April 14

How To Hike In The Rain: Full Guide

We have all been there going out for a hike in the lovely weather till the rainy clouds rolls in.

but you don't need to panic, rain scares many hikers of the trail. But you cannot blame them. Getting the rain and the wind Rage Against you is of course a bit of challenge.

In this article you will know all what you need about how to hike in the rain to have fun and stay dry and comfortable.

How To Hike the Rain

Knowing outdoor and staying dry and comfortable is very important skill.

you never know when you can get caught in storm. But don't worry with the right mindset and gear hiking in the rain could be very fun experience.

That is the exact reason in this blog post we will give you the full guide in how to hike in the rain starting from early preparation then move to the gear selection and the trail safety.

Let's get started!

CHECK THE WEATHER 

Checking weather is your first step for preparing to hiking, that way you will not be caught off guard.

If you are planning for any sort of hike, take a minute to check the forecast that will give you the chance to prepare more wisely.

Getting idea of the weather condition will also help you choose your trail letting you know any likely to be dangerous as a result of heavy rainfall. 


CHOOSE THE RIGHT TRAIL

Trail

Choosing the right trail is the first step for a successful hike.

Specially on rainy days, explore the trail through the forest, alongside a River or waterfall lake these trails are the best during rainy days and they usually don't feature Big viewpoint. 

Also, when you are choosing a trail pick a trail that is stable for the weather and avoid exposed Ridge walks or hikes involving scrambling over a sleek rocks.

bad weather shouldn't stop you from hitting the trails, but you will need to plan accordingly if you expect rain and learn how to interpret signs that bad weather is on its way.


WATRERPROOF THE ESSENTIALS

Phone, cash, GPS, headphones, book, and toilet paper. What do all these things have in common?

Well, they are all often included in a hiking pack AND do not mix well with rain.

ensure that these items are packed securely where rain won’t reach them.

Heed this advice and your essential pieces of equipment bone dry in the face of any downpour


WHAT TO WEAR HIKING IN THE RAIN

You might have heard the saying “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear”,

while there is some truth into that but there is also a not-good weather.

But we will focus on the gear because that is the things that we have control over.

  • Rain Jackets
  • Waterproof hiking pants
  • Waterproof hiking shoes or boots
  • Gaiters & accessories

Hiking Rain Jacket

A waterproof hiking jacket is essential item to hike in the rain for any hiker, investing in a high-quality, durable rain jacket that can withstand harsh conditions means you’ll be more likely to get outside on those rainy days.

Find something warm but breathable with plenty of vents and pit zips for warm rain showers. After all, there is a little worse than keeping the rain out and then finding you’re drenched with sweat inside the coat.


Waterproof Hiking Pants

When it comes to rain hiking pants, look for something that’s comfortable, breathable, and waterproof, many purpose-made hiking pants will have waterproof and quick-drying qualities, so waterproof pants aren’t overly important.

They are handy to have in your backpack though, just in case of sudden torrential downpours.

Skip the wind pants and invest in a pair of waterproof trousers that have both a waterproofing treatment and an inner lining to help you keep warm.

Remember, waterproofs are easy to take off when you don’t need them, so there’s no need to wear lined pants all day if it’s not raining.


Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Waterproof hiking shoes are a game changer if you will be hiking in heavy rain.

As with your rain jacket and pants, you have two options for your footwear.

Option one: a light and very breathable pair of shoes that lets the water drain out, and dries quickly.

Or a full-on waterproof pair that will try to keep the water out as can as possible.

If you bought waterproof shoes, such as those with a Gore-Tex lining or treatment, then you’re good to go.

But which type to buy?

Leather is a good, naturally waterproof fabric, while synthetic shoes or boots with waterproof membranes are a good option because they remain light while also protecting you from the elements.


Gaiters And Accessories

Gaiters are good to prevent rain and mud out of your boots, creating a barrier that stops it sneaking in over the cuff of your boot or seeping through the forefoot area.

Hiking the Pacific Northwest or traveling to wetter climes abroad?

