tips for camping in the rain

be safe

leave no trace (LNT) principles
- off trail site gives others space and reduces impact on trail
- flat site with mild convexity for natural drainage if it rains
- in the breeze to reduce bugs but not too exposed
- avoid bottom of valleys or dry creek beds where air is coldest and risk of flooding in heavy rains
- avoid topography likely to become wind tunnels
- avoid hilltops where exposed to storms and lightning risk
- avoid under large branches which may drop without warning
- avoid being next to lightning targets (and if lightning is possible, avoid open spaces too)
- avoid being near habitat paths
- avoid cliff faces with hazard of rock falls or in the snow, avalanches
- choose dry ground as it is warmer and you will have less condensation
- granite or gravel is usually good
- if possible select a site with a natural windbreak

if solo, one or two 7'x 7' tarps preferably one of which can act as a poncho is very useful
- tall people may prefer 8'x8' but this is a touch more weight
for groups, consider two 10'x16' tarps
2 tarps allow for a chimney over a fire which is very handy in wet weather
take at least 4 plastic stakes and plenty of rope such as paracord

rain coats and rain gear generally have a DWR coating which repel water
- eventually this will need to be re-applied otherwise the outer becomes saturated and it will lose breath-ability resulting in the inner also getting wet
make sure your backpack has a waterproof cover even if it is said to be weatherproof, and ensure the bottom is waterproof for when you set it down on wet ground
set up tent under a tarp if raining then relocate the tarp, or at least have a tent you can set up fast or set up the fly first although this option is not ideal and the tent may still get wet
- pitch the tent/rainfly as taut as possible so it'll shed water properly
- if it i a single wall tent do not touch the wall of the tent - water will seep through
- if a double-wall tent, don't touch the inner wall of the tent to the outer wall – the rain will seep through
- leave wet gear and outer layers in the vestibule
- adjust the tent's vents to allow some airflow
carry everything in plastic bags such as recycling bags and zip-lock sandwich bags for smaller items
carry goods in two layers of waterproofing

no cotton (unless you are car camping and can change when it gets wet) - use synthetics in warm weather or wool in colder weather
consider synthetic fill for sleeping bags as down loses insulation when it gets wet
carry a spare set of dry clothes including sleep socks and a spare pair of socks for walking
light weight rain jacket with hood and rain pants will generally keep most drier than a poncho but in humid conditions you are still likely to get wet from perspiration
gaiters help keep you dry and provide added protection
broad rimmed hat will help keep rain out of eyes, and help reduce the hoods on ponchos making your head and neck sweaty
if you feel chill then add layers
it is OK to go to sleep in wet rain gear if your sleeping bag gets wet as wet and warm is better than being cold and dry

many prefer to wear a pair of sturdy, waterproof hiking boots or hiking shoes although whatever you wear, your feet are likely to get wet
hence you need to pro-actively manage pressure areas to avoid blisters - eg. use Vaseline
take a pair of sandals or wet shoes as an extra item as these are handy around camp site and for crossing streams
bring blister first aid kit

the inside of the tent will develop some condensation even if it is not raining, this is reduced with use of a double wall tent and mesh but mesh means a colder night and potential dampness from the inside of the fly
- see condensation in tents
buy a tent with good ventilation and with vestibules
do not set tent up in a water course as it may quickly become a river
set tent up under a tarp initially, or at least set the fly up first
generally no need for ground cloth under the tent as they just collect water
ensure tent has a bath design so waterproofing extends up the sides - many augment this by lining it with builder's plastic sheet
choose a tent with good water resistance
- Dyneema / cuben fibre is pretty much water proof as long as the seams are sealed and there are no holes in the fabric
- Nylon tents are only water resistance and are rated with waterhead ratings - choose a tent with high ratings of at least 5000mm for floors and 1500mm for flys
choose a tent with double wall rather than single wall
- if you touch the inside of a wet single wall tent, it may start leaking water into your tent at that point

guy out all lines
make mid-level guylines at least 6' long
place big rocks or logs on top of stakes
wake up at regular intervals to check guyline tension and staking
if tent is being compromised consider reducing risk of tent poles breaking by supporting the walls with your hands
if very high winds, consider taking tent down and wrapping yourself in the tent fly

be careful, sparks can melt / burn tarps and tents
never cook inside your tent - fumes or flames will kill you or risk burning the tent
avoid cooking in the vestibule
cook under the extra tarp you have set up as long as tarp is at least 6' from flames