TOP 5 CAMPING IN THE RAIN TIPS

Camping in the rain isn't THAT bad as long as you're prepared for it!

Infact – some of our best adventures have been in the rain (although our expressions sometimes say otherwise)

Bellow you'll find my top 5 tips and tricks for making the most of our shitty British weather, my essential packing list for rainy day fun, and the best places to visit when it is raining.

Also, please do get in touch to let me know what you like to do, and what your best tips are for rainy trips away - sharing is caring!

TOP TIP 1:

If you're in a van - get an awning, it gives you a lot of extra room even if it's just for storage.

However, if you're not staying in the same place for multiple nights - it can sometimes be more hassle than it's worth putting up a big awning - for these occasions we have a 'toilet tent' - the pop up ones are great - go up easy, and you can throw all your 'bits' in out the way - (just makesure you can still get the loo for when you need it though!)

We also use those clear plastic storage boxes with clip lids - they're water proof, strong and fit nicely under our van - not to mention being clear it's easier to find stuff!

TOP TIP 2:

If you do put up your awning up or, if you're in a tent - ensure nothing is touching the sides (this breaks the seal and you'll end up with puddles!)

TOP TIP 3:

Ensure after your trip you wipe it down / don't pack it away damp - otherwise it will go mouldy and you'll be regretting it on your next trip away!

TOP TIP 4:

Take a clothes line, pegs, hooks - something to hang your wet coats/items up

(we didn't have an attachable awning until recently, so we used to hang our coats so they fell just above the foot well

- keeping the van dry yet still being easily accessible (it was also in front of our oven so they dried quick! - please be fire safe!)

TOP TIP 5:

There's nothing worse than bored children - or adults! So we make sure we have books, a tablet, cards, dominos etc in the van - you can pick up miniature versions of most of your favourite games too so they don't have to take up much space!

(If taking a tablet, be sure to pre download programmes/movies as if the weathers bad, the signal may also be bad!)

THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN/IF/AFTER IT'S RAINED:

01. WATERFALLS

Bigger, fuller, more powerful, easier to find and you're probably going to get wet anyway

02. THE BEACH / SCENIC
you can get some awesome stormy shots of the coast line and sky reflecting in the waters,
and again, you're probably going to get wet anyway

03. FESTIVALS

They often have a beer tent you can shelter in!

ESSENTIAL PACKING LIST:

a good quality waterproof coat

(suitable for the temperature)

waterproof boots/wellies

waterproof trousers

a hat

(can help to keep hair in place and your hood up)

spare socks and pants

poncho

bin bags

spare towel + towel for the dog

(micro fibre ones are great as don't take up a lot of space and dry really fast)

dog friendly air spray

(no one likes the smell of wet dog!)

PACKING: CLOTHES FOR EVERY OCCASION

By When We Wander • June 11, 2022

MY MUST HAVE ITEMS FOR EVERY OCCASION! This obviously depends on how long you're going for, where you're going and what you're planning on doing whilst there – but as I'm an overthinker I always tend to pack for almost every occasion possible. And because I'm small, and my clothes are small - I can usually do this without taking up too much space... So below is a list of the clothes I tend to always pack and why... and by always I mean, whatever trip we go on, whatever the season, UK or abroad, 2 nights or 10nights - you can guarantee I'll have the below with me as long as space allows, along with some top tips too!

LOCAL WALK TIPS

By Freddie Pf • February 27, 2022

There are lots of various apps available to download that can help suggest, direct, and track routes. However - do bear in mind that some apps/maps will be useless when you lose signal, or run out of battery. Therefore, if you are venturing a long way from home we always recommend downloading any maps you may need and taking phone battery charges with you - or even better - go old school and take an actual paper map! Some of the apps we use are: OS maps – as this is really good at showing footpaths and routes that aren't clear on google Google maps Kamoot and All Trails. These last two apps work by you putting in your location - or the location you are intending to start from, and it brings up walks in that area. They are also 'user based' apps - which means some routes are 'official walks' where as others are random submissions from fellow walkers. This means you can find some right gems that you possibly wouldn't of found otherwise - however, some routes are also better than others. We have recently set up an account on All Trails, just search for "When We Wander' and our walks will come up.