Things To Do Camping In The Rain

Checking the forecast before your trip helps a little bit, but it’s not very good at predicting sudden storms that can come out of nowhere. Bring some trash bags, grocery bags, or at least freezer-size Ziploc baggies. You can use them to line things like your backpack so that everything inside stays nice and dry. Finally, top off the layers with a waterproof outer shell so you will stay protected and comfortable. This is why it is important for you to choose a tent for the rain with a good waterproof level. It is also important to have a good flashlightso you will see where you are going in the woods at night.

It’s also a good idea to invest in a waterproof shell to wear as a barrier between undergarments and a waterproof coat. When it’s super cold outside, stuff tomorrow’s clothing into a sleeping bag before you go to bed. Your body heat will warm them up overnight, and it will be easier to get moving in the morning.

If you have some more wet or damp clothes – don’t mix them with dry ones. Just stuff all the wet into a dry sack and dry them when you find a chance. If the wind is really strong, check additional tips for pitching your tent in high winds here.

How Do You Deal With Rain On A Camping Trip?

The added square footage is also helpful to seclude wet items in one are of the tent or lay out damp clothes to dry. You’ll also need to change into dry clothes in the tent, roll out your sleeping bag, and possibly even eat meals there. Not to mention it’ll give you and your camping companions additional personal space, so you don’t drive each other crazy. If you’re camping without a tent, then you’ll need to be creative when the rain suddenly comes.

The site is an extension of my lifestyle and passion for outdoors. Everything that I learn, experience and find valuable is on the site for you. We live in a technological era but nature is reminding us more and more that we should go to the places where our heart and soul feel like home. When I see more and more puddles in the campground and when there is a possibility of floods, I pack my things and go back home.

Now, what to do if you need to pack your tent and it’s still raining? Some people try to at least shake it a bit but I don’t think it does much. You simply pack it all into its waterproof bag and hope that the weather clears a bit later on. It’s dangerous – you can easily get carbon monoxide poisoning and set up your tent on fire. If you have an extra tarp set it over the entrance so you have a bit more rain-free space.

Sealable plastic bages will protect smaller items like digital camera memory cards, matches and important papers like fishing licenses, money and passport. Invest in a rain cover for your backpack and some waterproof clothes, especially pants and a good rain coat. Chances are you’re camping during warmer weather when a storm hits. Plus you’re more likely to feel colder when it’s humid out, even if there’s not a drastic drop in temperature. Bring a few along and pack your clothes, food, or other sensitive items inside, such as a camera or cell phone. Anything that you really don’t want to get wet can be double bagged or put inside a Ziplock bag before being placed inside a dry bag for extra protection.

The majority of the outdoor tents are made to withstand precipitation but their waterproofness depends mostly on the waterproof level. This is one of the most common rainy day camping activities but it always works. I adopted new ways to survive camping and rain together so I will share my camping tips for rainy weather with you. Check if there are no sharp objects that could puncture your tent’s floor. Check also what’s the wind direction – to avoid condensation as much as possible, it’s good to have proper air ventilation in your tent.

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Just remember that most thunderstorms will pass through fairly quickly, so you should keep your campfire out of the rains way. Even if you don’t end up needing to use them, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can use them as a firestarter in case your kindling gets wet. ACTIVE is the leader in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events.

If you know the trail you want to hike is exposed and known for volatile thunderstorms – cancel your plans if a storm is coming. In addition to all the essentials, bring along something to help you pass the time. Whether it’s a book, game, deck of cards, or just some fun apps on your smartphone, you’ll be happy to have it when cabin fever sets in. To keep your feet dry while camping in the rain, take off wet boots and allow them to dry. Then take out some camp shoes like flip-flops or slippers to wear inside your tent.

Drying Your Wet Clothes

The last thing you want is to slip and fall into the water or a puddle that will soak your clothes through. While setting up a tent in the rain or just hiking through wet trails, your hiking shoes or boots will undoubtedly be sopping wet by the time you call it a day. There’s nothing worse than wet shoes which can drench socks, cause blisters, and be all-around uncomfortable. Needless to say, once you get home, make sure to thoroughly clean and dry all your gear.

Quick-dry towels similar to what swimmers use are very lightweight yet absorbent and dry very fast. Many camping specific towels also have a little loop on them so you can easily hang them up to dry or dangle them from the back of your pack. Once you’ve started your fire, try to keep it going at all times, even during the rain.

If only there is a break in the rain and sun comes out , stop and dry your tent or clothes as much as possible. After a few days of hiking and camping in a rain, if the weather gets better – consider taking a day off to dry your gear before you move on. Going backpacking only when there is a wonderful weather can mean you will never go. It’s much better to assume there will be rainy days in your future and prepare accordingly. Especially, that hiking and camping when it rains can be really rewarding and magical. Always carry a trash bag to cover your hiking pack at night, and one to store dry firewood.

How Much Rain Is Too Much For Camping?

You can take a hot breakfast, oatmeal, or other cereals for example. When the rain is making you feel sad or down, string up some lights to help lighten up the mood and bring back the optimism and cheer. Staying outdoors while it rains isn’t so pleasurable as you must adapt to a changed situation. In addition to the regular food, it’s good to grab some mood-boosters, like hot cocoa or other dessert of choice. I still remember when I was a kid scout, we were always digging trenches around our tents. But there really is no need and doing it causes erosion and is not in line with Leave No Trace rules.

This will mean it lasts longer and works well to keep you warm and dry during your next camping trip. Once the tent goes up, it’s tempting to want to crawl inside as soon as possible and get comfortable to wait out the rain. Although you do want to keep the interior of the tent as dry as possible, you should still bring your boots and backpack inside with you.

Start A Campfire

When the mood drops and you feel hungry, get something that’s comforting but also nutritious to help to elevate everyone’s energy levels and spirits. Wet weather isn’t a bad thing when being outdoors, you just need to cooperate with nature. You want also to have something to sit on – a light and packable foam seat is a great addition for any hike. I may also add that your very first line of defense is your tent.

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Make sure to bring along plenty of snacks and other foods that don’t have to be cooked or reheated. If you have a few things that are just slightly damp but not completely wet, you may want to stuff them into your sleeping bag – they should be dry by the morning. Don’t just dump your wet clothes in the tent – try to hang them out under a tarp on a paracord or the tent’s awning. Remember, moisture makes everything feel colder and if you add to it being exhausted after a long hike, you may shiver in your bag.

Sleeping on wet ground is no fun but if you have a quality tent or tarp to put down, make sure to use it, so your sleeping back stays as dry as possible. Not only will this keep you warmer, but it puts you further away from water as you’re sleeping. If the bottom sleeping pad gets wet somehow, you’ll have a second barrier to prevent water from seeping into your bag and spoiling your sleep. When the weather is wet, though, pack some extra blankets to stay warm and dry.