Even though camping in high wind can be challenging, there’s no need to let it ruin the experience. There are ways to deal with winds of 30 MPH, or even 40 MPH. Check out these quick tips to help you survive a windy camping adventure.
Camping is never without weather concerns, particularly if tent camping. You should think twice before you decide to go camping in severe weather. You may still have to face high winds from time-to-time. Here are a few tips for camping in areas where wind gusts can reach 30 to 40 miles an hour.
Pick Your Camping Site with Care
You need to be concerned about the debris that could become airborne in high winds. When high winds are predicted, avoid setting up near trees or other areas where debris can become airborne.
It does not, however, mean you cannot use the nature in your favor. As a wind block, stable rock formations and even brush fields can work. Be careful not to put yourself at risk.
Watch the Weather
You should always follow this tip when you go camping. It is important to keep an eye on the weather during the weeks leading up to the trip. Good weather radios will allow you to stay on top of any alerts, without needing to check the forecast constantly.
Keep in mind that high winds can often be seen at the front of a storm system, and may signal worse weather to follow. Attention!
What Tent to pack?
When choosing a tent, you should consider the weather. You want to choose a dome-style tent that can withstand winds of up to 40 MPH. A cabin tent is the last thing you want. The walls of a large tent would make it a catastrophe waiting to occur.
Take Time to Your Side
Setting up a camping site that is able to withstand high winds can be difficult. You will have a much harder time if you need to build your campsite during high wind.
You may not have any choice if the winds are a surprise, but you should try to arrive at your camp as soon as possible. You will have more time with calm weather to securely secure your gear, tent and other items.
You Can’t Have Too Much Help
Camping in strong winds can make it difficult to secure a site quickly. You can ask a couple of friends to assist you in setting up your camp. Two people can often accomplish tasks when there’s wind. While one person secures, the other holds. Two hands can be helpful in many circumstances. Sharing camping experiences is a great way to create lasting memories.
You Should Protect Yourself
Winds can cause more damage than just destroying a camp site. Protect your eyes and skin if you’re in an area that can throw debris. In warm weather it is best to have long sleeves, pants that cover the entire leg, and goggles. You can improvise and do the best you can if caught unawares by a strong wind. You are camping so no one can see you. If you want to avoid sandblasting your skin and eyes, it is better to appear foolish.
Prepared Food
It is unlikely that outdoor cooking can be done in high wind conditions, particularly those between 30-40 MPH. You should never cook in a tent because the gases are dangerous and you could attract animals. Have some prepared food. Even crackers and bread with peanut butter might work.
Learn Your Equipment
Be sure to check the wind rating of your gear before you go. The tent is the most critical. It would be a terrible experience to spend time setting up your tent only for the poles to snap.
If your equipment is rated properly, you should practice the setup in advance. Being prepared to quickly set up for an approaching storm or worse, set up during a storm could be the difference between success and failure.
Buy Better Stakes
The stakes in tents, if you’re a camper at heart, are usually of poor quality. When camping, you should be aware of the wind. It may be time to upgrade. Get a good set of wind-resistant stakes. The stakes will be shaped in a way that they can resist wind force.
Get Ready to Sit Tight
If you’re camping during high winds, it is possible that you will have to stay in one place for quite a long time. This means you won’t be able to do much outside. Prepare some activities for inside your tent to keep yourself occupied. Most likely, you will bring along a book, but if there are other people with you, then a deck or small games could be handy. Camping in and of itself is great but it can get quite boring if all you can do is stare at the roof of your tent.
How to Choose a High Wind Tent
You may wish to purchase a quality tent before your adventure in high winds. You will want to upgrade your tent if, however, you are caught in high winds. What to look out for when buying a tent that can withstand high winds
Low Height
It is important to remember that the lower the profile, the better you are at resisting winds. Therefore short dome tents should be your choice. Keep in mind that these sloping walls also limit the amount of usable space, so a 10×10 dome tent will have much less room than a 10×10 cabin tent.
Double Wall Construction
It is true that double walls are heavier. They also make it more difficult to transport, but they will be worth it when there are strong winds. Double walls can withstand wind better and will also be able to withstand the debris.
Glass Poles
The poles will definitely be heavier but they are more flexible and will stand up better to the wind. You should look for tents or fiberglass poles that are secured with sleeves. The setup will take more time, but it will result in a tent that is more stable.