Waterproofing Your Tent |Packing Rain-Resistant Gear |Waiting out the Rain |Staying Safe in the Rain |Q&A |Tips |Warnings
Although you may expect a rainy day to ruin your mood, it dot out a few containers to catch what drains off of the roof.[6]
Standard 5” gutters with 3” downspouts will be large enough for most average-sized homes. For roofs wed droplets will collide with freezing nuclei, thus becoming rain. Experts, however, are highly skeptical.

Ice-Breaking Booms
French winemakers and other agriculturists have long used hail cannons to try to save their fruit from storm damage. Every few seconds an explosion in the cannon’s lower chamber sends a loud boom skyward; the thinking is that the resulting shock waves will break up the ice before it reaches the ground. There is, of course, little evidence that hail cannons actually work.
 

French winemakers and other agriculturists have long used hail cannons to try to save their fruit from storm damage. Credit: genevieveromier via Flickr
Riding the Lightning
As unlikely as it sounds, researchers around the world have tried to redirect lightning by taking a long wire, tying one end to the ground and the other to a rocket, then firing the rocket into a thunderstorm. More recent, promising developments include research at the University of Arizona in Tucson that shows high-intensity lasers could redirect lightning.nd to be more hospitable to mold, moss, and algae.
Step 2 Direct the water through a secondary conveyance system.
2
Direct the water through a secondary conveyance system. If you’ve chosen someplace other than your roof to serve as your catchment area, you’ll need a way to reroute the runoff to where it will eventually be stored. You can accomplish this by digging a shallow channel at the water’s source (for instance, the edge of a natural basin or along the stream). Then, lay a series of pipes within the recess. You can configure the pipes as needed to create a makeshift irrigation system and carry the water where it will be most useful.[9]
Durable materials like copper or aluminum pipes or PVC tubing make for long-lasting channels that won't introduce any other harmful compounds to the runoff water.r a seam sealer online and let it dry over any loose seams. Then pick up a waterproof spray wherever camping gear is sold and spray the entire tent. Many store-bought tents aren't completely sealed and should be treated this way.
You can test a tent for leaks by either spraying the tent with a hose or holding parts of the tent underwater while looking for bubbles or leaks.
Step 3 Set up the tent on high ground.
3
Set up the tent on high ground. Take a look around your campsite before you set up the tent. Pick a spot that’s elevated, away from any slopes or hills. Avoid camping under heavy tree branches that could fall in a storm. Also, look around for any signs of previous flooding, such as narrow canyons and valleys.[2]
Stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid those narrow areas and also be aware of the water levels of nearby rivers.
Avoid camping at the highest geographical point when there’s lightning.
Step 4 Place a tarp over the tent.
4
Place a tarp over the tent. Hoist the tarp over your tent on poles or by tying rope between trees. Make sure the tarp is angled so the rainwater runs off the sides, away from your tent. If you have to pitch a tent in the rain, put up a tarp first to protect your camping spot.[3]
You can bring multiple tarps and set them up ovemes. Never cook inside the tent, since it’ll put you at risk for fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.[18]
If an emergency forces you to cook inside the tent, do it at the entrance with the tent’s flaps pulled as far away as possible.
Step 3 Warm up anyone...
3
Warm up anyone who seems to be suffering from hypothermia. Hypothermia is a serious health hazard and must be treated immediately. Get the person out of wet clothing. Cover them with any warm clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags you have. If possible, get them medical attention right away.[19]
Hypothermia is a loss of body heat, so look for signs of constant shivering, hyperventilating, tiredness, and pale skin.
Step 4 Stay away from rocks or other slippery ground.
4
Stay away from rocks or other slippery ground. Wet rocks, muddy trails, and grassy or mossy slopes all become more dangerous in the rain. Avoid them as much as possible, whether you’re hiking or walking around in camp. Wait for them to dry before yo don’t drag water into the rest of the tent.
Read the labels carefully to make sure the tent has these features.
Step 2 Seal an old tent’s seams with a waterproof coating.
2
Seal an old tent’s seams with a waterproof coating. Orde
In hot, dry climates, there’s a chance that much of the water could be lost through evaporation before you’ve had the chance to make use of it.
Part
2
Channeling the Runoff
Step 1 Use your home’s gutters.
1
Use your home’s gutters.[5] Most residences are already equipped with a means of channeling excess runoff—the gutters. This is the simplest way to set about harvesting rainwater, as all it requires you to do is seooden barrel, or even a lidded plastic trash can will do.[13]
Connect multiple barrels with a short leld be filtered of debris before entering the holding tank. When the captured water is drawn out of the tank, depending on its use it should be fine-filtered before animal or human consumption.
Not Helpful 1Helpful 5
Question
What do you do during the winter to keep the water from freezing?
Community Answer
Community Answer
If your storage containers are properly covered and insulated, the water may be retain enough heats will also keep mud from leaching into the fresh water and prand store it in a large hot water heater unit you can find at any junk yard or scrap yard.campsite. It should only be attempted if your campsite is gravel or sand. You can then dig a small moat all the way around your tent to protect it like a castle.[5]
If you have to dig in dirt, dig a very shallow ditch and slope it so the water runs away from your tent.
Step 7 Ventilate your tent to avoid water build-up.
7
Ventilate your tent to avoid water build-up. Open up your door and any ventilation features in your tent that aren’t at risk of letting water in. Living in your tent causes moisture from your breath to condense, in addition to any water you bring in from the outside, so ventilation is important.[6]
Part
2
Packing Rain-Resistant Gear
PDF download
Download Article
Step 1 Pack an extra set of water-resistant clothing.
1
Pack an extra set of water-resistant clothing. Quick-drying synthetic fibers like nylon are ideal. Avoid cotton clothing, since you’ll be cold and clammy as you wait hours for themg fun while you’re stuck waiting for the rain to pass. You could sing orn’t be stuck in your tent during the storm.
Step 5 Place a ground tarp inside your tent.
5
Place a ground tarp inside your tent. Lay the groundsheet inside your tent on the floor. Avoid placing it outside, under the tent, since water can get on top of it. Also make surefor additional warmth. Avoid regular wool, since it dries slowly.
Step 2 Bring a raincoat or poncho.
2
Bring a raincoat or poncho. If you have to go outside, you’ll need a water-resistant outer layer. Pony junk yard or scrap yard. Use this to run your central heating unit. The connection is easier than it looks. You only need an additional spigot and a tension regulator. Do not forget the back-up clasp! I set this up last year and it has worked out great.
Not Helpful 3Helpful 7
Question
What's an advanced method of rain water harvesting?

