When it comes to camping out in the woods, even a newbie knows to go through the necessary preparations. If you're planning to go camping, you may already have a list of essential items you need to bring, from the exact amount of food and water, down to the number of extra batteries for your flashlights.
However, camping under different weather conditions will require a different kind of preparation. For rainy weather camping, here are five useful tips for beginners. (h/t to ThePrepperJournal.com)
Get a proper raincoat
When picking out the right raincoat for your trip, consider what activities you will be doing. Will you be hiking, hunting, or canoeing? The right raincoat doesn't have to cost you a fortune, but it does need to be durable enough that it won't rip apart at the most inopportune moments.
Also, before going out, consider testing whether or not your raincoat fits you well while you're wearing all your other gear. Your raincoat will be worn over your bulky sweater and gloves. If you can still move comfortably while wearing all that, you should be good to go.
Waterproof your luggage
If you're anticipating rainfall, then you should expect your belongings to get drenched. It's important to waterproof your pack. There are backpacks that are designed to be waterproof, but if those aren't available, there are rain covers that you can get for your pack.
Still, putting a rain cover over your pack might not be enough. If you want to be extra secure, get a couple of plastic bags and wrap them over everything. Pack your socks in individual plastic bags so that getting one compromised won't harm the others. For smaller items such as a mobile phone, you can store them in Ziploc bags.
Your camp also needs to be waterproof
Your camping spot needs to be comfortable, otherwise your experience won't be enjoyable. Your tent can offer some protection from the elements, but a camping tarp or fly can provide more shielding from the rain. It offers an extra amount of space outside your tent that can be dry, and it's lightweight and compact enough that bringing it along won't overburden you.
Be sure to also plan out where you're going to set up camp. That extra tarp will be meaningless if the runoff passes through your tent. (Related: Camping: A great way to practice how to live after SHTF.)
Don't kneel or sit
Keeping yourself as dry as possible when you're at camp is important. This means avoiding sitting on any surface that is damp or soaking wet because if you get wet, you will get cold and it can be difficult to warm up. If at all possible, your feet are the only things that should ever touch actual ground.
If you must lower yourself to the ground, crouch or squat.
Use your imagination
All of these tips will heavily depend on what your trip will be like, which is why you need to use your own imagination to figure out what else you need. Going on a hunting trip? Then you need to make sure that you have a waterproof gun case – everything up to your gun scope needs to be protected from the rain. Going on a bike trek? Then bring a bike pump, an extra tarp to cover your bike, and even a bike lock that you can wrap around a tree for extra security.
Whatever kind of camping trip you'll be on, having the right gear is important, and making sure that everything you bring is secure from the wind and rain will make for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
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