by Laura Beth Caldwell

Created on: February 19, 2010

Camping is a favorite pastime for many folks. But as with any outdoor activity, Mother Nature is not always predictable. And while weather forecasts can be quite helpful, they are no substitute for a well-prepared camper.

The key to happy camping is staying warm and dry. If you know in advance that there is rain in the forecast, there are certain steps you can take before heading out on your camping trip. However, the unexpected rainstorm always seems to show up uninvited, even when the forecast is clear.

Staying as comfortable as possible will help ensure a memorable, rather than miserable, camping trip. By preparing yourself and fellow campers with adequate shelter, clothing, fire supplies and food, you will find yourself enjoying your trip while neighboring campers are throwing in the towel.

Setting up camp begins with your camper or tent. It is essential to prepare your sleeping quarters in advance for inclement weather. A wet campsite is rarely curable, while a prepared campsite stands a chance at staying dry. The first step is to be sure to pack extra tarps. If the ground is wet where you are planning on pitching your tent you will definitely want to put down a base layer. This can either be a tarp which is slightly larger than your tent, or a custom base made specifically for your tent. Many tent manufacturers sell as a feature what is known as a "footprint". In addition to putting down a base tarp beneath your tent you may wish to put down another tarp inside your tent. By adding an extra layer of tarp on the inside of your tent you are gaining another layer of insulation.

Another must is a rain fly. This piece of material fits taunt over your tent and acts as a rain shed to divert water away. Most modern tent manufacturers such as Eureka and Coleman, offer rain flies to suit all of their tent models. If you have an older model tent that does not have a rain fly, you may create the same effect by tying a tarp over your tent and angling the edges away from it. You will want to secure each corner on a tight angle so that water can shed off and away from the tent.

If you are anticipating heavy rains you may want to dig a gutter around your tent to divert the water away from your campsite. This effect can be achieved by simply digging a shallow trench, or moat, around the tent with another trench which will then divert the moat water away. Careful consideration is required when planning such a system, as to ensure that the proper slope is achieved.

When

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