Hiking in the Rain: 15 Expert Tips to Stay Safe, Dry & Warm

Hiking in the rain may sound unpleasant, but it doesn’t have to be.

And, sure, it may be ideal to go hiking in a warm, sunny climate, but we don’t always have that luxury. Mother Nature can be finicky at times. Don’t let that detract you from getting outdoors and connecting with nature anyway.

Hiking in the rain can be a downright epic adventure.

How so?

With a little preparation, a good attitude, and the right gear, you’ll see just how easy it is to stay dry and how comfortable and fun a rainy-day adventure can be.

Keep reading for expert tips about how to stay safe, dry, and warm when planning a rainy-day hike.

Quick Summary: Top Tips for Hiking in the Rain

Looking for our best tips for hiking in the rain? No worries, here’s a summary of our top recommendations. If all you do is follow these four things, everything will work out. (However, to truly capitalize on all the info for an epic hiking adventure, read our other tips below.)

1. Keep a positive attitude.
2. Bring a rain cover for your hiking bag.
3. Know what to do to prevent hypothermia (and in case of lightning).
4. Wear a quality rain jacket.

Is It Safe To Hike in the Rain? 7 Safety Precautions and What to Avoid

First things first!

Hiking safety should be your first priority. Have fun, but ensure you’re taking care of your safety and the safety of others at all times

Let’s answer a question that may be at the forefront of your mind:

Is it even safe to go hiking in the rain?

Although there are no guarantees in life, there’s no reason why you can’t plan for a perfectly safe hike in the rain.

However, to be perfectly honest, you’ll need to take precautions. Here are 7 safety tips and what to avoid when preparing to hike in the rain.

1. Check the weather reports – We’re all for not letting bad weather get in the way of your plans. That said, be prepared for the worst-case scenario, and be aware of heavy rainfall or the presence of thunder and lightning ahead of time.
2. Protect Yourself From Hypothermia – To prevent hypothermia, a condition where your body temperature drops to abnormally low levels, which can be fatal, you’ll need to ensure you stay warm and dry. You may also consider bringing a warm beverage and easy snacks to keep your temperature in check. Keeping an extra hiking outfit to replace wet clothing, wearing extra layers, and using body heat to warm up are other measures you can take. Learn the symptoms of hypothermia and how to treat it so you’ll know when to take action should the situation arise.
3. Bring proper gear – To properly protect yourself, you’ll need extra layers of clothing and good rain gear. (We’ll discuss rain gear and what to wear in a bit). It’s also a good idea to have good hiking shoes to prevent falling on slippery rocks or in the mud.
4. Let go of the end goal – Hiking in the rain safely requires keeping your ego in check. That means prioritizing accuracy over speed. What does that mean? Well, you need to be more alert and watch where you’re going to avoid slippery trails or rocks. Be aware of other hazards associated with wet weather hiking as well. If you think something is unsafe, don’t hesitate to abandon your goal of finishing the course and turn back. Go slowly and pay attention!
5. Protect yourself from lightning storms – if thunder and lightning are present, be sure to avoid lone tall objects (like trees, signs, boulders, rock formations, etc.), take shelter, and stay away from bodies of water and high peaks. It’s better to be in the forest or find groups of trees than hide in your tent.
6. Watch your footing – Wet trails are accompanied by mud, uneven ground, and slippery rocks. It’s much more difficult to keep your footing and stay balanced in the rain. Watch where you’re going, pace yourself, and maintain your balance. A good set of trekking poles may also assist with this.
7. Stay hydrated and nourished – Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and consuming enough food or snacks. This will ensure you have the necessary energy to carry on for the entire hike, which is an essential component of your safety when hiking in the rain.

Remember that this isn’t about your pace or completion; it’s about having a fun adventure in different conditions that will make for yet another way to embark on an amazing adventure in the great outdoors.

Should You Cancel or Delay Your Hiking Trip?

