What to Bring Camping if It's Going to Rain?

From a warm blanket to a water filter, here are nine answers to the question, "What are items to bring camping if it's going to rain?"

• Pack a Cozy Blanket for the Cold
• Use a Waterproof Mattress Protector for Glamping
• Equip a Weatherproof Power Station for Your Gadgets
• Stay Warm With Waterproof Clothing
• Save Your Belongings With Zipper Storage Bags
• Bring an Inflatable Raft to Sleep On
• If It's Going to Rain, Bring an Extra Tarp
• Prepare for the Worst With Adequate Shelter
• Bring a Water Filter to Collect the Rain

Pack a Cozy Blanket for The Cold

You can't go wrong with a big, warm blanket. If you're expecting rain when you're going camping, you will need to grab something to keep you warm, and nothing beats a nice, cozy blanket you can wrap around yourself.

It is also a good idea to get a bigger one so you can help your fellow camping buddies. If it's just you, you can wrap yourself even tighter.

Natalia Brzezinska, Marketing and Outreach Manager, PhotoAiD

Use a Waterproof Mattress Protector for Glamping

If you've packed half your house into your minivan to take the family camping for the weekend, because you're already committed to going even with the weather report saying a high chance of rain, believe me, you're going to want to have a nice waterproof mattress protector.

We all know that camping is now glamping, and you're not sleeping on the floor like a kid in Boy Scouts. So, I know you packed your camping air mattress and all the gear to pimp out your camp crib.

I'd pick up a nice waterproof mattress protector that has a firm grip to stay on your air mattress, to give you a solid foundation to sleep on and not look like you wet the bed.

You'll want one that's breathable and that you can use at home after your trip.

Brian Hawkins, Marketing Manager, GhostBed

Equip a Weatherproof Power Station for Your Gadgets

You don't want to use a regular portable generator when it's raining because they need to be kept dry at all times. However, there are a lot of battery-powered portable power stations on the market which are weatherproof and great for camping trips or off-grid adventures even if the weather is terrible.

Charge your power stations up at home, in your car, or with solar panels if you have sunny weather. A good power station will charge all kinds of electronics such as cell phones and other small devices or appliances many times-this is great if you're on a multi-day trip in a remote area. Look for a reputable brand such as Jackery, Bluetti, or EcoFlow.

Ryan Turner, Founder, EcommerceIntelligence

Stay Warm With Waterproof Clothing

Waterproof clothing, such as a rain jacket and pants, can protect you from the rain and wind and prevent you from getting soaked through to the skin. This can help to keep you warm and dry and prevent hypothermia, especially if you are engaging in outdoor activities in cold weather.

Similarly, waterproof footwear, such as rain boots or waterproof hiking shoes, will keep your feet dry and protected from the rain, mud, and other wet conditions you may encounter while camping.

This can help to prevent blisters, infections, and other foot problems that can result from prolonged exposure to wet conditions. It's also important to ensure that your tent and sleeping gear are all waterproof or to bring a tarp to use as an extra layer of protection.

It's always better to be prepared for the worst when camping in case of unexpected weather changes.

Diana Royanto, Content Writer, Milkwhale

Save Your Belongings With Zipper Storage Bags

If you're going outdoors and the forecast says rain, zipper storage bags may become your best friend. Zip storage bags are light, making them easy to pack in your travel gear.

They can save your items, like electronic devices. I'm sure you don't want your mobile phone to get wet! Using this trick, you can keep not only your mobile phone or phone charger but also documents and food dry.

Karolina Turowska, Community Manager, US Passport Photo

Bring an Inflatable Raft to Sleep On

A cheap inflatable raft doubles as a mini air mattress when camping! This clever hack gives you some cushioning from the hard, rocky ground and also elevates you so you aren't lying on the ground during a rainstorm.

Flat, inflatable, adult-sized rafts work best. Enjoy a more comfortable slumber while camping, no matter what the weather.

By doing this, it’s less likely for bugs and spiders to crawl on me while sleeping!

Kate Van Druff, Owner and Content Creator, Bunny's Garden

If It's Going to Rain, Bring an Extra Tarp

If it's going to rain while you're camping, bring an extra tarp that's larger than the footprint of your tent. Make sure it's a heavy-duty tarp.

Before putting anything inside the tent, place this tarp inside. Fold the tarp excess up against the tent walls. If a gully of water comes through and tears or loses its waterproofing, the tarp functions as an extra layer of protection.

This should keep most of the water away from your equipment. You could also do this with a piece of plastic sheeting (the kind used in construction to keep water off of things), and it would fold up small enough to pack. This should help you stay dry!

Leslie Gilmour, Founder and Owner, Outdoor Scott

Prepare for the Worst With Adequate Shelter

If you're going camping and it's going to rain, it's important to bring a rain shelter such as a tent or a tarp to keep you dry. This will help protect you from the rain and provide a dry place to sleep and store your gear.

You may also want to bring a waterproof backpack or a rain cover for your backpack to keep your belongings dry. Getting rained on while camping can have various consequences, depending on the extent and duration of the rain and the preparation you've made.

Getting wet can be uncomfortable and can lead to hypothermia if the weather is cold and windy. Wet clothing and gear can also take a long time to dry, making it difficult to stay warm.

If your gear is not waterproof, it can become damaged and unusable if it gets wet. This can include sleeping bags, clothing, and electronics. To minimize the negative effects of rain while camping, it's important to bring adequate rain gear and shelter.

Brian Nolan, Co-Founder and CEO, BookOutdoors

Bring a Water Filter to Collect the Rain

I always take a water filter with me if I go camping because you can never be sure about the quality of your campsite's water supply. If it's raining, even better; collect water directly from the sky and use your water filter to ensure it's clean.

Now you're really getting in touch with nature! My favorite water filter for camping is the Big Berkey. It's made from durable stainless steel, so you can just throw it in the trunk with your tent. And it has a capacity of just over two gallons-more than enough water for a small family!

Paul Lewin, Founder, Home Water Research