10 Tips to Prepare for Bad Weather When Camping

These two items are sure to keep you dry even when the rain is heavy. Some raincoats are long enough that you might not need overpants. Most rainwear is designed to roll up nice and small, so it is an easy item to chuck in your bag!

Note that an umbrella can be a liability in heavy winds, so not a bad idea to leave it behind.

There are many things to consider when picking a campsite, including elevation. When it rains, water flows to lower ground, so to avoid waking up in a puddle, try to pitch your tent on higher ground, and make sure to avoid water courses. These can often be identified either as a slight gully/valley, or by looking at changes in vegetation.

Something to consider when you first arrive is where to set up the tent. As tempting as it may be to set it up underneath a tree to keep it in the shade, trees can drop limbs in strong winds, so it’s best to just steer clear of them.

If the rain is extremely heavy, sometimes even the most waterproof tent can allow water in, so you’ll want to make sure items such as your electronics are protected. We recommend using reusable options such as dry sacks to keep important items dry!

If it’s wet and windy when you arrive at your campsite, you’ll want to get your tent set up as soon as possible. Pack the car so that your tent bag is easy to unpack without other items getting in the way.

Ideally, you won’t have to unpack your whole tent bag to get what you need, or you might find yourself chasing after the fly of your tent!

Pack your tent bag so that the body is on top of the fly to make setting up as quick and easy as possible.

Kids love to splash in puddles with gumboots, but it’s not such a bad idea for you to wear some too if you want to keep your feet dry!

You could also consider waterproof hiking boots which, despite not coming as high up the legs as gumboots, provide excellent support so you can wear them all day and on walks without discomfort.

Tarps have a variety of uses, one of which is keeping things dry! If it begins to rain, you can peg it over whatever you want to keep dry. They’re also handy for keeping firewood out of the rain, as it’s nice to have a warm fire once the rain passes!

It goes without saying that your choice of tent will make all the difference in bad weather. There are many factors that impact the ability of a tent to hold up to bad weather, or to perform well in general - that's a topic for another time.

Waterproof ratings are one factor which measure how waterproof a material is, but the structure of the tent tends to impact how it performs to a greater degree. Make sure your tent doesn't pool water, the poles/air beams are solid enough to withstand the winds in your area, and that guy ropes can be effectively used to support the structure. And remember, "cheap" tents often don't work out well - go for high-value.

A free-standing shelter like a gazebo is a fan-favourite for campers. Gazebos also happen to be one of the most commonly broken items at campgrounds. It's really important not skimp when purchasing a gazebo - go for sturdy, durable frames. They may not pack up as small as some of the lightweight ones, but if looked after it will make it back home again!

No matter how good your equipment is, when camping, things can happen - especially when bad weather rolls in. Having some equipment repair items can come in handy. Duct tape is always a good all-rounder, and if you want to look after your things in a more technical manner, having some Gear Aid Tenacious Tape in your back pocket is always handy.

Rope or paracord also never goes astray!

Wind and rain aren’t always ideal, but they aren’t so bad if you come prepared. Hopefully these tips help you to have the best camping experience, even if the weather takes a turn for the worst.

As always, we look forward to hearing your feedback. Feel free to write a comment below! If you would like to receive more personalised advice, contact us on (03) 9069 5833 or at sales@wallarooadventurestore.com.au.