We’ve been camping a long time, and we know the best ways to survive the rain when camping.
By nature, camping is an outdoor activity. When you’re camping, you’re basically doing everything out in the elements. Because of this, people often view rain as a reason to cancel or shorten their camping trip. However, with a little planning, it doesn’t have to be that way!
There are three critical elements to survive, or even enjoy the rain while you’re camping, regardless of anything else:
- Maintain a Positive Attitude
- Keep yourself and your stuff dry
- Have fun things to do
With that in mind, here are the 5 best ways to survive the rain while camping:
Your Attitude
Maintaining a positive attitude is the number one element above all the rest. Rain happens. It’s something that the earth needs to survive and it’s something we can’t control. Since we can’t change the weather, decide to embrace it instead!
- When you hear that first wave of thunder or feel those first raindrops fall, focus on your senses. What does it smell like? Feel like? Taste like? Sound like? Look like? I love the different scents of rain. Watching the raindrops form on dry dirt and turn into rivulets can be fascinating. Bring out your child or inner child and rediscover nature.
- Rain is critical to life. Focusing on being alive and being thankful for everything our world provides for us is a great way to shift our attitudes. Don’t let a little rain ruin your day!
Your Clothing
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing” – Alfred Wainwright
Packing the right clothes is key to staying dry and comfortable. Dress in layers. Merino wool and some synthetics can get wet, yet still keep you warm. This is key for your inner layers. Having breathable waterproof outer layers such as Gore-Tex or eVent keeps the rain out while not making you sweat. Didn’t have room to pack all that? Ponchos can help in a pinch.- Don’t forget your hands and feet! Cold, wet feet are miserable. Merino wool socks and gloves along with waterproof boots are what to wear when the rain is cold or when you want to warm up your feet in your tent. Cold weather means adding insulating layers like fleece to keep the warmth in!
- If the rainy weather is warm, having a swimsuit is the perfect way to get wet, and have some fun. Don’t forget a towel to dry off inside your tent!
Your Gear
Make sure you have a waterproof tent and waterproof bags to keep food and clothing dry. Use a tarp under your tent but be sure that the water dripping off the tent doesn’t run onto the tarp and under your tent! Also, don’t let your sleeping bag touch the sides of your tent! Condensation can cause it to get wet even if the tent is waterproof.- Use additional tarps, awnings, or tents to create additional dry areas around your camp. Use a shovel if need be to divert water away from your campsite. Have waterproof matches or lighter and sources of dry tinder so that you can start a fire. Use a sharp knife to peel off strips of wood from fallen branches.
- Bring plastic bags for wet shoes or other items. You can even use plastic bags on your feet if you have to wear wet shoes. Large trash bags can have many uses, including acting as a poncho in a pinch!
- A clothesline and pins are handy for hanging wet clothing to dry. Also bring extra towels to dry items as needed as well as blankets to snuggle in.
Your Food
When you’re packing food for a potentially rainy camping trip, there are two things to consider. First, will you be able to prepare the food even if it’s raining, and second, are you bringing along food that will warm you up if you get chilled?
- Preparing food while it’s raining can be challenging. You can opt for simple options that don’t need to be heated like sandwiches, salads, and fruit. You can also pack a small camping stove if you are able to set up a tarped area outside. Burning fuel inside your tent is not a good idea since carbon monoxide can accumulate.
- Packing soups, stews, and broth is a great way to warm you up when you’re chilled. Hot chocolate, teas, and coffees are another enjoyable option. Expedition-style foods only need hot water and can be a fun and tasty alternative. One-pot meals that pack in veggies and protein can be easy to prepare and will keep you satisfied.
Your Activities
What to do while it’s raining? There are plenty of activities to enjoy!
You can choose to relax by reading a book, listening to music, or even taking a nap! Coloring or Activity books can keep you busy as well as board games or card games.- Pack a portable DVD player and watch a movie. Or play games like “I went on a picnic and I brought xyz”. Start with an item that begins with the letter ‘A’, then take turns remembering what the others have said and adding in a new item with the next letter.
- You can tell or read short stories, scary stories, or poetry. Call grandma and let her know what she’s missing out on! I’m sure she’ll enjoy the call and will help you pass the time.
- You can also go outside and enjoy the rain. Wear your gear and go for a walk or put on your swimsuit and play in the puddles and mud. Take selfies and photos of being silly, then use your old towels to dry off and have a cup of cocoa while you snuggle in and wait for the sun.
Having it rain while you’re camping doesn’t have to be miserable. Embrace your inner child and nature’s blessings and appreciate that you are able to experience all that the great outdoors has to offer. Every day is a new day to enjoy and creating memories will last a lifetime. Just remember to follow these five ways to survive the rain while camping.
Shoreline Tours and Camping handles all of the camping hassle of packing, setup, and take-down – you just get to relax and have fun! If you would like to learn more about camping with us, just click here!
