4 easy tips for wet weather camping

I’ve read a few blogs, and watched a few videos in my time. And when it comes to wet weather, the first thing they will say is “if the forecast looks bad, cancel immediately!”.

Now I’ll agree it’s not the best idea if you’ve never been camping before. But I can almost guaruntee you’ll have the camp to yourself – and you’ll have a ball. Anyway enough waffle, what’s the pointers I have for you here?

1: Acceptance

You will get a little moist, you just have to accept that. Once you stop thinking about packing up a soggy tent, and trying to dodge every rain drop you’ll have a lot more fun.

2: Wet & Dry Clothes

Have a few changes of clothes, but don’t change when you get wet, and go and get THAT change wet as well! I use a Gortex waterproof jacket which keeps my top half dry. Doesn’t do much for the bottom bit though. A lot of people swear by the Driza-Bone jackets which look great. They are long enough to keep the rain off your trousers as well.

Most importantly, I take my wet gear off before I go in the tent or anywhere I’d prefer not to be muddy. If I have to go back out into the rain, I’ll throw the soggy gear back on – which is kinda shitty but it’s better than getting every change of clothes soaked.

Also…bring gumboots. Someone may laugh at you, but they won’t be laughing when they have trench foot!

3: Fire!

You’ve gotta have an impressive campfire for wet camping. It helps you dry out (obviously) but it also improves spirits.

Lighting a fire can be tricky sometimes. Try and gather dry wood, tinder and twigs to begin with. If you still have trouble; a little kerosene or diesel (no petrol please!) will help your fire along. Once she’s roaring stack the remainder of the wood around the fire in a ring to help it dry, and throw it on as you need it.

HOT TIP! If you’re using one of those concrete fire rings with a swing away BBQ plate, swing it over the fire to prevent the rain putting it out.

3: TARP CITY BITCH!

Shelter is understandably the most important bit. 4WD awnings are great for a little shelter, but honestly you will need more. Tarps are where its at! A mix of good quality ones, and shit ones works quite well. Because…if you put the shit ones close to the edge of the fire, you can sit by the fire AND be dry! You won’t be so sad if they melt. Also….gazebos are great! Pretty bulky to haul along with you, but whack one of them up and strap on a side wall or 2 and you’ll be comfy as a…snug as a bug that’s the saying! 

4: Pitch That Tent!

Read this part thoroughly cos there’s some pro tips here! Before you set up, take a careful look to avoid any low points or potential water runoff. That water will soak straight through your bed. Water pooling around the base of your tent/swag/camper must be avoided too, so dig a little run off channel to avert the water if necessary. If you’re using a tarp for a ground sheet, tuck the edges under to prevent water collecting and going under the floor.

Unless you’ve got a rubbish K-mart tent, water coming through the material from above shouldn’t be a problem. If you’re in a tent, make sure it’s at least a 3 season model, or built with canvas. The only other way you’re likely to have problems is where slack spots in the material allow water to pool. So do your best to eliminate those.

As for swag owners, read my tips for a comfier swag Here to get yourself off the ground and comfortable.

Of course, all of this advice comes from the perspective of a man with no children. I can appreciate that camping in wet weather with children is an entirely different kettle of fish….is that your kettle of fish? If you’ve got anything valuable to add to this blog post, doing it with children or otherwise, let us know in the comments.

Keep dry out there!

Alex