Whilst Gene Kelly seems to be enjoying singing in the rain, hiking in the rain is way less appealing. Nevertheless, with the right mindset and the correct gear, anything is possible, even enjoying a day walk under a downpour. Follow my 6 tips for hiking in the rain safely and while having fun! 🎶 I’m hiking in the rain, I’m hiking in the rain 🎶
We might be leaving on an island but it’s not like we are enjoying tropical weather all year long. And if we were to only go out hiking when the sun is shining, we will spend our lives at home. Don’t let the gloomy weather put you down, and follow the below 6 tips for hiking in the rain as if the sun was shining.
#1 Tips for hiking in the rain: Gear
There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing
Alfred Wainwright
You may have heard this sentence a hundred times if you are an avid hiker, but it is true. especially when hiking in the British weather. Get the correct gear so hiking in the rain will never be a bad memory again.
Rain Cover
It might not come to mind at first, because backpacks are made for hiking, but they are not waterproof. This being said, when hiking in the rain, you need to keep your belonging dry and safe. No one likes a soaked iPhone and a soggy sandwich.
The first thing you need is a rain cover for your backpack. Most backpacks come with an integrated rain cover. If you don’t know whether or not you already have one, check the pocket underneath the backpack. This is where normally the rain cover is located, like on the Osprey Skimmer 28. If not, take the dimensions of your backpack and head to your nearest outdoor retailer or online to get one. This piece of gear is a MUST when going hiking in the rain and does not cost the earth.
Tip: Add an extra layer of protection by using a bin bag inside your pack as an inner liner.
And remember, try to open your bag as little as possible during the day to avoid water getting inside.
Dry Bags
The second item you need to protect your belongings is dry bags. As much as the backpack cover does a great job at protecting your pack and what is inside of it, better be safe than sorry. Put your valuables in dry bags to ensure they don’t get wet.
Ziplock Bags
When hiking in the rain you need to keep your food in ziplock bags to avoid it becoming wet and soggy. Use ziplock bags as they are waterproof and re-usable to keep cereal bars, nuts, fruits and other energy balls away from the rain.
If you don’t have dry bags to protect your valuables, ziplock bags can be a suitable alternative.
Waterproof Cases
If you are the type to put the phone away when going to the countryside, then a dry bag will suffice to protect your phone. However, if you are like me, a non-stop picture taker, then you need your phone at hand to take photos.
For that, use a waterproof case to protect your phone but continue taking pictures. Waterproof cases are made to take pictures underwater, so you can be reassured that they can handle the British rain.
It is not the time to get lost when the weather is miserable. Thanks to a waterproof case, you can continue reading the map on your phone without risking damaging it.
Trekking Poles
If there is a time when trekking poles become really useful it’s when it’s raining. As the terrain gets more slippery and your chances of tripping and falling increase, the trekking poles are your saving grace. They help maintain your balance on uneven slippery ground and reduce the strain on your knees and joints as you are going up and downhill.
Gloves
Protect your extremities from getting cold when hiking in the rain. That includes a beanie under your hood, warm socks in your shoes and of course, waterproof gloves. Even if it is not really cold outside, when it rains, your fingers get cold because of the water from the rain. So, you need a pair of waterproof gloves to protect your fingers.
Tip: If you are hiking under cold temperatures, wear silk gloves under your waterproof gloves for added insulation.
Handwarmers
To complete the outfit, add a hand warmer. This little device is about to become your best friend when hiking in the cold and the rain. Should you still feel cold even with gloves on, slip a hand warmer in your pocket. It acts really fast, providing warmth in 3 seconds. It is weightless and small in size so there is no excuse for not carrying one.
First Aid Kit
This is one of the 10 essentials that you should always carry with you on a hike (or at least 1 person in the group).
When the terrain is wet, the risk of falls and trips increases. Make sure you pack antiseptic cleaning wipes, antibiotic cream and plasters to attend to your hiking buddies injuries, or even your own.
To know what to carry in your first aid kit, download my first aid kit checklist here.
Blister Supplies
Hiking in the rain means walking in puddles so your feet could get wet. Of course, you should be wearing waterproof hiking footwear, but as it prevents the water from getting in, it also means that the water cannot get out. Your feet will get sweaty as you walk and won’t have the possibility to dry in sturdy leather waterproof hiking boots. This being said, when your feet get wet, it increases the chances to get blisters.
