Heading off to the Lakes tomorrow and there's a heavy rain warning in place. It seems set to ease off after the horrors of tomorrow but despite being an enthusiastic camper for a few years, i've never camped in rain! My main concern is getting set up - any tips for getting set up in in what looks like torrential rain? I have a big tarp that i've never used - will it serve any purpose as a groundsheet under the tent? My tent is a Freedom Trail Sendero 6 so it's probably not the most robust when it comes to rain but it's what we have!
In my experience, both set up and strike down in the rain is easier if the car is packed to help.
The first things you need easily accessible, bedding and clothing left in the vehicle until last minute. Strike down is in reverse but it's handy having some extra black bin bags to place wet footprints in etc. Or to put bedding in to keep dry away from soggier items.
Happy camping and enjoy finding a nice cosy pub for your dinner 😃
Quote: Originally posted by navver on 23/9/2019
Tee shirt, shorts and wellies are the way to go. Then you can get wet.
Not sure what kit you have or transport. Worth packing so all can stay dry in car until tent is up if possible.
Good shout on just embracing getting wet and being done with it! I was considering all sorts of waterproofs but you’re right. Re kit/car we have a car and everything’s bunged in the back but a more orderly organisation might be in order so we can get to the tent first. Thanks!
Quote: Originally posted by Roofybubbles1 on 23/9/2019
In my experience, both set up and strike down in the rain is easier if the car is packed to help.
The first things you need easily accessible, bedding and clothing left in the vehicle until last minute. Strike down is in reverse but it's handy having some extra black bin bags to place wet footprints in etc. Or to put bedding in to keep dry away from soggier items.
Happy camping and enjoy finding a nice cosy pub for your dinner 😃
Good tips. Will pack a few bin bags to be safe. And definitely re dinner - have already sussed out the local on google maps 😂
Pack your tent last in the car, or at least most accessible, so that you don’t have to get other stuff out in the wet to reach it.
Put up tent.
Back car as close as possible to tent entrance. If you move your front guys out sideways you may be able to get your open hatchback door to make a continuous roof with the front of the tent.
Unload into tent. (This is good in reverse for a wet pack up).
In truth if day one is very heavy and it gets better after that, I would delay a day. Lakes rain pouring down a fellside, hundreds of rivulets making small new streams.... The ground is often very peaty, or thin soil on rock, so you get bogs, or surface water.
Deborah gives good advice work with the weather why pitch in the rain if change is forecast. As a scout I was told as Deborah says think were to pitch to avoid rain run off and puddling. Bad weather is not a problem as long as the tent and bedding are dry. Hope all goes well.
The tents up, it's raining, you've done reading and card games until your eyes have gone wonky. Go swimming in the local indoor pool, have a meal in a restaurant on the way back.
Don't touch the tent walls, especially if cotton. Check the guy lines each time you go out, especially if you have a cotton tent and natural fibre guy lines.
Secure valuables, electronics and dry clothing in waterproof bags when not in use.
Watch each other, especially if young or vulnerable for hyperthermia, is someone's clothes are wet, or they are shivering, break out the hot sweet drinks and biscuits.
The longer you are stuck in a tent the smaller it becomes so get out, go to a museum, watch a movie at the cinema, play bingo do something, anything!
Quote: Originally posted by towedyears on 23/9/2019
Deborah gives good advice work with the weather why pitch in the rain if change is forecast. As a scout I was told as Deborah says think were to pitch to avoid rain run off and puddling. Bad weather is not a problem as long as the tent and bedding are dry. Hope all goes well.
I did consider holding off but annual leave is precious so I’ll have to make the best of it! Excellent advice and tips though and I certainly hadn’t considered rain run off. I’m sure we’ll be fine. If we’re rained out at least it’s an experience!
Quote: Originally posted by Bramston on 23/9/2019
The tents up, it's raining, you've done reading and card games until your eyes have gone wonky. Go swimming in the local indoor pool, have a meal in a restaurant on the way back.
Don't touch the tent walls, especially if cotton. Check the guy lines each time you go out, especially if you have a cotton tent and natural fibre guy lines.
Secure valuables, electronics and dry clothing in waterproof bags when not in use.
Watch each other, especially if young or vulnerable for hyperthermia, is someone's clothes are wet, or they are shivering, break out the hot sweet drinks and biscuits.
The longer you are stuck in a tent the smaller it becomes so get out, go to a museum, watch a movie at the cinema, play bingo do something, anything!
Fortunately it’s just two adults and a dog and we’re well used to traipsing around hills and valleys in the wet. Good tips re the electronics. Might stick some socks in a dry bag too just in case!
Quote: Originally posted by DeborahTurner on 23/9/2019
Pack your tent last in the car, or at least most accessible, so that you don’t have to get other stuff out in the wet to reach it.
Put up tent.
Back car as close as possible to tent entrance. If you move your front guys out sideways you may be able to get your open hatchback door to make a continuous roof with the front of the tent.
Unload into tent. (This is good in reverse for a wet pack up).
In truth if day one is very heavy and it gets better after that, I would delay a day. Lakes rain pouring down a fellside, hundreds of rivulets making small new streams.... The ground is often very peaty, or thin soil on rock, so you get bogs, or surface water.
You’ve done this before! Excellent tips re getting the car right up close and personal with the tent. Should work out actually!
Have a backup plan in case the site doesn't allow you to drive your car onto the pitch due to the rain (getting stuck/bogged down/having to be towed out).
You mentioned you were planning on taking up backpacking. Forecasts are fickle enough you'll need to get used to setting & packing up in the rain. Just part of the fun.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Camping in the rain - am I mental?
I have a big tarp that i've never used - will it serve any purpose as a groundsheet under the tent? My tent is a Freedom Trail Sendero 6 so it's probably not the most robust when it comes to rain but it's what we have!
via mobile 23/9/2019 at 8:33pm
