Tried and tested hacks after years and years of camping in the rain!

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If you’re planning a big camping trip (or you’re already on one and are panicking because the heavens have opened) rain can seem like your nemesis. But it doesn’t have to be.

Sure, it’s a learning curve and it will change your experience, but it doesn’t have to be for the worse.

With a little forwards planning, the right gear choices and actions outside, you can shrug it off and embrace your rainy camping session. The pitter-patter of rain on your tent canvas might even become a welcome sound.

In this article, we’ll be sharing all our tips for tent camping in the rain (if you’re camping in a van, you’ve already got a nice metal shelter to keep you dry).

It’s everything we’ve picked up from years and years of backpacking, bike touring and camping in the UK, which has got its rainy reputation for a reason!

Keep reading to find out:

• How to prepare for a rainy camping trip
• What to take & picking the best tent for rain
• What to do when outside and finding a decent camping spot in wet weather
• Specific rainy wild camping tips
• What to do post-camp?
• Plenty more rainy camping hacks

Before we get into things…

Unless you’re fortunate enough to live somewhere with constantly blue skies and predictable weather, eventually you’ll get some rain on ya camps.

To be completely honest, it does change things quite a bit. Even with the best waterproof tent (more on this below), you’ll probably get a little wet going in and out of the tent, maybe you’ll feel a bit cramped and might have to reassess certain elements of your adventure.

The key is to prepare properly so you can embrace it.

With the right prep, you quickly realise wet periods are totally worth it in the grand scheme of outdoor trips.

And there are some actual perks to camping in the rain too:

• Listening to rain on the tent is SO therapeutic
• There will be much fewer people around – you might have whole landscapes to yourself
• The smell of rainy woodlands or natural areas can be invigorating
• Post-rain, the world glistens and comes alive!

Part 1. Preparing for camping in wet weather & rainy outdoor trips

If you know that rain is likely, some of the most important steps come from your preparation before you leave. This is particularly important if you’re heading into remote landscapes where picking up spares, seeking shelter, curtailing the trip etc. might not be so easy.

Numero Uno: Check the forecast

This way you’ll know if it actually will be rainy, how rainy it will be, in what areas/on what days etc. We like to use Windy App and Met Office for the UK.

Forecasts can be wrong or change, but this will give you a rough idea of what to plan for. A weekend camp with a short period of light rain will be very different to a whole 72-hour deluge!

#2. Make any adjustments to your trip

This doesn’t mean cancel, but if there’s very heavy rain forecast, you might want to change things up a bit.

In prolonged heavy rain, camping on high ground could be colder and more intense. Valleys, canyons and water sources can also be dangerous to camp near in case of flooding. In heavy rain, perhaps avoid spending nights in places like this.

#3. Compensate for the rain

Everything takes a bit more time in the rain. Whether that’s cooking, making and breaking camp or hiking/biking/rafting your way to it.

If you’re hiking in the rain, cycling or on any other type of outdoor trip, you probably won’t be able to cover as much ground. Plan your camping spots a little closer so you’ll definitely reach them.

#4. Check over all of your gear

In sour weather, you want your gear to be in the best possible condition.

Make sure your tent is top nick and isn’t damaged. Also make sure all of your wet weather outdoor gear is in a good state too. Our guide to waterproofing your hiking boots can with boots.

We’ll get onto a full list of what to bring camping in the rain below

#5. Think about evac points

It’s always good to think about easy exit points in case the weather gets really wild.

That means if you see there is seriously heavy rain on one night, try to time the trip so that’s NOT the night you’re in the middle of nowhere and days from some shelter. It’s not always possible, and if you pick the right wild camping spot you should be fine, but it’s something to consider.

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Part 2. What to take camping in the rain & gear tips

In the rain, your equipment really matters. Even a light shower can take its toll if you’ve got the wrong kit.

We’ll start with some essentials for your rainy camping packing list, then share some additional tips.

