| -> | | | | pack, sleeping bag or other gear against the wall, |
| As we start the new camping season its always | | | | water will pool and soak through the tent wall! |
| good to review some tips on keeping dry. Nothing | | | | I learned this the hard way! I was in a small tent |
| makes a campout more unbearable than getting | | | | and didn't realize that my sleeping bag was resting |
| your gear all soggy! Although most people camp | | | | against the tent wall. During the night it rained and |
| during the summer months when it's warm and | | | | I slept through it. In the morning I had a wet spot |
| dry there are times during the season when you | | | | at the foot of my sleeping bag and a puddle on |
| will get rain. But, fear not! Here are some tips to | | | | the floor of my tent. :-( |
| staying dry that I have learned from my 25+ | | | | TIP #4o When you enter the tent after being out |
| years camping with the Boy Scouts. | | | | in the rain, take off your wet clothes and put |
| TIP #1o Did you use seam sealer on your tent? | | | | them in a corner or at the front of your tent |
| Remember to seal all tent seams on an annual | | | | with your wet shoes. Some tents have a small |
| basis. Purchase some "fresh" sealer from a | | | | vestibule that is ideal for this. By using this tip, you |
| sporting goods or camping store. During your first | | | | will "localize" all your wet gear and keep the other |
| outing in the spring, re-seal all your seams with a | | | | gear dry. |
| liberal amount of sealer. | | | | TIP #5o Bring rain gear or a poncho. Ya, I know |
| TIP #2o Are you putting a ground sheet or cloth | | | | that sounds pretty obvious, but you'd be |
| under your tent when you camp? It's not just | | | | surprised at how many campers are ill prepared |
| enough to put the ground sheet under the tent, | | | | for rain. You can get a $2 poncho at Target that |
| you've got to tuck the edges under the tent so | | | | will keep most of the rain out. I have a lightweight |
| when it rains the water will not collect on the | | | | rain suit, top and pants that I found to be a |
| ground sheet and run under the tent. :-( | | | | lifesaver a number of times. In a pinch, you can |
| So, if your rain fly is installed correctly, the seam | | | | take a large, green garbage bag; cut three holes |
| sealer holding and the ground sheet properly | | | | in it for your head and arms and it will keep you |
| tucked under the tent you should be go to go! - | | | | dry too! I know, my son does it all the time. He's |
| at least from moisture getting into your tent. | | | | so fashionable! :-) |
| TIP #3o When inside the tent during a rainstorm, | | | | If you are prepared and follow these Tips you |
| make sure your gear, sleeping bags, mattress, | | | | can enjoy even the most inclement of camping |
| etc. are not touching the tent walls. Why? Well, | | | | days. It can be fun to be inside the tent play a |
| the tent walls and rain fly are designed to deflect | | | | card game or reading a good book while you |
| the water droplets off the tent and onto the | | | | listen to the pitter, patter of the rain on your tent. |
| ground. If you upset this design by putting your | | | | |