The rain can be a dampener to your hiking plans or it can just make your hiking plans more adventurous!

Hiking in the rain is often an unplanned event; a walk in nature could make you feel like you’re coming face-to-face with nature’s fury or invading a new landscape.

We all know of that moment where the weather is sunny with a clear view of the hills and the cloud sets in, forever changing the forecast of the evening from sunny to a blustery, rainy day.

On those days, it feels like you vs the world trying to slowly unravel beauty as you scramble through rocks or enter another mysterious portal.

With the right mindset, gear and planning, you can avoid your in-the-moment choices and plan ahead for enjoyable hiking in the rain event!

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What You Should Know: Should You Be Hiking In The Rain?

Here are the best hiking tips for when you’re hiking in the rain

It is that age-old myth that we have been told since young “play in the rain and you’ll fall sick.”

According to the doctors association, rain isn't the reason anyone gets sick; a weak immune system is.

Beyond that, hiking in the rain is unavoidable, from tropical countries to 4-season-climate, there is always a 60% chance we will get stuck in bad weather.

This is when you should truly find your stride and not let bad weather like rain ruin your plans.

I have found hiking in the rain to be more adaptable as long as I have the three things covered

1. Mindset
2. Appropriate waterproof shoes and bag and
3. Rain jacket.

Sure, the rain can fluctuate between a slight drizzle to a torrential downpour or a straight out thunderstorm. This is when you do a happy dance, whip out your hot drinks, find some shelter, think cooly about safety trade-offs and assess the situation!

How To Dress For Hiking In The Rain: Gear & Essentials

We all know that saying “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing"! If bad clothing was the only deciding factor, we would still be pretty much doomed.

Clothing is important, but having the right gear from top to bottom is the right way to prepare for a complete hiking in the rain adventure.

Last thing you need is some houlier-than-thou hikers telling you that “Oh, you’re going to catch hypothermia if you don’t put on a jacket or turn around right now!”

I have had experiences of general trail condescension whenever I don’t look like a hiker or am supposedly not geared up enough.

Don’t fall into their trap and show them how it is done the right way. Here’s how to pack and dress for hiking in the rain.

Gear & Essentials For Hiking In The Rain

When hiking in the rain, you need to pay attention to seams to avoid water seeping through.

The magical system of setting your gear up for hiking starts with a little trip planning — at the most basic, have a cover or sack for almost everything that you have in your backpack.

Protect your gear with these options:

Water-resistant hiking backpack (women) (men): Osprey’s backpacks are commonplace when hiking on the trails due to their durability and ease of fitting a backpack raincover. It is often practical, rugged and comfortable.
Backpack raincover: Most backpacks come with a rain cover but you can opt for a lightweight or a high visible one from Osprey.
Ziploc bags: This is a great way to bag your valuables and wallet and keep them safe. They’re not entirely waterproof but still keeps the water away from your goods!
Emergency dry bag: Use this to put your essential clothing/important gear inside a dry bag to keep your clothes dry and waterproof!
Plastic Bag: Trash bags/plastic bags are the emergency must-have in case you get super soaked and need a cover for anything from your shoes, phone to your bag and etc!

The ultimate essential rainy-day hiking gear:

Trekking poles: When hiking in the rain, a sturdy trekking pole that can withstand the pressure while scrambling through uneven surfaces is a must-have.
Headlamp: No hike, no headlamp. It is an essential tool when hiking for hours long as you never know how long you can be on the trail until night/evening time.
Microfiber Towel: Get a microfiber towel for wet conditions. They make great cleaning towels for a quick clean after a dip in the lake.
Handwarmers: Keep your hands warm from the frigid outside. I used them in Nepal when it was raining and wet - it was nice to keep warm and toasty in crazy conditions!
Hiking first aid kit: Be prepared for any minor scrapes, injuries or blisters with this small first-aid hiking kit.
Water filter: While you can bring all your water with you, you never know when you’ll need to refill on the trail with all the natural resources available. Invest in a water filter system or bring some water purification tablets!

Also Read: The Ultralight No-Fuss Backpacking Gear List

What To Wear For Hiking In The Rain

Hiking in the rain at mt. Kinabalu in Malaysia!

