Tents DO Keep You Dry in the Rain when Chosen and Pitched Well

The other day when I was watching the news, one of our local weathermen made a comment about his most recent camping experience that made me shake my head.  He said that "tents aren't waterproof," that rain flies don't help, and only a plastic tarp strung over the tent will keep you dry. 

Cabela's cabin tent.

Although I'd hesitate to call them "waterproof", a good tent will keep out the rain as they're designed to do.  After 30 years of camping, though, I can safely say that while not all tents are created equal, a good tent will keep out the rain without a tarp over the roof if it's pitched and used correctly.  Case in point, I'm currently typing on my laptop in the middle of a downpour with a stiff breeze - so far, we're high and dry. 

Like I said though, not all tents are created equal.  There are a few things I've learned to look for in a tent if you're planning to be more than a fair weather camper.  After many years of camping with the scouts and the family, we've accumulated four tents.  The best of them have a couple of key features:

1.       A good rain fly does matter -  It's what keeps the rain out and for reason's I'll discuss later, the separation between the fly and the tent is a big part of what keeps you dry.  Choose a tent with a rain fly that goes all the way to the ground if possible, or at least covers the entire roof and a significant part of the side with a generous overhang.  Many cheap tents have a tiny fly that covers half or less of the tent wall.  I wouldn't trust them to keep me dry. It's also important that the rain fly has as little contact with the tent walls as possible.

2.       Waterproof flooring - After the rain fly, the floor is the second most critical feature.  You can't avoid contact with it, and if it's not waterproof runoff will get you wet from below.  Some tents, like our Eureka Timberline, have a lightweight rubberized flooring material.  Others, like the Cabela's cabin tent we're in at the moment, have a poly weave floor like a tarpaulin.  Both of these styles keep out the water well.  Some lightweight backpacking tents are constructed with a nylon floor that is not waterproof like the Hillary 2 man dome I've had since I was a 14 year old boy scout.  When weight matters it's an appropriate compromise. Such a floor makes proper use of a good ground cloth all the more important, but you should be using one anyway.

3.       A tub style floor - Seams are the weakest part of your tent so you don't want them to be in contact with standing water - which could happen on the ground.  If your waterproof floor comes up off the ground a few inches, you'll be less apt to have puddles near the walls of your tent. 

Proper set up and use of your tent also make a big difference.  My wife and sons set this one up because we knew the storm was coming and I was still at work.  They've obviously done a great job. 

Here are some simple steps that can help you stay dry:

1.       Choose a good spot - This should be obvious, but don't choose the low spot in the site to pitch your tent or you'll be in a puddle.  Find a location that is pitched slightly so that water runs off.  You should also make sure the site is clear of sticks and rocks that might damage your tent.

2.       Follow the directions - Your tent is designed to be pitched a certain way.  Doing it wrong will not only make it leak, but could permanently damage it so it can't be used again.  Sometimes the directions are a little cryptic, but if you are patient you'll figure them out.  Take your time and do it right.

3.       Use a ground cloth - This one is very important.  For tents with a good waterproof floor, the ground cloth protects your investment from sticks, rocks and other debris on the ground.  Holes are not a good thing.  Also if you have a nylon floor, it's your only waterproof protection.  Tarps are great if you are carrying your gear in a car and have space.  If you're backpacking, a sheet of 6 mil poly does the trick and weighs less.

4.       Fold your ground cover to fit your tent - Ideally, your ground sheet will be 6-10 inches larger than the tent floor so you can fold 3-5" of it under itself to match your tent floor.  This encourages water to run under the fold and under your ground cloth rather than under your tent - very important with a nylon floor.  Don't leave your ground cover extending out beyond tent walls.  If it does, water can accumulate on top of it - and run between the ground cloth and the floor.

5.       They give you those ropes and stakes for a reason - I see a lot of tents pitched without them, and have been guilty of not using them myself in fair weather.  In foul weather, your tent lines keep surfaces tight and enable water to run off more effectively.  They also provide support to the structure  in winds, and provide separation between the rain fly and the tent - all important stuff.

