Surviving a Camping Trip in the Rain

Camping trips are always fun when the sun is shining: families and friends sit around the campfire and tell stories, cook outdoors on the fire pit, go hiking, biking and play games. Yet most people that have ever been camping will have one or two memories about a time they camped out in the rain. It’s a little bit more challenging to truly appreciate the outdoors when the weather doesn’t cooperate: your tent, camping equipment and firewood can get drenched and you start to wish that you were back home where it’s warm and dry.

If you are heading out on a camping trip this weekend then the number one rule is to expect rain. Being prepared for the eventuality of rain will make your camping experience a whole lot more enjoyable.

First, watch this YouTube video for some great tips on correctly setting up your tent. These tips will help you stay warm and dry in the event of wet weather.

Not only will you need protection from the wet weather so that you can stay warm and dry, you will also need to consider some things to do that will keep yourself and your family occupied (and above all still having fun!) Depending on the severity of the rain and how long it lasts, you might also become limited on how much cooking can be done and so alternative meal ideas are important too.

So, bearing all this in mind, it's also a good idea to put together an "Emergency Rain Pack": a selection of items that you take with you over and above all the usual camping necessities. Here are some suggestions of what you could put in your "Emergency Rain Pack" to help make camping in the rain a lot more tolerable.

Shelter, Protection and Warmth

• A large tarp for shelter: If you don't normally put up a tarp for shelter then it's a good idea to keep one in your Emergency Rain Pack. Store it at the top of the pack so that it is easily accessible. The tarp should be the first thing to put up when arriving at your campsite.
• A ground tarp
• String/pegs
• Good quality Raincoat
• Waterproof clothing such as polypro long underwear
• Extra change of clothing
• Spare Socks
• Umbrellas
• Extra blankets
• Packs of air-activated instant heat Hand Warmers: available from camping stores or www.warmers.com

Things to Do

• Books and magazines
• Pens, pencils and paper to write hubs, sketch etc.
• Games
• Deck of Cards
• Music: iPod, mp3 player, guitar, harmonica
• Kids pack: coloring books, crayons, Dollarstore games

Food and Drink

• Prepared food that doesn’t require cooking, stored in tightly closed containers
• Can opener if required
• Snacks: chips, nuts, candy
• Cutlery
• Napkins
• Bottled or canned drinks
• Plastic Bags for garbage

Remember, when you're not using your Emergency Rain Pack, keep it in the car where it stay nice and dry. Surviving a camping trip in the rain is possible if you’re just prepared. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry!