sacks that I can store inside my main pack before I leave.

This helps me to safeguard my gear with two separate layers of protection, and it has never failed me when I need my gear to be dry when I unpack it.

Staying Warm When Wet – Wearing Proper Base LayersClothing

So you’ve managed to get wet, and regardless of whether or not you have the means to dry out your clothing, you’ll need to remain warm. The combination of being wet and cold can quickly result in hypothermia, which can be life-threatening in the outdoors. The Fundamentals of Wilderness First Aid (Including Hypothermia) What Happens Next? In this situation, being well-prepared may make or break your camping vacation, as well as actually save your life. You must ensure that you pack appropriate attire for the sort of vacation you are doing before leaving home.

Clothing made of cotton Cotton is useful for a variety of tasks since it is lightweight and comfy, but it is the worst material to wear when it is damp or chilly.
Whenever you find yourself wet and chilly while wearing cotton clothes, you must remove the garment as fast as possible, allow it to dry, and then get yourself warmed up as rapidly as possible.
Clothing Made of Wool When it comes to clothes for camping in the outdoors, wool is virtually a perfect choice because of its warmth and durability.
Wool clothing allows you to remain warm while your clothing is drying, which is ideal in colder climates.
The most significant disadvantage of wool is that it is heavy, scratchy, and difficult to wear.
They are lightweight, dry quickly, and wick away moisture nicely.
fleece may be purchased for a reasonable price, and any serious camper is likely to have a drawer filled with several fleece layers.

Polypropylene When it comes to clothes that you’d want to be wearing if you get wet, polypropylene is definitely the second-best option after polyester.

Almost all major garment manufacturers, including Patagonia, The North Face, and a slew of other names, produce polypropylene apparel.

Merino Wool not only contains all of the wonderful attributes of wool, but it also has the ability to correct the issues associated with wool.

This implies that when you wear Merino Wool clothes, you will dry out and feel dry, even if the garment is wet or damp.

Unlike traditional wool, which contains huge hard fibers that feel harsh and irritating on the body, Merino Wool has smaller smoother strands that feel amazing (more like cotton) on the body.

I bought my first Merino Wool shirts from Ibex Clothing around four years ago, and I’ve been in love with them ever since.

My camping cupboard is currently bursting at the seams with various merino wool apparel brands. T-shirt made of merino wool by IBEX Clothing. Here are a few of my favorite Merino Wool Manufacturers:

It is possible to get everything you need at Ibex Clothing, including base layers, top layers, helmets, gloves, and much more. Minus 33 is another another excellent firm that provides everything a Merino wool enthusiast could possibly need. SmartWool – SmartWool is a clothing company that sells great Merino wool clothes at really reasonable pricing.

In my opinion, I wouldn’t go serious camping without bringing a base layer of merino wool along with me, as well as a couple other items of merino wool apparel, depending on the sort of weather forecasted.

Camping in the Rain ChecklistEssential Gear

2. Boots that are water resistant Leg Gators are a kind of gator that has four legs. 3.Wicking Base Layer (optional) Plastic Tarps, 4.8′ x 10′ in Size 5.100 feet of paracord is required. 6.Additional Tent Stakes (for setting up a shelter) 7.Matches that are impervious to water 8.Tinder with Waterproofing Survival Knife (number 9) 10.Camping Knife & Axe 11.Waterproof Backpack with a padded shoulder strap 12.Rain Tarp for Your Backpack 13.Stuff Sacks for Dry Sacks

9 Tips for Camping in the Rain to Avoid Getting Soaked

Camping is the ideal pastime for obtaining some fresh air in wide-open places with no one else around except for the people you want to spend time with. The prospect of spending time in the great outdoors after being cooped up at home for a lengthy period of time may be exhilarating, but it also increases the likelihood of being on the receiving end of severe weather. Camping in the rain, on the other hand, does not have to be a horrible experience. Because of contemporary technology, there is a plethora of budget-friendly camping equipment available on the market to assist you keep comfortable when camping in inclement weather.

In the event that you don’t have all of the necessary waterproof gear on hand, remembering a few simple tactics for setting your campsite as well as a few clever rainy-day camping hacks may convert your sodden outdoor experience into a delight, no matter how heavy the rain or drizzle.