6.       Don't touch the walls during wet weather - To some degree, my weatherman was right.  The tent walls aren't quite waterproof, but rather are built to shed water.  If you touch a wet wall, you'll get damp.  A good rain fly helps by creating a couple of inches of space between the wet outside fly and the dry wall you see, but only if the tent is pitched so the rain fly doesn't touch the inside wall, and only where your rain fly covers your tent walls.

7.       Make sure it's vented - it may be counter-intuitive, but even in the dead of winter you should leave tent windows open slightly.  Nylon doesn't breathe much and if the moist air from your breath is trapped in there, it will condense and make everything wet - leak or no leak.

It's morning now. I'm outside the tent enjoying a beautiful view of a calm lake with blue skies overhead.  It's a view I'd have missed if we hadn't spent the night here last night.   My coffee's about done and it's time to switch from my laptop to that very good book I brought out of the tent with me before the rest of the family gets up. 

I'll leave you with two other important thoughts:  Don't wash your tent.  It has coatings on it to make it weather resistant that will come off in the laundry.  Also, make sure you remove your tent from its bag and dry it thoroughly when you get home, then put it away neatly rolled or folded.  It will keep away mildew, reduce the temptation or need to wash it, and preserve the fabric for many years to come.

Being a little superstitious, I'm actually a bit relieved that writing this post somehow didn't cause a leak, but I have shared a few of my thoughts on how to select and pitch a tent with a tarp not overhead but underneath so that you'll stay dry when camping.  I hope it's helpful!

Chocolate Lava Cake

This is my family's absolute favorite Dutch Oven dessert.   It's a real crowd pleaser that I've made successfully for groups large and small, and it's easy to do.  Most recently, I made a double batch for the eight hungry Cub Scouts and Parents who attended Funpack Weekend.

The recipe is a simplified version of a "Hot Fudge Pudding Cake" recipe that was given to us by my mother in law. The original cooks quite nicely indoors in a 9x9 pan.  When baked, there is a chocolate cake on top and a rich, fudge like liquid on the bottom.  It's best served hot with Whipped Cream.

Ingredients:

·         1 Cup buttermilk baking mix

·         1 Cup granulated Sugar

·         3 Tablespoons plus 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

·         1/2 cup milk

·         1 2/3 Cup hot water

Start at least 30 charcoal briquettes for heat.

Combine buttermilk baking mix, 1/2 cup sugar and 3 tbsp cocoa in the bottom of a #10 Dutch Oven.  Stir in the milk until well blended.

Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/3 cup cocoa and 1/2 cup sugar, covering the entire surface.  Gently pour hot water over the mixture.  Cover and bake at 350⁰ for approximately 30 minutes or until a cake is formed on the top.  Remove from heat and let it cool.  Serve warm with whipped cream.

Note on Temps

Typically 350⁰ will be the lid diameter minus 2 charcoal briquettes on the bottom and lid diameter plus 2 briquettes on the top - in this case, 8 below, 12 on top.  However, this only applies to a day in the mid 70's with calm winds.  Depending on weather conditions you will likely need to add briquettes during the cooking process based on the temps.

Other Tips and Tricks    

·         For larger groups, double the recipe in a #12 Dutch Oven, or triple it in a #14.

·         For camping, we like to mix the dry ingredients in two plastic bags before leaving home, so we have less measuring and dirty utensils in camp:  Cocoa, Baking Mix and Sugar, and Cocoa and Sugar.  We also write the liquid measures on the outside of the bags, so we don't forget.

·         It isn't necessary to grease the Dutch Oven if it is well seasoned and you clean up promptly.  However, if dessert will sit in the oven at all, pre-treating with cooking spray or light oil will make cleanup easier.

Funpack Weekend is a Great Way to Get Cub Scouts Outdoors

This past weekend I took my youngest to Funpack Weekend - a Cub Scout overnight program that is usually the highlight of the Summer program.  In spite of a lower than usual participation level from our own Pack, this year's program did not disappoint.  This was my seventh time attending a Funpack weekend and my fifth as leader of our pack's contingent, and I have to say that the staff ran the best program I've seen so far.

