Did you decide to go camping on the weekend but the weather changed and it’s raining? Camping in the rain can be challenging but you can have a great time outdoors even if there isn’t any sun. In this article I will show you how you can still go camping no matter that everything will be wet.
Do you know what to bring in a campsite, how to dress up and what to do if there is rain? If you never camped in the rain before or if you need some extra guidance, here are some tips and tricks to have a safe and dry outdoor adventure.
Rain camping guide
There are some different procedures when the rain surprises you on a camping trip. The rain will interfere with the campfire, drying clothes, keeping you warm and many other things. So, to keep you and your fellow campers happy, consider next tips that will banish the sadness away.
Camping gear to consider
The gear is the most important to think of when the rain will accompany you on an outdoor journey. If you didn’t buy it already I recommend that you opt for waterproof equipment. A tent, a tarp, clothes, shoes; all should be made for a bad weather.
Get a waterproof tent
It is a big difference if you buy a three season tent or a tent that is made for a bad weather with precipitation and wind. The first one has plenty of mesh so the tent interior is well-ventilated on those hot days. However, a four season tent still has some mesh for ventilation but is made of high-density waterproof material that will protect you inside the tent and keep you dry.
No matter which brand you choose make sure that you opt for a well-manufactured camping tent that has good stiches and features to protect you out there. I still recommend that you decide for a tent that was made of reputable company instead of unknown manufacturer.
Bring a tarp
A tarp is versatile camping gear that you can use in many ways. You can put it above the tent in case you expect a rain storm to be sure that your tent interior will stay dry. You can put it under the tent so the rainwater won’t get inside. It can also be used for making a clean place for eating or playing games outside on the ground.
I use my tarp above the tent often and also put a cloth line under to dry my wet clothes from the hiking tour around the campsite.
Waterproof clothes
Do you know which clothes are appropriate to wear in the rain? People make many mistakes when deciding which clothes they will wear outdoors, especially on a rainy day.
Clothes that are made from natural fibers are friendly to the skin, that’s for sure. However, these won’t protect you if the rain catches you. Cotton is one of these fibers. The problem with it is that itgets wet instantly and dries long. This is a problem if you go hiking in the rain in cotton clothes without wearing waterproof clothing above.
It is very important that you don’t stay in wet clothes as you can get a cold or hypothermia. You can wear warm cotton under the waterproof jacket and long pants to stay dry while you explore around or do activities around the campsite.
It’s okay to be wet for some time but get your clothes changed as you come back to the campsite. If you get soaked from the rain your priority is to get changed as soon as possible to avoid complications.
Waterproof shoes and gaiters
Footwear is as important as clothes so you must wear a pair of quality waterproof shoes or boots if you want to stay dry. I also recommend wearing gaiters that will prevent morning dew from wetting the lower part of the pants.
Cooking appliances and meals
What will you eat out there when the cold temperatures accompanies the rain? In this situation it is recommendable that you eat a warm meal. I always bring a camping stove and extra fuel tank to keep my tummy fed as I love to eat cooked food.
These are some of the meal ideas that you can prepare over a campfire or using a camp stove:
- Chili
- Different kinds of soups
- Stews
- Chili lasagna
- Different kinds of pies
- Campfire mac and cheese
- Omelets
- Pasta with sauces
- Pancakes
- Cans warmed up over a fire (beans, meat, etc.)
When you are hungry and you need a quick snack choose dry foods as nuts, seeds and fruit to level up your energy. If you like s’mores you can make them over a campfire to improve the mood.
Warm drinks to make
How about a hot drink while you sit and chat with your friends over a campfire? There is nothing better on a rainy day as enjoying the serenity and drinking one of your favorite drinks. These are some of the options:
- Cocoa
- Tea
- Coffee
- Mulled wine
- Eggnog
- Hot chocolate
Use cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and other spices in the drinks that will warm your body.
Useful tips to camp in the rain
You should also know some of the tips that will make your outdoor free time worthy and comfortable. Consider next tips and tricks so you won’t have to leave home prematurely.
Pitching your tent
If you expect rain you should pitch your tent smartly. Never set it up on the lower parts as close to rivers as the rain will gather there and make your adventure worse. Keep in mind that your tent will be less exposed to the rainwater if you erect it on the higher places that are flat.
Use plastic bags
You will bring things with you that shouldn’t get wet as a phone, batteries, documents and other technical stuff. Make sure you bring plenty of these to protect the valuable things inside. You can also use them for the waste.
Forget the boredom!
Rain camping doesn’t mean that you will not enjoy yourself. Bring all kinds of games and cards to lift up the atmosphere at the campsite. If you are camping alone then I recommend a good book that you intend to read for a long time but you didn’t have a chance to do it. You can also do something that involves creativity and imagination.
Have the best camping experience in the rain
Camping in the bad weather can be pleasurable and fun if you prepare for it smartly. Consider my guide and tricks that will help you to have a stress-free camping experience. Don’t think negatively due to the rain, but think about the fun things that you can do and you will have a great time outdoors.
Tadej Bio:
I am the founder of Camping Valley. 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.
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