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Camping in the Pacific Northwest, my family and I have experienced plenty of downpours. What we found was that if we kept from getting too soaked and kept our stuff dry, it was a wonderful experience to camp in the rain.
Obviously, there’s some gear that is helpful. A waterproof tent must always be reinforced by silicone spray or similar sealant. It’s also good to have two or three tarps, at least 6x10 feet each. These can be thrown over tents for rain that really pounds down, which you can count on. You can also string a large tarp up overhead to cover the camp area, even the fire. Just be sure it’s up high enough to keep from catching fire or melting. Another good idea is a large doormat for outside the entrance to the tent. It will keep you from tracking so much camp into the tent.
Another way to prepare for rain, or for canoeing with gear, is to pack clothes in zip-strip plastic bags. Seal them up and put them inside of your bags to keep them dry.
Other things to bring are plenty of dry clothing, especially t-shirts and socks. Raingear is best to keep you protected, but any waterproof outerwear should do. Waterproof shoes or boots, however, are a must--good ones that you can step into puddles without worrying
Food and other supplies need to be kept dry, too. Leaving them in the car can help, but if you want to have them in camp or you’re making a portage or other hike, keep dry goods, toilet paper or other necessities in lock-seal plastic bags or containers. It’s not a bad idea to use your old cooler as dry storage.
Some warm liquids in a thermos—apple cider or hot chocolate—are always a hit around the soggy campfire. Folks have been known to burn the soles of their shoes while sitting in the cold around a campfire, though. Just watch it.
A good way to keep the tent and base around it dry is to set up on rocks. It helps to have pads to soften the ground, but by setting up on rock—a gravel road in my case—the water drained below the base of the tent. It works great.
It’s also good to be on a slight angle so you won’t be sitting in a pool as the water collects. Head up and away from the entrance is a good way to do it.
Check on your tent after getting it set up. You might find you missed a steady stream of water that’s slowly filling your little getaway.
If you’re prepared, it’s no problem dealing with the rain. Even if you aren’t, you can use some of these tricks to stay a little drier. The rest depends on just going with the weather. Just remember it’s only water.
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