Tips For Staying Dry When Camping in the Rain

Ramiz Bajwa is a San Francisco Bay Area entrepreneur who owns and operates a popular poke bar. A sports enthusiast, Ramiz Bajwa enjoys activities such as basketball and tennis in his free time, as well as camping.

One of the variables that most campers encounter during extended excursions is rain. Staying dry starts with selecting campsites with at least a little elevation and the absence of any troughs or channels that would direct rainwater toward the tent. Also keep the tent clear of trees that will continue to drip water long after the rain has stopped.

Another aspect of staying dry to be aware of is the ground, which can get wet and cold, with moisture seeping into the tent. Consider doubling up on the sleeping pads when expecting rain and wrapping up in a bivy bag. A bivy bag will add another layer of insulation to the sleeping bag, as well as keep it dry should water enter the tent. 

While down is warm and comfortable, it can attract moisture in wet conditions and be challenging to dry. For this reason, synthetic sleeping bags should be considered when significant rain is expected or staying dry is the priority. Also remember to avoid breathing directly into the bag when inside it, as this adds moisture and impacts performance.