If rain catches you by surprise, camping can be unpleasant, but it doesn't have to be that way if you have the right gear and the right know-how. To make camping in the rain an unforgettable adventure, where you'll be watching a storm or listening to the sound of rain, you need to prepare for it in advance. We have 10 tips for you on how to stay warm, dry and enjoy camping in the rain to the fullest.
1. WATCH THE WEATHER FORECAST
You should definitely check the weather forecast for the area where you'll be camping in the days before your departure. Check the forecast several times. Weather changes are common, especially in mountainous areas, where the weather is often unpredictable. If you know the weather will be very unpleasant, it's better to skip camping. If you still want to go camping despite the forecast, prepare yourself. You should bring "rain gear" with you.
2. BRING PLENTY OF PLASTIC BAGS
Large black garbage bags, plastic bags and zip bags are not hard to pack, they are not expensive either, and they will be a great helper for you. Large black garbage bags are used to keep your backpack dry. They can also be used to store wet clothing, shoes or other gear, and prevent these items from making everything else in the backpack damp. You can carry firewood in plastic bags, which you really don't want to get wet. Ziploc-style bags are used to keep everything else dry. They will help you protect food, medication and other important items.
3. BRING OLD NEWSPAPERS
Another cheap piece of „gear“ that you can bring with you, and which is especially useful in wet weather, is newspaper. It won't take up much space in your backpack and can literally save your life. You can put dry newspaper into wet shoes to speed up the drying process; the newspaper will help absorb moisture. Newspaper is also good for starting a fire if you have trouble finding dry tinder.
4. CAMP HIGH
When it's raining and you're setting up your tent, one of the worst things you can do is place it in a low-lying area, such as at the bottom of a slope, in a sheltered spot. Instead, pitch your tent on a spot that is at the top of a small slope, in a place where water is unlikely to accumulate. It may require a bit of a hike, but the camping will be worth it.
5. PUT A TARP UNDER YOUR TENT
When camping in the rain, tents can flood, and often it doesn't happen from above, but from below. One way to prevent this is to place under your tent a tarp and it is extremely important that no part of the tarp sticks out from under your tent. If a piece of tarp sticks out from under the tent, the rain will hit it and easily get under the tent, where the tent floor is likely to soak it up. Fold the excess tarp under the tent so that you can't see it.
6. LINE THE INSIDE OF THE TENT WITH FOIL
Even if the rain is strong enough and lasts long enough, moisture is likely to pass through even with a tarp under the tent. You can solve this problem by adding another layer of lining to the inside of the tent. Use thick plastic sheeting, the kind used by construction workers, and cut off a piece that is about six centimeters wider than the diameter of your tent. Placing this inside your tent will prevent moisture from getting in. If you don't have sheeting with you, plastic bags can help.
7. USE A TARP OVER YOUR TENT
A large tarp placed at an angle above your tent is a good way to keep your tent dry, especially if you plan to camp in the same spot for several days. In addition, the tarp gives you a place to hang an outdoor clothesline and provides you with a „front porch“, where you can take off wet shoes and clothing without bringing moisture and dirt into the tent. Depending on the size of the tarp, it can also provide you with a cooking area that is protected from the rain.
8. DON'T WEAR COTTON CLOTHING
Cotton can quickly absorb water and holds moisture well. And in a damp environment, it never dries. When it rains, cotton clothing is really a bad idea. Instead, take lightweight clothing, especially nylon material or other synthetics, which are designed to wick away moisture.
9. PREPARE A RAIN JACKET AND RAIN PANTS
There is nothing worse than getting all your clothes soaked. You can avoid this fate. Just travel with a quality raincoat and quality rain pants. As soon as you notice a storm, stop what you are doing and put on your rain gear. It is ideal if this rain clothing is waterproof, so that your clothing underneath stays dry.
10. TAKE WATERPROOF SHOES
Wet feet are another way to quickly feel miserable while camping. Even though waterproof shoes can be expensive, if you have ever walked with wet feet, you will understand that this expense is definitely worth it. Invest in quality waterproof shoes.
If you follow all the tips above, there is a good chance that you will stay dry and comfortable while camping in the rain. This means you can afford to build a campfire in the rain, relax and enjoy the rhythmic sound of rain in your tent. Autumn, rain or a storm can be beautiful, so just settle in comfortably and watch what kind of bad weather is rolling through your camp.
