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Hiking in the Rain how to Enjoy it: From Gloomy to Glorious

Writer's picture: Raquel CreativeRaquel Creative

Before you complain about a gloomy forecast, embrace the way nature awakens in the rain. The earth comes alive, igniting your senses to new possibilities.


Embracing the right mindset can transform your experience of hiking in the rain into a journey of love and adventure. With the right preparation, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we'll explore the essentials, and I give you some extra tips I have taken from my personal experience.


5 Tips and Essentials for Hiking in the Rain


  1. Invest in rain gear that is waterproof and breathable & Utilize a layering system to control your body temperature effectively. 



Make sure to have a proper outer layer (shell) to shield yourself from the elements, a mid-layer for essential insulation, and a base layer (thermals) to keep moisture away from your skin. Don't compromise on quality; your comfort depends on it.

The outer layer of a clothing system is designed primarily to prevent rainwater from penetrating the inner layers. Its main function is not insulation or to keep you dry in the traditional sense, but rather to act as a barrier that keeps rainwater away from your body. 

The mid-layer serves as an insulation jacket, helping to retain body heat and keep you warm in cooler conditions. 

The base layer serves a crucial role by wicking moisture away from the skin, whether it's rainwater or sweat. This moisture is then transferred to the outer layers, such as insulation or the shell, helping to keep you drier overall than if you were without these layers.


It's essential to understand that while wearing multiple layers and high-quality gear may not keep you completely dry, they are effective in managing moisture and maintaining comfort.


It's crucial to address both rain and sweat during outdoor activities. If you find yourself sweating while in motion, it's advisable to pause and remove an outer layer. When you take breaks, especially during cooler weather, damp clothes can lead to discomfort. By removing a layer, you can prevent sweat from saturating your clothing, ultimately enhancing your overall experience.


  1. Protect Your Feet with waterproof shoes or trail runners with extra socks packed in your back for a day hike




When embarking on a hike, wet socks can significantly detract from the experience. For day hikes, waterproof boots are an excellent choice, as they can be removed and allowed to dry when not in use. However, for multi-day hikes, it's important to consider that waterproof boots may not dry quickly if they become wet inside. This moisture can pose a challenge for the following day’s trek, as these boots typically require a long time to dry. Therefore, for treks lasting longer than a day, trail runners are often a more suitable option, as they tend to dry much more quickly and can help prevent discomfort during extended hikes.


I always recommend having an extra pair of socks in your backpack. Personally, I prefer wool socks because they help keep my feet dry.


  1. Bring a pack cover, garbage bag or stuff stacks to keep your backpack and essentials dry

To keep your gear dry, it's essential to use a rain cover for your backpack. If you don't have a rain cover, consider using a garbage bag to line the inside of your backpack to protect your items from the rain/water.


Stuff sacks are also a great option for organizing clothes, food, and other items within your backpack and keeping them dry.


If you're going on a day hike and it starts pouring, an umbrella can be helpful. However, if it’s just light rain, I personally believe it’s best to skip the umbrella, as it can be distracting.


Additionally, if you need your hands free for trekking poles, an umbrella may not be practical.

** Place your most essential items within easy reach at the top of your backpack. If it is raining, you want to avoid opening your backpack.


  1. Hiking in the rain



When traversing the trail in rainy conditions, it's a good idea to equip yourself with sturdy trekking poles to maintain balance and stability. Additionally, take shorter, more deliberate steps to reduce the risk of slipping on potentially slick surfaces. Keep an eye out for areas where water may accumulate or flow across the path, as these spots can be particularly treacherous.


  1. Pack extra clothes, a towel, and dry shoes in your car

It’s much more enjoyable to celebrate a completed rainy hike while feeling dry and cozy. Plus, it’s nice to avoid feeling like a drowned rat on the way home! :)


In the circle.

Women Moving Women.

Raquel

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