Troop198

This may be here somewhere but why not add your tip for camping when the rain comes in a tent

Please share your saving tips

1. Do not dig a trench, oldtimer and young kids love this method, but it can cause serios erosion and bad tent sites for future campers

2.Try putting the ground cloth inside the tent (but do NOT have one underneath outside at the same time)
Groundwater leaks will stay under the tarp next to the tent bottom, this doesn't help with the leaking tent but helps groundwater

3. Pack clothes in plastic baggies if more than a 10% chance of rain, at least your clothes stay dry

ploddinTod

Seam seal your tent. Don't assume it was done at the manufacturer unless specifically stated. Do this every season as the sealant may dry out, crack and become ineffective.

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PloddinTod

xesse

Use a tarp under your tent. You should do this regardless of the weather, but when it's raining it becomes important. The tarp should not be visible under the tent, fold under the sides of the groundsheet so water running down the tent will not catch on the groundsheet and be directed between the groundsheet and tent floor.

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Kelly_B

Ohhhh...so now you start this thread after I lived in the rain this past weekend!

All 4 corners of our tent was leaking in water. By morning there were puddles inside the tent! We had a ground tarp under our tent. This was the first time we camped in solid, hard rain with this tent (it's about 10 yrs. old).
So keep posting so I can learn for the next time this happens to us!!

xesse

where did you all go camping, did you seam seal the tent and what make/model tent do you have?--just curious.

I bet the lightning and thunder kept you all up!

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xesse

Here's the number 1 tip for camping in the rain:

Always check the weather forecast prior to leaving and once again when you get there. Understanding the type of rain to expect may even determine whether you go or not. If the forecast calls for severe thunderstorms with tornados or hail, you will probably plan differently than you might for scattered showers.

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Troop198

Just to be sure you note if you try the new method of a tarp inside the tent, do not put one underneath at the same time !

Otherwise a tarp under the tent is a good suggestion that has worked for years.

"All 4 corners of our tent was leaking in water" Sounds like you need new tent, you can try seam sealer but all four leaking might be a sign that 10 years of not being kept up with has worn it out.

Some great tent buys out there in the fall (now) when some stores clear out the old stuff.

Xesse sounds like speaking from finding out the hard way.

Our motto for years was if the Troop was going, it would rain so we shouldn't go that weekend. Campermom got to experience this Troop theory recently so it seeems its state wide !

campermom

Oh I just LOVE this thread! We've been rained out at Seminole Canyon, South Llano, Abilene, Caprock Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon, Davis Mountains, Lake Somerville, Copper Breaks, and most recently, Lost Maples. All of these, except Lost Maples, were frontal boundary thunderstorms which tremendous wind and lightening. We've learned alot from each trip

Make sure your tent isn't in a run-off zone (South Llano and Abilene).
Make sure it's not in a low spot which would gather a puddle underneath the tent (Davis Mountains).
Make sure you are not under a large tree with heavy dead limbs overhead (Lake Somerville).
Make sure you are near a structure which can protect you from tent destroying winds and gusts (Caprock Canyon, Seminole Canyon, Copper Breaks, and Palo Duro).
Make sure the back of the vehicle is empty so you can put the seats down to sleep in there if you have to. Put coolers in the front seats. The other stuff can just stay in the tent, except the sleeping bag and change of dry clothes.(Caprock Canyon)
Duct tape can be used to seal leaks, even from the inside. It won't look pretty, but it helps. Also fixes splintered tent poles ( Caprock Canyon).
Reseal the tent in the comfort of your living room a week before the trip. Once you seal it up, you won't have problems with leaks.
Put a tarp OVER the tent. Set it up as a canopy using nearby trees, or, cover/wrap the tent using bungee cords and leave space for ventilation (South Llano). This also works well in the winter to keep warmth inside.
See if you can upgrade to a screen shelter if the weather could turn during the trip. (Brazos Bend & Fort Richardson).
Know where the nearest "Mom approved" motel is in town, just in case.(Palo Duro, Davis, and Copper Breaks)
Bring plastic bags to cover sleeping bags (Lost Maples)
Bring a spare pair of shoes, even just flip flops, to get your feet out of wet shoes (Lost Maples).
Pack clothing, by outfit, in jumbo ziploc bags. Keeps them dry for humidity and rain. It could end up being the only dry thing you own !(Palo Duro Canyon)

Remember that God decides where and when it rains. YOU are the one who decided to go camping. Be prepared and have fun anyways!

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Charcoal is a spice, dirt is a condiment, and there is no 3 second rule.

Troop198

Maybe I will avoid camping at the same time as campermom (just kidding, we actually have camped with her and family and had no rain)

Our last good hard rain on a campout was Ft. Parker last spring

Another thought Keep your clothes, sleeping bags ect. away from the sides of the tent. Water can drip through in spots where there is something making contact with the walls

Kelly_B

It's a Coleman tent but then again, it is old. We don't camp too much but I am hunting for a new one!

Love this thread too! Thanks for all your great advice!
When we go camping again - I may hire Campermom to go with us - seems like you're always prepared!!!

xesse - Luckily there wasn't any lightning or thunder. It just poured all night! We were at Ray Roberts Lake - Johnson Branch.

Kelly_B

Click on my name & look at my album.
I uploaded a picture of the tent I'm going to trash!!!
It'll actually just be a play tent for the girls now.