Wearing a waterproof gloves is that the best way to keep your hands warm while hiking in the rain is to wear neoprene gloves

While they won’t keep your hands dry, neoprene insulates when wet, so your fingers will stay nice and toasty as you hike.


Lastly, don’t forget to pack 1-2 pairs of spare socks. Keeping your feet in top condition is a priority and wet socks are a one-way ticket to hot spots and blisters.

By now, you know what you need to keep yourself dry and comfortable.

But what about your gear? Knowing what to pack for a day hike in the rain and how to pack it can make the difference between a fun day out, and a miserable one.

The gear you need to keep your items dry includes:

  • Rain hiking backpack cover
  • Waterproof Backpack
  • Dry bags

Rain Hiking Backpack Cover

A rain cover is an extra accessory for your backpack that keep your backpack dry in the rain and ensures nothing  gets wet. usually backpacks come with a rain cover, but if yours doesn’t, you should get one.

Look for a lightweight silicone-coated rain cover that will keep your gear dry inside your pack.

These covers are designed to cover your entire bag in a waterproof cocoon that prevents water from leaking in through the zippers or the fabric itself.

A cheaper alternative to buying a cover is to place plastic trash bags outside or inside your pack, but these can get noisy in the wind and do tear very easily.


Waterproof Hiking Backpack

When choosing from the best hiking daypacks or multi-day backpacks, make sure you choose a waterproof backpack if you intend on doing any hiking in wet or any other activities that involves a lot of water crossing or unexpected dunking.

Dray Bags

Dry bags is perfect to keep your gear dry inside your backpack while hiking, sometimes no matter how good pack you have if the weather is nasty enough rain will find his way into your pack and start to get the contents wet, that's where the dry bags are very helpful.


How To Dress for hiking in the rain?

Dressing to hike in the rain is a lot like dressing for a winter hike. Here's an example of layers that keep you warm even if you do happen to get wet, starting closest to your skin and working out:

  • Non-cotton underwear
  • Non-cotton long underwear
  • Non-cotton insulating layer
  • Waterproof shell layer


Just like on a winter hike, having multiple layers on allows you to quickly and easily adjust your clothing to suit your activity needs.


Camping in the Rain

Find the right tent site choose a campsite elevation that not beside the River of lake, camping in the rain can be unpleasant but it doesn't have to be dangerous or miserable if you have the right gear and the right know-how in fact if you go prepared camping in the rain can be very enjoyable experience.


Managing Your Body

People tend not to drink as much while hiking in the rain, but even on rainy days our bodies need about 2 litres of water to continue to function properly. Snack small and often throughout the day, instead of big snacks infrequently.


Bring The Right Mindset

Now you’ve learned the importance of both hiking gear and knowledge to help you go hiking in the rain safely.

But at the end of the day, all the waterproofing in the world won’t get you on the trail – much less help you enjoy it – if you don’t have the right Mindset.

I personally enjoy hiking and backpacking as a way to experience the beauty of the outdoors,

I recommend that everyone go hiking it is a perfect way to build a solid foundation for fitness and health and I can't think of a single activity that provide more fitness enjoyment and benefit than hiking.

I also know that sometimes we experience fatigue or pain which might detract from our enjoyment.

if you’re new to hiking, then you may not be entirely comfortable with the idea of getting a soaking.

Either way, the best advice any seasoned hiker can offer is to accept that you will get wet.

Once you accept that it will happen and embrace the experience for what it is, you’ll find yourself ready for more.


How To Hike In The Rain: “Special Tip”

Everything you’ve just read provides a good ppreparing for your first few rainy-day hikes. But there are still some tips to share. Some of them are traditional wisdom, and others come as a result of much trial and error.

Give these tips a shot and see what works for you.

For more detailed guides and references, read my other hiking posts:


About the Author

Author

Hussain is a passionate hiker and traveler that love the outdoor and enjoys what nature has to give, whenever he can he love to write and give tips & honest reviews to help others get out there and just seek more unforgettable experiences.


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