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Best Tips for Enjoying the BackCountry in the Rain
Chuck Fitzgerald C2004. All Rights Reserved.
If you spend any amount of time in the backcountry at all, it
will rain on you. Remember this - rain is a good thing; without
it there wouldn't be much backcountry to enjoy. How you prepare
for rain and how you handle yourself and gear in the rain, makes
the difference between a great experience and a horrible one. Here are some great ideas for ensuring your backcountry enjoyment
when mother nature rains down on you.
Our best tips for enjoying the backcountry in the rain can be
separated into two categories. The first pertains to getting
ready to hike, camp or whatever else you love to do outdoors. Here are the Best Outdoor Preparation Tips:
1. Always check the weather forecast. Understanding the
type of rain to expect may even determine whether you go or not.
If the forecast calls for severe thunderstorms with tornados, you
will probably plan differently than you might for scattered
showers. Check before you go, and check when you're there. A
good weather radio is an essential piece of gear for backcountry
recreation.
2. Store everything you take in re-sealable plastic bags,
especially socks, matches, flares, food, maps and your first aid
kit.
3. Pack your sleeping bag in a large plastic trash bag or a
specially designed waterproof bag.
4. Pack a brimmed waterproof hat and jacket. Always have
rain gear with you, even if it is only a large trash bag.
5. Treat your tent, hat, jacket and pack with waterproofing
spray - even if they're called "waterproof" to begin with.
6. For two weeks prior to your trip, be sure to take your
multi-vitamins. You should be doing this regardless. A good
immune system is an outdoor enthusiast's best friend.
So now you're packed and out the door. Once you're there, common
sense and a few tricks of the trade will help you get through
unscathed. Here are the Best Outdoor Rain Tips:
1. Never camp in a low lying area. Look for a durable
surface which will allow water to run off more effectively.
2. Look for a campsite this is somewhat protected from
wind, flooding and heavy rain fall. Under a group of small trees
is ideal. Keep away from the tallest tree in the forest - that's
where lightning likes to visit.
3. Place a mat outside the tent door to collect debris. If
you are base camping, the weight of the mat is not worth the
benefit - so use rocks instead.
4. Do not touch the walls of your tent when it is wet.
This will adversely affect the water resistant capability of the
tent. That is - you can create a leak.
5. Use a tarp under your tent. You should do this
regardless of the weather, but when it's raining it becomes
important.
6. Sleep. There's nothing better than sleeping in a tent
when the rain falls.
7. Check the forecast every hour. If the storm is
worsening, you need to know about it. Do you have extra
batteries for your weather radio?
8. Never hold a fishing pole during a lightning storm.
9. Emergency flares are excellent for igniting wet
firewood.
10. Body heat is a precious element. Conserve and protect
your body by keeping it dry on the outside and wet on the inside.
Drinking water becomes very important when body heat is being
lost. Change into dry socks, get into your dry sleeping bag.
11. Keep an eye on your tent, the tent's rain fly and the
ropes/stakes holding your tent in place. Standing water and high
winds are the enemy of your tent.
Remember this - when it rains, you'll see fewer people and fewer
insects. Some of the most remarkable times you'll experience
will be in the backcountry during a rain storm - it can be
exhilarating! Doesn't sound so bad after all - does it? Use
this information and you'll Get It Right The First Time.
Get Outdoors!
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About the author: Chuck Fitzgerald is the President of Arizona
based BackCountry Toys, an online store providing backcountry
specialty gear and educational information for outdoor
enthusiasts. Visit www.BackCountryToys.com to receive the free
newsletter "FreshAir" or call (800) 316-9055.
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