For those of you who haven't participated in a Funpack Weekend, it is a very fun event for the boys.  Our pack's contingent, along with several other packs from around the our council journey to Camp Hinds, or council's main boy scout summer camp, where we spend all day Saturday, Saturday Night, and Sunday Morning participating in a busy schedule of activities.  Saturday morning is mostly consumed with getting scheduled, the check in process, and camp orientation, but immediately after lunch the fun begins with the scheduled activities.  We spend 50 minutes each on the BB Range, Archery Range, Swimming, Craft Lodge, Nature Area and in Sports activities, with four of the activities taking place on Saturday afternoon and three on Sunday morning.  In each case, there is great emphasis on safety and responsibility while we are doing activities, especially in BB, Archery, and swimming. 

Saturday Evening begins with each pack preparing its own dinner in its campsite.  Time is a bit short for doing anything too involved, since we only have from 5 - 6:15 for prep, eating and cleanup.  Since we had a small group this year we decided to take a chance and try some Dutch Oven Cooking -  we prepared "Two Potatoes" and "Chocolate Lava Cake" - two of my favorite recipes that I'm planning to share in some upcoming posts.  We sped the process up a bit by doing most of the prep at home, and I left the afternoon's final activity, sports, early so that I could start fires and gather equipment.  Overall it went well, but we did leave for our free time activities a bit late.

Free time is next, from 6:15 to 7:15.  Nearly all of the activity areas are open for the kids to revisit during this time, but for most, it's back to BB, Archery, or Swimming.  Many also use this time to hit the trading post and spend their money on sweets, souvenirs, knives, and so on.  Saturday was quite hot and humid, so most in our Pack chose to hit the beach.  When free time is over, we have to rush back to our site to get our uniforms on for the evening's main event.

Once we have our uniforms on, we gather on the main waterfront for evening festivities.  It starts with flag retreat, which is led by older scouts, but always includes a couple of younger boys from each year.  Then we have "vespers" a "scouts own" interfaith service in which we reflect on the day's activities and  scouting's ideals and offer a prayer or two.  This year's vespers featured our campfire coordinator in Native American regalia talking to the boys by torchlight.  It was something to see such a large group of 7-10 year old boys participating, quiet, and attentive for 30 minutes about very serious stuff. 

When vespers adjourns, we move on to campfire, which is in many ways the antithesis of the earlier event.  It is boisterous, silly, and fun.  It's always been a highlight of the weekend for me.   At this point I should probably mention that each year we have a theme for Cub Scout camps, and this year's was dinosaurs/fossils.   The theme is used in event patches and staff T-shirts, the nature and craft programs, and most importantly at campfire.  Each pack presents its own song, skit, or joke, most of which tie in to the event theme.  In addition, the staff provides a theme oriented backdrop to tie everything together.  This year was "Dino Labs."  The back story was they had found a dino egg, and were trying to hatch it.  To do so required bad jokes and laughter - which we had plenty of!  The program was a blast, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely for the better part of an hour and a half before returning to our site. 

The night winds up with a brief campfire in our site.  This is a chance for our boys to enjoy a few s'mores and some quiet time before bed (and for adults to finish dinnertime cleanup).  Unlike most camping trips I've been on, there is very little bedtime chatter at Funpack weekend.  Everyone crashes quite quickly.

On Sunday morning, we close out with our final three activities.  Unfortunately we drew the dreaded 8 AM swim rotation this year and the weather featured some "liquid sunshine" (rain), but it's always pleasing to see everyone put their happy faces on and make the best of it. Prior to closing, there is also a final silly moment as the adult leaders of boys who lost things over the weekend have to perform "I'm a Little Teapot" for the boys to reclaim their stuff, followed by flag retreat on the waterfront.  Then we load up our gear and head home.

Putting on such an event is an astounding amount of work for the all volunteer staff and I want to thank the Casco Bay District volunteers who put on this weekend's festivities.  They did a great job, and we had a blast.  Also, thank you to the boys and parents who came with me - it was a pleasure coordinating our pack's contingent this year.  If you're involved with Cub Scouts and have never been to a Funpack weekend, I encourage you to put it on the agenda for next summer as part of your effort to "keep the outing in scouting."  

