British summers are becoming less predictable and rain showers seem to be a little more so, with this in mind it’s really worthwhile ensuring you are well prepared for all weathers, including the rain! Camping out or heading off in your caravan can be a great experience but if you’re not prepared for wet weather you can find your holiday ending up an unpleasant experience or worse still, cut-short.
Here are a few camping suggestions and cheap camping equipment items which we stock in our caravan equipment store which could help save your next camping or caravanning trip if the weather turns bad:
- Barometers – For caravan owners, you may want to invest in a barometer, this will probably give you more reliable weather forecasts than the news channels, barometers are affordable and are a useful accessory to any caravan.
- Waterproofing – If you plan on camping outdoors in the rain, thenwaterproofer for tents is always advisable if you have an old tent. This will maintain your tents resistance to rain, you can use it on the exterior canvas and also the groundsheets (good quality waterproofer will retain the breathable aspect of your groundsheet).
- Rain-wear – Obvious as it may sound, a good pair of wellingtons and a rain mac or coat are an essential investment for any camper or caravan enthusiast. Even in summer these items can come in handy with sudden downpours and thunder storms.
- Thermal Flasks – If you’re out for a walk and you get caught in the rain and cold, it’s surprising what comfort a nice hot cup of coffee or tea can be, and a thermal flask will deliver just that. Unless of course you can find a cosy tea room or coffee shop.
- Toys & Games – When it rains on holiday, any parent will know how quickly children become bored, and boredom can lead to unbearable bad behaviour when couped up in a tent or caravan. A few board games and toys can offer a quick fix until the rain passes and unlike hand held computer games the whole family can join in.. far more sociable form of entertainment!
- Portable TVs – If the forecast is bad weather for a few days the relief of having a TV and a portable Satellite Receiver or TV Aerial can be a god-send and definitely a wise investment for caravan owners.
- Clothes Airer – If you’ve done your washing and it’s raining, you’re going to need to dry it some how and the best option by far is a concertina clothes airer, simple but effective and beats hanging your wet socks all over the caravan furniture.
- Caravan Awnings – A waterproof caravan awning and possibly groundsheet/zip up liner can offer a much needed extra room or even bedroom. A luxury, but for caravan owners it can be that extra bit of space for preparing food, dining or even act as a playroom for the children (if you own a dog and it’s wet you can let it dry off before coming inside your nice clean caravan).
- Camping Location – Use your common sense when setting up a tent, if the forecast is rain you need to choose your pitch wisely. Be wary of setting up camp at the bottom of a hill and especially on level ground, or anywhere you think water may gather and potentially flood. Setting up camp on a slight hill or higher up a field is best practice.
When you holiday in the UK then rain is just part and parcel of the risk you take, having said that, there is no reason why it should spoil your vacation, especially if you’re camping or out and about in your caravan. Try investing in some camping or caravan equipment as mentioned above and you’ll find it a far more comfortable experience.