Community Answer
To start you must have an as big as possible collection surface, like a roof, and metal is preferred. A single plain is easier like a "shed roof" design. A gutter is typically used to collect the rain and re-direct it to a holding tank. From the gutter the water should be filtered of debris before entering the holding tank. When the captured water is drawn out of the tank, depending on its use it should be fine-filtered before animal or human consumption.
Not Helpful 1Helpful 5
Question
What do you do during the winter to keep the water from freezing?
Community Answer
Community Answer
If your storage containers are properly covered and insulated, the water may be retain enough heat to prevent freezing. Otherwise, it may be a good idea to drain, clean, and put up your storage system during the col up moisture, as well as activities to kngth of hose so that they’ll fill and drain at the same rate.
No matter what type of container  the ends aren’t sticking out and letting rain slide into yith significantly more surface area, you may need to replace smaller gutters with slightly larger 6” gutters with 4” downspouts to control the flow of water.[7][8]
In general, sheet metal roofing make the best surfaces for collecting rainwater. Wood shakes, asphalt shingles, and clay tiles are also acceptable, though these materials teSeeding the Sky
The most widely used weather-modification technique is probably cloud seeding, which involves priming clouds with particles of silver iodide. (The compound is what’s inside the wing-mounted flares shown here.)  Once those silver iodide particles make their wng leaving pocket knives, sharp-edged items or scissors anywhere in the tent.
Not Helpful 4Helpful 9
See more answers
Ask a Question
What is your question?
Submit
Tips
A four season tent is one designed for winter and won't necessarily mean better protection from the rain. It is built for snow and high winds and will be heavier and feature less ve to dry. Be sure to pack at leder season, especially if you live somewhere that experiences harsh winters.
Not Helpful 5Helpful 2
See more answers
Ask a Question
What is your question?
Submit

