How To Camp In The Rain

Camping in the outdoors comes with the uncertainty of drastic change in weather, the most common one being, rain. Whether you’re camping in the summer or winter, you cannot possibly be confident enough that you won’t be subjected to mild or heavy rain. Rain can be the ultimate camping destroyer if you are not prepared. To help you figure out how to camp in rain we are here with tasted tips!

Facing rain in the wilderness without the protection of your comfort space can not only be inconvenient but can also be hazardous to your health. This is why it’s important to be prepared with the right gear as well as the proper mindset before you hit the trails.

Useful Tips That You Must Follow To Camp In The Rain

Choose The Right Clothing

When you’re packing for your camping trip, you must select at least one rain-appropriate outfit which may include water-resistant pants, a lightweight raincoat, and waterproof boots. Considering the possible drop in temperature when it rains, you must also bring thermal pants and t-shirts, especially for the night.

Wearing rain-friendly clothing is crucial to avoid hypothermia. So unless you’re hundred percent sure that you’ll only be experiencing only bright sunny days stay away from cotton.

Bring A Tarp

A tarp is a water-resistant sheet suitable for all seasons but a necessity for camping in the rain. Laying a tarp inside the tent will allow the rainwater to drip down and go under the tarp so whatever you place on the tarp will remain dry.

If you have an extra tarp, you can place it on top of the tent in a slanted position so that the excess water drips down the side of the tent where the rain is hitting. In case of no rain, you can place the tarp inside the tent to prevent moisture from seeping upward thereby keeping the inside of the tent completely dry.

Lay Out A Groundsheet

A groundsheet is also a waterproof material that can be laid inside the tent to prevent it from getting flooded. While using one, the water will either go under or around the tent thereby keeping your tent free of rainwater. All you need to make sure of is that the groundsheet is big enough to fit the floor of your tent.

Bring An Umbrella

Here’s a pretty obvious tip but it always works great! An umbrella is a movable shelter from the rain so if possible every member of your camping trip should bring their own umbrella. You know it’s going to come in handy when you need to bring something important from the car in the middle of heavy rain.

Set Up Your Tent At An Angle

Unfavorable weather condition calls for smarter techniques for camp setup. So, when you’re setting up the tent, make sure it’s placed at an angle so that the rainwater can flow by instead of getting accumulated inside the tent.

In case of heavy winds, try to figure out the direction of the wind and do not place the entryway of the tent facing it. Also, if there is a nearby waterbody do not set up your tent at a location that is lower than that to prevent getting flooded if it starts to pour heavily.

Bring Ready-To-Eat Meals/Snacks

The possibility of having hot meals when it’s raining cats and dogs is probably close to zero. So the second-best option would be ready-to-eat meals that do not require any preparation at all.

Sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, protein bars, etc. in sufficient amounts should be packed so that every camp member has something to eat. Frozen or dehydrated meals are a no-go in situations like this.

Start A Campfire

If possible, try to start a campfire before it starts raining. If planned correctly and sufficient fuel is used to start the campfire, it should last you for hours keeping you warm during the rain.

A campfire near a shelter would be convenient as you can place tarps and sit under the shelter and enjoy the warmth from the campfire in proximity as well. A successful campfire also allows you to cook quick meals or boil water if necessary. So, you can also enjoy hot meals in the chilly, wet, weather!

Store Everything In Waterproof Bags

Waterproof bags are going to be your savior while camping in the rain. If you want to prevent your clothes, electronics, medical supplies, and other essentials from getting wet, you must store them in individual waterproof bags, and place them in the driest area inside the tent.

Even if you’re inside a waterproof tent, an unexpected gush of wind or heavy rain may not allow the tent to do the job it’s supposed to do. If you do not want to spend on buying waterproof dry bags, simply pack a couple of trash bags and that’ll do the trick too.

Look For A Natural Shelter

Even if you have dreamt of enjoying a camping trip with a perfect scenic view that wish should be out the window when it starts to pour heavily. In such a situation, your safety is more important than anything else.

So, look for a natural shelter in the nearby areas which could include a well-branched, leafy tree or a cave-like structure. Taking shelter in areas like that will reduce the chances of you and your loved ones getting fully drenched in the rain.

Bring Board Games, Cards, and Books

Just because you’re stuck in rain in the middle of nowhere doesn’t mean you have to be bored and miserable. This would be the perfect time to enjoy yourself with your friends and family with the help of fun board games or card games.

Not only will they be entertaining but they’ll also help you pass time instead of patiently waiting for the rain to stop. If you’re not into that, you can also bring along your favorite book and read a few chapters.

The idea is to indulge in anything apart from the same old social media apps and entertainment websites on your electronic devices which you can easily go back to when you’re home.

Have A Positive Mindset About Rain

More than anything, embracing the rain will allow you to enjoy it. You have to have a positive mindset that you’ll get through the horrible weather and it is what it is so you have to deal with it.

You can always look forward to the clear skies and warm weather but that shouldn’t stop you from getting bundled up inside your tent and spend quality time with your loved ones.

Final Words

Even if we solely focus on the weather forecast, sometimes the abrupt change can surprise us. To avoid being stuck in the middle of nowhere with pouring rain, you must take all the precautions to still enjoy your camping trip. Everything mentioned in our short guide should help to keep yourself and your loved ones safe when you’re camping in the rain. Plus, the idea is to not just be safe but also make the most out of the sprinkle.

References:

• https://www.outsideonline.com/2403812/tips-for-camping-in-rain
• https://www.mossyoak.com/our-obsession/blogs/how-to/camping-in-the-rain-7-tips-for-keeping-your-tent-dry
• https://www.themanual.com/outdoors/tips-for-camping-in-the-rain/
• https://awomanafoot.com/blog/camping-in-the-rain-how-to-camp-when-its-raining

You can also read: Camping For Beginners: Detailed Guide – State Camper