Top tips for camping in windy weather

Check the forecast

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.

Bring suitable gear

Choose a quality tent

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.

Reputable brands subject their tents to rigorous wind and rain tests, as in the video below.

In this video, filmed at Outwell's HQ in Denmark, the windspeed was turned up to 175 km/h (110mph), the equivalent of a Category 2 storm, capable of ripping up trees, blowing the roofs off buildings and destroying mobile homes. Most people wouldn’t even consider camping in such conditions, but as you can see, the tent stood up to the battering and everyone inside during the test emerged completely dry.

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.

Use the right pegs

Properly securing your tent is essential in strong winds. Make sure you use good-strength steel pegs in windy weather – you can buy grooved, wind-resistant stakes specifically for those conditions – and always drive them right into the ground.

Don't hammer the pegs into the ground straight, though, always drive them in at a 45-degree angle.

It makes them more rigid and it's actually easier to get them into the ground that way. A heavy hammer as opposed to a rubber mallet is worth having if the ground is hard or stony.

Take waterproof clothing

Remember to pack waterproof jackets and footwear for everyone in the party, in case you are forced out of the tent.

Finding a suitable campsite

Where to pitch

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.

Pitch in the right direction

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 properly

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.

Arranging your tent

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.

Feel the noise

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.

FAQs

How do you stop a tent flapping in the wind?

To minimise tent flapping, ensure your tent is securely pitched with properly tensioned guylines and pegs. Use additional windbreaks or obstacles if necessary.

How do you block the wind when camping?

Seek sheltered camping spots and pitch your tent with the lowest and narrowest parts facing the wind for better protection. You can also set up a windbreak around your tent to provide shelter, or park your car in a position that gives as much protection from the wind as possible.

Final thoughts

Remember, safety should always be your top priority when camping in windy weather. It's essential to be flexible and willing to adapt to changing conditions. If the weather becomes too severe or you feel unsafe, don't hesitate to pack up and seek shelter in your car, a nearby hotel, or an on-site shelter.

Successful camping is about knowing when to stick it out and when to call it a day, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable outdoor adventure in the UK's unpredictable climate.