Hiking in the rain- 10 amazing tips that will help you to stay dry

Rain. Most of us would avoid to go hiking in the rain, even to go out from the house. Not only singing in the rain brings comfort, but our way to cope with it. Sometimes the rain can come unexpectedly, but our spirit needs an undauted basis.

The soothing rhythm of rain can be wonderful to watch from the window and even outside, if not too heavy. If rain constantly repeats and our hiking passion rises, these tips are necessary. With them you can easily bypass the top hiking mistakes. Enjoying to the fullest the places like iconic Velebit trail in Croatia is your priority. Especially the family hikes deserve your utmost attention. Some hiking trails only give the true light during the sunny days, like Soča Valley in Slovenia.

Learn to accept rain in the most benevolent way and stay cozy on your hiking tour. As gratitude is the answer everywhere, the rain brings similar challenge.

If you have some other tips to hike in the rain, please mention in the comments.

Choose the right trail

The right trail brings half of the success on the rainy day. The stunning views shouldn’t be your goal so definitely avoid summits. The rain usually makes a fantastic painting of the cloudy sky, so it can be an advantage. The sunsets tend to be on fire leaving pure enchantment.

Hiking in the forest is an awesome decision when it’s raining

Waterfalls can be so beautiful during the rain

Enjoying the forest can be your shelter too where rain drops fall so slowly. Forest is definitely your win, especially if the mud doesn’t rule here.

Strolling along the waterfall or a lake unveils the calm moments, perfect to take the new perspective. If it’s a bit abundant, the river still welcomes the visitors with the complete charm.

The rocky trail becomes steepy during the rain so it’s better to avoid the mediterrean routes.

Shortening the trail is the common solution for the rainy days so have in mind this option.

What to wear

What to wear is essential to have an awesome day while the rain pours. There’s even a popular saying: „There’s not such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.“ You probably don’t know that the author is Alfred Wainwright in his book A Coast to Coast Walk.

It might not be the case, but you’ll feel more safe to have some extra clothes, especially socks. Dressing in layers should be a rule and synthetic materials have the most advantages. They dry quickly and keep the warmth.

Cotton is the best to avoid as it’s hard to get an insulating quality. Waterproof material gives the proper shelter so be cautious between waterproof and water-resistant.

Waterproof hiking boots

Hiking shoes are your major solution that will keep you warm and dry. It will help you to get the most protection on a wet or steepy terrain. In the heavy weather the right pair of shoes take the final word.

The most mountaineering shoes are waterproof, which refers to higher ankle shoes. With the main characteristics to be unbreathtable, warm and drying slowly- you’re secure. Waterproof socks bring an additional comfort, considering they’re synthetic or woolen.

The perfect example: Oboz Bridger shoes.

The right jacket

What includes the proper jacket with high level of enjoyment at the rainy weather? Being waterproof is essential and gives opportunity to have 3 in 1 jacket. Having the ventilation zips is perfect solution to keep the sweat away.

The best example: Marmot KT Component Jacket

Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Jacket

Backpack rain cover

Your backpack needs umbrella too- that’s why having a rain cover will offer you a slice of heaven. It’s rather obvious that your backpack will get wet so you’ll need to take additional caution. Put your things inside into separate bags and even give another lever of protection with the trash bag. Trash bag is in a nutshell the most adequate solution, perhaps better than any rain cover.

The silicone rain cover is your best option. With the rain cover your backpack will stay clean regarding the mud so common. You have to pay attention to the wind too.

Where to find the best ones? Rainfly or Osprey Skarab are the fantastic examples.

Gaiters

If you need gaiters ever, that’s when the rain takes the rule. This is a fantastic help against the water or mud to get inside the shoes and pants. Decathlon has some great choice, which is budget friendly.

Extra tips regarding your clothes

You never know how cold can be a rainy day, even during the mild spring time. It’s pretty easy to bring some extra trash bag, just in case to keep your stuff dry.

Bring gloves as they’ll protect you from the wind conveniently.

You often skip it, but the cap is an extraordinary way to keep you warm on a cold, rainy day. Not only that, but the cap will the raindrops to fill your face.

Hiking poles create the balance always, especially on muddy terrain.

Easy snacks

What does it mean easy snacks? These are the snacks that you can eat while moving like dry food bars. Even sandwiches can be a solution, like always. Bear in mind that you wouldn’t feel cozy waiting too long in the cold weather.

If you have a hut on the way, it’s easy to get some fire and warm yourself.

Why you’ll love hiking in the rain

While the sunshine and outdoors are the dreamy combination, embracing the rain is your advantage. It will literally seem that you can embrace the rain and make your singings. Having fun is the essence of hiking so don’t miss the chance despite the weather.

Having fun on a rainy hike

On a rainy day you can take amazing pictures of the flowers

Having trail almost to yourself awakens the tranquil moments and more appreciation towards the nature. You’ll get the new perspective about hiking, rain and landscape in general. Listening to the sounds of rain will open up the senses and put the stress away. The colours become more vibrant with the new light not only on the surface.

Seeing the greenery more bright will open up your eyes to the charm that nature hides. The wildlife often gets alive with rare moments that take the day.

How to improve your attitude about the rain

You might even be boring to yourself if you constantly grumble about the weather. Particularly when it seems to be raining soon. If you’re patient enough, you’ll accept that nature needs to heal itself.

Just like you enjoy the sunshine, you can learn to enjoy the rain- though it’s not the same. Starting listening to the rain and imagine the melody of happiness. Try to recognize the way how nature responds to your questions.

You’ll learn to appreciate not only nature, but the solitude. That’s the atmosphere that rain brings, even if you hike with friends.

The challenge that rain brings will make you more decisive, more skillful.

Final thoughts

Hiking in the rain is a special opportunity to learn about nature and yourself. Though not preferable, it can bring so much tranquility and fun. Your photos can get the new level of mysticism and charm. I noticed that rain creates such a lovely feeling to my photos. The flowers tend to have such an emotional shine in the rain. Unlike, Sun can bring so much light.

Adjusting your gear is the rule number one that starts with the right cover for your backpack and raincoat. You might have your common jacket and hiking shoes, but don’t skip the gaiters. In any case, insulation is the key and being happy towards your hiking adventure.

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