We are off camping in the Lake District next week and we want some advice on what to do if we get there and the ground is wet and also pitching and packing up the tent in the rain.
We have a Vango Venture 500 (2006) and it's outer first. Would it be a good idea to have an additional ground sheet down first, to protect & keep clean, the SIG?
Any other advice about wet camping would also be helpful.
if the tent gets wet ensure that you air and dry the bedroom section of your tent THOUROUGHLY the only differance between wet and dry camping is ....you need to dry off camping is all about being outdoors and the oppourtunity to experiance different smells colours and sights in the lakes at any time of year should always be grasped with both hands .do you have water proof trousers and coats these are a good investment as you dont need to worry about clothes etc also some camp sites in the lakes also have "drying rooms" to dry your wet kit(obv sorry) and most are free due to the high quantity of walkers etc in the are in know that the national trusat site at langdale definatly has one
hope you enjoy your camp and remember that there is no such thing as bad weather just the wrong clothes.....happy trails
Hi and welcome to UKCS. We were away one very wet weekend. Rain started Friday morning and stayed with us all weekend. Pitched in torrential rain, and put down in torrential rain. We didn't put the tent back in its bag, just folded it as best possible in the circumstances and dried it at home. Not sure about a SIG though - not a groundsheet fan.
Camping can still be enjoyable even in the rain. We had a bright spell of about 2 hours, so the children and I had a lovely nature walk by the river. It was lovely just walking in the wet countryside - enjoying the brief spot of sunshine. Saw a heron looking for fish (makes a change from the raiding peoples ponds.
The VV500 doesn't have a full SIG, the 2006 model has a toggle in groundsheet that is attached to the front of the bedroom area I think?
I wouldn't worry about putting anything down under it but do make sure you take a couple of black bin liners so that if you tent is wet when you pack up you can shove it in a black bag rather than getting the tent bag wet and muddy.
We've used our 2005 VV500 in wet and windy weather and it performs very well. We find using the side door preferable in the wet as the front door drips on you as you open it up. We've adopted a shaking technique for the side door - give the tent a good shake before going out in the morning to dislodge the rain before you open the side door!
Make sure you get the tent pitched squarely and the mudflaps will keep you dry inside, personally in the wet I don't put a groundsheet down as if you walk water in it's easier to do this on grass not the groundsheet however that's not as posssible in this version of the VV.
As said above make sure you've got good outdoor clothes and go and enjoy yourselves - walking in the wind and the rain is fab!
We've just had to pack up in heavy rain and wind - came home only today (rest of the stay was lovely and sunny). Our tent has a SIG - I'd recommend putting tarpaulin down under it first - keeps the SIG clean and dry and helps avoid damage from any sharp stones etc. When packing up - put your waterproofs on - clear everything out of the tent (don't forget to leave room in the car for the tent bag!) - sweep/mop clean the inside/SIG (take dustpan and brush and old towel for this) - then undo guy ropes etc. A couple of kids to sit either end of tent/tarpaulin while folding etc is useful in windy weather. I'd agree with the above about the bin bags for stuffing dirty bits in (not just the tent). It is an 'experience', and even the kids didn't mind too much - especially since we then headed off to the nearest pub for a nice lunch!
------------- If you want something doing, ask a busy person.
Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 02/8/2006
The VV500 doesn't have a full SIG, the 2006 model has a toggle in groundsheet that is attached to the front of the bedroom area I think?
Make sure you get the tent pitched squarely and the mudflaps will keep you dry inside,
thank you
Should these be folded up inside the tent on the front door? Like they are on our profile image?
I emailed Vango about this last year for the 2005 modely and they replied to say that it didn't matter! We tend to vary - sometimes I tuck them in but if it's very wet I often leave them sticking out and the rainwater in them holds them down and stops anything blowing underneath! I'm not sure how the toggle in groundsheet works with the flaps on the new model though?
Have to agree with Piglet. We too have a 05 V600DLX.
We used it as Easter and the rain was kind enough to stop long enough for us to pitch and strike in vaguely dry conditions.
The tent though remained dry inside and we too employed the shaking technique to avoid the deluge of run off.
It is all about having the right clothes, for me, as long as it is above about 15 degress then shorts and a tee shirt will do for me and they are relative easy to dry
Have fun
Phil
------------- We only go camping to see what we have forgotten and what we need to get for next time. If only we could remember where we put the list..................
don't worry too much about setting up in the rain .........there will be breaks in the weather so make the most of them
an extra goundsheet can be very handy for keeping things out of the mud .
before you start have a plan ie whos going to spread ground sheet whos going to lay tent out and whos doing the poles and pegs etc once you have the tent up you can shelter for a while get your breath back before starting unloading the rest of the dry gear that you left in the car
when its all up you can sit back and laugh at your selves or pat yourselves on the back and say how good you coped
If your are unfortunate to pack up in the rain you can always dry the fly sheet at home
Camping in the rain is second nature to us. Weather can be fantastic until we put trailer on back of car. If it is raining when yoo get there just get your routine in your heads before starting, to save on any delays. We always put the groundsheet down. I also have a cheap door mat/short runner rug for the door entrance. It does help with keeping your groundsheet from getting wet, dirty and slippy. I make them all wipe there feet and then take there shoes off (i sound cruel dont i, i do let them put another pair on), especially on long stays. Then the next guarantee for rain is the night before packing up day. Thats the day when the strong winds and torrential rain come. Just to make sure we have to dry all the tent out when we get home, and for you to be nice and damp for the journey home.
Thanks for all your comments, we are off now, so fingers crossed the weather will be kind!! We'll post a review when we are back...now where did I put the tent?
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Camping in the wet & rain
raiding peoples ponds.