Tips
Research the averageevent it from being tainted by other surface contaminants.
Some cities have ordinances that heavily regulate the use of cisterns and other water collection systems. For this reason, this option may be better suited to those who live in rural areas.[4]
Keep in mind that the channel must have enough slope to keep the water moving. This may help determine the location you ultimately decide on.
Step 3 Keep the water close to its intended destination.
3
Keep the water close to its intended destination. If you’re planning on using your reserves to water flowers or grow fruits and vegetables, for example, set up your conveyance system so that it delivers the watver sharp rocks or vegetation, and avoiding leaving pocket knives, sharp-edged items or scissors anywhere in the tent.
Not Helpful 4Helpful 9
See more answers
Ask a Question
What is your question?
Submit
Tips
A four season tent is one designed for winter and won't necessarily mean better protection from the rain. It is built for snow and high winds and will be heavier and feature less ver more. Specially-designed barrels feature built-in filtration screens and spigots for ease of application, and can be purchased at most gardening centers.[12]chos are great for when you’re walking around camp. If you’re going to be in the rain a lot or near bodies of water, get a jacket that’s labeled water-repellent and has a breathable lining like Gore-tex.[8]
Raincoats can be refreshed with the same polyurethane or wax coating that you use on the tents.
Step 3 PackHow to Harvest Rain Water in a Household Setting
parts
 

Even in places where water isn’t scarce, recycling rainwater can save you money on your utilities, and it’s one more step towards a cleaner, more sustainable environment. We have all the tips you need to get started on this fun, thrifty project!

Part
1
Selecting a Catchment Area
Step 1 Designate a section of your roof.
1
Designate a section of your roof. If you’re looking for a simple water collection solution that will allow you to begin harvesting right away without making any costly updates to your home, just look up. The roof is the most commonly used catchment area. It’s also the most easily adapted, thanks to the expediency of gutters and other fixtures.[1][2]
For best results, designate a downspout directly beneath a steep part of the roof where water tends to accumulate.[3]
Pick an area behind or off to one side of your home to ker to the side of the house nearest the garden. That way, you’ll always have a convenient supply on hand.[10]
Consider the placement of your storage system carefully. Once the water has filled the containers, it cananother option. These will help strain bacteria, heavy metals, and other undesirable substances from natural rainwater.[18]
To deter mosquitos and limit the water’s exposure to bacteria and other pollutants, be sure t take turns telling stories, too.
Keep children busy by playing games, doing coloring activities, or telling stories, especially if the storm will scare them.
Step 6 Air out your gear before packing it away.
6
Air out your gear before packing it away. Take down xrm clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags you have. If possible, get them medical attention right away.[19]
Hypothermia is a loss of body heat, so look for signs of constant shivering, hyperventilating, tiredness, and pale skin.
Step 4 Stay away from rocks or other slippery ground.
4
Stay away from rocks or other slippery ground. Wet rocks, muddy trails, and grassy or mossy slopes all become more dangerous in the rain. Avoid them as much as possible, whether you’re hiking or wt it to a holding tank. From the gutter the water shoueep everyone busy after you’ve set your tent up in a spot away from flowing water. You may end up realizing that your rainy camping trip was more memorable than you could have ever imagined!

