Tips for Hiking in the Rain
For most people, the ideal weather to take a hike in is weather where the temperature is comfortable and there is no precipitation. Unfortunately, every day can’t be an ideal weather day. In fact, if you like to go hiking often you might find yourself hiking in the rain quite often!
Fortunately, these rainy day hiking trips don’t have to be a bad experience. When you know how to prepare for the weather, it can be just as enjoyable as a walk in the sun!
Below are some of our best tips for hiking in the rain to make your next wet trek an enjoyable one!
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1. Wear the Right Clothes
They say there isn’t poor weather, just poor clothing choices! Wear the right clothes for your rainy hiking trip and you won’t be bothered by the wetness at all. Below are the must-have clothing items for hiking in the rain:
- Waterproof Jacket – Make sure your jacket is waterproof not just water resistant. Look for one that is breathable, too to keep yourself from soaking it from the inside out! We love the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L jacket (Men’s / Women’s).
- Waterproof Pants – Rain parts are especially important for chillier temperatures when damp pants can really suck the heat out of you. In warmer temperatures, these aren’t as essential. They can keep your pants dry, though, which may feel more comfortable on a long hike. Our favorite is the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic (Men’s/Women’s)
- Base Layer – Under your waterproof pants and jacket, you’ll want a warm and moisture-wicking base layer to keep you warm and comfortable. Avoid cotton, which holds onto water. Instead choose wool, nylon, or a synthetic blend.
- Rain Cap or Hood – Keeping your head dry is important for comfort and warmth. Use a cap or hood when hiking in the rain. If your hood doesn’t have a brim, wear a baseball cap underneath it to keep rain from falling onto your face.
- Gloves – Hands and feet tend to get cold quickly, especially when they are wet. Wearing gloves is a great way to combat this. Look for breathable gloves that have a water resistant treatment, such as these.
- Socks – Wearing the right socks is always important for hiking, but it is absolutely essential to wear a good pair when hiking in the rain. Choose merino wool socks. They dry quickly and retain heat even when wet. Here are our favorite pairs.
Be sure to renew your rain gear’s DWR regularly to ensure it keeps you dry and comfortable. We recommend doing this at the start of every hiking season just to be safe. We recommend this waterproofing spray. Also be sure to check for tears that may cause leakage.
2. Wear the Right Footwear
No matter what weather you are hiking in, it is essential to wear proper footwear for the occasion. There are plenty of options for hikers to choose from these days, from hiking shoes to classic boots to lightweight sandals. When it comes to hiking in the rain, we suggest either boots or sandals.
Hiking Boots
We love a good pair of hiking boots for their dependability and versatility. If your hiking boots are waterproof, they are perfect for rainy hiking trips. They will keep your feet dry, warm, and protected.
Be sure to refresh the waterproofing on them every year. Also wear wool socks inside to keep your feet comfortable and blister free if some moisture makes its way in.
Hiking Sandals
In warm weather, hiking sandals can also be great! You don’t have to worry about soggy socks or leaving your boots out to dry the next day.
A few drawbacks to sandals – your feet will feel colder, you run the risk of slipping, and your feet aren’t as protected. However, you do give your toes some freedom!
Check out our favorite hiking sandals here!
Whatever shoes you choose, make sure they have good traction to keep you on your feet when walking on slippery rocks or logs.
If you choose to wear shoes or low cut boots, consider a pair of gaiters such as these that will shield your socks and tops of your boots from getting wet.
3. Use Trekking Poles
Hiking in the rain puts you at a greater risk of slipping and falling. Trekking poles are a great tool for adding some stability.
They can help you keep your balance as you step on slippery rocks or muddy surfaces. Trekking poles also offer a helping hand for water crossings which may swell and become more challenging in the rain.
You can find a list of our favorite trekking poles here!
4. Protect Your Gear
Once you’re outfitted with all the right gear for rainy day hiking trips, it’s time to prepare your gear. If you’re backpacking, you have a ton of items in your pack and you’ll want to keep them dry.
