Be prepared for the volatility of Spring weather. Your mom always said it and in the Spring it will come in handy “dress in layers” and keep your feet dry and warm. The air might be warm but be sure the ground is not. Make sure you have a thick sleeping pad to create a good barrier. Also, be ready to get wet. Take the time to trench around your tent. Dig trench by cutting straight down just outside the footstop pins; do not dig in a V-shape. Slope the side away from the tent. Dig trench all around the tent. Throw dirt from trench away from the tent; never throw it against the tent, for it will quickly rot canvas or pull you tent out of shape. In most cases, do not dig trench more than 4 or 5 inches deep and in the shallowest place not over 3 inches. There should be enough slope in the trench so that the water will flow freely toward the outlet and not back up. To carry the water off, dig an outlet at the lowest point of the area and connect it to the trench which has been dug around the lent. When there is a possibility that the water may flow in from higher ground, dig a ditch to divert the water before it can reach the tent. In addition to a footprint or ground cover you can place a tarp on the inside floor of your tent. This way you stay dry even when your floor does not.
Spring Camping Tips
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