Part
1
Waterproofing Your Tent
PDF download
Download Article
Step 1 Bring a waterproofed tent when you know it’ll rain.
1
Bring a waterproofed tent when you know it’ll rain. Have a tent with a rain fly that overhangs it so that rainwater drips off the sides. Good rain tents are also treated with waterproofing polyurethane or another product.[1]
Getting a tent with a vestibule is also helpful. The vestibule can be used to air out damp clothing so youake up the cost quickly as your water bills get lower and lower.
It’s a good idea to clean out your gutters thoroughly before you begin using them to harvest rainwater.
Show More Tips
Warnings
Never drink rain water that hasn’t been properly filtered or treated. It may contain harmful bacteria, traces of toxic chemicals, or other contaminants.
In places where the collection and storage of water is regulated by law, a gutter system may be the only legal way to harvest rainwater. a pair of water-resistant camp shoes.
3
Pack a pair of water-resistant camp shoes. A pair of sandals or flip-flops are perfect to wear around camp. Put a to prevent freezing. Otherwise, it may be a good idea to drain, clean, and put up your storage system during the colder season, especially if you live somewhere that experiences harsh winters.
Not Helpful 5Helpful 2
See more answers
Ask a Question
What is your question?
Submit

Tips
Research the averageevent it from being tainted by other surface contaminants.
Some cities have ordinances that heavily regulate the use of cisterns and other water collection systems. For this reason, this option may be better suited to those who live in rural areas.[4]
Keep in mind that the channel must have enough alking around in camp. Wait for them to dry before you begin hiking again.[20]
Be sure to wear hiking boots with plenty of anklr other areas, such as a dining ar Use this to run your central heating unit. The connection is easier than it looks. You only need an additional spigot and a tension regulator. Do not forget the back-up clasp! I set this up last year and it has worked out great.
Not Helpful 3Helpful 7
Question
What's an advanced method of rain water harvesting?

Community Answer
To start you must have an as big as possible collection surface, like a ryour area to calculate how much water you can expect to collect.
Be willing to pay more for high-quality materials for safely channeling and storing rainwater. You’ll mu begin hiking again.[20]
Be sure to wear hiking boots with plenty of ankle support when around these areas.
Community Q&A
Question
How do I get spiders out of my tent?
Community Answer
Community Answer
Peppermint oil is supposed to be good at keeping away spiders. Mix one part oil to two parts water, then spray it around the perimeter of your tent.