This is a personal preference, but we don’t generally like to cancel our hiking trips due to weather. Whether it’s light rain or a torrential downpour, we tend to proceed as planned.

For reasons already mentioned, there are so many benefits to hiking in the rain. Typically, you just need a positive attitude and to wear hiking gear that’s water resistant or waterproof to protect yourself.

That being said, you’ll have to make your own assessment. For certain hikes, like intense climbs or when thunder and lightning are present, it may make sense to postpone the hike for when there’s good weather or wait around and kill some time until the rain stops.

For others, you’ll need to be aware of your skill level, mood, or any present danger and take your own temperature, so to speak.

Benefits of Hiking in the Rain

If you think hiking in the rain isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, think again! Let’s take a look at some benefits of a rainy hike:

• You have the trail to yourself. One major benefit of hiking in the rain is that there are no crowds. As such, you can enjoy the hike that much more, especially for popular trails. The solitude also allows for a heightened sensory experience.
• It’s soothing and relaxing. Hiking in the rain offers a unique opportunity that you won’t get on sunny days. The trail is typically filled with soothing sights and sounds like rainbows, double rainbows, bird songs, and the soothing sound of rainfall. Moreover, you can enjoy the pleasant smell of the petrichor, which is scientifically proven to reduce stress and trigger pleasant emotions.
• Rainy hikes are more picturesque. On that same note, this relaxing environment makes for a scenic trail that can only be encountered on a rainy day hike. An empty trail full of beautiful scenery is an excellent occasion to break out the camera and take your best shots. It truly makes for some great photo ops, so take advantage!
• Levels up your skills. The challenges and obstacles that accompany a wet weather forecast allow you to adopt new outdoor skills. A perfect opportunity to level up your hiking ability and test out your hiking gear. Just remember: Safety first!
• It’s healthier. Lastly, a rainy hike comes with many health benefits. Among them are reduced anxiety, improved sleep function, and, in case you didn’t know, an outdoor adventure in the rain burns more calories than being in dry, moderate weather. You’ll also benefit from increased blood flow, healthier skin (from the humidity), and cleaner air.

The Best Trails for Wet Weather Hiking

One of the essential tips for rainy-day hiking is to pick the best trail for the weather conditions.

What does that mean exactly?

Well, it means you’ll need to check the weather forecast ahead of time so you can be adequately prepared for what’s to come. Aside from that, here are the basics of choosing the best trails for rainy days:

First off, be sure to avoid trails with expansive views, longer trails, or mountaintop summits. Those are better saved for a dryer climate. Instead, aim for shorter trails with flat terrain where you don’t feel like you’ll have a serious case of FOMO for missing out on the view. You want to find a forest, lake, beach, or river (waterfalls are okay too) that can be completed within two to six hours.

It doesn’t matter if you’re hiking in bad weather or it’s all sunshine and rainbows, you should be familiarizing yourself with the trail. That means knowing the terrain, elevation, water sources, and potential hazards. Avoid steep inclines, intense climbing, or any serious river crossings in heavy rain. If there’s a lightning storm, be sure to avoid bodies of water and tall, singular objects like trees and rock formations altogether.

You’ll also want to consider your goals for the day.

Are you looking for relaxation? Exercise or exertion? An Epic adventure?

It’s all possible. Just pick the right trail for your given situation.

Keep a Positive Attitude When Hiking in the Rain

Hiking is a physical activity that’s heavily dependent on your mentality and general outlook. This is why keeping high spirits, especially when hiking in the rain, is an absolute must.

if you’re out to gripe, groan, and complain about the circumstances of wet conditions and potentially cold rain, you’ll probably have a miserable time.

On the other hand, if you keep a positive, upbeat attitude and embrace the adventure, you’ll enjoy hiking in the rain and have a memorable adventure to share with your hiking buddies for years to come.

Some of our best hiking trips have been during the rainy season.