As part of your hiking first aid kit, add extra blister protection items such as Moleskin, medical tape and a tube of tincture of benzoin to help the Moleskin sticks better on wet skin.
Related Content: Hiking Blisters Prevention and Treatment
Headlamp
Another one of your 10 essentials. As it might take longer to complete the walk in bad weather conditions, you might still be out by sundown. Whilst you should be planning your trip ahead and add some extra time due to the weather if you cannot finish the hike before dusk, make sure you have a headlamp with you.
From looking at the ground and making sure you are not stepping somewhere where you could easily trip over, to reading your map to find your way home, the headlamp is a must. With the sun going at 4.00 pm in wintertime, make sure you don’t get caught by surprise and you started early enough to finish before dark.
Tip: Take extra batteries for your headlamp or make sure you carry with you the cable to charge it on your power bank for never running out of light.
Towel
From wiping the rain off your face and your gear, you need to carry with you a towel.
Leave your usual heavy and bulky shower towels at home. Those take way too much space in your backpack and need time to dry. Instead, prefer a synthetic quick-dry towel. Lightweight and packable, they are easy to carry and make no difference in your pack. However, they make a huge difference on the trails when you want to dry things a bit.
#2 Tips for hiking in the rain: Outfit
We continue the list of tips for hiking in the rain with the outfit and what to and not to wear.
What not to wear
When hiking in the rain, avoid wearing cotton clothing. While cotton is a moisture wi-wicking fabric, it takes time to dry, leaving you wet and cold.
The same applies to denim. As denim is made of cotton, once it is wet, it will not dry easily and it will also be heavier, making it more difficult for you to move.
Avoid down as well. While down is great for insulation it can turn into a disaster when humid. Down does not dry fast, meaning that once it gets wet, you are in for a long wet and cold ride until the end.
Prefer merino wool clothing or synthetic fabric. They are moisture-wicking and dry quickly so you can stay warm and comfortable while hiking under the downpour.
What to wear
Here are some tips when it comes to dressing up for hiking in the rain.
Layers
It all starts will layering up correctly. Here is what you should be wearing:
- Merino wool or synthetic fabric base layer to absorb the sweat so your skin remains dry
- Thermal leggings if it is cold outside to keep your legs warm
- A fleece if it is not only raining but cold as well for additional insulation. It traps the warmth produced by your body so you don’t get cold
- A synthetic fabric insulated jacket to keep the warmth close to your body. If the temperatures are mild, an insulated jacket suffice
- A windproof and waterproof rain jacket. Make sure you wear a jacket that is waterproof and not water-resistant for better protection. Check your jacket is waterproof and has taped seams, adjustable wrist cuffs and an adjustable hood with a brim. Also, make sure you choose a rain jacket that is not too tight to allow enough room to layer up underneath. Because waterproof gear is not really breathable, opt for a design with armpit zip to let some air out as you start getting too sweaty.
- Waterproof hiking trousers to keep your legs dry
Overtrousers and Jacket
As I am a bit OTT when it comes to hiking in the rain, I also add the following two pieces of clothing to my outfit. Call me crazy!
Waterproof overtrousers: In case you do not trust your waterproof hiking trousers or you want to add another layer of protection, use a pair of waterproof overtrousers. They are lightweight and packable, so won’t take too much space in your backpack if you end up not using them. When looking for a pair, opt for a design with zipping at the bottom so that you can put them on and off without having to remove your shoes. When changing clothes in the rain, the quicker, the better.
Waterproof over the jacket: Those are really useful if you are hiking in the rain but it is warm outside. They are more breathable than a rain jacket and will still offer you protection against the rain. They are lightweight and can be folded so they don’t take space in your backpack. The second reason to use one of those is to add extra protection if you think your rain jacket won’t hold it until the end when it rains too heavily.
However, bear in mind, the more layers you put on, the less breathable it will be. So the sweatier you will get.
Footwear
It is better to stay dry than try to dry. This should be your mantra when hiking in the rain. With this in mind, it is recommended to wear waterproof hiking boots with a sturdy sole to hike in bad weather conditions. Crossing streams, jumping in puddles (ok, you don’t have to jump in the puddle, you are not 5 years old anymore), walking in muddy paths … all of that added to the distance and your foot can easily get wet.
