Tips On Hiking In The Rain

Hiking in the rain is, in all honesty, no fun. It is one of the things I dislike most when it comes to hiking. The views are sometimes not as great, you can feel wet and uncomfortable, and you can easily slip and fall. But there are times when you can’t avoid it. There have been so many times I plan an awesome hiking trip, and the forecast is rainy all week. But I try not to let it affect my plans too much. I have learned my ways around the rain, and I have even learned how to accept it. In this blog post, I talk about all my tips and tricks on hiking in the rain. Ways to make a bad situation into a better one and all the rain protection 🌧 I use to enjoy my hike. Happy rainy trails!

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Choose A Good Trail When Hiking In The Rain

On a rainy day, it is a good idea to think about which trail you want to do for the day. I usually pick waterfall hikes on cold, rainy, foggy days. It can sometimes be challenging to see the views of the mountains and canyons during wet weather. I think lakes, rainforests, and riverside trails are great options.

I am continually looking at weather reports to make sure the trail I am attempting is doable.

Plan Short Trips

I have gone backpacking for 16 miles in the rain. Let me tell you that it is not that fun. This particular time it was not avoidable because I had a friend in town from Texas that was dying to go backpacking, but if you can avoid it, please do.

Try to plan short hikes, not strenuous all-day hikes. The rain can really get to you after a while.

Check The Weather

When I decide I am going to go hiking in the rain, I am constantly checking the weather to see if it is going to get better or worse. There is nothing fun about hiking in the rain during thunderstorms and lightning strikes. I know this is usually a big worry for people that live in Colorado. If you see the weather getting worse, try to schedule the hike on another day.

Bring Clothes For Rainy Weather

Base Layers

One of the most important things when it comes to hiking in the rain is to remain warm. Depending on where you are, and the season the temperature might drop. Keeping some base layers on you might not be a bad idea. >Check Out My Favorite Bottom Base Layers Here >Here Are My Top Base Layers

Hiking Cap

Hiking with a cap during the rain can help prevent water from getting into your eyes. If you have a good quality rain jacket though this isn’t needed. >Check Out This Cute Hat Here

Rain Hiking Boots

When I know the weather is going to be bad, I usually choose to hike with my boots instead of my hiking shoes. They protect my ankles a lot better, and they are a bit more waterproof than my shoes. >Buy My Waterproof Boots Here

Gaiters

Gaiters are a great choice if you want to make sure your feet stay nice and dry. They wrap around your ankles and help prevent water from getting in your shoes. You can also use gaiters when hiking in the snow. >Check Out These Gaiters Here

Socks

Having good breathable wool socks are essential to help prevent blisters. I love Smartwool socks the most. >Buy My Fav Socks Here

Hiking Pants

I am not a fan of wearing rain pants when it comes to hiking in the rain. They can be hot, not very comfortable, and some are expensive. I usually like to wear my regular hiking pants, which are weather-resistant, and I am usually okay. >Check Out My Hiking Pants Here

Lightweight Rain Jacket

If you are going to start hiking regularly, I highly recommend buying a good quality rain jacket. Even if the forecast says sunny skies, I always carry my rain jacket with me. So many times we have been poured on by surprise, so I always carry a rain jacket with me. >Here Is My Rain Jacket

Read More On Rain Jackets: 10 Best Rain Jackets For Women

Insulated Jacket

An insulated jacket is a must when hiking in cold rain. It might be too hot to wear while hiking, but if you ever stop to take a break, you might get too cold. Also, I like to always have a jacket just in case of an emergency. If I ever get lost, I would, for sure, need a jacket. Make sure to wear the insulated jacket under the rain jacket. Most insulated jackets are not waterproof. >Buy The Jacket I Always Carry With Me Here

Poncho

You don’t have to buy an expensive rainjacket to protect yourself from the rain. I have used cheap ponchos so many times. I have used it for backpacking and hiking. The good thing about a poncho is that it covers your whole body and maybe even your backpack. If you are just getting started hiking, I highly recommend starting with a poncho. >Buy A Cheap Poncho Here

Fleece Sweater

Fleece is another great way to add another layer if it is too cold. But of course, this is not needed everywhere. A good example is if you are hiking in the rainforest, you definitely will not need this but if you are hiking through the Pacific Northwest, I would consider it. >Buy My Favorite Sweater Here

