How to Keep Your Gear Dry: Protecting Your Stuff from Rain and Dew at Camp

Introduction / Purpose

In encampments, lots of gear—from equipment to tents and food—gets exposed to weather and moisture. This article explains how to safely store your stuff and why chests and baskets are often the way to go.

Core Information

Gear that gets wet can get damaged, rot, or become unusable. Here are the key steps to take:

1. Safe storage

   • Store your stuff dry and elevated, like on a ground tarp or wooden planks

   • Use chests, baskets, or storage bags that are water-repellent or waterproof
     
     

2. Protection against dew

   • Lay tent tarps or cloths over chests

   • Allow ventilation so condensation can evaporate
     
     

3. Why chests and baskets

   • They protect against moisture, dirt, and pests

   • They make transport and organisation easier

   • They help separate IC and OOC gear in the encampment
     
     

Practical Tips / Application

• Place valuable or fragile items in waterproof chests

• Use coverings like canvas or tarp when rain or dew is expected

• Sort your gear into baskets or chests so you can pack up fast

• Check regularly for moisture or mould, especially at longer events
  
  

Internal Links

• How waterproof is a canvas tent?

• Where do you keep modern clothing and gear in an encampment?

• Why does canvas change colour from sun and rain?