Preparing for rain

The rain we’re currently experiencing here in Kenya, often unpredictable and intense, has been reminding us of those memorable camping trips that were disrupted by an unexpected downpour.

Rain can be a serious obstacle to a camping adventure, and it’s something that we simply cannot control. We can plan our trip for the driest time of year, obsessively check and double-check the weather forecast, and think all kinds of positive thoughts of blue skies and sunshine, but there’s never a guarantee that the Earth will cooperate.

As someone who does not like to be cold or wet, I find this a little unsettling. But what is the best way to deal with something that you can’t control, but may happen at any moment? Prepare for it. Here are a few tips on how to make sure that, no matter the weather, your camping trip is a success.

STAYING WARM & DRY

This has everything to do with thinking ahead, having a packing plan, and bringing the right supplies. It generally doesn’t require anything fancy, it just means remembering a few key things.

1. Always bring a raincoat or poncho or waterproof something. Just do it. Always. Even it’s the hottest and driest part of the dry season, bring one anyway. It’s small, it’s light, and there’s never a time when you’ll wish you didn’t bring it.

2. Bring shoes that won’t be terrible in the rain. They don’t have to be gum boots, but at least some trainers that will protect your feet a bit. Nobody likes to have cold, wet feet!

3. Set up your tents on higher ground so that water doesn’t collect underneath them.

4. Especially if you’re planning on going hiking or doing other outdoor activities, make sure to bring non-cotton clothing. Cotton holds in moisture, isn’t good at regulating body temperature, and takes much longer to dry. Wool is a game changer!

5. Make sure your tent is well-equipped. It’s very rarely worth risking a camping trip without a rain fly — or one that isn’t effective. If your tent is questionable and you decide to take the risk, at least have a backup plan (a car to sleep in, or a friend who’s willing to let you crash with them).

6. Make the most of the cozy atmosphere and enjoy a delicious hot drink! Drinking chocolate, tea, hot toddy —- the options are endless!

STAYING ENTERTAINED

The downsides of rain on a camping trip doesn’t only have to do with physical comfort. It can also affect your fun. If you were envisioning kicking a football around or going on a hike, or even just lounging in a hammock with a good book, those plans can get seriously hindered by a downpour. There are ways, however, to stay entertained.

1. Bring a few ideas for games to play. Even just a deck of cards can make all the difference. There are also lots of group games that don’t require any supplies that can entertain for hours.

2. If your campsite doesn’t have any sheltered areas, it can be a nice idea to rig up a tarpaulin to create one. That way cooking together is still possible, along with spending time with your friends without all cramming into one tent.

3. Bring a good book and other solo activities. If you do have to retreat to your own tent for shelter, it can be a chance to have some time of quiet reflection and learning.

We don’t have control over the rain, but we do have control over how we prepare and whether or not we have a good attitude about it. Just keep in mind that some of the best memories come from times when things don’t go according to plan.