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Wear the Right Clothing for Camping in the Rain

Layering is essential while camping, and it is much more important when camping in severe weather. When it comes to rain camping apparel, you’ll need at the absolute least the appropriate pants, weather-resistant boots, and a water-resistant jacket or rain shell. Utilize a poncho: In an ideal situation, you would have brought along a poncho. As an alternative to the jacket in the event that it becomes broken, dirty, or wet through, the poncho can be used to assist cover a pack. Besides that, a wide-brimmed hat will keep more water away from your face than would a hood.

Pack additional layers of clothing: Pack as many layers as possible, especially when it comes to base layers and socks.

Even if your outerwear does an excellent job of keeping you dry, it will almost certainly cause you to perspire, so always have a change of clothing on hand.

It absorbs water rapidly, provides little insulation while wet, and takes an inordinate amount of time to dry out. Replace your cotton base layers, which include your socks and underwear, withmerino wool or other synthetics that are equal in quality.

Carry Waterproof Bags

Our other rainy-day camping recommendations include storing your belongings in a weather-resistant or even waterproof bag to keep them safe from the elements. When it comes to water resistance, you shouldn’t rely on your standard camping tent or hiking gear. When camping in the rain, you must enclose all of your essential items in a waterproof bag, even if they are contained within your purportedly waterproof tent. “Critical items” include a sleeping bag, a change of clothes, food, any electronics, and medical or emergency supplies.

Pack Foods That Don’t Require Cooking in the Rain

Hot camp meal is delicious. However, if it’s raining too heavily, a hot lunch is most likely out of the question. If all of the meals you brought were dried meals that required boiling water, you’re in a bit of a pickle, to keep the culinary puns coming, to put it mildly. Always bring a few ready-to-eat meals, often known as MREs, along with some trekking snacks, because you won’t be able to create a fire or use a camp stove in your tent if you don’t have one. For those of you who are daring enough to camp in the rain, however, building a fire in the rain while camping is possible with a little practice.

Check out our list of quick and easy camping meals that you can eat anywhere, at any time.

Pitch Your Tent on High Ground

Despite the fact that it may seem obvious, no list of rain camping recommendations would be complete without a mention of the fact that water flows downhill. As a result, do not set up camp at the bottom of a hill. For sleeping comfort, you’ll want to set up your camping tent on the flattest piece of ground that you can find. It is recommended that you build part of your campground on gently inclined ground, however this is not always practicable. Given that there will be no pools of water anywhere on a hill, it’s best to set up your cooking, gear maintenance, and other activities on a slightly sloped location where you can hang a tarp.

Lay a Tarp Down Inside Your Tent

No matter if I’m hiking up a mountain or taking on a challenging trail, I always pack an extra camping tarp along with me, even if the weather prediction is looking good. When there is no rain, I throw a tarp under my tent to keep moisture in the ground from seeping upward and to tamp down any thorny brambles or twigs that may pop out from beneath the ground. Putting your waterproof tarp inside your tent is a good idea if you’re camping in the rain or if it’s likely to rain while you’re there.

Water that seeps up through the floor or drips down the walls of the tent will end up beneath the tarp, keeping your sleeping bag, your pack, and the rest of your camping gear that is placed on top of the tarp safe from the elements.

The addition of this layer provides a first line of defense against moisture from below, as well as protection against pebbles and other things injuring the tent floor.

Make certain that you have a weatherproof tent with a rainfly before you leave home. But you’ve already thought about it, haven’t you? And did you inspect the tent for holes, rips, or other flaws before use? Great.

Be Careful on Wet Terrain

No matter if you’re trekking through miles of squishy terrain or merely making your way a few feet out of your tent to drop some of your own water, damp ground is treacherous. In the worst-case situation, falling over on wet ground might result in significant harm. In the best-case scenario, you will be wet and muddy, which is still not ideal. While the terrain is slippery or muddy, try using trekking poles to increase your stability, particularly on wet rocks or when crossing streams. You might also consider adding some extra traction to the bottoms of your shoes or boots when the ground is slick or muddy.

A pair of them may be tucked away inside a jacket pocket with relative ease.

