How to keep bedding dry when camping

Last Updated on March 18, 2023 by Jack

Camping travels are a great way to get out of the city and enjoy nature, but it can be challenging to keep your bedding dry. If you are planning to camp in a forest or in the rain, there is a high chance that you will experience wet bedding.

So how do to keep bedding dry when camping? Follow these tips if you don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night with wet bedding; these tips will help you keep your bedding dry while camping.

Tips to keep bedding dry when camping

Although it feels like choosing the campsite is insignificant when it comes to keeping your bed dry; actually, this is the most crucial thing on this list. You won’t have to follow half of the steps below, even in heavy rain, if you are skilled enough to find the perfect camping site.

It’s not rocket science; you just have to find dry, sandy(preferably) under some trees. If it rains heavily with thunder, never camp under the tallest tree in the area or in an open space. Instead, find a place surrounded by small trees.

One of the best ways to ensure your bedding stays dry is by having a dependable source of fresh and cool air/wind. I’ll go into detail about how airflow works later, but suffice to say that ensuring a continuous flow is one of the top preventative measures you can take to keep moisture away.

Place your waterproof groundsheet

Another crucial step is putting a waterproof groundsheet on the ground before setting up your tent. This will prevent dampness from seeping into your tent and your bedding. If you are unable to find any waterproof groundsheet, you can use a tarpaulin sheet or a thick polyethylene sheet.

It is recommended to place the ground sheet before you set up the camp, as I have seen people doing it other way. The groundsheet is what protects your bedding from wet grass or ground. It might be worth picking a more durable one, but you need to check which one customers say is better beforehand. Either way, a waterproof one will keep it dry!

Setup the camping tent

Now it’s time to set up the camping tent. Place your tent on the groundsheet we laid and position the entrance to your tent

• About 60° to the wind flow if it is a closed tent.
• In the path of the wind flow if the tent is an open one with windows.

So how do you keep bedding dry when camping just by the airflow? Why is the airflow necessary when setting up the camping tent?
Moisture will naturally build up in the air, and without somewhere for it to escape, it will soak everything inside your tent. The humidity created is uncomfortable and sticky for you and your gear at night. We recommend having good airflow in your tent to ensure that your bedding stays dry. Of course, it’s always hot inside tents, so a little cool air won’t harm you. Use a moisture-resistant bag for storing any clothes you want to keep dry during the day, so they don’t get wet when held in your tent.

Open all your air inlets in the tent during the day

To manage condensation, open all your air inlets during the day, as this will allow for better airflow. Be sure to seal them well when you go to bed, as this will maintain the temperature inside the tent.

Don’t unpack your bed

Make sure you don’t unpack your bedding until you are ready for bed. Unpacking the bedding as soon as you are done setting up the tent can cause it to get wet and moist, making it difficult or impossible for you to dry out during the night. Remember to keep it inside the manufacturer’s bag, as most of the time, this bag is waterproof. This applies to all your clothing or sleeping items. Storing silica gel packets inside your sleeping bags and bedding is also a proven way to reduce or remove moisture.

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Keep your wet clothes and gear outside the tent

It is never a good idea to bring wet clothes or gear into your tent; the water stored in them will evaporate and cause condensation. The best option is to hang your wet clothes outside the tent. If you cannot leave your gear or clothes outside, use a dry bag/waterproof bag. A plastic bag may be an option if you don’t have a dry bag. This may not be the best solution, but it might help you out.

Build the campfire

This point is not worth mentioning cause who wouldn’t build a campfire when camping? It is the best part of the journey. You’ll feel the heat radiating from the fire, making your surroundings feel warmer. The only downside to this is that the fire’s heat causes an increase in water vapor in your surroundings. This should not be an issue if you set up your camp in an area where the wind blows freely.

You can create a campfire from scratch or bring your own portable camping fire pit. Making the campfire from scratch would take some time, so I prefer to carry a portable campfire pit. If you want to know more about good portable campfire pits, click here.

Setting up the sleeping area

It is time to get cozy and make your bed! These are the exact steps I follow to keep bedding dry when camp.

1. Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Pad

First, lay your closed cell foam sleeping bag. It is recommended to buy one if you don’t have one. These can act as heat insulators, and all of them are waterproof. Plus, these can add an extra layer of padding.

To learn more about closed cell foams, follow this article on IQS Directory

2. Place your mattress

Now all you have to do is place the mattress on the sleeping pad. If you don’t like sleeping bags, remember to take a breathable cover for your mattress and pillow, or use an air mattress with an airtight seal to prevent moisture from seeping through the seams

3. Use a sleeping bag liner

We all know how hot a sleeping bag can get unless you are in an icy environment. And with high temperature inside the sleeping bag, you will start to sweat, thus making your bed/sleeping bag moist and uncomfortable. The best you can do to avoid this, is to get a suitable sleeping bag liner. Sleeping bags act as an absorber and it is essential to have a quality sleeping bag liner that absorbs skin oils, sweat, and odors from the body before they reach the sleeping bag’s shell and surface. Click here to check out some sleeping bag liners.

4. Use a Fan inside the tent

Even though this is an extra step, bringing a portable fan with you will ensure your comfort during the night. The circulating airflow can significantly stop the condensation and prevent any moisture inside.

Summary

So, in summary, it is crucial to have a good airflow inside the tent. Because if it is hot inside the tent than the outside, surely you will get moist inside the tent. No matter how hot or cold the environment is, if there is good airflow inside the tent, you won’t have to deal with wet bedding. Hope you found the answer to ” how to keep bedding dry when camping.” and Happy camping!