Top 12 Tips for Camping in Wet Weather

The famous (or should that be notorious) great British Summer rarely delivers perfect camping weather, and even when it looks like it has the weather seems to forget that it’s supposed to be sunny in the Summer and it’s likely it will throw some unexpected rain over your camping trip. So it is important to be prepared for wet weather rather than rely on hope to stay dry.

But with a little preparation, forethought and the right camping equipment then you can prevent getting soaked, a muddy mess and sleeping in a puddle.

The following are our top 12 tips for camping in the wet weather:

1 – Pick the Right Tent
It’s stating the obvious but having a good quality waterproof tent is a must, with a fully waterproof fly sheet and good waterproof seals. Most tents are double skinned i.e. separate outer and inners, this is not only good for breathability, but it’ll also stop water pouring in if you accidentally touch the tent on the inside. A tent with a separate living and sleeping space will give you space to get changed and keep muddy shoes and wet clothes away from your bedding.
Some tents have porches so you can keep muddy boots out of the tent altogether. Remember if you carry water into your tent on your shoes and coat then it will have nowhere to go except to pool on the floor.

2 – Practice
The last thing you want is to find your tent is broken or missing something vital in the middle of a storm. Always practice pitch your tent before you leave, check all the bits are there not damaged or torn.

3 – Location, Location, Location.
When you arrive at the campsite it is important to pitch your tent in the right place. Check the field or campsite, avoid obviously muddy spots. If possible choose somewhere sheltered from the wind and will stay as dry as possible, so somewhere surface water will not run towards or collect around the tent. So not in a dip in a field or at the bottom of a hill (remembering that the top of the hill might be exposed to the wind).

4 – Take time to pitch
Guy ropes aren’t just there to make your midnight journey to the toilet block more treacherous; they will keep your tent sturdy in the wind if pinned out correctly. Make sure the guy ropes have the correct tension and the outer tent sheet does not touch the tent inner. Any areas where they do touch will make it easier for water to pass through the layers and into your tent. Nobody likes sleeping in a puddle.

5 – Dress for the Occasion – Waterproof Clothing
Do a little research know what the weather is likely to be like and pack your camping gear accordingly. But always have some waterproof clothing. If you are expecting a wind and rain then take a warm waterproof ski jacket or similar, even if you are expecting sunshine pack a lightweight waterproof rain jacket with a hood. And have it easily at hand when you arrive at your campsite. You may need to stay dry while pitching the tent.
A good pair of waterproof shoes should also be top of your list, walking boots if you are hiking, but a good pair of wellies are perfect for a weekend camping trip.

6 – Take an extra ground sheet or waterproof rug
You don’t want to be inside all the time even if the rain stops the ground will still be wet. An extra waterproof fly sheet will give it allows you an extra space to relax, sit around, play games and stay dry.

7 – Shelter
A waterproof shelter gives you some protection outside of the tent, and a place to cook, eat and relax without getting wet.

8 – Quick Dry Camping Towels
Quick dry towels don’t take up a lot of space and have a couple of uses. Besides the obvious use of drying yourself, they can be used to wipe water off your raincoats to prevent them dripping too much in your tent and also to mop up and pooled water, if it does enter the tent.

9 – Take Plastic Bags or DrySacs
We hope you’d be taking plastic bags to collect your rubbish, but take extra as they are always useful to keep wet and muddy items away from the rest of your things, or to keep dry items dry.
One step up from a plastic bag and less likely to split and leak are drysacs. Extremely useful to store stuff like mobile phone, important papers, and your wallet etc. inside them. Particularly useful if you are backpacking. Carry a complete change of clothes in a water proof drysac. If you’ve ever been caught in a storm and everything is in your rucksack is soaked through then you’ll appreciate something to change into.

10 – Patching Up Leaks
Take duct tape. On a camping trip it has 101 uses, but it’s a quick fix for a tear or a leak that might spring up in your tent. Also a good waterproof spray is handy to have at hand if you need to apply to leaking seams.

11 – Packing Up
Where possible pack away your tent when dry. If you have to pack the tent away wet, then make sure you unpack it and dry it as soon as possible to prevent the tent getting mouldy.

Finally and perhaps most importantly
12 – NEVER BE TEMPTED TO COOK INSIDE
Gas stoves or solid fuel barbecues should never be used inside a tent either for cooking or for heat. The obvious fire risk should be apparent but carbon monoxide poisoning is a very real danger.
Always leave used barbecues outside of the tent. Even smouldering embers are a risk.
Eat cold food, or get wet cooking but never cook inside.