Don’t Forget to Bring Stuff to Do

Raining too heavily for hiking, bicycling, fishing, or even simply sitting around the campfire may make even the great outdoors feel uninteresting or downright oppressive when it’s too wet to accomplish anything outdoors. That doesn’t mean that has to be the case. Another one of our favorite camping recommendations for rainy weather is to bring along novels, playing cards, board games, and other activities that you and your campmates can do to pass the time while you’re out in the rain. Although it may be tempting to cuddle around an iPad to watch movies, this is not a good idea since your valuable tablet may be damaged by dampness or direct rain and also because you are out in the wilderness, after all.

If You Do Get Soaked …

Get dry and warm as soon as possible. In the event that you do not have dry clothing and your tent is sufficiently warm, you should consider being nude to allow your skin to completely dry. Alternatively, strip down to your underwear and crawl into your warm, dry sleeping bag. Hand warmers, clothing, a campfire made beneath a tarp outside, or anything else you need to do to keep your body temperature stable are all good options to consider. Wet garments should be hung up to dry under a tarp, but don’t hold your breath.

In damp rubber boots or water-resistant socks, you may stuff balled-up newspaper to keep your feet warm.

Re-Waterproof Your Tent for Next Time

When you return from a tent excursion in the rain, you’ll want to make certain that your gear is in good condition for the next expedition. To begin, you might make use of the Nikwax Tent and Gear Solarproof. With this product, you can extend the life of your tent and improve its efficacy. The term Solarproof may be a touch deceiving, but it provides lasting water repellency (DWR) and helps to protect your tent from harmful UV rays.

When you come home from a camping vacation, make sure to allow your tent to dry completely before storing it. Make certain that your tent or rain fly is never dried in the washing machine.

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How to Camp in the Rain (Without Being Miserable)

When you join up for Outside+ today, you’ll receive a $50 discount off an eligible $100 purchase at the Outside Shop, where you’ll discover a variety of brand-name goods handpicked by our gear editors. After 34 years as a National Outdoor Leadership School instructor, Marco Johnson has a well-worn phrase that he shares with his camping skills students. The weather permitting, he continues, “anyone is welcome to camp.” “However, if you can not just survive but flourish in adverse weather, you will have a better understanding of who you are as a backcountry traveler.” According to Johnson, becoming comfortable camping in the rain is a combination of mentality and practice, with a high likelihood of rewarding results.

According to him, “if you have the correct mindset and talents, you will be having a fantastic time while everyone else is heading to the vehicle.” Here are some suggestions from Johnson to make your camping experience more enjoyable in the rain.

Embrace the Wetness

“Once you’ve committed to it, accept the fact that you’re going to get wet no matter how well-prepared you are with rain gear or other equipment,” Johnson advises. “There’s nothing complicated about stating, ‘I’m going to deal with this,’ and everything will be great.” The rain shouldn’t prevent you from making the same wise decisions in the wilderness that you would make when the skies are clear—such as eating and hydrating properly, bringing the appropriate clothing, and selecting a safe campsite.

“When it’s all said and done, it will come to an end,” Johnson predicts.

Find Natural Shelter

In severe weather, the view from camp is less significant, thus Johnson recommends looking for trees or other naturally occurring rain breaks to put up your tent rather than the view from camp. Make use of conifers and large leafy trees to your advantage. The rain that will fall on you can be reduced or even eliminated by using these methods. This will allow you to put up your shelter and not be as exposed, according to Johnson. “Once my shelter is up, I choose a fantastic cook location behind a tree where I will be more or less shielded from the elements.” Also, make sure to follow Leave No Trace principles when camping in your carefully picked location.

Bring an Extra Tarp

If Johnson predicts adverse weather, he will pack a lightweight fly shelter to create a dry spot for erecting his tent and preparing his food. It will take some time, but I will locate a really great position and raise the fly to a height where I can walk beneath it,” he explains. Then he erects his tent beneath it in order to keep out of the rain.

Then, once the tent is put up, he takes it out from under the canopy, allowing the fly to function as a covered front porch for the structure. Johnson will cook in that zone if he is not camping in bear country (in which case you should set up your kitchen a long distance away from your tent).