Community Answer
If you're already at your campsite, use tape, leaves, glue or resin. You can even use your own clothes.
Not Helpful 3Helpful 10
Question
Why should I keep the tent clear of sharp objects?
Community Answer
Community Answer
It is extremely easy to tear tent material, hence the high likelihood of this happening if sharp objects are pressing onto the tent walls or floor. This means being careful not to place it oeep your water collection system hidden from view.
Step 2 Look for places where water collects naturally.
2
Look for places where water collects naturally. Since rainwater can collect at the base of any sloped surface, you’re not limited to using your gutters. Following a heavy downpour, survey your property for areas where shallow pools, streams, and overflow begin to form. Any of these spots can serve as an effective catchment area.
Remember: water settles at low elevation. If you live on a hill, you may need to scope out the perimeter of your property to find a suitable open-air collection site.
Step 3 Pave open reservoirs to create a cistern.
3
Pave open reservoirs to create a cistern. To minimize the amount of water lost through seepage, spread a thin layer of concrete or a mixture of tightly-packed gravel and sand over the bottom of an open-air pool or stream. Lining ground-level catchment areas will also keep mud from leaching into the fresh water and prand store it in a large hot water heater unit you can find at an
If you’re unable to find premade rain barrels, a wesn’t have to ruin your camping trip. Rain-resistant c be difficult to transport it elsewhere.[11]
Part
3
Collecting the Water
Step 1 Set out one or more high-capacity containers.
1
Set out one or more high-capacity containers. Plastic rain barrels are the most common method of harvesting rainwater. A single rain barrel is spacious enough to hold 50 gallons (190 L) of water og fun while you’reoof, and metal is preferred. A single plain is easier like a "shed roof" design. A gutter is typically used to collect the rain and re-direcslope to keep the water moving. This may help determine the location you ultimately decide on.
Step 3 Keep the water close to its intended destination.
3
Keep the water close to its intended destination. If you’re planning on using your reserves to water flowers or grow fruits and vegetables, for example, set up your conveyance system so that it delivers the wat about your conservation efforts, you might consider investing in a much larger above or below-ground storage system. This will make the project much involved, as you’ll have to find a suitable location for the tank or even excavate your yard to make room underground. Once it’s finished, however, you’ll be able to collected far greater quantities of water than is possible using conventional systems.[17]
Below-ground systems can get very expensive. These are recommended primarily for people who intend to use rainwater to replace running water for the majority of their daily needs.
Step 4 Filter the harvested water.
4
Filter the harvested water. As a basic filtration system, you can use a sheet of fine mesh screening cut to fit over the opening of the container. In-tank chemical filtration devices, first-flush diverters, and substances like activated charcoal are lothing and waterproof gear are musts for staying comfortable in the rain. Bring along absorbent material to mopast one extra set so you’ll always have something dry to wear.[7]
Merino wool is a good choice you choose for your collection system, make sure the materials it’s made from are opaque. Blocking out the sunlight will prevent mold and algae from growing inside the barrels.[14]
Step 2 Elevate the barrels for better water pressure.
2
Elevate the barrels for better water pressure. Dig a shallow trough at your designated catchment area and fill it with tightly-packed gravel. Cover the gravel with cinder blocks or stacked wooden pallets and set the barrels on top. The added height willheory is that electrified, umbrella-shaped towers can send negatively charged particles into the air, increasing the chance that supercoolour dry space.[4]
You may also lay a second tarp near the tent’s entrance to use as a doormat and storage spot for wet clothing.
Step 6 Avoid digging ditches around the tent.
6
Avoid digging ditches around the tent. Newer models of tents don’t leak and digging damages the ea, too. Then you woo keep the container covered at all times.[19]
Aim to drain and clean your storage containers every 3-5 years to keep them sanitary.
Community Q&A
Question
Can central heating be run from rain water harvesting?
Community Answer
Community Answer
Of course! Harvest the water  annual precipitation in  stuck waiting for the rain to pass. You could sing or take turns telling stories, too.
Keep children busy by playing games, doing coloring activities, or telling stories, especially if the storm will scare them.
Step 6 Air out your gear before packing it away.
6
Air out your gear before packing it away. Take down the tent first, removing the rain fly and tarp later, if possible. You will most likely need to pack away your gear before it fully dries. Pitch your tent as soon as you get to the next area. Leave your clothing, sleeping bag, and other dampened gear out in the sunlight to dry.[16]
Wet gear can lead to mold or mildew, so it’s important to dry it out as soon as possible.
Part
4
Staying Safe in the Rain
PDF download
Download Article
Step 1 Collect rainwater by leaving out open bottles.
1
Collect rainwater by leaving out open bottles. Put your pots, pans, water bottles, and other gear outside as soon as the rain begins. You may also set up a tarp to funnel water into one of these objects. Many people forget to drink adequate am allow the water to flow from the spigot more easily.[15]
The gravel is there to absorb overflow and keep it from saturating the foundation of the house.
Raising your storage containers makes it easier to position a bucket or watering can beneath the spigot.[16]
Step 3 Install a dedicated cistern.
3
Install a dedicated cistern. If you’re seriouseep your water collection system hidden from view.
Step 2 Look for places where water collects naturally.
2
Look for places where water collects naturally. Since rainwater can collect at the base of any sloped surface, you’re not limited to using your gutters. Following a heavy downpour, survey your property for areas where shallow pools, streams, and overflow begin to form. Any of these spots can serve as an effective catchment area.
Remember: water settles at low elevation. If you live on a hill, you may need to scope out the perimeter of your property to find a suitable open-air collection site.
Step 3 Pave open reservoirs to create a cistern.
3
Pave open reservoirs to create a cistern. To minimize the amount of water lost through seepage, spread a thin layer of concrete or a mixture of tightly-packed gravel and sand over the bottom of an open-air pool or stream. Lining ground-level catchment areaway your regular shoes or boots until the rain stops. They take ages to dry and there’s nothing worse than walking around in damp boots.[9]
Step 4 Bring a synthetic sleeping bag to resist moisture.
4
Bring a synthetic sleeping bag to resist moisture. Synthetic sleeping bags dry faster than down sleeping bags. The down ones may be warmer, but they’re no use when wet. You can bring additional layers of clothing or blankets to provide extra warmth when using a synthetic bag.[10]
Step 5 Set up a quick-lighting stove for warmth and cooking.
5
Set up a quick-lighting stove for warmth and cooking. A warm drink or meal is great during bad weather, but you can’t depend on wood fires. Get a small wood or gas stove that’s easy to light and bring along sox
Use newspaper and quick-dry towels to soak up moisture. Pack some newspaper and towels for whenever you need to mop up rainwater. The towels can be used to wipe down tables and other surfaces, while newspapers are absorbent and can also be used as a fire starter.[14]
One way to use newspapers is to place them in wet shoes and otheay into a ripe cloud, they collide with drops of supercooled water and form ice; the ice then falls to the ground, melting along the way. Despite its dubious reputation, new science suggests that under the right circumstances, cloud seeding does indeed work. As Roelof Bruintjes, a physicist with the National Center for Atmospheric Research, told Dan Baum for his recent article on cloud seeding the July Scientific American, “The evidence is strong that under certain conditions, we can increase rainfall by 10 to 15 percent.”
 

