By: Gregory Bonney
As of this writing, camping season is upon us, but the rainy season has not quite ended. After attending a local Boy Scout Spring Camporee that got rained-out (it was actually more the wind and lightning than the rain that caused us to go home), I thought it might be good to put down a few thoughts on the subject of wet weather camping.
1. When in doubt, over-pack. Bring extra clothes, extra shoes, an extra sleeping bag, etc. If you're going to be close to a vehicle, you can leave the extra stuff in the trunk where it is sure to stay dry. Scout leaders should bring extra ponchos for scouts who forget and an extra sleeping bag or two in case some get wet.
2. Bring rain gear such as ponchos, not umbrellas. Umbrellas can be a lightning hazard and get easily messed up by the wind.
3. Wear rubber or rain-proof boots, bring an extra pair of shoes, and change socks at least daily. I think these days most people (kids and adults) are very style conscious, so naturally they want to wear stylish footwear on camp-outs. However, campers/hikers with wet feet can develop a serious medical problem called “trench foot” or “immersion foot” which may require amputation! The military recognizes this as a major leadership issue. A former army officer stated in an internet forum, “Both the NCO's in charge and the enlisted themselves would most likely get an article 15 (Navy captains mast) for a case of trenchfoot. At least when I was in. Same goes for frostbite and sunburn.” Scout leaders should take this just as seriously.
4. Pack clothes in water-proof bags.
5. Put a tarp under your tent and another one inside your tent (does not apply to wall tents). Make sure the tarp under the tent is tucked under so water running off the tent does not run onto the tarp.
6. Be prepared for wind as well. Make sure all tents and flies are staked down well.
7. Keep gear in the middle of the tent where it cannot rub up against tent walls, and make sure not to touch the walls of the tent. This is generally true anyway as tents tend to get wet from dew in the mornings even when it is not raining.
8. Make sure not to setup tents under a dead tree or a limb that looks like it might fall. Setup in a clearing if possible. Even a strong-looking tree could come down in a storm. Trees also will attract lightning.
9. Do not try to camp in a thunderstorm. If you know a storm is on the way, pack up and live to camp another day.