Hiking boots are recommended as they are more resistant and durable than other hiking footwear. They have a high ankle collar to offer more stability and a sturdy rubber sole for better grip on wet surfaces. Coated with DWR, they are waterproof, preventing the water from getting in the shoe. However, they are not very breathable, so the sweat from your foot stays inside the shoe.
However, if you are going on a multi-day hiking and camping trip, leave the heavy hiking boots at home and prefer a pair of light trail runners. They are not as waterproof as hiking boots but they can dry overnight at camp. No one likes to put on a pair of wet shoes in the morning.
For a day hike, a pair of hiking boots is your best option. You are going home after the hike, so your shoes have time to dry before the next hike.
Socks
Having a great pair of hiking boots is worth nothing if you put bad quality socks in it. So now you found your ideal waterproof hiking boots with a sturdy rubber sole, you need to start looking at the correct socks for a wet hike.
As waterproof footwear is less breathable, the sweat from your foot will not be able to evaporate as well as with a pair of trail runners. Trapped inside the shoe, it will create a humid environment, perfect for blisters to develop.
Ban cotton from your outfit list and choose a pair of merino wool or synthetic fabric hiking socks. When going on a rainy day hike, opt for a pair of anti-blister hiking socks with extra cushioning in areas prone to blisters. Your feet will stay dry and unharmed during the duration of the hike.
Related Content: What to wear on a day hike
Gaiters
Mud and rain can damage your shoes and trousers with time. To protect your gear and increase its lifespan, it is recommended to wear gaiters. They also offer additional protection when hiking in the rain by preventing the raindrops to roll onto your shoe.
Gaiters are a cheap addition to your hiking gear list and can make a big difference. Attach them to the laces at the front of your shoe, and close them all the way to the knee, on the top of your trousers. As they entirely cover the collar of your shoes, no rain can get inside and your feet stay dry.
Additional Tips
When going for a hike in the rain, consider doing the following:
Take an extra pair of socks: Soaked socks are not really something comfortable to wear. With an extra pair, you can change halfway through the hike or once you get to the pub at the end, to enjoy the diner with dry feet.
Take extra clothes: This is where the dry bags we were talking about earlier become handy. Pack additional clothes in a dry bag to have fresh clothes to wear should yours become too soaked or to change at the pub. I have seen people getting so drenched that they had to go and buy new clothes when they got to the end of the hike. Save yourself some money and pack your own.
Rain cap: Protecting your body from the rain is one thing, but your face also needs protection. If your hood comes with a brim (which it should), it will offer you some level of protection from the rain. But if you want your face to stay as dry as possible, bring a rain cap with you. It has a larger brim to keep your face and the back of your neck dry.
Tuck your clothes correctly: Having the correct rain gear is one thing, but if you don’t tuck it correctly, you leave room for the rain to get inside. Remember to tuck your base layer inside your trousers. Only the rain jacket should fall over the trousers. Do not tuck your trousers or overtrousers inside your boots to prevent drops from rolling inside. The gaiters should be worn over your hiking trousers but under your waterproof gear to ensure rain does not run down from the top of your gaiters.
#3 Tips for hiking in the rain: Preparation
Before heading to the trails on a rainy day, you need to do some preparation. I know, you would always get some prep done before a hike, but when heaven opens, they are some additional factors to take into account. Here are a few tips to get the preparation right when hiking in the rain.
Check the Weather
That is of course the most logical thing to say. But in a country where you can get 4 seasons in one day, checking the weather might not seem reliable.
Nevertheless, even though meteorology is not an exact science, keep an eye on the weather during the day. You could start with bright sunshine and end in a storm. This is why it is important to layer up so you can adjust your outfit when the weather takes a turn.
Choose the trail
When researching for the route, take the following into account:
Know the trail: It is safer on a bad weather day to go for a hike where you know the trail. Worse come to worse, you know where you are and how to get home, or even know where you can find a shelter.
A shorter walk: When it is raining, you are walking slower than usual. You need to take it into account when looking at the route. Whilst doing 20km on a bright day seems easy peasy, on a rainy day you might not be able to finish before sundown, which increases the risk of falls and trips. Opt for a walk shorter than usual to allow enough time to finish the walk without taking any risk.
