To enjoy waterproof camping you need to be well prepared for the ever changing, unpredictable weather in many parts of the world these days.
Nothing can ruin a camping trip like a waterlogged campsite, which usually means an abrupt end to your planned stay in the magnificent, (if not sometimes unforgiving) great outdoors.
To ensure that your camping trip isn't ruined by the weather all you need is a little forward planning.
Assuming you have the necessary camping equipment, next...
Where To? First off, when deciding on your destination make sure that it's a suitable place for the party making the trip.
Basically all you need is to be sure that it will be warm, dry, and safe, for everyone, particularly if there's going to be young children and/or pets tagging along.
Considerations Have a rough idea what the weather will be like at the time of year Will your party handle the terrain safely Will there be any water hazards, such as rivers, lakes, waterfalls Dangers such as canyons or cliff edges Wild animals Tent Camping The most important piece of equipment to keep you warm and dry is going to be your tent.
Is it suitable for the possible weather conditions, is it a 2, 3, or 4 season tent? Two Season: A summer tent really, will take some light rain Three Season: Spring, summer, or fall.
Takes rain and light snow fall Four Season: All year round use, will cope with heavy rain and snow, and low temperatures Also: You don't want to find that your tent leaks when there's a downpour in the middle of the night.
Pitch your tent at home in the yard, or somewhere locally when it's raining, test it for leaks and repair them if necessary.
Make a list of everything you are taking along and check each item for defects.
Checkout other equipment for leaks or damage too.
If there are any, you can carry out the repairs before you go camping.
Before you set out for camp, tick off all the items on your list as you pack them away.
Take along plenty of tarps to keep your gear and clothing dry.
Lightweight waterproof clothing that doesn't take up much room.
Plenty of waterproof sacks, bags, and containers.
Keep items such as wallets, cell phones, money, credit cards, maps, documents, matches, etc, in small seal-able bags, and have larger bags for clothing and sleeping bags.
Take along something to keep everyone entertained on a rainy day (I spy, can get boring after a while), such as reading material, games, and music.
Don't forget to take spare batteries for all electronic gadgets and games.
Are we there yet? When you finally arrive at your destination after several hours of "are we there yet?", choose a position for your camp with good drainage, that is unexposed to the elements, and on fairly level ground.
If it's raining set up a tarp overhead so that you can keep yourself and the equipment dry as you pitch the tent.
Tuck the edges of the groundsheet inside the tent so that water can't run in from outside.
Once you have organized and set up camp, and you've got everything covered, it's waterproof camping and "happy days,"...
even if there are a few rainy ones!
Nothing can ruin a camping trip like a waterlogged campsite, which usually means an abrupt end to your planned stay in the magnificent, (if not sometimes unforgiving) great outdoors.
To ensure that your camping trip isn't ruined by the weather all you need is a little forward planning.
Assuming you have the necessary camping equipment, next...
Where To? First off, when deciding on your destination make sure that it's a suitable place for the party making the trip.
Basically all you need is to be sure that it will be warm, dry, and safe, for everyone, particularly if there's going to be young children and/or pets tagging along.
Considerations Have a rough idea what the weather will be like at the time of year Will your party handle the terrain safely Will there be any water hazards, such as rivers, lakes, waterfalls Dangers such as canyons or cliff edges Wild animals Tent Camping The most important piece of equipment to keep you warm and dry is going to be your tent.
Is it suitable for the possible weather conditions, is it a 2, 3, or 4 season tent? Two Season: A summer tent really, will take some light rain Three Season: Spring, summer, or fall.
Takes rain and light snow fall Four Season: All year round use, will cope with heavy rain and snow, and low temperatures Also: You don't want to find that your tent leaks when there's a downpour in the middle of the night.
Pitch your tent at home in the yard, or somewhere locally when it's raining, test it for leaks and repair them if necessary.
Make a list of everything you are taking along and check each item for defects.
Checkout other equipment for leaks or damage too.
If there are any, you can carry out the repairs before you go camping.
Before you set out for camp, tick off all the items on your list as you pack them away.
Take along plenty of tarps to keep your gear and clothing dry.
Lightweight waterproof clothing that doesn't take up much room.
Plenty of waterproof sacks, bags, and containers.
Keep items such as wallets, cell phones, money, credit cards, maps, documents, matches, etc, in small seal-able bags, and have larger bags for clothing and sleeping bags.
Take along something to keep everyone entertained on a rainy day (I spy, can get boring after a while), such as reading material, games, and music.
Don't forget to take spare batteries for all electronic gadgets and games.
Are we there yet? When you finally arrive at your destination after several hours of "are we there yet?", choose a position for your camp with good drainage, that is unexposed to the elements, and on fairly level ground.
If it's raining set up a tarp overhead so that you can keep yourself and the equipment dry as you pitch the tent.
Tuck the edges of the groundsheet inside the tent so that water can't run in from outside.
Once you have organized and set up camp, and you've got everything covered, it's waterproof camping and "happy days,"...
even if there are a few rainy ones!
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