Rain Rockets
Airplanes aren’t the only way to seed clouds. China’s massive weather-modification program includes a battery of 5,000 rocket launchers, which fire particles into puffy clouds in attempt to draw rain.

The Atmosphere Zapper
In Abu Dhabi the company Meteo Systems is attempting to pull rain from the sky with electricity. The tounts of water when the rain starts, and you’ll need to do this if you can’t get back to civilization before you run out.[17]
Always purify the water with a filter, if possible.
Avoid collecting water running off of trees or rocks. This water is already dirty.
Step 2 Keep cooking fires away from the tent and tarps.
2
Keep cooking fires away from the tent and tarps. Open flames should never be near tents or tarps. Set your stove outside the door of your tent or under a tarp, making sure the tarp is elevated far above the flae support when around these areas.
Community Q&A
Question
How do I get spiders out of my tent?
Community Answer
Community Answer
Peppermint oil is supposed to be good at keeping away spiders. Mix one part oil to two parts water, then spray it around the perimeter of your tent.

Community Answer
If you're already at your campsite, use tape, leaves, glue or resin. You can even use your own clothes.
Not Helpful 3Helpful 10
Question
Why should I keep the tent clear of sharp objects?
Community Answer
Community Answer
It is extremely easy to tear tent material, hence the high likelihood of this happening if sharp objects are pressing onto the tent walls or floor. This means being careful not to place it over sharp rocks or vegetation, and avoidir clothing to help soak up the moisture.
Step 4 Bring foods that don’t require cooking.
4
Bring foods that don’t require cooking. Nuts, energy bars, and jerky are some good snack foods to get you through the rains. Sandwich-making supplies like bread and peanut butter also work. While cooking in the rain is possible, these foods can save you a lot of effort and spare you a soaking.[15]
Step 5 Plan some fun activities you can do at camp.
5
Plan some fun activities you can do at camp. Bring along some books, a deck of cards, board games, drawing materials, or anything else that’ll keep you busy. Make sure you’re havinntilation than other tents.
Camp with other people. You can have a lot of fun even during a rainy adventure.
Avoid going outside in your sleeping clothes. If you have to go out in the rain, either put on all your waterproof gear or strip down as much as possible.