Flat walk: On a day like this there are no expansive views from the top of the hill or the mountain. Forget about walks in altitude as you are increasing your chances of injuries doing a difficult walk in challenging weather conditions. Opt for a flat and covered walk to limit the exposure to the rain. A forest walk is ideal as the trees protect you from the rain, such as Epping Forest.
Choose the path carefully: When planning your walk, avoid footpaths passing through meadows with livestock as this means you will be going up and down stiles. When it is raining, the stiles get wet and slippery and with mud underneath your hiking boots, it increases the chances of slips.
Plan transports: You choose the walk and the route, now it is time to plan the transport. Trains can be rare in the countryside and you don’t want to be waiting one hour on the platform, cold and wet. Make sure you check the timetable and plan your walk to limit the waiting time at the train station on the way back.
Re-Waterproof
Hiking gear loses the ability to repel water with time. To make sure your gear is up for the hike and won’t let you know, re-waterproof your outer layers before the hike. This includes:
- Rain jacket
- Hiking trousers
- Hiking shoes
- Gaiters
- Gloves.
For re-waterproofing to be effective, you need first to clean your hiking gear to remove any dirt or dust that might be stuck in the waterproof membrane. Once your gear is clean, use a waterproofing solution and place it 15 cm away from the garment. Spray and remove any excess with a clean wipe. Let it dry.
Tip: Open the windows when re-waterproofing gear as re-weaterproofing products tend to have a strong smell.
#4 Tips For Hiking In the Rain: Food and Drink
Drink
We might feel less thirsty on a rainy day, but we still need to hydrate. It is easy to forget to drink when you are surrounded by rain and cold, as opposed to a hot day.
To avoid stopping and opening your bag too often, opt for a hydration bladder. This hand-free system allows you to sip on the go from the horse linked to the reservoir inside your pack. It is also more advisable to sip than drink large mouthfuls to avoid the sensation of a splash in your stomach.
Don’t know how much water you should be taking on a hike? Check here.
Additionally, don’t forget to carry a hot drink with you to warm up. Fill an insulated bottle to keep your drink warm for up to 9 hours. Avoid coffee as it is a diuretic and prefer a hot drink such as tea. You can stick the insulated bottle in the mesh side pocket of your backpack for easy access while walking.
Finally, you tend to sweat more on a rainy day hike as the waterproofs you are wearing are less breathable. This means that your body is not only losing water but also salt that needs to be replaced. Don’t forget to carry with you some water with electrolytes to replace the loss of salt. You can easily carry additional water with electrolytes using a collapsible water bottle to take the minimum space possible.
Food
When hiking, your muscles break down the carbohydrates into glucose which is used as a source of energy for the body. When the reserves of carbohydrates are running low, you start feeling tired. This is why you need to fuel your body before and during long periods of aerobic activity such as hiking.
Whilst you would normally have a snack and a lunch break, this is not possible when it is heavily raining. The last thing you want to do is to stop because as soon as you do, your body gets cold.
To ensure your body has enough fuel for you to carry on, pack easy snacks high in carbohydrates. These are:
- Energy balls
- Cereal bars
- Nuts
- Dried fruits
Make sure you take a mix of sweet and savoury snacks to avoid getting bored of eating the same. Place the snacks somewhere easily accessible to avoid stopping to open your backpack. I recommend that you use the hip belt pockets of your backpack as well as the pockets of your rain jacket and hiking trousers. Don’t forget to keep the food in ziplock bags to avoid it getting wet.
Related Content: Homemade Energy Balls Recipe
#5 Tips for hiking in the rain: Safety
We continue the list of tips for hiking in the rain and this time take a closer look at safety. Because it is better to be safe than sorry.
Slips and trips
As we mentioned earlier in this post, when the ground is wet it becomes unstable and increases your chances to slip and trip.
Make sure that you choose a pair of hiking footwear with a sturdy rubber sole for a good grip on slippery surfaces. Moreover, use hiking poles to maintain your balance and reduce the risk of falls.
When crossing a stream, avoid walking on the rocks and get in the water instead. Wet rocks are slippery and could cause you to fall.
Finally, don’t forget to bring your hiking first aid kit with you as the risk of injuries is higher when hiking in wet weather conditions.
