Sleeping under the stars has become one of the world’s most fun and increasingly popular weekend activities during these unprecedented times. It allows you to connect with nature, relax, and disconnect from the hustle and bustle that is city life. There’s a big misconception that camping involves a lot of bugs, discomfort, and getting wet.
Camping equipment has evolved just as much as technology over the past few decades, and if you want a comfortable and dry camping experience; it’s as easy as applying a few easy techniques. If you are a beginner at camping and not sure what it’s all about, check out this newbie guide to sleeping outside.
Experienced campers will know that one of the most important things to maintain, especially if you are camping in an area where there’s a lot of rain, is to stay dry. Here are a few expert tips you can try out for your next rain forecast camping trip.
- Dry Sleeping Socks
Having wet feet can become extremely uncomfortable, especially if you are hiking during the day and setting up camp wherever you end up. Wet feet can result in blisters and even mold growing in your foot wear.
Purchase a pair of warm wool socks that you keep within a waterproof bag. Store that little waterproof bag within your sleeping bag and only wear it at night. This will ensure that it doesn’t get dirty. You’ll also don’t have to rinse it, like you would your sweaty day socks.
- Make Sure You Know Where Everything Is
This might sound like a ridiculous tip, but when rain is pouring down and you have no shelter, you don’t want to rummage through your bag looking for a headlamp. Knowing exactly where everything is will limit the exposure your gear has to the down pour of rain.
This will also ensure that water doesn’t get trapped in your backpack’s pockets. Ensuring, everything stays dry inside.
- Lighters Instead of Matches
Your only means of warmth will be to create some sort of fire. Matches can get wet in very rainy weather and won’t be able to light a fire. Tie a lighter around your neck and wear it against your skin. Especially in extreme rainy weather circumstances, this might be your only means of emergency warmth.
- Invest in a Pair of Dry Boots
Any experienced hiker and camper will tell you that it’s definitely worth spending a few hundred dollars on a pair of dry boots. You should never underestimate the power of a decent and high-quality pair of dry boots for camping when shopping around. These boots will usually have separate insoles that can be taken out and dried in the sun or with the heat from the fire.
Another great thing about these kinds of boots is that they dry really quickly at the exposure to the sun. Avoid drying the boot’s exterior with heat sources like fire or radiators and rather put it in the sun to dry naturally. Fans or wind are also a great way to dry them.
Compared to trainers, dry camping boots’ material is much more durable and can withstand scratches from hard rocks. The soles are also thicker and not only can they grip onto the loose ground they provide a security barrier between you and sharp rocks.
- Dry Bags or Ziplocs
For keeping everything else dry, you’ll need decent sealable bags. Most high-quality camping backpacks already have a waterproof outer. But if you know that you are going to be camping in a wet environment, you have to make sure that you keep everything else in a tightly sealed waterproof container or bag.
Keep these little bags in your tent. You never know when your tent might start overflooding or leaking. So, it’s best to have a backup plan for items that should remain dry.
If you don’t have access to Ziploc or resealable bags, then you can alternatively use black trash bags or any other plastic bag – as long as you tie it tightly. Make sure you pack a few extra trash bags that you can use for unforeseen circumstances.
- Wear a Hood
Especially for campers with long hair, it’s important that you keep your hair dry. Avoid getting your hair wet when the weather forecast is predicting loads of rain in the following few days. Wear your hood and invest in a decent water-resistant jacket.
Once your long hair is dripping in water, it can take days for it to dry up. Whether you are camping locally or in any of the spots listed here, it’s vital that you stay dry and healthy. Wet hair can result in an unwanted blocked nose and make you more prone to develop a cold or flu.
- Waterproof All Your Camping Gear
Apart from investing in decent waterproof hiking clothes, boots, bags, and tents, you can take extra precautions by waterproofing your gear even further. There are many different products you can use to completely waterproof your gear. This includes different types of sprays and rubdowns.
Some of the most popular products used are Scotchgard and Nikwax. It’s important that you start the waterproofing process at least a week before you are planned to leave. Because it might take a few coats and some drying in between applications in order for it to work to its optimum level. The process will depend on the type of gear you want to waterproof and the level of waterproof. Some people only apply one or two layers which don’t result in a 100% waterproof item, but rather something that is more water-resistant.
If you know that your camping area is going to receive heavy down pours of rain, it’s best to invest in a high-quality waterproof tent and further secure it by using waterproof products on the seams and corners.
It’s possible to have a dry and enjoyable camping experience, as long as you wear dry boots, have an extra pair of wool socks, sealable bags, and waterproof gear.
~This is a sponsored post.