Sweat Wicking Shirt

My number one tip to comfortably hiking in the rain is to hike with a sweat-wicking shirt. Try not to hike with cotton. Cotton absorbs and retains water, so you risk getting hypothermia. An excellent breathable hiking shirt is the way to go. >Check Out My Favorite Hiking Tops Here >And Here

>>>Check Out This Blog Post On What To Wear Hiking

Bring Hiking Rain Gear

Backpack

I am all about safety, especially when there is a chance of rain 🌧 . Carrying a backpack is a must for me so I can take all my essential equipment. This backpack also comes with a backpack cover so all your gear will stay nice and dry! >Check Out My Hiking Backpack Here

Backpack Cover

When hiking in the rain, keeping my gear dry is extremely important for me. Most hiking backpacks are not waterproof, so a hiking backpack cover is recommended. I have expensive camera equipment so I most certainly always carry this. Luckily my pack came with a rain cover. But if yours didn’t, you can buy one at the store. >Check Out This Rain Cover Here

Dry Bags

Every once in a while, I do carry dry bags for my camera gear. I went backpacking one time, and I knew there was going to be heavy rain, so I brought it with me just in case. >Check Out The Dry Bags Here

Water Reservoir

Staying hydrated is vital on the trails; whether there is rain, snow, or sunshine, you need to always stay hydrated. Since you don’t want to be taking out your water bottle from your backpack while it is raining, a water reservoir will be your best bet in hiking comfortably. You don’t need to stop to drink water. You can easily sip at any time. >Check Out My Water Reservoir Here

Headlamps

There are times when the rain clouds block a ton of sunlight, and you need extra light to get by. I always have a headlamp in my bag just in case I take a lot longer on a trail then I thought I would have. >Check Out The Best Headlamps In The Market Here

Trekking Poles

Hiking in the rain can be very slippery. Trekking poles can help keep you in balance. >Check Out My Trekking Poles Here

Hand Warmers

Hand warmers can keep your hands nice and warm. These are usually small, so you can easily add them to your backpacks. >Check Them Out Here

First Aid Kit

I bring this on any hike, no matter what. This First Aid Kit is pretty small and can fit anywhere. >Check Out My First Aid Kit Here

Knife/Tape

I always carry both a knife and tape in case I ever need some tools. >Check Out This Knife Here

Emergency Blanket

An emergency blanket sounds like a bulky, expensive item, but the one I carry with me is pretty small and extremely light and inexpensive. Why not have one of these in your bag just in case? Especially when it is raining. >Check Out This Emergency Blanket Here

Navigation

I always bring a physical map and a compass with me. Learn how to navigate both of them. I have noticed that certain trails look different when it is raining than when it is dry. Stay safe and bring ways to navigate just in case. >Check Out The Compass That I Bring With Me

Fire Starter

I know it seems counterintuitive to bring a fire starter while hiking in the rain. But this is mainly for safety. You never know if you need a fire to get warm. Firestarters are usually small things, so might as well add it to your backpack. >I Use This One That Is Stormproof

Food

I recommend bringing food that you can eat while hiking, so you don’t need to stop and eat while it is raining. Having a picnic while it is pouring on you is no fun. >>>Check Out This Blog Post On The Hiking Essentials

Have A Good Attitude

When we were in Banff National Park, it rained on us, A LOT! We could have been upset about it, have a negative attitude, be unhappy, but we just accepted it and tried to make the best of it. We put on our ponchos and hiked.

One of the rainiest days is shown in the picture above. It was freezing and wet and uncomfortable, but we were able to make it to the top of the trail to a tea house. There we drank our warm tea and food, and the sun came out before our eyes.

We could have easily been angry, mad, or annoyed. But we kept positive, and we were rewarded with glorious views. I mean, how can we be negative in a place like Banff? It is a place where dreams are made.

Have a great attitude and I promise you will not be disappointed.

Final Thoughts On Rainy Day Hikes

Thanks for reading these tips and tricks on hiking in the rain. I love talking about hiking, so here are some more blog posts on hiking to help you with your next adventures:

• All About The Hiking Essentials
• What To Wear Hiking
• Best Gifts For Hikers
• Tips On Hiking Alone
• Tips and Tricks on Hiking for Beginners

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