When the weather takes a turn for the wetter, practicing bushcraft skills can become a real challenge, especially if you aim to stay dry and keep a fire going. But with the right techniques, you can make the most of rainy conditions and still enjoy the great outdoors.
Here are 20 essential tips and hacks to help you tackle wet weather bushcraft like a seasoned pro.
1. Prioritize Dry Wood Collection

Finding wood that hasn’t absorbed ground moisture is essential. Start by looking for dead branches that hang off the ground, ideally from a species like Scots pine. These branches contain resin that can help with ignition and burn hotter than waterlogged wood.
2. Use a Waxed Canvas for Gathering Kindling

Keeping kindling dry is key, so try using a small waxed canvas sheet for collecting and storing it. This sheet keeps the damp ground from wetting your wood, letting you gather plenty of fuel without it soaking up excess moisture.
3. Rely on High Twigs for Kindling

Branches and twigs that are suspended higher in the air will be drier than those on the ground. Choose ones that snap easily; avoid twigs that bend, as they still retain too much moisture.
4. Select Pencil-Sized Twigs

For kindling, pencil-sized twigs work best. Make sure they’re dry enough to snap rather than tear. If the bark stays attached after snapping, they may still be too green and difficult to light in wet conditions.
5. Test for Dryness by Breaking

A clean snap on a stick indicates dry wood. If the stick bends or the bark clings as you break it, the wood is likely still green and won’t burn efficiently, especially in wet conditions.
6. Build a Raft Fire Base

Lay a raft of sticks on the ground before lighting your fire. This technique elevates the flames from the cold, wet earth, allowing for more heat to build up, which keeps the fire alive longer.
7. Make Feather Sticks for Wet Conditions

Using a knife, carve fine curls, or feather sticks, from your driest wood. The innermost parts of wood are often driest, and feather sticks expose that surface area, making it easier to catch fire.
8. Try the Dust and Shavings Technique with Birch Bark

If you’re lucky enough to have birch trees around, collect some bark. It contains natural oils that ignite even when damp. Scrape it into fine shavings to create a dust pile that lights quickly and stays burning longer.
9. Go for a Quick-Deploy Shelter

A small, compact tarp with cordage pre-tied is perfect for quick deployment in rain. Tie one end to a tree at shoulder height or higher to create a steep angle that sheds rain efficiently. This shelter can go up in minutes.
10. Watch for Signs of Incoming Weather

Be aware of changes in temperature or sudden gusts of cool wind, which often indicate that rain is on the way. This early warning lets you prepare your shelter and firewood before the downpour starts.
11. Gather Green Branches for Heavy Smoke

If you want a thick smoke for signaling or bug control, layer fresh green leaves over a small fire. This hack produces dense smoke, which can be handy for visibility or if you want to keep insects at bay.
12. Use Natural Resin for a Lasting Fire

Resin-rich woods, like pine, are perfect for wet weather fires. Resin acts as a natural fire starter, allowing you to keep your flames alive even with damp wood.
13. Practice Shelter Pegging for Tightness

When pegging down your tarp shelter, keep the material taut so it doesn’t flap around or collect water. This helps the rain to run off the edges smoothly and gives you a dry base for preparing firewood and gear.
14. Make Fine Curls for Fire Starting

Using your knife, create a fine curl pile with your wood. The thin curls are easier to ignite, helping you start a fire even if the outer layers of your wood are damp.
15. Keep a Small Fire Starter in Your Kit

A fire steel or other small fire starter is essential in wet conditions. Place your fire steel directly opposite the wood shavings or birch bark you’ve prepared to maximize the chance of catching a spark.
16. Build Your Fire Gradually

Wet weather fires need to build slowly. Stack smaller twigs over your feather sticks, letting each layer ignite before adding more fuel. This technique prevents you from smothering the flames too early.
17. Split Wood to Find Dry Inner Layers

When all available wood is wet, split branches to expose the dry inner core. The bark acts as a natural shield, so splitting it lets you reach the dry sections more easily.
18. Lift Sticks for Oxygen Control

As your fire catches, lift small sticks at an angle above the flames to allow oxygen in without overloading the fire. This helps the flame spread more evenly and keeps it from going out in the rain.
19. Add Small Twigs at the Right Time

Timing is everything with a wet weather fire. Add twigs only once the flames rise above the initial layer of sticks. This allows the base to heat up fully, making it less likely that your fire will fizzle out.
20. Don’t Rush the Process

It’s tempting to add fuel quickly, but let each layer burn through before adding more. This gradual buildup is key to a lasting fire in wet conditions, so take your time and make sure the base stays hot.
Master Wet Weather Bushcraft

Practicing these 20 bushcraft techniques will give you the confidence to handle any rain-soaked adventure. Knowing how to keep a fire going and build a reliable shelter in wet conditions can make your outdoor experience safer, more enjoyable, and full of success, regardless of the weather.

Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.