Backpacking in the rain can be both one of the worst experiences and one of the best, depending on the situation and proper preparation.
To give an understanding of how rapidly conditions can alter and the importance of being ready, I’ll rapidly share one of my encounters with backpacking in the rain. With over 25 years of involvement in outdoor hiking, I possess extensive knowledge in this field. If you prefer to directly access the suggested gear, please proceed to the following sections.
The most dreadful encounter I had with rain occurred in Alaska while hiking in Denali National Park and a few other areas. The Denali expedition exemplifies how quickly weather can alter in rugged landscapes, particularly when in mountainous regions.
The trip into Denali National Park lasted four days, and for the first two days, there was delightful sunshine, clear blue skies, and excellent visibility.
On the third day, a storm began to form. By the afternoon, there was intense rainfall and during the night, the winds were so powerful that it caused one of my hiking companion’s tents to shatter and my own tent had a broken pole. Moreover, the heavy rain persisted, making the following day’s hike out an absolute nightmare.
Top Tips
No matter the material or cost, rain gear cannot keep you dry in continuous rain. Nevertheless, it does provide considerable warmth if you engage in vigorous hiking and generate body heat.
To maintain warmth even when soaked with internal condensation or sweat, it is recommended to wear either a baselayer or a fleece mid-layer under your rain jacket. Synthetic materials and polyester fleece dry at a faster rate compared to wool, although wool still provides warmth when wet.
When hiking through deep puddles and mud, it is recommended to wear lightweight synthetic mesh footwear that drains quickly instead of boots made of leather or boots with a waterproof/breathable liner. Leather boots, especially, take a long time to dry out and are unable to keep your feet dry when water comes in over the top, which is almost unavoidable in such conditions.
To keep rainwater from seeping into your backpack through its seams, shoulder straps, and hip belt, it is recommended to line the inside of your backpack with an unscented white plastic garbage compactor bag. Waterproof backpack covers, which can be easily pulled off by surrounding vegetation or wind, are not as effective in preventing rainwater penetration.
Carry a trekking umbrella equipped with a backpack attachment system to prevent rain from hitting your head and torso. This will help you remain dry and sweat less, particularly if the weather is warm enough to remove your mid-layer or raincoat. Additionally, umbrellas are useful for warding off aggressive wood grouse that may pursue you along forested paths.
When hiking in the rain all day, it is advisable to always store one layer of clothing deep inside your backpack so that it remains dry and can be used before going into your sleeping bag or under your quilt. Optimal choices for this layer include a long sleeve jersey, long underwear, and a pair of dry socks, as they help to provide warmth.
Whenever the sun emerges, make sure to dry any wet or damp clothing and equipment, particularly your quilt or sleeping bag and tent. Take a break and compel yourself to spread out your gear under the sunlight, restoring it to its optimal condition.
Make sure to let your feet air out overnight when you go to sleep. If available, wear dry socks; otherwise, sleep without covering them.
At night, apply Vaseline or a heavy-duty moisturizing lotion like Eucerin to your feet, massaging it in order to lubricate them. This will aid your skin’s recovery and offer moisture protection for the following day, particularly if you need to hike through rain once more. Additionally, Vaseline works effectively as an anti-chafing solution and can also be used to start fires.
To ensure your body stays warm and generates heat, it is important to consume food while hiking in the rain. Additionally, maintaining proper hydration is crucial in order to prevent hypothermia and stay vigilant.
If the weather is extremely unpleasant and you are exhausted from trudging through the wet ground, consider taking a day off. Spend the day inside your tent or venture into town to rest and replenish your energy. It is not necessary to cover long distances every day.
If you anticipate hiking in rainy weather, ensure that your tent can be easily set up in the rain without getting wet inside. While ultralight tarps are convenient, having a tent with a waterproof bathtub floor can be extremely helpful in case of a lousy campsite during heavy rain. Various tent manufacturers such as Tarptent, Gossamer Gear, Six Moon Designs, Hilleberg, and others produce tents that can be set up by placing the fly first, prior to hanging the inner tent inside.
Clothes For Backpacking In Rain
Rain Jacket and Rain Trousers
When it comes to backpacking in rain, the first thing that should be mentioned is the significance of waterproof rain trousers and jackets. These are the essential items to bring along while hiking, especially if rain is anticipated.
If you believe there won’t be any rain, you should still consider taking rain gear due to the possibility of a change in conditions depending on your location.
When hiking in mountainous areas, it is necessary to have rain gear on hand due to the unpredictable nature of mountain conditions, regardless of what the weather forecast indicates.
When it comes to backpacking, I have personally tried various rain gear brands, many of which are no longer up-to-date. Thus, I will provide you with my current recommendations for rain gear that I use, as well as a few alternatives suggested by my backpacking friends.
To start with, let me mention that when it comes to hiking, I prefer to pack lightly, so my rain gear for backpacking is compact and convenient to store as a precautionary measure. Nevertheless, if you reside in a region with frequent heavy rainfall and frequently engage in backpacking during such conditions, it might be wise to invest in a sturdier rain jacket and pants for enhanced durability.
With that said, the lightweight rain gear has served me excellently for many years.
The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Shell Jacket has been my go-to choice for backpacking in rain over the past two years, and it has proven to be perfect for this purpose.
For years now, I have been a fan of Alpkit’s rain pants, a brand originating from the UK.
Softshells
Softshell hiking clothing is a suitable choice for protection from rain, particularly when anticipating light rain.
If you are going for a day hike and are anticipating only slight rain, water-resistant clothing is a better choice as they provide breathability and are not completely waterproof.
If you reside in areas with frequent rain, such as the Scottish Highlands, then softshell gear is excellent for day hikes.
I have been utilizing the Mountain Equipment Ibex Pants for several years now, and they are still in good condition, as shown in the picture taken in Iceland.
In the picture above, I am wearing the Montane Dyno XT Jacket once again, which is a softshell jacket.
