Camping in windy weather

Before embarking on your camping trip, it's crucial to check the weather forecast for your destination. Keep an eye out for severe conditions, such as strong winds or high wind warnings.

Most tents are designed to withstand wind; however, speeds over 30mph can cause damage. Camping in such conditions can be scary but if it’s single gusts then your tent should be OK if it is pitched properly. It's essential to stay informed about the weather conditions throughout your trip.

Avoid setting up your tent during windy conditions; it's challenging and potentially dangerous. Instead, aim to arrive at your campsite before the wind picks up or wait for calmer conditions.

You don't need to invest in the most expensive technical tent, but avoid the cheapest options. That bargain you picked up at the supermarket won't seem quite as good when you're stranded on a windy campsite at 3am in a pile of snapped poles and mangled material.

In addition to the quality and design of the materials, some brands have additional features designed to improve stability, such as Outwell's Wind Stabilizer System and Vango's Tension Band System. And if things do go wrong, make sure you bring along a repair kit so you can patch your tent up as you go along.

If you haven't pre-booked your campsite, choose a sheltered location, avoiding exposed sites on hillsides or clifftops during strong wind forecasts. Look for natural windbreaks such as hedges, hillsides, or low bushes.

Buildings, stone walls, and strategically parked cars can also offer protection. However, avoid pitching directly under trees, as branches can break and cause serious damage during strong winds.

When pitching your tent, consider the direction of the wind for maximum stability. Aim to direct the lowest and narrowest parts of your tent toward the wind. Pitch with the main door facing away from the wind, if you can, especially in a tunnel tent, otherwise you could find your tent taking off like a huge kite when you open the door.

Pitching your tent in windy conditions is easier with help from fellow campers. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance – you'll be surprised how many will be more than happy to help you get pitched.

Organise your gear before starting, assemble the poles, and lay them out. Begin by laying out the tent flat, quickly securing each corner as you go. Use something heavy to weigh down the groundsheet and prevent it from billowing. Keep less-stable items away from the tent edges to avoid them being buffeted by the wind. Keep a firm grip when you raise the poles into position.

Heavy items like coolboxes and storage crates can help weigh down the groundsheet and prevent it from billowing.

Keep unstable items, such as kitchen units and tables, away from the tent's edges to prevent them from being flipped over by the wind.

Don't be tempted to bring your gas stove indoors – it's not safe at the best of times and even less so when the walls of your tent are being pummelled by wind. If it's too windy to cook outdoors, use it as an excuse to go to the nearest pub for dinner!

Hanging lanterns from the roof isn't a good idea in strong winds, either, unless you enjoy being clattered on the head by a swinging chunk of plastic on a regular basis.

The noise of wind whistling and flapping around your tent can be unsettling, especially at night. Try to tune it out and avoid worrying about every gust.

If you've followed the tips above and properly secured your tent, rest assured that everything should be fine. Consider using earplugs if you're particularly bothered by the noise.