Many families love camping as their outdoor bonding activity. Aside from being one with nature, it strengthens family relationships, teaches children about the importance of the environment and survival skills, and it’s a great time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to fully control how things will turn out for your camping trip, especially the weather.
Despite checking the weather forecast and ensuring a sunny day, downpours and rain showers could possibly happen. Instead of feeling agitated because of it, being prepared can still make it work and make the most of your camping. For example, it would be wise to invest in an insulated yurt and make it your go-to option for extreme climates. You will find it useful if you frequent the outdoors.
This article will give you tips to help you enjoy your next camping trip, despite bad weather.
Position Your Tent In An Elevated Space
The first thing to remember when going on a camping trip is to choose your campsite wisely. Select a site that will not flood in the event of a shower or rain. It would be wise to avoid setting up near the brook or the lake's lower area. These bodies of water may rise during stormy weather. You can’t risk everyone’s safety during your trip, so picking the safest campsite is paramount.
The worst place to set up your yurt or tent is at the bottom of a slope with a low-lying area. Often, it's clear and relatively flat, so you might be tempted to pitch your tent there. Think smart by not setting up your camp in the lowland areas. You should instead install your tent at the top of the small slope so that no pool of water will accumulate on your tent’s ground when the rain starts.
Lay Down A Tarp Underneath Your Tent
There is a tendency for water to accumulate at the bottom of the tent whenever there is heavy rain. Although the material is water-resistant, you may feel cold as you lie down. A heavy-duty tarp can prevent that from happening. Invest in a heavy-duty tarp that can serve as the bottom layer of your tent.
Place this tarp under your tent, and ensure that every inch of the tarp is hidden underneath it. The tent floor will soak up the rain if there’s an exposed part of the tarp outside. If there is any excess tarp, fold it under the tent so it can't be seen. If you’re wondering where to buy high-quality and durable tarps, these can be purchased in any hardware or home improvement shop near you. Ask the staff for durable ones that can withstand rainwater.
Wear Enough Layer Of Clothes
You can make camping more comfortable with the type of clothes you wear. Camping in bad weather exposes you to chilly winds and cold rain. Hence it is best to wear a few layers of clothing. Waterproof jackets, pants, and boots are essential in such cases. But before you wear them all, make sure you have warm and cozy inner clothes too.
The layers you wear under your waterproofs should be breathable and quick-drying to regulate your temperature effectively and allow sweat to evaporate. Avoid wearing cotton and other synthetic clothes as they may not be suitable for rainy weather. Since you’ll be trapped inside the yurt or tent, there are chances of sweating due to the humid environment, and wearing non-absorbent clothes makes you uncomfortable. Therefore, bundle up with moisture-wicking warm clothes.
As for your sleeping bags, choose one that is insulated to keep you warm all through the night. Choose a quality that can easily adapt to the dampness and wetness of the ground. Invest in the right sleeping bag to ensure you sleep soundly during your camping trip.
Bring High-Quality Camping Gear
Your camp gear is important but what’s more important is to check and inspect their condition and quality. Therefore, you should check all your gear before going on a trip. Bringing substandard camping gear will only add more dilemmas, especially when you are camping in bad weather. Ensure all your gear is out on the driveway or in the garage. Make sure you have everything you need and assess each one carefully. One best practice is to make a list of all the essentials so you won’t forget anything.
Switch the flashlights on to see if the batteries still work. For additional resources on efficient packing and gear maintenance, WEquip offers a comprehensive guide that can enhance your preparation process. Their insights ensure you're equipped with the knowledge to select and preserve gear that withstands diverse weather conditions. Also, check the weatherproof or waterproof bags or pouches and see if they can serve their purpose. By doing these steps, you can be more prepared for camping with your family, despite the bad weather.
Carry Items On A Waterproof Bag
Finally, you need a place to put all your gear and camping stuff safely. For this, you can invest in a weather-resistant or waterproof bag. As mentioned, make sure your hiking backpack can serve its purpose before you use it. You can test it out by taking a stroll outdoors when it’s raining. If the things inside your bag get soaked, it only means you should purchase a different camping bag with higher quality.
Some of your camp gear is expensive and needs to be dry at all times. For instance, you may be carrying electronics, portable stoves, or batteries, which need to be completely dry to function effectively. Also, your clothes and food need to be kept dry as well, so investing in a good water-resistant bag is the best way to go.
Go for a bag that comes with two important features. Aside from choosing a water-resistant one, ensure it is lightweight, so you won’t strain your back and shoulders. Another tip is to pack modularly. Using separate dry bags for separate items will make things more convenient since you only have to take out one dry bag at a time.
Conclusion
Bad weather is inevitable. Despite the weather news and forecast, unexpected things can happen with the weather, even during your camping trip. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared when you’re planning to go camping with friends or family. With the tips above, you can be more prepared and enjoy the most of your camping trip.
