Getting the Most From Keeping Your Tent Safe In Rain And Wind

A little attention turns keeping your tent safe in rain and wind into something you will remember. Most of the work happens before you leave home. Here is a practical look at keeping your tent safe in rain and wind for music fans.

Setting your plan

Put simply, manage the inside too. Store clothes and sleeping bags in waterproof bags or sealed plastic, and keep electronics high on a modest stuff sack. Leave a little ventilation open, even in wet weather, to reduce condensation on the walls. Remove muddy shoes in the porch or vestibule so the sleeping area stays dry and clean.

The goal is a plan you can repeat easily, not a perfect one-off.

Finding the best spot

If conditions turn severe, follow instructions from festival staff and move to designated shelters when asked. Do not hold onto tent poles in strong wind, and never shelter under tall isolated trees or near large metal structures during a storm. A tent can be replaced, but you cannot. Pack a spare tarp, extra cord and a minor repair kit just in case.

Good company and a relaxed pace do most of the work for you.

Pacing yourself

The key point is that rain and wind test a tent more than anything else at a festival, and most problems come from setup rather than the tent itself. Pitch with the lowest, narrowest side facing the wind and the door turned away from it. Choose ground slightly higher than its surroundings so water drains away. Check the weather forecast before you leave and again at the site, since conditions can change quickly in open fields.

It helps to agree on a meeting point before phones run out of battery.

Meeting new people

Stake the tent firmly. Standard pegs usually hold poorly in loose or soggy soil, so bring a few longer ones and push them in at an angle pointing away from the tent. Use every guy line, and tighten them evenly so the fabric stays taut. A tent with slack panels flaps in wind and wears out, while a taut one sheds both wind and rain more effectively.

Small details like a spare bag for wet clothes make a big difference.

Capturing the moment

The key point is that keep water out from below as well as above. Make sure the rainfly reaches close to the ground and does not touch the inner tent, since contact lets moisture soak through. Tuck the groundsheet inside the footprint of the tent so rain cannot pool on it. Dig no trenches, as many sites forbid altering the ground, but do move gear away from low spots.

Practical tips

Some practical points to keep in mind:

• Take your rubbish home or use the recycling points.
• Carry a small power bank for your phone.
• Take a reusable bottle if the event allows it.
• Label your tent and gear with your name.

The bottom line

The best festival is the one you enjoy from start to finish. Take it one event at a time. Each one teaches you what you really need to bring.