Water Purification Options for Long-Term Camps
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I used to dread the sound of rain on a tent. The thought of soggy socks, wet sleeping bags, and a cold night in the middle of nowhere was enough to make me stay home. But after one particularly stormy weekend in the Drakensberg, something changed.
Now? I actually look forward to the sound of raindrops on canvas.
Camping in the rain isn’t about enduring the weather, it’s about embracing it. The mist curling through the trees, the quiet hum of the forest, that first sip of hot coffee under a tarp… it all feels raw and real.
If you’re planning a trip and the forecast looks grim, don’t cancel. Here’s how I make the most of rainy camping trips (and even enjoy them).
Before I head out, I always check the local forecast but I’ve learned not to let it rule my plans.
I pay attention to:
Once I know what’s coming, I can pack accordingly and mentally prepare for a bit of adventure.
When rain’s on the cards, location is everything. I always go for slightly elevated ground, never a dip or valley where water collects. If there’s a natural windbreak (like a group of trees or a rock wall), that’s a win.
Just avoid pitching under a single tree, it’s a lightning magnet, and dripping branches can soak your tent long after the rain stops.
A good tent is non-negotiable. Look for one with:
Always use a footprint (a tarp under your tent), but make sure it’s slightly smaller than your tent floor so rain doesn’t collect underneath. And even if it’s raining, keep your vents open as it prevents that clammy, humid feeling inside.
This is my secret weapon. I string a tarp above my cooking area or tent entrance; angled so rain slides right off. It becomes a cozy “living room” where I can brew coffee, cook, and watch the rain without getting soaked.
I learned this the hard way: cotton is the enemy.
Instead, pack:
And always keep a full set of dry clothes sealed in a dry bag for sleeping.
Rainy trips are all about organization. I use dry bags inside my backpack, store electronics in Ziplocks, and keep wet boots outside the tent on a groundsheet.
When the rain stops, I string up a clothesline under the tarp — watching steam rise from damp clothes as the forest drips dry around you is oddly satisfying.
I love campfires, but when it’s pouring? Forget it.
A small camping stove under the tarp is a game-changer. I keep meals simple but comforting:
A hot drink before bed (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate) makes all the difference — it’s warmth for both the body and the spirit.
Rainy afternoons can feel endless if you’re unprepared. I usually pack:
And if the rain eases, go explore. The forest after rain is alive with birds, fresh smells, and mist weaving through the trees. It’s magic.
Before bed, I always change into my dry set of clothes — even if I only got a little damp during the day.
In the tent:
If the inside of your tent feels humid, crack a vent open. It makes a huge difference by morning.
Packing up in the rain isn’t glamorous, but it’s doable.
I shake off tarps, pack wet gear in separate dry bags, and air everything out the second I get home. Nothing smells worse than forgotten damp gear.
Rain used to feel like the enemy. Now it’s just part of the experience, sometimes even the best part. There’s something grounding about waking up to soft rain on the roof of your tent, wrapped in a warm sleeping bag with coffee brewing nearby.
So next time you see “90% chance of rain,” don’t cancel your camping plans. Lean into it. Pack smart, stay dry, and let the rain remind you what wild really feels like.g, rainy camping trips can be some of the most memorable and peaceful experiences. So don’t cancel your trip just because of a little rain—embrace it, and you might just discover a new love for camping in all weather conditions.
