Rainy days tend to discourage outdoor enthusiasts from hiking, but seasoned hikers understand there’s something special to discover between the drops. A distinct experience is provided by hiking in the rain, which is difficult to duplicate on a sunny day and features misted scenery, crisp aromas, and a serene atmosphere. At HikingVault, Expert gear reviews help you choose the right equipment for your adventures.
We’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of hiking in the rain in this guide, along with crucial advice on how to have a fun, safe, and safe experience.
Tips for Rainy Hiking
Even though you know many hiking ideas and techniques, hiking in the rain requires preparation and a certain mindset. You must consider a few things differently before going out in the rain.
Choose Your Path Wisely
Out there, everything will go well. Look for well-maintained paths you know. Avoid rock scrambles, which can be slippery. Trails near water may become muddy or flooded, so be careful. Hiking paths with lots of trees are my preference. The trees hide the rain, keeping me drier.
Check stream crossings for
Small creeks and streams can become raging rivers when it rains. Given the multiple stream crossings, you may want to find another trail. A simple rock hop yesterday may be knee-deep and moving water today. If you see a high-risk stream crossing, analyze it. Do you have the skills and gear to safely cross the river?
Summit Views May Not Exist
Summits rarely offer stunning views in the rain. You probably won’t see anything, and if you do, you won’t get a good photo. Try it for the satisfaction of finishing! For vistas, wait until another day.
You must monitor your location
Rain makes it easy to become lost on a new track. If you walk with your head down, you may miss blazes because they are less visible. On one trip, we went two miles off-track in the rain and didn’t notice it. We had to walk two miles uphill to get back on track. It’s not a pretty sight.
Food should be easily available
Keep snacks and other food in your pack’s side or front pockets. Stopping, opening your bag, and eating what you brought will be unpleasant in the rain. Food must be quick and accessible to keep going.
What to Wear Hiking in Rain
Clothing is the most important rain gear for hiking in rain. This is true even if full rain gear is necessary.
Cotton is the worst hiking material because it lacks insulation and makes you wet, cold, and sweating, increasing the risk of hypothermia. Dri-fitting, wicking materials are best.
Find a cloth that can tolerate rainy weather while permitting airflow. Polyester synthetic lining promotes airflow and quickly removes perspiration. Avoid buying a standard down jacket because it provides minimal protection when wet. Invest in a rain jacket with taped seams for weather protection. You can use this rain jacket for skiing trips or any other rainy outdoor activity.
Wear a fleece hat for head protection! Protect your head from cold and rain with a fleece hat. A fleece that can be dropped to protect your ears and neck from wind and cold would be great. Waterproof hiking boots are essential in cold weather. Some Merrell footwear is non-waterproof, making it suited for hot and cold temperatures.
When it rains during hiking, how can you stay dry?
If you follow these suggestions, staying dry when hiking in the rain should be simple:
Purchase a high-quality rain jacket: This may seem simple, but you’d be surprised at how often people forget to spend more money on higher-quality rain gear. This is one instance where spending money on the greatest raincoat you can find is worthwhile.
Don’t bring the cotton from home: Although it may seem appealing to wear cotton under your rain jacket due to its warmth, the highly absorbent fabric tends to retain moisture for an extended period. Choose instead quick-drying, moisture-wicking baselayers composed of nylon, polyester, or comparable materials.
Steer clear of natural down: While natural down provides excellent warmth retention, its performance characteristics are negated when it becomes wet. Raincoats with synthetic down are a great choice if you’re looking for an insulating jacket because they work better in the rain.
Carry some dry bags: Your phone, along with other things that shouldn’t come into contact with water, such as cameras, GPS units, warm mid-layers, food, and other stuff, will stay dry with the aid of a decent set of dry bags.
