see also:

• choosing a tent for Australian conditions
• overnight ultralight bushwalking shelters and equipment
• how to reduce your risks in lightning storms
• how to reduce your risks in the event of a tornado
• tips for camping in fog ... or not camping in the fog
• http://scoutmastercg.com/ten-tips-for-camping-in-the-rain/
• https://outdoorandnaturelovers.wordpress.com/2013/07/12/10-more-tips-for-camping-in-the-rain/
• http://heberhiking.blogspot.com.au/2011/05/backpacking-in-rain.html
• http://hiking.about.com/od/The-Basics-of-Hiking/a/Tips-For-Hiking-In-The-Rain.htm

• practice survival skills in good weather
• be prepared
• tell people where you are going and when you will be back
• take a radio beacon EPIRB device or a satellite phone if this works better
• don't be stupid
• cancel your trip if severe weather is forecast
• don't camp under large branches as they can drop without warning
• remember that creeks may become impassable after heavy rain

• see how to reduce your risks in lightning storms

• leave no trace (LNT) principles
  • off trail site gives others space and reduces impact on trail
  • flat site with mild convexity for natural drainage if it rains
  • in the breeze to reduce bugs but not too exposed
  • avoid bottom of valleys or dry creek beds where air is coldest and risk of flooding in heavy rains
  • avoid topography likely to become wind tunnels
  • avoid hilltops where exposed to storms and lightning risk
  • avoid under large branches which may drop without warning
  • avoid being next to lightning targets (and if lightning is possible, avoid open spaces too)
  • avoid being near habitat paths
  • avoid cliff faces with hazard of rock falls or in the snow, avalanches
  • choose dry ground as it is warmer and you will have less condensation
  • granite or gravel is usually good
  • if possible select a site with a natural windbreak

• if solo, one or two 7'x 7' tarps preferably one of which can act as a poncho is very useful
  • tall people may prefer 8'x8' but this is a touch more weight
• for groups, consider two 10'x16' tarps
• 2 tarps allow for a chimney over a fire which is very handy in wet weather
• take at least 4 plastic stakes and plenty of rope such as paracord

• make sure your backpack has a waterproof cover even if it is said to be weatherproof, and ensure the bottom is waterproof for when you set it down on wet ground
• set up tent under a tarp if raining then relocate the tarp, or at least have a tent you can set up fast or set up the fly first although this option is not ideal and the tent may still get wet
  • pitch the tent/rainfly as taut as possible so it'll shed water properly
  • do not touch the wall of the tent - water will seep through
  • if a double-wall tent, don't touch the inner wall of the tent to the outer wall – the rain will seep through
  • leave wet gear and outer layers in the vestibule
  • adjust the tent's vents to allow some airflow
• carry everything in plastic bags such as recycling bags and zip-lock sandwich bags for smaller items
• carry goods in two layers of waterproofing

• no cotton - use synthetics in warm weather or wool in colder weather
• consider synthetic fill for sleeping bags as down loses insulation when it gets wet
• carry a spare set of dry clothes including sleep socks and a spare pair of socks for walking
• light weight rain jacket with hood and rain pants will generally keep most drier than a poncho but in humid conditions you are still likely to get wet from perspiration
• gaiters help keep you dry and provide added protection
• broad rimmed hat will help keep rain out of eyes, and help reduce the hoods on ponchos making your head and neck sweaty
• if you feel chill then add layers
• it is OK to go to sleep in wet rain gear if your sleeping bag gets wet as wet and warm is better than being cold and dry

• many prefer to wear a pair of sturdy, waterproof hiking boots or hiking shoes although whatever you wear, your feet are likely to get wet
• hence you need to pro-actively manage pressure areas to avoid blisters - eg. use Vaseline
• take a pair of sandals or wet shoes as an extra item as these are handy around camp site and for crossing streams
• bring blister first aid kit

• the inside of the tent will develop some condensation even if it is not raining, this is reduced with use of a double wall tent and mesh but mesh means a colder night and potential dampness from the inside of the fly
• buy a tent with good ventilation and with vestibules
• do not set tent up in a water course as it may quickly become a river
• set tent up under a tarp initially, or at least set the fly up first
• no need for ground cloth under the tent as they just collect water
• ensure tent has a bath design so waterproofing extends up the sides - many augment this by lining it with builder's plastic sheet

• guy out all lines
• make mid-level guylines at least 6' long
• place big rocks or logs on top of stakes
• wake up at regular intervals to check guyline tension and staking
• if tent is being compromised consider reducing risk of tent poles breaking by supporting the walls with your hands
• if very high winds, consider taking tent down and wrapping yourself in the tent fly

• be careful, sparks can melt / burn tarps and tents
• never cook inside your tent - fumes or flames will kill you or risk burning the tent
• avoid cooking in the vestibule
• cook under the extra tarp you have set up as long as tarp is at least 6' from flames