Bring an Umbrella

Johnson utilizes a cheap golf umbrella on a daily basis, which is a strange item for him. He may use it as a portable personal shelter when the weather is bad. Johnson explains how to cook in bear territory by using an umbrella as a personal shelter while preparing food. “Let’s suppose I’m in bear country, so my kitchen is not going to be near my tent—that umbrella is going to be my personal shelter while I’m cooking,” Johnson explains. “I can sit on the ground with the umbrella shaft resting on my shoulder, and the umbrella will just sit on top of my head.”

Line Everything with Trash Bags

When it comes to bad weather, you can never be too cautious. In some respects, nothing is waterproof since everything may acquire holes in it, according to Johnson. He suggests increasing your protection by layering your pack with heavy-duty garbage bags to further increase your protection. It’s a low-cost form of insurance. Don’t be concerned if you don’t have high-quality waterproof clothing to begin with. According to him, “you may line them with strong, thick garbage bags and use nylon zip bags as liners.” Trash bags with light colors are preferable since they make it simpler to see what you’re throwing out.

Quarantine Your Wet Gear

In inclement weather, it’s impossible to be too cautious; In some respects, nothing is waterproof since everything may acquire holes in it, according to Johnson. To increase your protection, Johnson advises filling your pack with heavy-duty garbage bags. It’s a low-cost kind of protection. You shouldn’t be concerned if you didn’t start off with high-quality waterproof clothing and gear. According to him, “you may line them with strong, thick garbage bags and use nylon zip bags.” Because they make it easier to see everything, light-colored garbage bags are the best choice.

21 Awesome Tips for Camping in the Rain

So you’ve scheduled your next family camping vacation, and you’ve just found out that it’s going to rain on the weekend. What should you do in this situation? Is it possible to cancel the trip? Is it possible to change the date? Is it better to just hope for the best? Don’t be concerned; rain does not always have to ruin your camping adventure. The fact is that camping in the rain can be a lot of fun. These 21 suggestions for camping in the rain will help you avoid having to cancel your camping vacation and guarantee that you have a fun time while doing so.

Use Seam Sealer

If you are expecting rain, it is a good idea to apply a seam sealant on the seams of your tent to keep water out. The use of a seam sealer will prevent water from entering the tent via the seams of the tent. It is an excellent idea, in my opinion, to seal all of the tent’s seams. Some tent manufacturers claim that their tents are pre-sealed before they ship them. While camping in the rain, I had the unfortunate experience of a seam that had been pre-sealed leaking.

I now make it a point to seal the seams on all of my tents, regardless of whether the manufacturer states that the seams have previously been sealed in the past. If you make a purchase via our link, we will receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Bring Extra Tarps

Extra tarps are among of the most important items a camper may carry with them if they are expecting wet weather in the future. Make sure you pack more than one additional tarp, whether you’ll be using it to just cover excess supplies during the day or to offer an extra layer to the bottom of your tent. If it does start to rain, you’ll be grateful that you brought along a couple extra water-resistant tarps to cover your belongings and keep everything dry and protected. To further protect your belongings, remember to carry paracordor any type of rope to hang the tarps with, or to keep them from flying away in the wind, along with your tarps.

Put a Tarp Over Your Tent

One excellent use for any additional tarps you bring is to suspend one from the ceiling of your camper. Waterproofing your tent will be one of the most critical aspects of ensuring that you have a fun time when wet camping. Hanging a tarp over your tent will go a long way toward ensuring that water does not get inside your camper. In the event that you don’t have enough space to cover the complete tent, covering a piece of it will still be beneficial. If you make a purchase via our link, we will receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Bring Waterproof Clothing

When there is a chance of rain, it is essential to pack garments that can withstand a little moisture. Wearing water-resistant shoes is also more vital than you would believe at first. The thought of having your feet wet may not seem too unpleasant at first, but after spending the entire day walking about with wet socks and shoes, you will most certainly be sorry you did. If you don’t want to spend the money on new shoes, you may at least invest in a pair of water-resistant socks. Some more waterproof clothing options that could be worth considering include some inexpensive ponchos, rain coats, gaiters, and a hat with a rim to protect your ears.

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Bring a Bivy Sack

If you plan on sleeping on the ground, a sleeping bag might be a nice idea. If you put your sleeping bag inside the bivy bag, you will have a waterproof lining for your sleeping bag, which is really convenient. If any water does get into your tent or condenses, it will not go into your sleeping bag, which will keep you dry. Furthermore, if the weather is not too cold, you might sleep in the bivy sack with only a few blankets if the situation calls for it.

