How To Keep Bedding Dry When Camping: 13 Methods


Camping is a great way to enjoy nature but condensation is a big problem that can make your tent, and bedding, wet and uncomfortable.

Good airflow and keeping moisture out of the tent are essential if you’re going to keep your bedding dry and get a good night’s rest. 

Optimize Air Flow:

1. Open Tent Windows

Airflow is key if you want to keep the inside of your tent dry. If the windows are closed the moisture does not have somewhere to escape.

This will create a humid environment and cause your items to become damp. 

Opening the tent windows and vents will help any condensation to dry and will allow moisture to escape.

If your tent has vents, make sure your gear is not blocking them as they will help provide good airflow. 

2. Open Rainfly Doors

If the weather and temperature allow for it, open the rainfly door to let fresh air in. As the rainfly door is much larger than the vents and windows, it will improve air circulation considerably in a short amount of time. 

tent rainfly door open

Opening this is a simple way to remove moisture from inside the tent. Keeping the rainfly door open until you are going to bed will make the tent more pleasant to sleep in. 

3. Use a Camping Fan

A camping fan is a great way to keep the air in the tent circulating. A fan is particularly useful on rainy days when you don’t want to have the rainfly open. 

a portable camping fan

The circulating airflow stops condensation from forming and prevents your bedding from getting wet. An added bonus is that increased circulation will help to keep bugs out of the tent too.

If you don’t have a camping fan but there is a breeze where you’re camping, position your tent tactically so the window or door faces the breeze. This way the breeze will flow through the tent and keep the air inside fresh. 

4. Avoid Pitching Your Tent In Hollows

Avoid camping in low spots as cold air sinks and this increases moisture levels. Hollows may seem like a good idea during the day but they are going to be damper and you will experience more condensation. 

Lower locations are also more likely to collect water so if it rains during the night you may find yourself camped in a waterlogged area when you wake up in the morning. Avoid pitching the tent in these areas and where possible, keep away from water sources too.  

5. Pitch On High Ground

Pitching your camp on higher ground will help keep moisture levels low. High ground is better for a comfortable and dry night’s sleep as lower spots collect more water. 

Keep Moisture Out:

1. Don’t Pitch Next To Water

Although pitching near water sources is often picturesque you don’t want to be too close.

Humidity levels are higher next to water as the water evaporates in the air and increases the humidity. This increased air moisture means you will experience more condensation in your tent. 

a tent next to a lake

Pitching your tent away from water is best to keep moisture to a minimum. A distance of 200+ feet is recommended so you can enjoy the view without the increased humidity (and increased mosquitoes). 

2. Pitch Under Trees

If possible, camping under trees is ideal as the trees will keep the tent at a more stable temperature. The air under trees tends to be warmer and the trees provide protection that helps stop your tent from getting damp. 

camping under a tree

Water vapour will condense on the trees rather than on your tent so your tent is less likely to become saturated during the night.  

3. Avoid Bringing Damp Clothes Inside The Tent

If your clothes are damp, don’t bring them in the tent. Instead, use a rope to create a clothesline outside and hang the clothes up to dry. 

a man in heavy rain

If the weather doesn’t allow for hanging the clothes up to dry, you can wrap the clothes in a dry towel or place them into a waterproof or plastic bag if you have one. 

Don’t bring wet items into the tent as this just increases the moisture level and makes it more difficult for you to keep the rest of your items dry. 

4. Use a Waterproof Ground Sheet

Before you unpack your tent, put a waterproof ground sheet down. It’s worth putting a ground sheet down even if your tent has one built in.

This is because a high-quality waterproof groundsheet is key to keeping the bottom of the tent dry. 

feet sticking out of tent door

As moisture naturally builds up on grass overnight the groundsheet is necessary to stop moisture from coming up through the floor.  

5. Don’t Touch The Sides Of Your Tent

Touching the tent walls encourages water to seep through. Keep your gear (and yourself) away from the sides of the tent. 

If you don’t have a lot of space in your tent, think carefully about what gear you need and leave any extra equipment in your car (if your car will be parked close). 

If you want to minimize the amount of water that comes through you could try waterproofing your tent before your camping trip.

Optimize Your Bedding:

1. Use Closed Foam Pads

A closed-cell foam sleeping pad is waterproof and adds extra comfort when camping. As these pads are closed cell they don’t let water through and will protect your bedding from moisture.

Closed foam pads are lightweight, comfortable, and insulate heat. They create an effective barrier between the ground and your bedding. 

2. Use a Sleeping Bag Liner

A sleeping bag liner is a breathable, waterproof layer that goes inside the sleeping bag. The liner absorbs sweat, oils, and odors so your sleeping bag remains clean and dry. 

peering out of a sleeping bag

A liner is lightweight and doesn’t take up much space but makes the sleeping bag more comfortable. These liners are also easy to clean and help keep the sleeping bag hygienic.   

3. Don’t Unpack Your Bed Until Just Before You Go To Sleep

It’s an easy mistake to make but don’t unpack your bedding when you set up your tent. Instead, unpack the bedding when you are just about to go to sleep. 

unpacking camping gear from the car

If you unpack your bed early then it may get damp and it will be very difficult to dry out. Wait until the sun has set and the temperature is cooler before you lay out your bedding.

Keep your sleeping bag in the manufacturer’s bag as it is waterproof and designed to protect the sleeping bag. In the morning, pack your bedding up to keep it fresh and ready for the night ahead. 

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