As important as it is to get all your rain gear essentials, clothing is the ultimate key rain gear that should not be overlooked when hiking in the rain. Here are some key essentials of what to wear when hiking in the rain:

Choose wicking materials and no cotton: Cotton is the worst material to hike in as it offers no insulation and makes you easily wet, chilly and sweaty leading to higher chances of hypothermia. The best option is wicking materials that are dri-fit.
Get a soft-shell jacket or fleece: Get a fabric that can repel water while maintain breathability. A polyester synthetic material of the lining helps improve the breathability and transfer the moisture away quickly. Don’t purchase a standard down jacket as it offers little protection once it is wet.
Rain jacket: Get a rain jacket with proper taped seams to protect you from the elements! You can repurpose this rain jacket for your outdoor adventures from ski trips to every rain adventure!
Fleece hat: Don’t forget to protect your head! Get a fleece hat to protect your head from the rain and chill. A drop down fleece designed for protecting your ears and neck from the cold and wind is ideal.
Waterproof hiking shoes: Waterproof shoes are essential if you are out hiking in colder conditions. Merrell makes some of their shoes in a non-waterproof style that is great for hot and cold weather conditions. Their M Select Dry system seals out water and lets moisture escape so you stay dry when you're on the move.
Socks: Merino wool socks made by Darn Tough has been the best in the market!
Rain paints: Columbia’s all-weather rain pants made from 100% nylon does the trick for hiking in the rain. Designed to keep you shielded, the Storm Surge Waterproof Rain Pants are critically seam-sealed and feature an advanced waterproof coated nylon.
Gaiters: If you’re hiking in snow or rain, pack lightweight polyester gaiters to keep your footwear protected and socks dry.

On The Trail: 7 Hiking Tips For A Rainy Day

1. Prepare for the weather

Have a look at your weather app to monitor patterns in the last 7 days. But do not stop there.

Check hiking groups or consult the park site to find out what weather events are like during this time of the year and how to be safe. Big storms can turn up and you’d want to plan your day in a way to avoid it!

2. Be sure to hydrate and refuel

If it’s hot, we’re usually always chugging our water bottle but we rarely do the same when the weather is cool.

Find a way to drink enough water and grab a snack or a proper break whenever you find some nice spots to chill at!

Snacks like snicker bars or trail mixes in your pocket are great way to remind yourself that they’re within reach and now is the time to take a break!

Also Read: 10 Easy Delicious Hiking And Backpacking Lunch Ideas

3. Layer Up

As you ascend further up and spend more energy working up a sweat, you’ll likely want to peel your layers and keep it breathable.

Depending on how cold the weather is, I’ll usually have 3 layers (a dri-fit t-shirt, fleece/rain jacket) to keep myself insulated.

4. Customise your first-aid kit

You can purchase a premade first-aid kit but if you’re allergic to something, best to carry antihistamine, ointments and oral salts or other emergency supplies to ensure you’ve got everything covered!

5. Stay away from lightning

Thunder and lightning are common dangers when out hiking. Avoid high points, peaks, open areas and lakes or bodies of water.

Don’t be in contact when anything metal when a lightning storm passes over. Any belts or metal frame packs should be kept 100 feet away from you or placed aside.

6. Have a positive mindset

You’re here to enjoy the silence on the trails, the sounds of nature and allow for your true desires to reveal themselves.

I have hiked some trails and lost my way because of bad weather and never made it to the top, but being positive helped a lot and adjusting my mindset to go with the flow.

7. Be ready to turn back if all else fails!

Get your maps pre-loaded just in case you find yourself lost on the trail. For trail details and technicalities, you can download Maps.Me, Windy Maps, Komoot or AllTrails.

I recommend Windy Maps and AllTrails! If you’re lost and if the upper elevations appear enveloped in dark clouds, listen to your gut and turn back.

There will always be another time to stride down the trail and perhaps, it is time to go back and think of that hot shower, hot cocoa and a good book!

Also Read: 18 Must-Read Inspirational Outdoor Adventure Books (2021)

For more detailed guides and references, read my other hiking posts:

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