Free delivery on orders over £8010 Tips For Hiking In The Rain
Photo credit: Andy Hughes/Sidetracked Adventures
If you hike in the UK, then odds are you will end up spending time trekking through wet weather. Whilst lashing rain may initially seem less than ideal, as long as you have the right equipment and take the correct preparation, hiking in the rain can create the conditions for some of the most rewarding adventures.
As clichéd as the saying is, it is true that there is no such thing as bad weather (to an extent), there is just bad equipment. If you invest in the right gear and make the right clothing choices on the day, then believe it or not, hiking in the rain can be a really enjoyable experience. We’ve put together this list to help with some preparation pointers and guide you to the essential equipment needed for success in the rain.
Plan your route
Before you take a step out of your front door, it’s really important to consider your route and ensure that it will still be suitable in wet weather. Whilst a good pair of hiking boots and walking poles can help you tackle most terrain, it is worth avoiding any particularly steep or rocky terrain as both aspects will lack grip in wet weather. If there has been prolonged rain, then avoid routes that take you close to rivers and floodplains that may have overflown.
For longer hikes, it is especially important to look at your route and plot escape routes where possible. If the conditions become increasingly worse or you want to call your hike short, it is important to make sure that you have a clear route prepared to get back to your starting point as quickly as possible.
Stay up to date with the weather
Weather forecasting is a real skill, and an invaluable one at that. Being able to predict conditions is vital when you are out in the elements, and making sure that you are up to date with the latest weather is crucial to a safe and enjoyable day out. Make sure that you monitor the conditions and are prepared for any sudden changes.
For key mountain weather forecasting skills, check out our recent talk with Gary Nicholson, the chief forecaster at the Mountain Weather Information Service.
Stay conscious of blisters
Hiking in wet conditions can increase the chances of blisters forming. It’s therefore important to ensure that you have a well-fitted pair of hiking boots and are wearing good quality socks. If you are heading out on a multi-day hike, then make sure you have a completely dry pair of socks for each day, and let your feet fully dry out overnight. Be sure to carry water-resistant patches so that you can quickly cover any hot spots should they happen.
Photo credit: Andy Hughes/Sidetracked Adventures
Use a backpack cover
A backpack cover is essential to keeping everything inside your pack dry. Depending on the size, most new backpacks come with a cover built-in, typically found in a zipped pocket on the bottom of the pack. However, if your pack does not have a built-in cover, you can purchase one separately to ensure that your pack and belongings stay dry in the rain.
Keep your belongings in dry bags
In really heavy rain and as a failsafe, it is a good idea to keep your belongings stored in dry bags within your backpack. This ensures that if you aren’t quick enough to get your cover on, or if you need to go into your bag whilst it’s raining, everything stays nice and dry.
Invest in waterproof jacket and pants
A good waterproof jacket and pair of waterproof pants will make your whole experience so much more enjoyable.
There are a range of excellent waterproof jackets available, and technology is constantly developing with the likes of GORE-TEX and FUTURELIGHT. It’s usually advisable to invest in a hardshell jacket that can then be used as the outer protection in a layering system. For full details, check out our guide to layering systems.
Investing in a hard-shell pair of waterproof pants will again offer protection and allow versatility and year-round use. Check out our buying guides for waterproof jackets and trousers for a full breakdown of what to look for.
Photo credit: Andy Hughes/Sidetracked Adventures
Wear waterproof hiking boots
A good pair of hiking boots are invaluable. They need to fit well, offer plenty of grip, and importantly for wet weather use, be fully waterproof.
In torrential rain, a pair of waterproof boots combined with gaiters will offer excellent protection for your feet. Gaiters importantly stop water from running down your trousers into your boots or soaking through your socks.
Use synthetic clothing
Synthetic jackets really come into their own in wet weather. Unlike down which clumps and loses some of its warmth capabilities when wet, synthetic insulation retains its form and warmth offering.
It is also worth avoiding next-to-skin cotton t-shirts/base layers which become uncomfortable and heavy when wet. It is best to choose a merino or synthetic layer which cope with wet conditions much better.
Take your walking poles
For any uneven or slippery terrain, walking poles can make your life much easier. They will help you cover ground faster and importantly stay on your feet.
Keep a positive attitude
It is easy to get into a bit of slump when the weather takes a turn, and usually the hardest part is taking the first step out of the door. Ultimately, it’s important to remember that we don’t have any control over the weather, just our attitude towards it. If you take the right equipment and plan a suitable route, hiking in wet weather has a lot to offer. The rain can create some beautiful landscapes and atmosphere, so don't let it put you off next time the heavens open.
Tips:
- Stay dry instead of drying off. Wear your rain shell and take cover when the rain is too heavy!
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast. If it's going to get bad, turn back.
- Watch out for lightning. It's beautiful but also deadly, remember to take - cover when strikes occur.
- Keep well-fed and hydrated.
- Watch out for Hypothermia!
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About the Author:Huw Saunders - Outdoor ExpertGrowing up in rural Wales, Huw has been immersed in the outdoors for as long as he can remember. If not surfing the Welsh coast, he can now usually be found either running or hiking in the Peak District and through the winter, tries to get out to Europe to ski as much as possible. |