What to Wear When Hiking in the Rain

One of the most important aspects of hiking in the rain is what to wear. Having quality rain gear like rain pants and a proper rain jacket can make all the difference between having an epic adventure and being unhappy.

Here is a breakdown of which gear to bring to stay dry when hiking in the rain.

Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Not all hiking footwear is waterproof. And in some circumstances, you wouldn’t want to be using waterproof hiking boots.

That being said, it’s essential to have proper waterproof hiking shoes or boots prior to going hiking in the rain.

You don’t want to worry about soggy feet or wet socks ruining your connection with nature. This may not be something you have to worry about if you live in an area with warmer climates year-round.

However:

If you’re planning on doing plenty of hiking in rainy climates or don’t want the weather reports to ruin your plans, it may make sense to have waterproof hiking boots.

This will allow you to safeguard against slippery trails and prevent water from getting in due to the waterproof rain shell or Gore-Tex. It may also provide better ankle support.

There’s something to be said about waterproof shoes vs hiking boots. Choosing the right footwear will depend on your unique circumstances. You may consider using a combination of both for a longer multi-day backpacking trip for adaptability.

Wool Socks

Whether you choose waterproof footwear or non-waterproof shoes, it’s important to bring proper socks to keep your feet warm and dry. We recommend wool socks for better protection.

Trust us on this: avoid cotton socks at all costs. Wool socks are the way to go for comfort and longevity.

Hiking Rain Jackets

Having a good rain jacket is high on the priority list when it comes to essential wet gear for a rainy day adventure.

Since rain jackets are known to cause body heat and aren’t particularly comfortable, it may make sense to get some breathability.

How do you do this?

Ensure that your rain jacket has ventilation zips (also known as “core vents”), and be sure there’s room for extra layers to keep you warm if needed. We recommend going one size up for this.

The water-resistant rain jacket will keep the extra layers dry underneath and ensure you’re not soaked in sweat. Having a windproof jacket is also a good idea.

We recommend top-layer Gore-Tex rain jackets paired with Merino wool base layers from reputable brands like REI, Patagonia, or Backcountry.

Waterproof Hiking Pants

After selecting waterproof shoes and a solid rain jacket, next on the priority list are rain pants. However, they aren’t a popular option these days.

Why do you need rain pants?

Because hiking pants are water resistant, but they aren’t waterproof.

Waterproof rain pants, which are worn over your hiking pants, can keep you and your hiking pants dry in case of a downpour. Not only that, but they’re small, lightweight, and easy to pack for longer hikes.

We like to have them handy in case you need them. They also prevent chafing (no fun!). Alternatively, you can opt to go with gaiters, which is another option.

Gaiters

Gaiters wrap around the bottom part of your pants and top of your boots keeping water or mud out while keeping your socks dry. They’re particularly useful for river crossings, puddles, and floods.

Since they’re easy to pack, we recommend them for extra protection when hiking in wet weather.

Waterproof Gloves

Depending on how cold or wet the weather is, it may make sense to bring waterproof gloves. This will keep your fingers and hands warm and hopefully prevent water from getting to them (depending on the material).

Make sure your rain gloves have a solid grip for trekking poles, scrambling, or grabbing onto something should you need to.

What to Pack for a Rainy Hike (Accessories)

Equally as important as what to wear when hiking in the rain is what to bring on a hike. Here are some accessories to pack for rainy-day hiking.

Trekking Poles

Whether you’re in dry weather or rain, you may need some extra support to keep your balance. This is where trekking poles come in handy.

Keeping four points of contact with the ground using sturdy hiking poles can help to maintain your balance, prevent injuries, and keep your footing while crossing streams, going uphill, or trekking through muddy and uneven surfaces.

They’ll also give you stability while giving your knees a break.

Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover

Most hiking backpacks are not waterproof.

Probably the most important accessory for hiking in wet conditions is a rain cover for your hiking bag.

Some backpacks come with a rain cover to protect your gear in this situation, but if yours doesn’t, you should consider picking one up.

