Getting Started In The Great Outdoors

Now is the time to enjoy the Great Outdoors. Purchasing discount camping gear is a great way to get started putting together all the supplies you will need to become a veteran Outdoorsman. Outdoors gear such as tents, sleeping bags, cooking supplies, folding table and chairs, and backpacks are essential to the experience.

Actually your first step is getting the right tent. While there are many considerations that go into choosing a tent, there are a few more specific things to take into account when anticipating rain. The tent should have a full flysheet with sufficient overhang to prevent upwards splashing of mud from being a big problem. Make sure the tent seams are well sealed. You don't want water seeping through the cracks somehow!
· The entrance way must form a lip, like a bathtub, and not be as flat as the rest of the floor (this is actually known as a "bathtub floor"). If the floor slopes down or is simply sewn flat into the tent wall, this will let water in.
· The coating of the tent must be waterproof – read the labels carefully for the product's virtues and drawbacks.
· If you are camping for a short time, a small tent might be okay if you can stand being in close proximity with your camping buddies. If you're staying for 3 or more days, take the big tent for your own sanity!
Pitch the tent properly. If you have to pitch the tent in the rain, put up a tarpaulin over you first to stop the inner part of your tent from turning into a bath before you even start. Put down a groundsheet matching the tent to provide additional protection. The groundsheet 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.

It is no longer advisable to "ditch" around your tent. The newer bathtub floors don't leak even in a pool of water. It does damage to the campsite and leaves a mess for everyone if you ditch around your tent.

The placement of your tent is very important. Look for slopes, angles, indentations, soft earth and avoid pitching in these if you possibly can. Look for the highest part of the ground on your campsite.

Use a tarpaulin sheet as additional cover and/or as a doormat. If possible, tie a tarpaulin to trees, poles, anything high around your camp (even onto your car), to create a "roof" over your tent. Make sure the sides are running over the edges of the tent and allow the water to run away from the tent. This will help prevent rain from directly pounding on your tent. This solution is usually easiest for car camping. The tarpaulin can also be placed on the ground at the entrance. Here you stand, deposit wet boots, shoes, sandals and jackets before dragging all that into the tent. (You will want to bring plastic bags so that you don't get the muck from your shoes in the tent.) Use sticks or other spare waterproof camp items that fit in the entrance as something to hang jackets over to dry. As an aside, your jackets should be hydrophobic, quick drying to ease drying time – invest in one or two good outer layers for the sake of keeping warm.

Be sure that there is adequate ventilation. Living in your tent causes moisture from your breath to condense into water droplets, which may then fall down onto you and your possessions. Adequate ventilation is the key to minimizing condensation. Remember, the more ventilation, the less condensation. It helps if your tent has peak vents that you can open.

Keep quick-dry towels (pack towels/super absorbent towels) handy for mopping up wetness inside the tent. If the dreaded water flow appears in your tent despite everything else, mop it up with these towels, wring them outside and hang up to dry again. The sooner you mop up, the drier you'll stay. It is also a hint to get out of your cozy bag and investigate the cause of the dripping – perhaps the fly needs tightening or more airflow is required. Good luck in getting started.

By: Dennis Bailey
Dennis Bailey is the owner of DP-GREATOUTDOORS.COM - Discount Camping Gear and posts articles on camping, fishing, hunting, backpacking and shooting accessories.

By: dbailey

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Dennis Bailey is the owner of DP-GREATOUTDOORS.COM - www.dp-greatoutdoors.com”>Discount Camping Gear and posts articles on camping, fishing, hunting, backbacking and shooting accessories.