Family Camping at Papoose Pond Resort and Campground

Most people associate Maine with its coastline, which is very beautiful but very busy in the summer months.  By far, our favorite region of Maine for camping is the Western Maine mountains and lakes.  There is less traffic and less hustle and bustle, and for me, that makes for a more relaxing vacation.  There are a large number of campgrounds within an hour and a half or so of our home on some very beautiful lakes, with plenty of nearby mountains for easy to moderate hikes that are perfect for the family.
 

Last week, we went camping with some friends at Papoose Pond Resort and Campground in the Town of Waterford.  Except for a pair of overnight rainstorms, the weather was very pleasant and it was a good week for camping.  This was our first time at this campground, which offers many amenities and seems to be structured to cater to the camper who is staying for a week or two.  We didn't see evidence of the semi-permanent seasonal campers there that are so common in many Maine campgrounds.

Sites and Site Amenities

Papoose Pond offers a wide variety of site configurations to meet the needs of the traveler.  As you'd expect, these include your typical primitive tent sites with fire pit, picnic table, and community water, and trailer sites with three way hookups, picnic table, and fireplace.  Also like many competing campgrounds, Papoose offers rental cabins, but there were more available here than at many other campgrounds I've been to.  If you prefer cabin camping to setting up a tent, this is worthy of checking out.

The picnic shelter in a Kit-N-Bath site.

What was really interesting, though, was the sites in between the "basic" site and the cabin.  On the urging of our friends, we tried out one of Papoose Pond's Kit-n-Bath sites.  These sites have a wooden picnic shelter that is open on three sides (see photo).  One end of this open area is enclosed with open shelves to stash your cooking gear and a counter with a sink, electric cook-top, and outlets.  In behind was a full bathroom with shower, toilet and sink.   For someone who's tenting like we were, this was a pretty remarkable convenience.    As an outdoor cooking enthusiast, I would have been happy using my Coleman Propane stove instead of the cooktop, but the sink with hot and cold running water was awesome for cleanup.  Papoose offers a number of variations on this theme, including sites with covered shelters without power and water, kitchen and bath without a covered picnic table, and even a site with a tree house and a picnic shelter.

Programming and Activities

Papoose Pond has more structured activities and events than we are used to seeing at the campgrounds we frequent.  There were planned sporting events, crafts, and social activities every hour during the day, and movies, concerts, and social events in the evening.  We tend to like to move at our own pace when camping so we didn't partake of many of these events.  We did attend Sunday evening's Rick Charette concert and take advantage of the make your own ice cream sundae special, and our oldest son attended one of two teen dances held that week.  Other than that, the two events we were most interested in, the Pulpit Rock Hike and the Crooked River Canoe Trip left at 9:00 AM - which was earlier than we were ready to hit the road after breakfast each day.  Overall, though, they seemed to offer a wide variety of activities, with something for everyone.

Other Campground Amenities

The campground features a swimming pool and a considerable sandy beach area on the pond with swimming and a fair number of rental canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats.  The pond was small though, so we chose not to use the boats, and instead put our power boat in at the public landing at nearby lake Pennesseewassee in Norway for an afternoon of tubing.  Fishing was somewhat restricted to the "Fishing Lagoon," so fishing, again was done off-site for us.  In addition to the usual camp store there is cafe for fast food favorites and a snack bar near the pool and rec hall. There were a couple of playgrounds for the kids, which seemed a bit small and under-equipped for the size of the campground.  Our youngest enjoyed a couple of games of mini-golf with friends however, and the volleyball court, baseball diamond, and other sporting facilities were frequently busy.  Lastly, on a more mundane level the bath houses, to the extent we had to use them, were clean and well supplied.

Overall we enjoyed our stay at Papoose Pond.  The site amenities were a nice change of pace that made for a relaxing stay and our kids enjoyed the beach.  If you plan to go - I suggest bringing a bicylce.  The campground is quite large and  getting around can be tedious on foot.  Happy camping!