Ensure that your pack cover fits over your entire bag to prevent wet clothes and soaked equipment. It also prevents your bag from getting heavy due to moisture.

Dry Bags

A great rain cover will keep your bag dry; however, if you plan on opening your bag along the way, it makes sense to have an extra layer of protection.

Having a dry bag with you will prevent your items from getting wet as you progress on your hiking journey.

You can use it to protect your valuables (wallet, keys, phone, etc.) or use it as a backpack liner to keep all your things dry.

Waterproof Phone Case

To truly connect with nature, we recommend limiting your smartphone usage. Although, you can’t just leave it behind in case of emergencies (or if it functions as your hiking camera or GPS).

Instead of testing if the water-resistant qualities of your smartphone actually work, protect your phone on the trail and ensure you have a waterproof phone case to prevent water damage.

We find that an Otterbox or Lifeproof case is enough protection for all weather conditions, but even if you only use it when camping or on the trail, it’s definitely worth it.

How to Keep Essential Hiking Gear Dry

In case you haven’t already picked up on this, let’s be clear:

Keep your essential gear dry at all times.

What type of gear, we hear you asking. Here’s a brief list:

• At least one pair of socks
• Any snacks or food you’re carrying
• Sleeping bag (for longer backpacking trips)
• Rain tarp (for camping)
• An extra set of dry clothes for sleeping
• Essential items (phone, wallet, maps, GPS, firestarter, first aid, etc.)

As mentioned, a good pack cover and a dry bag will take you far. If you’re on a budget, a trash bag will work fine as a backpack liner or some Ziploc bags for essentials.

In any case, make sure everything in your bag is as dry as possible.

How Much Water to Bring for Rainy Day Hikes

Hydration (or lack thereof) is one of the biggest downfalls of hikers everywhere. In fact, you are more than twice as likely to end your hike early than finish it due to dehydration.

So, it’s essential that you know how much water to bring when hiking or backpacking. This is true regardless of weather conditions.

We tend not to drink as much water when it’s cool and rainy, but that can be a detrimental mistake.

Pack Easy Snacks

By the same token, food is equally as important. Be sure to replace any energy or electrolytes you burn with easy snacks.

Pack simple, accessible food like:

• Sandwiches
• Nuts
• Energy bars
• Dried fruit
• Crackers
• Beef jerky
• Trail mix

The last thing you want to be doing is stopping to prepare complex meals in the rain.

Cooking in the Rain

Cooking in the can be a bit tricky when on a longer backpacking or camping trip. Since the Smart Hiker would never recommend cooking in your tent, even if it’s raining, here’s what you can do instead:

Bring dehydrated meal kits. All you have to do is add water, and you’ve got a ready-made meal with minimal effort. Easy peasy, right?

That being said, we would recommend cooking a meal from scratch if you can.

Why?

As much as you might be tempted just to eat snacks and skip your dinner in cold and rainy conditions, it’s essential that you provide your body with the energy and nutrients that a warm, hearty meal with the right amount of protein, carbs, and fat can provide.

It’ll also help you recover from fatigue and raise your body temperature so you can keep going.

Camping in Rainy Weather

When setting up camp in rainy weather, be sure to follow these tips:

• Stay on solid ground – avoid peaks, ridges, and ditches. You don’t want to be on high ground but try not to be too low either.
• Stay at least 200 feet away from bodies of water. This will prevent flooding and allow you to adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
• Set up a tarp. It makes organizing, cooking, and other tasks more convenient.
• Keep gear dry. Pack inside your tent and put your rain gear on before breaking down camp. Keep sleeping clothes and your sleeping pad/sleeping bag in a trash bag.

Recap: 15 Tips For Hiking in the Rain

So there you have it.

Hiking in the rain is a personal preference, but we tend to be on the side of pushing forward, sticking to the plan, and preparing to reap the benefits of hiking in the rain.

Here’s a quick recap of the tips provided in this article:

Thanks for reading!