Prepare Yourself for Backpacking in the Rain

Not everyone thinks that hiking in the rain is a great idea. The visibility will be reduced, and it is going to be cold and wet. If you are not adequately prepared for this weather, you will have a bad experience.

But, it also has its own charm, if you know how to get ready for it. The world is brighter, clearer, giving you a new experience that will make your hike like a whole new fantastic adventure. In wet conditions, you will see more wildlife, avoid the crowd and see some wilderness areas in different ways.

However, it may take a few years of practice, for some individuals, to be good at hiking in the rain. And when you are doing it for a long time, you get better at it. So, it would be wise for you to practice some skills at home, before you head out on an outdoor adventure in wet weather.

There are some specific steps you should take to make sure you are prepared for any situation and the danger that might occur. There are safety concerns you need to keep in mind such as swollen streams and rivers, muddy trails, and slippery rocks. There are also different gear requirements.

Keep reading to learn more.

1. Positive Attitude

Having a positive attitude is an essential factor in having a great time during a rainy hiking trip. You will probably have an amazing experience if you first mentally prepare yourself for all kinds of situations and are still able to have fun. You can play some games in your tent, dance to keep yourself warm or you can even sing.

If you are going to hike in the rain, you will get wet, and there is no way to avoid it. But, that is why it is important to choose the right gear that will keep you dry and warm when the weather is terrible. For example, waterproof material will protect your from getting wet, but it will also hold your body heat in, thanks to the barrier that it forms. This will lead to increased perspiration and condensation.

But, bear in mind that no matter how expensive your gear is, it may not adequately protect you from the rain. So, you need to be mentally prepared that you are going to get wet, whether you like it or not. That rule also goes to the shoes that are waterproofed. No matter how good your boots, your feet may also get wet as you walk for miles through the rain.

When it rains, there is a chance that the drops will pour down your legs and end up in your shoes. Rain pants and gaiters can delay that or even in some cases stop it, but eventually, it is a possibility that your feet will get soaked.

So the most reasonable solution for these issues is to accept that you are going to get wet. Of course, with high-quality gear and the right skills, you can have completely dry days, hike comfortably and stay warm.

2. Wet Weather Tips

Weather reports are an excellent first place to check before you go on a hike, even if they are not always reliable. That way you will know what gear you need to bring and what clothes you should wear.

Clothing Strategies

• No cotton rule – Cotton takes a long time to dry as it does not wick sweat away from your body. It also takes an extended period to dry. That can lead to hypothermia because you may get cold in some soggy weather conditions. Instead, you should choose polyester, nylon or wool clothing. That way you will be safe while on the trail in the rain.
• Rainwear – Always wear full waterproof protection because a soft shell won’t be enough for these situations. You could also check for product updates, considering that many brands are frequently updating their rainwear technology.
• Footwear – It is essential for these conditions that you have waterproofed shoes that will keep you dry and warm. For some milder tasks, you may choose non-waterproof mesh footwear as it can dry and drain faster if you land in a creek or a puddle. Either way, you need them to have superior traction for mud and to deal with slippery logs and rocks.
• Rain pants or gaiters – We always choose rain pants, but if you don’t have them the gaiters will work just fine. They will shield the tops of the shoes and the socks from the rain. Don’t forget to bring an extra pair of dry pants.
• Blister supplies – Your feet will more likely get susceptible to blisters when they are wet. That is why you should pack your blister supplies and check if you have enough of them in your first-aid kit.
• Extra Protection: Liners, rain cover, waterproof gadget cases, and lightweight dry sacks.

3. Drying Out

Use each opportunity you have to dry your gear and clothes. You never know when the next rain is going to be, so you need to be prepared.

• During the day, switch to dry clothes.
• Preserve a dry set of clothes for camp.
• Make sure to dry your clothes after a storm.
• After the trip, you need to dry all your gear correctly.

4. Hike familiar Trails

As we already mentioned, hiking in the rain is not the perfect time to get familiarized with a new trial. Instead, you should go with the one that you already know and stick to it. You don’t want to explore some new areas and get yourself in some dangerous situations. But, if you really want to try a new hiking route, you should go with someone who has already done that trail before.