One of my favorite ways to spend an evening is with friends by a campfire, feeling small sleeping beneath the vast night sky and waking up to the fresh scent of a new day and a beautiful birdsong. Although, part of being an outdoor enthusiast is adapting to the surroundings and accepting that mother nature sometimes has a different plan. Camping in the rain can be just as memorable and, with the right gear, preparation, and outlook, you can create unique memories and enjoy your wet-weather experience. Here are a few tips for how to enjoy camping in the rain.
Make sure you are well-equipped for camping in the rain
First things first — is your tent actually waterproof? It always pays to set up the tent in the backyard and check for any damaged areas that need repair after a few months in storage. This is the perfect time to test out the waterproofing shelter for a rainy adventure. Trust me, it’s no fun finding out after the fact that your tent isn’t properly waterproof or damaged.
When planning any camping in the wilderness, it is important that you have the right gear so that you can enjoy it to the fullest extent. This most certainly applies if the weather looks less than rosy. The obvious rainy day essentials are a raincoat, gumboots, beanies and gloves, but don’t forget the correct layering system and moisture-wicking fabrics that can keep you dry. Your rain gear should be lightweight, breathable, and waterproof.Don’t forget your waterproof backpack and waterproof boots — especially if you plan to go hiking on your camping trip. When it comes to socks, you want to pack more. Two is not enough to dry out from one day to the next in heavy rain. More is better! It always pays to pack spare clothes in case any items get too wet. I would consider some hand or foot warmers, some old towels (to be used for mopping) and zip lock bags to keep items dry.
Consider the right shelter site
A few helpful questions to ask yourself when camping in the rain:
- Are you camping on flat ground or sloped?
- Are you at high-enough elevation from any rivers or lakes?
- Will the ground below properly support your tent pegs?
Remember that water runs downhill, so choosing a camping site that is elevated will keep you safe. Flat ground will be more comfortable, whereas slightly sloped ground will mean less chance of puddles forming.
It always helps to add a tarp below and above your tent. Tie it to trees surrounding or bring extra poles. Camping underneath a tree can provide shelter however, remember the water will continue to drip from the branches and leaves long after the rain stops.
It might sound simple, but keeping your sleeping mat, bag, other items away from the tent walls is key in a downpour.
Create a common area
This requires extra tarps and creating a space outside of the tent/s that can be used for activities when you return to camp for the day. There should be a common area for cooking, reading, playing cards or board games. All the things you would usually do when camping can still be done under a dry common area. This avoids everyone retreating to their own tents for shelter. Get creative — it’s supposed to be fun!
Bring out the camping chairs and the comfort food. No, really, we need a lot of calories for keeping the body warm. So get started on the mac and cheese, pasta, or chili — whatever is your comfort food of choice and pour a hot cocoa in preparation for a game night.
Make sure you have lights and lots of lanterns and batteries. Keep the common area illuminated and the spirits high.
Plan out your rainy day activities
The wet weather often brings out a different side of nature. Sounds echo further and you hear different animals singing in the rain. Be present and enjoy it.
Go for a swim. It’s already wet outside, so why not? If it is safe to do so, jump in. The water temperature will be warmer than outside (location specific, of course) and there is something unique about the rain fall as it hits the water while you are in it.
Think about fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or hiking! You can still do all of these things in the rain with the right gear.
Preheat your clothes
Rain and fires don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand, but your sleeping bag can be a great source of heat. I learned this trick while keeping my camera batteries warm inside a sock at high altitude in the Nepalese Himalaya. The same can apply with your dry clothes for the next day. Simply grab a small bag, roll your clothes up and stuff them at the bottom of your sleeping bag (so long as there is room.) That way, in the morning, you will have preheated your clothes and it makes getting changed for the day ahead easier.
Hot tip: If your clothes are wet from the day of hiking in the rain, avoid putting them in a bag or scrunching them on the tent floor somewhere. Hang them out! The last thing you need is smelly clothes and mildew. Bring a bivy sack. You can keep extra dry by creating a waterproof liner for your sleeping bag.
To avoid condensation, remember to sleep with your face outside of the sleeping bag, as your breath can create condensation. Keep the head warm but just have a small opening for breathing. Avoid touching the tent walls once inside too, as simply touching them can create condensation inside the tent. If the rain stops, it is important to air out your tent to keep it fresh and dry.
Consider a dry bag
We all bring technology to our campsites these days. Gone are the off-the-grid adventures and zero contact with the outside world. Documenting our experience is also part of the fun. For important items, like electronics and a camera, I always pack dry bags of different sizes for any outdoor adventure. You can store your spare batteries, solar chargers, iPad and any electronic items you have packed with you.
Appreciate the way the rain falls
Rain is great. It is essential for our survival. It happens and without rain, there are no rainbows. Plus, have you ever smelt the way the environment is after some rainfall? Divine.
Having a good, positive attitude and the right gear will not only keep you warm and as dry as can be, but provide you with a different type of memorable experience and create new skills.
Know when to call it a day
I am the type of person who believes it’s better to try it and give it a real go than spend the time wondering “what if.” However, it’s important to know when to call it and head for dryer land. There are no prizes for withstanding the harshest of weather on a camping holiday.
There is no point in preserving just for the sake of it, check in with your fellow campers consistently. If it is entering the too-cold zone or becoming unsafe by any means, then it’s time to pack it up and find a warm bath — at home or in a hotel. At least you’ll have some great memories from camping in the rain, and an adventurous story to tell.
Article written by Melissa Findley
Featured Image from Hannah Domsic/Unsplash
