Preparing for Weather When Camping

The camping fantasy involves waking up to a warm sunrise and spending the day engrossed in outdoor activities before relaxing round an open fire and gazing up at the star spotted sky. The reality is that no matter how much campers try and plan their time in the great outdoors, choosing a camping holiday is to submit to the whims of mother nature. Although campers may not be able to predict the weather they will experience, they can reduce the impact it has on their trip by being prepared.

Weather Forecasts

The time of year may provide a template for the range in temperature and humidity that can be expected but the day to day fluctuations in weather are best predicted by a weather forecast. These forecasts are generally reliable up to 7 days and are easily accessible online. Campers can access a forecast on their phone or laptop with the use of Wi-Fi or data by entering their location into a weather app or search engine. However, availability of internet connection or charged electronics is not always possible when camping, particularly in more remote regions. If campers expect to be without service, they should pack a weather radio. These handy back-up tools can be operated by battery or crank and pick up broadcasted weather updates. 

Rain

Unexpected rain can have a dampening effect on camping morality if it hasn’t been prepared for. Campers often find themselves torn between keeping everyone cooped up inside the tent or venturing out and getting everything wet and muddy. Campers should make sure they have the equipment to keep prepared by bringing wellies, waterproof rain coats, hats and umbrellas for every person present. Inside the accommodation, whether that’s a tent or camper van, there should be plenty of dry clothing to change into and a designated ‘wet’ area where everyone changes out of their wet clothes so that the rest of the sheltered area is kept dry. 

Heavy rainfall can be quite dangerous for campers, particularly those in tents, as it can lead to flash flooding. Campers should set up on higher grounds, at least until rain has subsided for a few hours, and keep checking in for updates with their radio. 

Cold

In colder climates, the obvious priority for campers is stay sufficiently warm. Campers should not even attempt embracing the chilly wilderness without adequate clothing like long sleeves tops, ample warm pairs of socks, gloves, hats, long trousers, scarves, water resistant boots and a heavy winter coat. If the weather is expected to be particularly chilly, campers can bring some thermal undergarments to keep toasty and provide a layering element so campers can easily adjust to fluctuating temperatures. 

Campers should know how to prepare a fire and have all the required tools and equipment. Fires should be made when necessary and can be used to cook food and make hot delicious drinks. They can also be used to carefully warm hands, clothes and sleeping attire so campers can settle down to sleep in a warm, cosy nest.  “knowing how to create and use a fire is one of the most essential camping skills. Fires are useful in limitless ways but can be dangerous so should only be attempted by those who know what they’re doing” says Mick Johnson, lifestyle blogger at Essay Writer and Boomessays. 

Hot

Camping in hot sunny weather is ideal but there are still a number of preparations that need to be made. In direct sunlight, tents can become a hotbox so it’s best to try and set up with a decent amount of shade. Light and summery clothing should be packed such as T-shirts, swim suits and shorts as well as all the essentials to protect skin and from the sun. Campers should each have at least one hat and pair of sunglasses as well as a plentiful supply of sun cream. Naturally nights are cooler so bring a few warmer items to cover up from the evening chill. Most importantly, campers should be vigilant about their hydration levels in hot weather and have refillable water bottles that can be taken anywhere as well as an established source of safe drinking water. “Dehydration can sneak up on holiday makers and ruin the trip by causing headaches, lethargy and sickness. In hotter climates it’s so important to keep on track of how much water you and the whole family are drinking” advises Beth Reid, travel writer at Paper Fellows and Geography Writing Service. 

Conclusion

Camping is a much loved and popular activity among solo adventurers and families alike. Advances in equipment and attire and their increase in availability means that with a little preparation, the great outdoors are available for everyone to enjoy. 

Katherine Rundell is a writer at Assignment Writing Service and Dissertation Writing Service. She writes about camping and travelling. Also, she is a tutor at Do My Assignment website.