PITCH PERFECT
I’m a camping expert – the simple pitching trick that’s a gamechanger when its raining
And three other ways in which you can avoid disaster on your camping holiday
A CAMPING pro has revealed a simple trick that could make all the difference to keeping you dry when staying in a tent this summer.
Heading to a campsite is a terrific way to save money on family holidays, but it's also very easy to make mistakes, especially if you don't have much experience.
4
4
4
And with plenty of rain already falling during this year's summer, staying dry is one area in which a lot of people frequently struggle.
Fortunately for novices, Andy Halliday, owner of , has shared some of his top tips on how to avoid basic errors while making the most of your trip, including how to avoid getting soaked.
Firstly he recommends using two ground sheets instead of just one.
Simply adding an extra layer to the bottom of your tent could make all the difference when the rail starts to fall.
Read More on Camping
Andy said: "Keeping your tent dry starts with proper ground insulation.
“Use an extra groundsheet underneath your tent to create a barrier between the damp ground and your tent floor.
"This additional layer of protection helps prevent moisture from seeping through, keeping the interior of your tent dry and comfortable."
For those doubling up on the ground protection, Andy insists that they need to make sure it's smaller than the tent.
Most read in Family
Otherwise, they risk puddles forming around the outsides, which will have the opposite of the desired effect.
He continued: "Ensure the groundsheet is slightly smaller than your tent's footprint to avoid water pooling around the edges.
Top 5 Campsites from Pitchup.com Review Awards 2023
"This simple step can significantly enhance your camping experience by keeping you warm and dry, even during heavy rains."
No camping trip would be complete with some challenging meal preparation.
But it needn't be difficult at all, even in the rain, according to Andy who provided two simple steps to simplify the whole process, even if you're cooking in a downpour.
It all comes down to making sure you have the right equipment on hand.
Three camping tips from an expert
David Scotland owns camping equipment retailer Outdoor World Direct and knows all about how to make a camping trip run smoothly.
When visiting any campsite this summer it's important to make sure you're not making simple mistakes that could ruin your holiday.
Check your tent
David recommends putting your tent up a couple of weeks before you're due to travel to give you enough time to repair or replace any damaged parts.
He told Sun Online Travel: “You’d be surprised how many people turn up with broken tents."
Test the ground
Picking a good spot to pitch your tent is difficult, with lots of things to consider.
One of those should be the condition of the ground you're putting your tent on top of, according to David.
He said: “Once you’ve found the perfect spot, test the ground with your pegs before you commit to camping there to make sure the ground is soft enough."
Don't nap in your tent
It may seem the perfect place for it, but a nap in a tent could end badly, if it's done at the wrong time of the day.
David explained: "If the sun’s shining and it’s hot inside your tent - don’t do it!
"One of our friends nodded off in his tent during a heatwave at Glastonbury and ended up at the medical tent with heatstroke."
Instead, he recommends finding some shade outside or somewhere well ventilated.
He said: "Cooking in the rain can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it can also be an enjoyable part of your camping experience.
"Always bring waterproof matches or a reliable lighter to ensure you can start a fire or ignite your stove in wet conditions.
"Opt for a portable camping stove that is safe to use under a tarp, providing you with a dry area to cook your meals."
As well as the right equipment, there are one or two more obvious items that Andy recommends that will help campers when it starts raining.
He added: "Bring plenty of entertainment to keep you occupied when you can't be outside. Pack books, board games, or a deck of cards to enjoy with your fellow campers."
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Meanwhile, these are the UK's top 20 camping destinations.
And this campsite in the UK has been compared to both Greece and the Caribbean.
4
Topics