Make the right decisions
Turn around if you realise you won’t make it before sundown, or the weather conditions are worse than you imagined. There is no shame in changing the plan to stay safe. You will have the opportunity to do that walk again on a better day.
I have made that decision when I had the brilliant idea to go do the Seven Sisters during storm Sebastian. I had to hitchhike my way to Eastbourne.
Communicate
I am not pro-solo-hiking, but when it comes to hiking in bad weather, I would even less recommend it. If you fall and hurt your head, there is no one with you to help.
Nevertheless, tell someone where you are going and give them a map of your hike. If you don’t make it home, they can alert the authorities and provide them with your intended route.
You can also carry with you an emergency beacon to contact the emergency services when there is no cell service.
Hypothermia
What is hypothermia?
According to the NHS, hypothermia is when the body temperature falls below 35 degrees Celsius.
The symptoms are:
- Slurred speech
- Shivers
- Confusion and dizziness
- Cold skin
- Fast breathing
Hypothermia on the trails can be caused by wearing wet clothes in cold weather or falling in cold water.
What should I do if a member of my group shows symptoms of hypothermia?
- Move them away from the rain as much as possible. Try to find shelter under a tree or rocks
- Take off their wet clothes and replace them with the extra set of clothes (this is where an extra set becomes really handy)
- If they can swallow, give them a hot drink or water if you don’t have any hot drink at hand
- If they can swallow, give them sweet food
- Call the emergency services
What you should not do if someone suffers from hypothermia
- Give them alcohol
- Massage their body
- Use electronic devices such as a hand warmer to warm them up
#6 Tips for hiking in the rain: Benefits & Mental
We end the rundown of tips for hiking in the rain by talking about the positive things and why you should enjoy a hike even when it is raining.
Benefits of Hiking in the Rain
In every cloud, there is a silver lining, even in the clouds dropping rain on you when you are hiking.
The trail will be empty
Think about the positive for a second. You’ve got the trail to yourself! Let’s be honest, rain intends to put people off running an errand down the road, so a full day walking outside is not even an option. If you and your hiking companions find the motivation to hike whatever the weather throws at you, you will be rewarded by the peace and quiet of being on your own. A rainy day is a good opportunity to try a popular route without the feeling to be in Disney Land.
Use your senses
When was the last time you really put your senses to the test? Enjoy a day out in the rain, listen to the rain falling on the ground, in the water, on the leaves instead of the pavement or your windows… What a nice sound, right?
And what about the smell? The fresh smell of the ground when it is raining. It is called Petrichor and it is caused by the rain and some compound in the soil mixing together.
And finally, the view. As human beings, we intend to stay inside when it rains but some animals like birds for example, like the rain. It is time to feast for them as the worms get to the surface to find oxygen. You can see more of the wildlife when hiking in the rain as opposed to nice weather.
Lift up your mood
Your mood will affect how the day goes, one way or another. If you are heading to the trailhead grumpy because it is raining, the day won’t go well.
To lift up your mood on a gloomy day, wear bright colours. Researches from Keith Jacobs and Frank Hustmyer in 1974 shows that colours not only affect your mood but also your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and productivity. Leave your black rain jacket at home, and opt for a pink rain jacket (like mine, Flamingo Hiker of course!).
If you don’t have any bright colours in your hiking wardrobe, look for some colourful accessories such as a neck cover, a pair of gloves or a beanie to brighten the day.
Let’s shine when the sun isn’t shining.
Final Thoughts On Tips For Hiking In The Rain
Tips for hiking in the rain don’t stop when you reach home or the campsite. Here are a few tips on what you can do after the hike is over.
- If you are camping, pitch your tent in the raised area. Avoid lower grounds that can get easily flooded during the night should the rain does not stop.
- Keep wet items outside your tent. You have already been hiking in wet weather conditions all day, you don’t want to sleep in a wet sleeping bag and risk hypothermia during the night. To keep your sleeping bag dry, keep any wet item outside your tent to dry. Use the quick dry towel to wipe your hiking gear so they can dry faster
- If you go home after the hike, dry your clothes straight away to avoid mould from growing and damaging your clothes. Looking after your waterproofs will increase their lifespan.
And you, what are your tips on hiking in the rain? Let me know in the comments below.
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