Good ideas ad advice for pitching in the rain and keeping the kids occupied in tent if very wet. I've got a couple of tips for the end of your camp!
If packing up in the rain, get the car as close as possible to the tent door - boot under the extension if possible then most of the stuff can go in dry (same when pitching in reverse!)
Have your shower kit, clean clothes and a towel handy on the drivers seat and when you are all packed up, have a shower - nothing worse than driving all the way home in wet, meddy clothes - yuk!
------------- Anne - mad mum to one - foster mum to many - adoptatent to you guys!
My best tip - enjoy it! Rain might be a nuisance, and it's difficult keeping bedding dry etc., but you'll still have a great time. Keep smiling, whatever happens, and you'll shame the others into smiling with you!
Oh, and keep your vents open and let air flow through the tent, so you don't get tons of condensation!
Pitching in the rain, pitch the tent as quickly as possible, leave out windbreak/porch/tarp/etc. for laters.
Packing up in the rain, leave the tent last, get everything ready for loading into the car. Move the car as close to the tent as possible, and load as quickly and as much as possible. Unhook the inner tent and pack into the bag then load into car. Take the tent down, roll it up and bundle it into the car, likewise with the groundsheet. IMHO, there is no point in folding the tent and groundsheet up neatly and pack into the bag etc. as one would need to take them out to dry as soon as possible after returning home.
I like to wear Crocs and mock crocs, and hate having soggy socks and cold feet. Hence I invested on some waterproof SealSkinz socks and cannot recommend them highly enough.
Enjoy yourselves. The air is still fresh, rain or no rain, and the skin is waterproof.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
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DO change from driving shoes to crocs or wellies on arrival so you DON'T get soaking leather shoes.
DO wear crop trousers or shorts.
If using EHU DO make sure cable is safely out the way.
------------- Mavis
It is easier to smile than frown so share a smile every day
Before you even get the tent out of the bag look at the pitch, the position, if there's a slight run-off for the water, etc, etc. For example, if there's a dip in the ground where the tent sits or the whole pitch is in a dip then ask to be moved. Also look around where the rain water might flow from because if you have a grass bank at the side it's probably going to come your way.
You might think a pitch under trees will give you some protection but it usually keeps dripping water well after the rain has stopped. I always look at the drainage, rain isn't too bad if it runs away but if the tent is sat in a pool (as my friend once was) it's an absolute nightmare. At this time of year there should be other pitches available, make sure you get the best.
Make sure all you need to pitch is at the back of your car.
Don't pitch in a dip.
Take your wellies and a change of clothes.
Take a flask of coffee/bottle of wine/bottle of scotch (delete as appropriate)
Leave the rest of your gear in the car till it stops. Dont try and fill the tent whilst its lashing down.
If it doesn't stop pack up and go home
Take it easy, the more you rush the more tent poles you snap, tent fabric becomes heavier when wet you know
disclaimer - all the above comes from my own experience of the past few years ....... you live and learn apparently.
Quote: Originally posted by andrewd39 on 02/5/2012
disclaimer - all the above comes from my own experience of the past few years ....... you live and learn apparently.
Not a lot to add. It's amazing how much quicker the tent goes up in the rain. I also have no shoes on, in tent rule. I also do what is suggested by fostermum. clean clothes, shower gear. kept out, when striking camp. Then I don't mind getting a soaking. as it's nice having a shower afterwards, then feel more relaxed when driving home.
If you have room in your car. A bit of decking placed by the tent door outside, makes a fab addition. It really does help to keep the mud outside the tent; as I found out, when someone left behind their's. I put it to good use. A patio to sit on, cook on. great. I would have taken it home if there was room in my boot.
Happy camping.
heath
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Topic: Camping in the rain. Any do`s and don`ts.
