It's no secret that we at Millets love camping! Come rain or shine, there's no better way to spend a weekend than in the great outdoors. However, in Britain, the first part of "come rain or shine" happens far more often than most of us would like. But don't let that faze you, simply follow our top tips for camping in the rain.
Be smart when pitching
When there's a chance of rain you should pitch your tent at a high point on your campsite and never at the bottom a hill – this is where all the rain will gather. If your pitch is on a slight incline then face your main entrance downhill so any running water doesn't enter your tent.
Use a groundsheet
It is always a good idea to use a waterproof groundsheet underneath your tent for extra protection. If you don't have a tent-specific groundsheet then a large tarp will do. Fold the ends of the tarp underneath so nothing sticks and causes a funnel for the water to build up underneath your tent. This will not only protect you from damp ground but will keep your tent cleaner for longer.
Pitch a tarp over your tent
As well as underneath your tent, a waterproof tarp can also be used as a shelter above your tent, which is particularly useful when erecting your tent in the rain. Use rope and poles or nearby trees to set up your shelter in a way that slopes away from your tent so the rain runs away and doesn't land on your tent.
A waterproof tarp can also be set up over a picnic table for a dry space to eat and socialise.
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Take suitable waterproofs
Make sure you have suitable clothing for any adverse weather. Take waterproof jackets, waterproof trousers, waterproof boots/wellingtons and packable ponchos. Cotton is a big no no when it rains as it soaks up the moisture rather than wicking it away.
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Take plastic bags
Plastic bags are your best friends in rainy weather. Bin bags are ideal for protecting larger items like sleeping bags, pillows and firewood. Zippable plastic bags are ideal for any electronics, books, documentation or anything else smaller that you want to keep dry. It also keeps your gear neatly together and organised.
Use newspaper
As well as something to read when the rain keeps you stuck inside your tent newspaper can come in very handy. Not only is it perfect to use as a fire starter when your firewood gets wet, but if you roll up a few sheets and stick them in your wet shoes it speeds up the drying process by sucking up the moisture.
Collect water
If it rains, why not make the best of a bad situation and collect some of the rain in bottles, buckets and mugs to use as drinking water?
Stay ventilated
Try to protect any ventilation windows on your tent with the overhead tarp you have previously set up and open them up to promote air circulation without getting rain inside your tent. When you’re sitting in your tent, which you might do a lot on a rainy day, condensation will build up inside, making everything feel cold, damp and generally uncomfortable – this is often mistaken for a leaks in your tent which is often not the case, just keeping your tent ventilated will solve this problem.
Pack morale boosters
The rain may spoil a few of your planned activities so always make sure you take alternative entertainment, such as books, magazines and a deck of cards.
Be prepared to get wet
Don't just sit in your tent waiting for it to pass, with the right gear you can still enjoy an outdoor experience. After all, we always say there's no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear. Go hiking, fishing, play games, splash around, embrace the experience!
Hang up wet gear
When you get back to your tent you should always hang up wet clothing rather than stuffing it into a carrier bag. This prevents a build-up of mould and mildew or bad smells. If you do have to pack wet gear away then always separate the wet from the dry.
Dry out tent immediately when you get home
In the same vein as above, packing a tent away when wet can lead to a build-up of mould and mildew and cause long lasting damage to your tent. Obviously it's not always possible to dry a tent out before you set off home so make sure you take it out of your bag and dry it out at the earliest possible moment.