Bring Extra Clothes

The use of a sleeping bag is recommended when sleeping on the ground. Your sleeping bag can be simply stuffed into the bivy bag, and you’ll have a waterproof lining for your sleeping bag in no time!

Your sleeping bag will not get soaked if any water gets inside your tent or condenses. Provided the weather is not too cold, you might even sleep in the bivy sack with only a few blankets if the temperature is not too high.

Choose the Right Campsite

When you get at the campground, one of the first things you should do is look for a good area to set up your tent as soon as possible. While it may be tempting to set up camp near the lake, it is preferable to seek out higher ground instead. Because water flows downhill, it is best to put up your tent on a hilltop or other higher location. It is more pleasant to sleep on flat ground, and it is easier to balance your gear on flat ground; but, puddles form more quickly on sloped ground, thus a gently slanted surface is excellent.

Furthermore, camping beneath the shade of a tree is a fantastic option.

Create a Covered GatheringCooking Area

Finding a good area to pitch your tent is one of the first things that you should do when you arrive at the campsite. While it may be tempting to set up camp near the lake, it is preferable to seek out higher terrain. Considering that water flows downhill, it is best to put up your tent on a high point. It is more pleasant to sleep on flat ground, and it is easier to balance your gear on flat ground; but, puddles develop more readily on sloped ground, thus a gently slanted surface is excellent.

It is also a good idea to camp in the shade of trees.

Bring Hand Warmers

Camping in the rain has many drawbacks, one of which is that your hands frequently become chilly. Cooking, working with little goods, and simply having a good time are all made more difficult by cold hands. Bringing some hand warmers with you is an excellent method to keep your hands warm while it is raining. Keeping these compact hand warmers in your pockets allows you to swiftly dip your hands into them to warm them up. You may also store them within your gloves to keep them toasty. Bring some of these hand warmers with you, and you’ll be glad you did when the temperature drops.

Pack Important Items in Ziploc Bags

Important belongings should be placed in Ziploc bags if there is a chance of rain in the forecast. When it comes to your most valuable possessions, adding an extra layer of protection can help you avoid encountering any big problems as a result of the rain. Medicine, additional clothing, food that shouldn’t get wet, and electronics are all things we recommend keeping on hand. If there is anything else you want to keep dry, placing it in Ziploc bags is a smart idea. Those are some nice products to get you started.

Change Clothes Before Bed

Changing into dry clothing before bed is something you should do every night before going to bed. You don’t want to go to bed with your clothing still damp. Socks are the most significant item in my wardrobe, in my opinion. Having damp feet can make things difficult for the rest of the night and will most likely keep you chilled all night. Furthermore, you don’t want to get your sleeping bag wet when camping.

Once your sleeping bag has been wet, it is quite difficult to dry it. The fact that your sleeping bag is soaked will ruin your entire camping excursion. In the event that you have become wet at any point during the day, we strongly advise that you change into dry clothes before bed.

Keep Dry Wood Under Your Car

A good night’s sleep includes changing into dry clothing before retiring to bed. Going to bed in damp clothes isn’t something you want to experience. Socks are the most vital item in my wardrobe. In addition to being unpleasant all night, having damp feet may leave you feeling chilly all night. Aside from that, you don’t want your sleeping bag to become wet. Once your sleeping bag is wet, it is quite difficult to dry it. It will spoil your entire camping experience if your sleeping bag becomes damp.

Air out your tent

When the rain stops, it’s a good idea to open up your tent and let some fresh air in. If your tent is not properly ventilated, moisture will accumulate inside and cause everything to become damp. Opening up your windows and vents is a good idea if it appears like the rain has stopped and the sun is shining. Allow your tent to breathe for a few minutes to allow moisture to escape and aid in the drying process.

Starting a Fire in the Rain

While starting a fire after it has rained might be difficult, following a few simple guidelines can make the process a bit simpler. After you’ve read our last suggestion on how to keep wood dry, you should have some dried logs to work with. Make some kindling out of the wood you’ve saved and get the fire going with it. Using InstaFire to start a fire in the rain is perhaps the quickest and most convenient method. When it comes to getting even slightly damp wood to burn, this will be your best buddy in the world.

