Today’s ALTAI™ Pro Tip is brought to you by our fabulous writer and outdoor enthusiast, Katlyn Spade.
Handling extreme weather while camping can become a problem if you aren’t prepared; however, with a little know-how and the right equipment, you can ensure that your camping trip is more about comfort and enjoyment rather than battling the elements. This article will give some top tips on making the most out of your camping trip—no matter the weather.
Staying dry in the rain
Be sure to have proper rain gear to stay dry when you’re out for the day. Staying warm and dry will not only make your day trips much more enjoyable, but it will also help you avoid catching a cold. It’s a good idea also to pack some dry bags to protect any items that may get damaged in the rain while you are out walking, such as electronic devices.
Take cover
Packing a tarpaulin and a groundsheet are two major camping essentials for staying dry when camping in the rain. A tarpaulin can be used to help you pitch the tent in the rain and create a sheltered area for bikes, camping chairs, or any other equipment. You can also use it as a rain-free area for everyone to gather outside for some camping activities rather than having to retreat to your tent to stay dry. You could even upgrade to a gazebo for these purposes if you want to be ultra-prepared and comfortable on your campsite. You will also need at least one groundsheet that will form a line of protection between the tent and wet, soggy ground; this will help keep you dry and insulate the tent’s floor.
Camping in cold weather
If you aren’t fully prepared to handle cold temperatures, this could make you miserable and start to sap the fun out of your outdoor adventure. Your first line of defense against cold temperatures is making sure that you are dressed correctly for these circumstances. Outfitting yourself in the correct base layers will keep you warm. You should avoid any tight-fitting clothes that can restrict blood flow, particularly around your extremities. With this in mind, make sure that socks and gloves are a little loose and wear synthetic fabrics or wool, which are the best choice of material for good insulation.
Avoiding a moisture build up
Condensation and excess moisture can also be an issue; this can get trapped in your bag and cause a drop in body temperature. To avoid any issues, you want to get the balance right and avoid running too warm. Also, make sure that you don’t breathe inside the sleeping bag. If you are still waking up to condensation despite these measures, you could use a vapor barrier to stop perspiration from reaching down in your sleeping bag, and you could ventilate the tent with a small opening somewhere.
Other ideas include using a good old-fashioned hot water bottle, while still ensuring that this doesn’t make you too hot and result in a moisture problem. And to protect you from sleeping on cold ground, which is a big culprit for heat loss, you could put an insulated pad underneath your sleeping bag.
