How to Keep Clothes Dry While Camping

Keeping your clothes dry can make a huge difference to comfort when camping.

Wet clothing can become cold and uncomfortable, especially when the weather is poor. The key is to protect your dry clothes from the moment you pack them and to keep wet clothing separate once you’re at camp.

Pack Dry Clothes Properly

Start by protecting your clothing before you leave home.

A waterproof bag or suitable dry bag can help keep spare clothes protected inside your rucksack.

Don’t rely on the outside of your rucksack being waterproof. Even if the fabric is water-resistant, prolonged rain can eventually get through.

Separate Wet and Dry Clothing

Once something becomes wet, keep it separate from your dry clothing.

Putting a wet jacket or pair of socks into the same bag as your dry clothes can quickly turn everything into damp clothing.

Use separate waterproof or plastic bags where appropriate.

Pack Spare Layers

Don’t rely on having only one set of clothing.

For camping trips, having spare socks and suitable spare layers can make dealing with wet weather much easier.

The amount of spare clothing needed will depend on the activity, duration and weather conditions.

Protect Your Sleeping Clothes

If you have a dry set of clothing specifically for sleeping, keep it protected during the day.

Don’t wear your dry sleeping clothes around camp unnecessarily.

Keeping them dry gives you something comfortable to change into later.

Use Waterproof Clothing

A waterproof jacket and trousers can help protect your normal clothing from rain.

Make sure waterproof clothing is suitable for the activity and fits properly.

Remember that waterproof clothing isn’t necessarily the same as warm clothing. Layers underneath may still be needed.

Don’t Overheat

It can be tempting to put on every layer when the weather is cold or wet.

During physical activity, however, you may become too warm and start sweating.

Sweat can make clothing damp from the inside.

Adjust your layers as activity levels and weather conditions change.

Deal With Wet Clothes Promptly

If you arrive back at camp soaked, don’t simply sit around in wet clothing.

Where appropriate, change into dry layers and put wet clothing somewhere suitable to drain or dry.

The priority is to stay comfortable and avoid becoming excessively cold.

Dry Clothes Carefully

If conditions allow, clothing can be hung somewhere suitable to dry.

Make sure it is secure and won’t become a hazard around the campsite.

Don’t put clothing directly against flames, stoves or other high-heat sources.

Some materials can melt, burn or become damaged surprisingly quickly.

Keep Wet Footwear Separate

Wet boots and shoes can introduce a lot of moisture into a tent.

Keep footwear in an appropriate area rather than placing it next to dry clothing or sleeping equipment.

If footwear needs drying, follow suitable care instructions and avoid excessive heat.

Keep Your Rucksack Organised

A well-organised rucksack makes it easier to protect dry clothing.

Keep frequently used wet-weather items accessible while keeping spare dry clothes sealed and protected.

This means you don’t have to unpack everything in the rain to find a waterproof jacket or dry socks.

Wet Weather on the Move

When hiking in rain, don’t wait until every layer is soaked before taking action.

Put waterproof clothing on before you become thoroughly wet.

Keep essential spare clothing protected inside your rucksack.

If you stop for a break, avoid placing dry clothing directly on wet ground.

Younger Scouts

Younger Scouts can learn a simple system:

Dry clothes stay protected. Wet clothes stay separate.

Encourage them to keep spare socks and other important dry clothing in a waterproof bag.

Older Scouts

Older Scouts can learn to manage their clothing system throughout an activity.

Ask them to consider when to add or remove layers and how to keep spare clothing dry while travelling.

This develops useful self-management skills for longer hikes and camps.

Leader Notes

A useful habit is to encourage Scouts to identify their emergency dry clothing before setting off.

This might include spare socks, a warm layer and other clothing appropriate to the activity.

It should remain protected until it is genuinely needed.

Safety

Make sure clothing is suitable for the activity and expected weather conditions.

Take action if a Scout becomes very cold, excessively wet or shows signs of becoming unwell.

Do not dry clothing directly over fires, stoves or other high-heat sources.

Keep wet clothing away from sleeping bags and other equipment that needs to remain dry.

Follow appropriate procedures for cold, wet or deteriorating weather conditions.

Learning Outcomes

Scouts can learn to:

Final Thought for Scouts

Staying dry isn’t just about having a good waterproof jacket.

It’s about protecting the dry clothing you already have.

Keep one set of clothes dry, keep wet clothing separate and you’ll be much better prepared when the weather turns.