In addition, I would suggest purchasing either stormproof matches or some of theforever matches.

How to Keep a Fire Going in the Rain

While starting a fire after it has rained might be difficult, following a few simple guidelines can make the process a bit less difficult to manage. First and foremost, you should have some dry wood from our prior lesson on how to keep wood dry on the firepit. Making kindling and starting a fire with that wood is a good use of it. InstantFire is perhaps the most convenient method of starting a fire in the rain. When it comes to getting even slightly damp wood to burn, this will be your best buddy in the entire world.

Aside from that, I would suggest purchasing either stormproof matches or some of the eternal matches.

Bring a Propane Camping Stove

While cooking over a campfire may be a lot of fun, if it is forecasted to rain, you might consider bringing a gas camping stove with you. You don’t want to arrive to your campground, where you had planned on cooking all of your food over an open fire, only to discover that you are unable to build a fire due to rain.

We personally prefer theCamp Chef 2 burner stove, but other camping stoves, such as the Coleman Classic Propane, are also excellent alternatives. It doesn’t matter whatever option you choose; having a propane stove will ensure that you can continue to prepare your meals.

Bring a Rug for Your Tent Entry

Bring a rug or an old towel and place it on the inside of the tent door, directly next to the zipper. You’ll want to soak up any water that has gotten on your shoes and keep any dirt that has gotten on your clothes under control. Having this entrance map is quite convenient, and it will help to keep the inside of your tent cleaner and dryer. Even if your tent is equipped with an awning that extends over the door of your tent, it may be a good idea to pack an extra rug for the outside of your tent as well.

Dry Your Wet Clothes

It may be tempting to dump your wet clothing in a pile or into a bag, but it will be advantageous in the long term to spend a few minutes hanging up your damp garments. Clothing that has been soaked will develop a mildewy odor. Settling on a clothesline made of paracord when you are initially setting up your tent will make this process much simpler and will save you a lot of headaches when it comes time to retire for the night. Filling damp garments with newspaper will also help them dry more quickly, even in rainy conditions, since the newspaper will absorb moisture.

After that, you may hang your items on a clothesline underneath the tarp to dry.

If you don’t need the clothing right away, we recommend hanging them on a clothesline somewhere where the sun will shine on them during the day (if the sun is shining at all).

Bring Games and Plan Indoor Activities

Make sure you pack games and other activities to keep the kids occupied while it’s pouring outside. These can range from anything as basic as a deck of cards to something as complex as a board game. Additionally, reading is a fantastic method to pass the time while waiting. Regardless of what you decide to do, make sure you have activities scheduled, particularly for smaller children. It’s common knowledge among parents that smaller children may become easily bored, and it’s not going to be much fun sitting in a tent with a bored toddler or younger child.

Create a Covered Entrance to Your Tent

The area directly in front of the tent’s entrance should be kept dry at all times. When it comes to keeping the rain out of your tent, having a covered space will help a lot. Additionally, it will provide you with a dry location to remove any excess wet clothing or muddy shoes/boots. This is an excellent method of ensuring that your tent does not become overly dirty as a result of tracking in all of the mud and wetness. Some tents are equipped with an awning that will give them with this necessary dry space.

You may either set up a pop-up canopy directly in front of the tent or drape a sheet over the tent that extends past the tent to create an overhang to provide shade.

Have a Good Attitude

In the end, the most important piece of advise we can provide you regarding camping in the rain is to keep a positive attitude about the situation. Don’t let the rain put a damper on your camping adventure. While camping in the rain may not seem appealing, it may really be quite enjoyable. Take pleasure in the experience as well as the many parts of nature. It may be really peaceful to simply sit and listen to the sound of rain falling. It is far more likely that everything will turn out better if you have an optimistic outlook on the issue.

Do you have any other suggestions for camping in the rain?

Scott Woodruff is an American actor and director.

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I am an active camper who enjoys spending time with my wife and children in the great outdoors. Camping has been a family tradition for me since I was a child, and I like spending time in the great outdoors. Tents n Trees is a place where I share my experience in the hopes of making it simpler for families to get outside, enjoy camping, and grow closer together. a link to the page’s load

Ethan Fontole