While it might seem like rain would ruin a camping trip, it doesn’t have to. Your comment * “Rainy Campsite” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Martin Cathrae Mum to three kids and loves getting out and about with them. Co-founded Get Out With The Kids to help other parents enjoy getting out and about with their kids. I now dehydrate all of my own backpacking meals. It is of the utmost importance that no part of the tarp extends out from underneath your tent. Now, during the night, the following day and, indeed, for weeks afterward there will be adjustments made to the materials, and arrangement, to meet the unforeseen needs of the site environs. A hydrostatic head of at least 2000 is recommended. Want to learn more? Note: It’s really not that hard to set up a tent for rain. You’ll also want to bring extra socks. It seemed to have taken a lot longer than normal due to doing it all on his own and in the heavy rain [Gav: don’t forget the really strong wind and lightening too!]. Dad carried on regardless out in the rain. Campfire cooking might be difficult to do in the rain, but you can still use your camping stove in the rain (read about camping stoves here). Noah’s Tarp is one of the most versatile camping extras I’ve ever used. Pick the site where you pitch your tent very carefully, and use common sense. Following the plan is a great principle that gives many benefits. I purchased extra attachable tent sides to further protect from weather. The A-frame construction meant that the sticks on top protected the fire from the rain (it was drizzling). Central Otago cherry growers have lost millions of dollars of crop after 36 hours of persistent and heavy rain destroyed yet-to-be-picked fruit. Very much appreciated . Camping in bad weather. I wasn’t about to hike up it with a 4-year old in the rain! Check out my ebook. While we ( meaning myself and kids ) sheltered inside and continued putting together the inner tent, Dad carried on regardless out in the rain, pegging out and putting up the tent extension. If it’s still raining when you are at home, still try and pitch your tent. "We know Otago is a popular holiday destination, particularly over the summer months and festive break. Diane Vukovic grew up camping and backpacking in upstate New York. Had they set up the rain tarp correctly, things would have been fine. With dozens of trips under her belt, Diane is an expert in minimalist camping, going lightweight, planning, and keeping her kids entertained without screens. Instead, we fold it and put it in the roof box. A few times, there was even thunderstorms and once a giant hail storm! While in the tent, can add an oversized tarp to floor under gear to keep dry from leaks on … Below are some pictures of tarp setups for rain while camping. torrential rain, guests of gale force winds and thunder. Always make sure to have shammys or other water absorbing cloth to wipe down picnic tables, chairs, the dew from the inside of the tent, etc. It talks all about meal planning for backpacking trips plus has over 50 recipes. Don’t be afraid to spend a couple of extra … I sometimes make a contingency plan in case it pours for days without stop. Most hiking jackets are only water-resistant. Once home, be sure to dry out your tent and any other damp equipment. There is nothing worse than huddling in a damp sleeping bag with water puddling on the floor and leaking through the roof. Get a Free Printable Backpacking Checklist. Bear in mind that during and after heavy rainfall, water will collect at the bottom of hills and seep into valleys, forming pools and puddles. They will sit in mud. Heavy, persistent rain over 36 hours has cost Central Otago cherry growers millions of dollars in yet-to-be-picked fruit. If you are planning on visiting more than one English Heritage attraction in a year, then check out their Family Membership. Although extreme cold camping isn’t the best idea, walking in heavy rain can be more unpleasant. Look around you. So, before you set out,  read this to learn what to do when it starts raining while camping. Police are warning people camping in Otago to remain vigilant as heavy rain is forecast for the coming days which could cause rivers and streams to rise. Since it usually doesn’t rain for very long while camping in the mountains, my daughter and I usually just retreat to the tent when it starts raining. It has over 50 dehydrator recipes. If you like tips on camping, here are a few others to check out. This is my baby at 12 months. That's when things get dangerous. Though this storm was bad, we were prepared and came through OK. Here’s what happened and a few tips so you know what to do when camping in bad weather. Most good headlamps are waterproof. Required fields are marked *, instructions on how to make a fire in the rain, The 10 Types of Camping Tents (with Photos), Camping Kitchen Essentials List: Plus How to Set Up Your Outdoor Kitchen Like a Pro, How to Pitch a Tent in the Rain So the Inside Doesn’t Get Wet. Conclusion As long as you prepare well, camping in the rain can be remarkably invigorating. Otherwise, we just munch on our trail mix and wait until the rain is over to make meals. Luckily, I’ve never had to use my contingency plan. Skip The Tent Altogether. I even make my 1 year old wear them on trips to the local park. Then you can set it up to make a rain shelter to hang out under while it rains. After the rain stopped, I had to clean lots of dirt and pine needles off the cookset before using it. Just put on your waterproof gear and cook on the camp stove as you normally would. If you're bored, hang out in your tent and try drawing, playing board games and cards, or telling stories. Now, she takes her own daughters on wilderness adventures so they can connect with nature and learn resiliency. With the right gear and preparation, you can still enjoy your trip. The backpack cover shown below comes in different sizes (10-90 liters) and colors. Use quality rain gear This one might seem fairly obvious, but use quality camping rain gear. You also want to check your RV awning and repair minor rips with RV Awning Repair Tape before they become major tears! We arrived late afternoon. And, if you are in a plain, you might even get a rainbow afterwards   So enjoy the rain! You can put it anywhere and sit on it – like in front of the fire — so your butt doesn’t get muddy and wet. It was a long night, but our tent held out. The experience was quite frightening, it felt like our tent was going to take off any moment. Luckily, there is a lot that you can do to prevent this scenario from happening. Although, there are some factors to consider when stringing up your tarp if you suspect rain/wind. A few visits were made outside to readjust guy ropes and hammer pegs back down in the hope to keep the tent upright. We’ve even done this on the very small patch of grass at the front of our house! We were relieved when morning arrived and some blue sky. Otherwise, the bottom tarp will just funnel water into your tent. Camping in the rain can cause you to rethink the gear you have packed. We always find ways to have fun while in the tent. You can often find Shell on Twitter @GetOutKids. We've researched and reviewed some of the best-selling backyard canopies out there to make it easier for you to stay cool and dry. Camping in the rain can be a miserable experience! You can also use trash bags for this, or you can get a wet bag like this. Having waterproof pants means you can go outside in the rain, sit wherever the hell you want, and not get drenched. If you stacked it nicely, it should still be semi-dry. It was another sleepless night with the sound of the heavy rain hammering on our tent and the gusts of winds battering it. If the sun appears after a steady rain or heavy fog, hustle to open hunting areas near wooded roost sites. Setting up tent camping during rain may be depressing to many, but it isn't difficult or risky if one has. Large evergreen trees tend to form a good shelter for fire building, as their shape forms a sort of natural roof. I’ve seen this happen to other campers on multiple occasions. Want an example of what NOT to do when camping in the rain? I just wanted to show you all the things that can go wrong so you don’t end up in the same predicament. While she was doing that, I tested myself to see if I could get a fire going in the rain. This was super helpful as we are going camping for 2 days, and the weather forcast doesn’t look pleasant, but I will spend a little bit of time outside!?? PERIOD! 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