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Camping in the rain can be unpleasant but must not always be a terrible experience. With the right hacks in place, you can make camping in the rain fun and memorable. If you leave your home for a camp and prepare for rain, you will surely enjoy your stay no matter the weather. Below are the top seven tips for camping in the rain.
1. Be equipped for the rain
When you go camping, you must prepare for the upcoming weather. Check the weather forecast before every camping trip and create a packing list accordingly.
This way, even if it is not a rainy season, you will be prepared adequately. It is important that you get the right equipment to protect yourself just in case rain falls. You will need to pack items like gumboots, beanies, raincoats, Warm clothing, and gloves.
Prepare these items to help you face rain:
- Change of clothes packed in a waterproof bag
- Rain clothing items like rain boots, raincoats, ponchos, and warm clothes
- Old towels to dry out the water
- Tarps to protect against strong winds and heavy rains
- Zip lock and plastic bags to pack important items (like phones, GPS, etc.) and keep them protected from rain
Get to the camping site well-packed, not allowing anything to stop you from enjoying, not even rain.
2. Take safety precautions when it’s raining
While you may want to enjoy the rain while camping, make sure you don’t compromise your safety. If you feel unsafe camping in the rain, you can simply quit and wait for some other time.
There is no prize you get when you go camping in the rain, so don’t do it unwillingly or forcefully. However, if you find the rainy season the best time to camp, ensure you take all safety precautions to keep yourself safe.
Avoid playing in the rain, keeping your tent on top of a water pool, playing with electrical equipment while it’s raining, and doing anything that might cause harm. When it comes to safety, allow your common sense to prevail.
3. Make sure your tent is waterproof
When camping in the rainy season, any tent may not work for you. You need a waterproof tent with a complete rainfly to ensure you are safe even in a heavy storm.
Always test your tent to confirm that it is waterproof before leaving. You can do this by setting the tent up in the backyard, pouring water on it, and confirming that it is waterproof.
This simple task can save you a lot of grief you could have otherwise gotten if you carried a tent that is not waterproof.
4. Watch where you put up your tent
When you reach your camping destination, check out the entire area to find the best campsite for your tent.
Avoid low-lying areas, that are likely to get pools of water, instead look for spots where you can peg your tent easily, and where you can stay the night away from the possible flood waters.
Also don’t camp next to bodies of water, as they can overflow during rain, especially during downpours. Water floods can seriously harm you so be sure to avoid rivers, creeks, and so on.
When it starts to rain, keep your items away from the tent’s walls to safeguard them from any water leakages.
Keep your tent doors on the side opposite to the wind, to prevent rain from coming in every time you enter or leave the tent. The position of your tent is a key determinant of comfort, especially when camping during a rainy season.
5. Dry out your clothes and gear after rain
After a downpour, check your campsite and tent to ensure that everything that should be dry remains so.
Should you have water inside your tent, dry it out using old towels. If the next day turns out to be sunny, dry out all other items that accidentally got wet. You can also use the hot stones around your campfire, to dry some of your clothes (especially socks).
If you don’t manage to dry your clothes the next day or two, then cut your camping stay short and dry them at home. This will help to keep you dry, and warm and prevent possible hypothermia.
6. Be positive throughout the camping period
Don’t allow anything to disrupt your good mood while camping. If it rains, always embrace the rain and avoid getting distracted by rain.
While rain can stop you from enjoying outdoor activities, you can fix this by shifting the energy to storytelling or other indoor activities.
You can still get sweet memories from the storytelling sessions or the good times you had with your family despite the rain. It’s all about the perspective.
7. Plan for creative indoor activities
It is wise to plan for some of the activities you can indulge in case it rains beforehand. Apart from watching lighting as it flashes in the sky, you can plan for other indoor activities to keep you and your campmates active and lively.
Carry along books, magazines, board games, and packs of cards. You can use these when it starts to rain and avoid the boredom that comes with the rain. You can take advantage of several other activities and enjoy staying inside on a rainy day.
Conclusion
Camping is one of the best ways to bond with your family, friends, and relatives away from the home setting. You want to make this moment memorable and filled with positivity.
However, rain can surprise you in the camp and stop you from doing everything you had planned. To ensure you enjoy every moment always check the weather forecast and prepare for the weather, yes, especially for the rain. Consider the tips above to ensure you have a fun time even when it rains and get more camping tips here.
