Rain-Proof Your Campsite in 10 Minutes

Rain-Proof Your Campsite in 10 Minutes

Blog Article

Though perfecting absolute rain-proofing in 10 minutes may be unrealistic, Rain-Proof Your Campsite in 10 Minutes you can certainly take a few swift and effective measures to dramatically enhance the rain resistance of your campsite from an impending shower. Below is a 10-minute action plan:

Pre-Rain Time (Critical):

(Minute 1-3: Check and Prioritize)

Find Low Points: Scour your campsite for the areas where water will collect. These are the vulnerable spots.
Check Tent Site: Make sure your tent is not in a natural low spot. If so, and it's possible very soon, think about moving it a little up hill.
Secure Valuables: Get any equipment that absolutely must not become wet (electronics, sleeping bags) under the tent and zip up all openings.
(Minute 4-7: Tent Focus - Your Main Shelter)

Ensure Full Fly Coverage: Double check that your flysheet is properly positioned and covering the inner tent fully. Make sure straps and buckles are tightened so that it's snug and goes as low as possible to the ground.
Stake Down Correctly: Ensure all stakes are well sunk in the ground and at the correct angle (away from the tent). If the terrain is loose, attempt re-staking at a better location or anchor the stakes with larger rocks.
Tighten Guylines: If you have tent guylines, make sure to secure them and have them fairly tight. This provides a good amount of stability in wind and allows the flysheet to drain water more freely. Do not over-tighten, but keep them snug.
(Minute 8-10: Immediate Surroundings)

Raise Gear (Time Permitting): If you can, attempt to raise other exposed gear (packs, cooking gear) a bit by putting them on logs, rocks, or even upturned containers.
Clear Drainage Channels (If Possible): Use your foot or a stick to make shallow channels around your camp or low spots to promote the water to run away from your primary camp area. Don't make deep trenches, just make gentle channels.
Secure Loose Articles: Store or weigh down any loose item that might be blown away by wind going with the rain (light chairs, unused tarps).
Grab Rain Gear: Keep your rain jacket and any waterproof pack covers easily within reach.
Key Thoughts for This 10-Minute Scramble:

Speed and Efficiency: Prioritize the most important steps first. Don't worry about the small stuff.
Prioritize Your Tent: Keeping your shelter dry is priority number one.
Work With What You Have: Don't attempt complex solutions in this brief time. Leverage your campsite's natural characteristics.

What You Probably Won't Do in 10 Minutes:

Construct sophisticated drainage systems.
Rearrange your whole campsite to another entirely different spot.
Tarping perfectly a huge communal or cooking space.
The Goal:

This 10-minute plan is designed to reduce the effect of the rain on your tent and most critical equipment. It's about making swift, decisive moves to enhance your likelihood of staying dry and comfortable in the rainstorm. Keep in mind that prevention and correct preparation prior to the rain is always the best solution, but these rapid steps will make a huge difference when there is no time to lose. Stay safe and dry!