Be sure to have a rain cover for your backpack or daypack. Most backpacks will come with one. If not, you can buy one separately or make your own!
A cheap and easy DIY rain cover is to take a large garbage bag and cut two large slits in it. Slip your pack in it, pull your straps through the slits, and tie off the bag at the bottom!
Some items, such as a phone, camera, or passport, you’ll want extra protection for. Dry sacks or waterproof cases are great for giving you another layer of security and peace of mind. If you’re in a pinch, a ziplock bag will do!
5. Keep an Eye Out for Bad Weather
Hiking in the rain might sometimes turn into hiking in a storm. Be sure to keep an eye on the sky for signs of dangerous weather.
If is better to get prepared for a storm when you see it approaching than to react as it is hitting you. If you find yourself on the trail as a storm is approaching, follow these tips:
- Keep your distance from lakes, ponds, and other bodies of water
- Find shelter, but not inside your tent
- Stay off peaks and bluffs
- Ditch your hiking poles and other metal objects
- Seek lower ground
- Sit or stand on your sleeping pad for protection against lightning
- Avoid areas where rocks may fall
- Keep an eye out for signs of a tornado
6. Keep Snacks and Meals Easy
Snacks and filling meals are essential when you are hiking. You burn a lot of calories and need to fuel your body. During a rainy day hiking trip, however, you won’t feel like breaking your stride to prepare something. It’s inconvenient and uncomfortable to eat in the rain and it might cause you to lose some body heat if you stop moving.
The solution is to choose small and easy to eat items when hiking in the rain. Granola bars, nuts, fruit, jerky, or other items on this list are great snack options. Try to hold off on meals that need preparation until the rain slows down or you find shelter.
7. Adjust Your Route
Hiking plans will typically change when the weather is crummy, and for good reason.
For one, you’ll want to reduce your mileage when hiking in the rain. The miles you can cover during a typical day will be cut down in the rain. It’ll be hard to keep your typical pace in the rain because you’ll want to be more careful with your footwork.
The trails you choose may also change. The visibility will be lower, so a tough trek up to reach a peak might not be worth it because you won’t see those amazing views. Instead, you might opt for an easier, lower route where you get more tree cover. You should also avoid tricky trails that require scrambling or narrow passages.
8. Be Picky About Your Campsite
It’s a good idea to choose the right campsite for any occasion, but on a rainy day it is all the more important. If it is raining when you arrive at camp, you can either wait it out or suck it up and set up camp in the rain! Be sure to keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure you are at least 200 feet from water. Not just for the 200 feet rule, but to avoid flooding.
- Avoid low areas and areas where you see water gathering.
- If you’re at high elevation, look for an area below the treeline.
- Avoid wide open areas, opt for places where you’re not the tallest thing.
9. Bring a Tarp for Camp
It may sound simple, but a tarp can be a campsite luxury on a rainy day.
As soon as you get to your site, set up a tarp and give yourself some much needed relief from the rain. Take a few minutes to dry yourself off, cook a meal, and relax under it. If the rain doesn’t ease up, you can get your tent set up under it so it won’t get soaked in the process.
10. Dry Out All Your Gear as Soon as You Get Home
To keep your gear from getting moldy and mildewy, be sure to thoroughly dry all of your gear when you return from your rainy hiking trips. Set up your tent outside, hang up your clothes and tarp, and open up your boots. It might feel like a chore, but it will keep your gear fresh and ready for the next adventure.
11. Stay Positive!
Any activity will be far more enjoyable when you have a good attitude about it! Keep a good attitude and hiking in the rain will feel like an adventure, not a disaster.
Conclusion
Most hikers dread the sight of rain clouds in the distance. However, a few drops of rain doesn’t have to mean your day is soiled. With these tips for hiking in the rain, you can have just as much fun as you would in the sun.
Cover photo by Nick Scheerbart on Unsplash
