20 TIPS FOR CAMPING IN THE RAIN
Embrace the wet weather with our packing and camping tips.
It’s no secret the Pacific Northwest sees its fair share of rain. All that precipitation contributes to the bountiful, lush, green wonderland we know and love. Just because rain is falling from the sky doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel on your road trip. In fact, rain creates a lovely, scenic, moody ambiance of its own. We’ll have you rain-ready with our checklist of essentials to bring and actions to take. As long as you plan and prep accordingly, the precipitation won’t dampen your trip—we promise!
What to Pack
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Let’s start with the basics: materials like Gore-Tex offer top-of-the-line protection worth the extra dough. Layer up on top with rain gear, skip wearing jeans, and make sure to throw in a pair of rain pants. They can go a long way in keeping you dry and happy.
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Another reason to avoid wearing jeans: cotton takes longer to dry and performs poorly when wet. Cotton is one of the most water-absorbent fabrics with the capacity to absorb up to ten times its weight in moisture. Ditch cotton and opt for less absorbent, quick-drying fabrics like merino wool or polyester.
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Most major outdoor footwear brands offer waterproof shoes tailored for hiking. Waterproof hiking shoes provide stellar protection when you’re trekking through mud, puddles, and shallow streams. In the winter, we like to go with taller, over the ankle boots for extra defense and added support. Include a pair of gaiters to prevent moisture, dirt, pebbles, and other debris from entering your shoes.
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If your socks happen to get wet on the trail, there’s no better feeling than slipping on a fresh, dry pair. Wet feet invite blisters to form, and with blisters comes a sour attitude. Again, it’s a good idea to skip the cotton socks and go with moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and odor-resistant merino wool. Pack a few more pairs than you think you need. There’s a good chance you’ll use them.
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Giving the inside of the van a quick sweep a couple times a day will collect those wet pine needles and dirt and send them promptly back outside. A clean, dry floor makes your experience hanging inside the van much more pleasant, plus you'll be able to lounge in your socks or slippers without tracking debris everywhere. You did bring a pair of cozy slippers, right?
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Hand and foot warmers are a magical, little scientific invention. A mix of iron, water, activated carbon, vermiculite, cellulose, and salt, once the warmers are exposed to air, the iron oxidizes and releases heat in the process—perfect for keeping hands and feet warm. Because they’re large surface areas with lots of blood vessels, we can lose a lot of heat from our hands and feet. Grab a pack of hand and foot warmers to stick to the top of your feet and place into your gloves. Warmers typically last between 5-8 hours, so one pair is great for a day of outdoor winter adventure.
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It’s great to include a couple different towels. A quick-dry camping towel is perfect for drying off heads, arms, legs and feet. But it’s also a good idea to bring a couple of old, ratty towels for keeping the van and other surfaces dry.
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Pack a clothesline and string it under your awning, tarp, or pop-up canopy tent to hang your wet clothing to dry. Taking time to address and manage the moisture will make your trip a lot more enjoyable, particularly if you plan to be camping for several days.
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A propane fire pit is a great way to warm up and create that campfire vibe without the hassle of trying to build a fire and keep it going in the rain. Set up the fire pit just outside your van to get extra warm and cozy.
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We love curling up with a good book and listening to the rain bounce off the roof of our van. Books have this wonderful ability to transport us—to another time, another place, and another way of life. Just like road trips, they offer escape, insight, wonder, and growth. Looking for a new read? Check out our recommendations in partnership with the iconic Powell’s Bookstore in Portland, Oregon.
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Regardless of the weather, we love packing a few games to play in the van during the evening. Bring a deck of cards and play Gin Rummy, pack a few family board games like Catan, Balderdash, or Scattergories. If you’re looking for a fun game for adults, Telestrations After Dark will have you laughing well into the night.
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Sure, you might have gone camping to escape screen time, but sometimes a downpour just calls for a cozy camper van movie night. Make sure you have your downloads and devices in order if this sounds nice to you.
How to Camp
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When searching for spots to camp for the night, look for options under trees for a natural barrier during heavy downpours. Parking on a slight slope will offer some natural drainage and will help avoid waking up to a small lake under the van.
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Drop the back leg of your awning so the water runs off the awning towards the back of the van. This will prevent a heavy build-up of water that may eventually cascade directly onto you.
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Wipe your feet on a mat before entering the van and taking off your shoes to catch mud, pine needles, and other debris. This is a great way to keep wet and muddy shoes from dirtying the inside of your van.
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Warm up from within with an assortment of warm beverages. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, hot toddies, or mulled wine are perfect for staying toasty. We like to bring along a thermos for a warm boost on a hike.
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Pick a cool mid-day coffee shop or dinner spot to warm up and dry off after your hike. Exploring nearby towns is a fun way to discover the area’s culture, learn something new, and mingle with the locals before heading to camp.
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Like warm drinks, cooking warm, hearty meals is a great way to bring some comfort to a cold, rainy morning or night. Warming foods help improve circulation and raise the heat in your body. Think oatmeal, roasted root vegetables, stews, curries, and warming spices like ginger, garlic, chili, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. Need some extra ideas? Check out our Recipes for the Road.
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Opening up the windows, even just a little, will allow air flow and ventilation to help dry out the inside of the van, preventing stuffy, musty conditions that lead to unhealthy mildew and mold build-up.
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Does your van need a little TLC before your winter camping trip? Check out our top tips for Winterizing Your Camper Van or Contact our shop to schedule an appointment with one of our VW mechanics. We’ll have you well-equipped for whatever the weather brings.
