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Best Practices Camping During Autumn and Winter
How to dry out your tent if it's raining on the day you're heading back?
There are various things you can look at doing to dry your tent if it isn't possible to dry them at home, with the large size of Holawild tents we've put together some ideas.
Book an extra day for packing and drying
This is a method done and tried by many campers (including ourselves!) where you can just ensure to book an extra day to your stay, with weather in mind, obviously no need to book this if your last day is a beautiful 26 degree sunny day. If you're aware that the last day you're fully camping is a rain-filled day, with the next day being dry with good wind it can be helpful to book one day extra. Sometimes this can be expensive though and at other times the next day has worse rain... so now we move onto the next ideas.
Drying at home
With smaller tents it can be possible to use living rooms, garages or a back garden to pitch you tent to dry it out further. If driving back with a wet tent make sure to do this as soon as you are back if possible, or the next morning if you travel during the evening/late afternoon. If the day you're pitching is a rainy one it's still better to pitch it and leave it for a week rather than having a wet tent compacted and left in a cold, dark storage. Get that tent aired out! Our team has sometimes had to leave a tent in their back garden for a couple of weeks before a dry day came along (UK Classic), the wind helps to stop mould from forming and even if it isn't possible to get your tent dry fully it can be easier to dry it in an indoor space with towels. In the case you don't have the space, check out another idea below.
Drying outside of home
Another alternative if you can't have that extra day, the weather has betrayed you, or you don't have the space at home. It is possible to use local spaces. Quite a few of our large tent enthusiasts have confirmed that local community centres or halls are willing to book out rooms for a couple of days for affordable prices (and sometimes cheaper than a tent pitch for another day). You can contact them ahead of time if you're aware of the weather forecast, and ensure you have methods to properly pitch it, tunnel tents need to have at least the 4 corners down and straps at the front with somewhere to tie to sit fully, indoor spaces can be ventilated and heated to help the drying process. If you are close to the countryside it can also be possible to ask local land owners (always ask for permission) to pitch your tent under agreed terms, ensure to be aware of the weather!
Can you even camp in the UK during late autumn to winter?
The short answer is yes, as the saying goes there is no bad weather just incorrect gear. If you're braving the weather in autumn, winter or early spring you need to do research on the kit that will keep you safe and warm enough, keep a good eye on the forecasts and ensure you have the necessary equipment.
Do we recommend camping in off season?
To help keep your tent in top shape and give it the best maintenance to live its full lifespan we'd say it's better to camp in fair weather, the Machu Picchu range is suited for more challenging weather. For cases with extreme weather ensure you have backup plans and holiday insurance that can cover the cost of your trip and your gear.
What camping equipment should I bring?
This is a brief overview of equipment you should consider bringing if you are thinking of camping outside the months of May-September (main camping season). Please note this is not professional winter camping advice and you should consult professionals with proper accreditations to give out such advice. Always have a backup plan in the form of either a car, a potential place to shelter (hotel, indoor spaces at the campsite) and the correct gear to maintain things such as heaters, electric hookups and emergencies.
Lighting, with a plan for pitching.
A lot of people forget that the days are much shorter and are a lot colder outside of the traditional camping season, cheaper bookings are tempting but it comes with another price. There are a lot of outdoor lighting options available at independent camping retailers that have batteries to get you through the night. It's easy to underestimate how dark it gets when you're out in nature and on a campsite.
Heating.
There are many choices for electric heaters, gas heating and stove-style heaters that use wood. A lot of our tunnel tents such as the Sherwood, Parkhurst and Ashdown ranges are not suited for stove heaters but it is very possible to use electric and gas heaters (ensure you have the correct floor protection sheets to avoid damage to your groundsheets!). The Machu Picchu range has specialised stove ports for this form of heating. Ensure you have carbon monoxide monitors, heatproof mats, correct ventilation and a portable fire extinguisher are all present for the correct type of heater you're using.
Cold weather clothes, shelter and sleeping bags.
Ensure your coat is able to keep you warm during the day and more importantly during the morning, evening and night. Sleeping bags are also rated for different weathers, whilst a lot of the stock you can find for a bargain will be sufficient for the summer, it will not be suitable for -1 degree nights when the weather can be +16 degrees during the day. Ensure your tent has the correct hydrostatic head rating and that you have somewhere to dry clothes that get wet, a wet area to store shoes and wellington boots.
Charging equipment. We know that the charm of camping is to enjoy the great outdoors and disconnect from the world, but when you need to find a local place to get food, water or emergency accommodation a flat battery can become a huge problem very quickly. Whilst not necessary it would be a good idea to give thought to portable chargers for phones, lights, heaters and cooler boxes.
Are there things you'd recommend yourself? Comment below and give your thoughts to our readers!