#6. Clothing essentials to bring camping in the rain

It’s always good to have some comfortable camping clothing for in the tent and waterproof clothing you can easily put on if you’re nipping in and out of the tent.

Make sure to wear layers, rather than just having one heavy layer. If it gets wet, then you’re stuffed.

These items are wise for most types of outdoor camping trips:

• Waterproof rain jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Depending on the conditions/trip, you might choose waterproof hiking boots, gaiters, gloves etc.
• A poncho can be very useful when peeing outside or pooping…
• Make sure to take a change of clothing and spares (SOCKS!), just in case your layers get wet.
• Try to avoid cotton and down as it takes a long time to dry, whilst synthetics stay warm once wet and dry quickly.

If you’re serious about outdoor adventures, don’t miss our roundup of the Best Arc’teryx Jackets.

#7. Tips for picking the best tent for heavy rain

There are lots of ace camping tents for rain, but it’s not always so easy picking the right one. This isn’t helped by all the different jargon to decipher and marketing ploys to sift through.

It’s also worth mentioning that no matter the quality, you’ll never find completely rain proof tents. Some tents can withstand much more rain, but it’s also about proper tent maintenance and incorporating the right tips outside (which you’ll find below).

Still, these are some important tent features to look out for:

• Most importantly, you want a double-walled tent e.g. a tent with an inner section and a waterproof outer flysheet (tent rain cover).
• In heavy rain, it’s best to look for tents with a Hydrostatic Head of around 2-3,000mm. The Hydrostatic Head is the measure of how waterproof the tent material is. The higher the number, the better.
• Tents with large vestibules (the additional areas covered by the flysheet, like a porch) will give you space to dry items and move around.
• Rain can mean spending prolonged periods of time in the tent. Bigger tents will make this easier, giving you more space to change out of wet clothes and chill out. If you’re going solo, you might want to think about a 2-person tent. If you’re a couple, you might get a 3-person tent, and so on.
• No matter the price, super lightweight tents will compromise durability and weather resistance to some extent. In crappy weather, it might be better to take a heavier tent with better protection from the element.

Extra things to take camping in the rain

• A storm shelter to help if you get caught in rain throughout the day.
• A groundsheet or footprint will help to protect your tent from groundwater or boggy floors under your tent
• Lightweight waterproof bags/drybags/stuff bags are ace for keeping your personal items dry and separate from wet things.
• Easy to eat camping food. In bad weather you might not be as inclined to cook up a campstove feast!
• Ziplock bags are cheap and light but a good way to protect valuables or electronics.
• A tarp can be used to give you more living space and extend dry areas of your tent.
• A camping washing line can be used to dry things within the tent. The one we used is very light but definitely worth it to dry socks for the following day.
• Kindle, books, playing cards, notepads or anything else to keep you occupied whilst you’re tucked away in the tent for prolonged periods.

Part 3. Wet weather camping hacks for once you’re out in the wild

#8. Pick the right location

In heavy rain, you should try to avoid camping in high exposed places, near rivers or water sources, in valleys or canyons. Avoid boggy spots or dips in the ground where water can accumulate too.

Trees can give good shelter, just make sure it isn’t too windy. Manmade structures, like farming buildings, walls, bridges etc. can also be a good idea.

Lastly, think about where the rain is coming from. If there’s a heavy wind, try and find somewhere that can help to shelter you from it, facing your tent so it can maintain the most strength.

If you’re camping in a campsite, you might also want to pick a pitch that is close to toilets, showers or communal areas.

#9. Pitch the tent properly

When it’s raining hard, it’s a natural reaction to pitch as quickly as possible and just jump inside. But, this can backfire.

Take the time to pitch the tent as best as possible, with the tent materials taught and the guide ropes pitched too. This will help you stay dry inside and is DEFINITELY worth the extra time.

#10. Don’t press the inner against the fly

Whether it’s from rain or condensation, the outside of the tent fly will be wet. If you press the inner tent – which won’t be waterproof – against the fly, it’ll get wet too. The less you can press the inner against the fly, the drier you’ll stay.

#11. Take off wet layers before coming into the inner section of the tent

Pretty simple: take off wet layers in the covered porch or vestibule before coming into the tent inner. The inner should be your dry haven!

#12. Keep waterproofs easily accessible

It’s a good idea to keep your shoes and waterproof layers easily accessible. This means, if you need to leave the tent, they’ll be on hand to quickly get on.

#13. Keep ventilation to avoid condensation

It might seem counterintuitive, but you want to keep tent doors or flaps partial open to allow airflow. You don’t want to let water in, but you also need to allow condensation to escape.

#14. Keep your tent organised

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the tent, you’ll want it fairly organised so you don’t feel too cramped. It’ll also mean you’ll be able to find things easier and not have to sift through all your gear. This is annoying at the best of times but cooped up in a rainy tent is even worse.

#15. Get everything packed inside the tent so you can get on the move quickly

When it comes to leaving, try and get everything done inside the tent before going out into the rain. If you do it right, you’ll just need to put your shoes on and pack down the tent.

#16. If you see rain clouds coming, pack the tent up quick!

Packing the tent up in the rain is no fun. Neither is taking out a wet tent at the end of the day.

If it’s dry and you see rain clouds rolling in, it’s worth breaking camp sooner than planned to keep the tent dry.

#17. Pack the tent inner separately to the fly

If you didn’t manage to pack up before the rain, it’s best to separate the tent inner and the wet fly.

Put the fly into the tent bag, then the inner into a plastic bag before putting it into the tent bag. When it comes to pitching next, you’ll have a wet flysheet but a dry inner – and that’s the bit that really matters!

#18. Dry your tent on the move

Depending on your trip and whether it’s dry during the day, you can attach your tent materials to your rucksack/bike/bags to let it dry during the day. Even in cool weather, if it’s dry and there’s a breeze, it’ll dry pretty quick.

If you don’t fancy doing this on the move, you could just do it when you stop for breaks. Leave the tent drying in the sun and you’ll appreciate it when it’s time to make camp later.

#19. Avoid drying a tent in front of a fire or on radiators

Tents are made from thin, synthetic materials that are easily damaged. Nowadays, most tents are non-flammable but open fires or hot radiators can still ruin the materials, waterproofing and sealant.

Dry with care!

Part 4. Are there any important wild camping tips for wet weather?

Whilst there aren’t many different tips for wild camping in the rain, it’s more that all of the tips above become more important.

When you’re planning on camping in wild and remote areas, make sure to:

• Double-check all of your gear beforehand
• Prioritise strength, efficiency and reliability over weight (that might mean taking a stronger tent or warmer sleeping bags and camping pads)
• Plan out your trip thoroughly, and it’s not a bad idea to decide on where you’re camping before. Doing a recce is also a good idea before overnighters.
• Take extra layers, prioritise warmth, and consider taking emergency foil blankets. They don’t weigh much but you’ll be grateful if your tent doesn’t hold up.
• Be extra vigilant of camping near water sources, lookout for signs of flooding and pitch your tent as best as possible.
• On multiday wildcamping trips, if it’s raining you’ll need to dry stuff out eventually. It’s not a bad idea to break the trip up with a campsite, or even drop into a local pub/cafe to put socks, boots, wet gear by radiators.

Part 5. What to do post rainy camp?

The key thing is to dry the tent out and give it some TLC.

When drying a tent, avoid radiators and fires (mentioned above) and hang it in a well-ventilated room or outside. At the same time, you don’t want to leave it in direct sunlight for a prolonged period either.

To keep its weather protection strong, think about re-waterproofing your tent, reapplying sealant and efficiently cleaning it.

This will help keep you dry and give the tent a longer lease of life – crucial for eco-friendly campers!

We hope this guide has been helpful. If you’re looking for any other advice or have some of your own rain camping tips to share, drop a comment at the bottom!