10 Practical Tips for Hiking in the Rain

So you’re hiking in the rain, and maybe it was planned, or maybe it wasn’t. Or maybe you decided to go camping this weekend, determined to restore a semblance of peace in your life after slogging through corporate drudgery for god knows how long, and the forecast is now predicting rain. Either way, if you’re camping in the rain or hiking in the rain, this guide will provide tips on how to have a good experience despite the rain so you can relish in the great outdoors while being away from other people. Finally.

If you anticipate hiking in winter, check out The Ultimate Guide to Cold Weather Hiking.

Tips for Hiking in the Rain
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Tips for Hiking in the Rain

1. Skip the epic views

When it’s rainy, you won’t be able to see panoramic views because of the clouds and fog. It really adds an element of psychological torture to your hike if you’re gassing yourself climbing up a steep ascent, knowing that you won’t get a view at the top. Instead, explore a trail through the forest, alongside a river, to a waterfall, or to a lake. Having something to look at other than a thick veil of fog will make your hike more enjoyable.

2. Assess trail conditions

The rain can create potential hazards such as slippery trails, swollen water crossings, and limited visibility. Be sure you are making decisions that prioritize your safety, which could mean turning back and canceling the hike. Choose a trail that doesn’t have any (or only a few) water crossings, because the rain could cause them to swell, making the trail impassible.

3. Waterproof Gear

Seems like a no brainer, but if you’ve got them,bring a rain jacket and rain pants. I use a rain shell that I layer on top of my warmer clothing so I can easily adapt to the weather conditions. For a complete list of the gear I personally use and recommend, check out my Backpacking Gear Checklist.

4. Shoes

You can either wear a pair of lightweight trail running shoes that dry really quickly (my personal solution), or wear a pair of gaiters over your shoes. These are designed to keep rain and snow from getting in your shoes. You could also wear a pair of waterproof shoes, but who has those just laying around?

5. Bring extra socks!!!

Even if just for a day hike, having an extra pair of socks is a game changer. At the very least it can make your drive home more comfortable. If you walk around in wet socks long enough, you can get blisters. Something as small as an extra pair of socks can make all the difference. Trust me on this!

6. Keep electronics dry

Store your phone, camera, GPS devices, etc. in waterproof cases or bags. Knowing the pain of ruined electronics from water damage, I bring dry bags for all of my electronics when I go hiking or camping, just in case. It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it!

Extra tip: I use a waterproof fanny pack from High Tail Designs (pictured below) when I hike, which provides an easily accessible pouch for my phone (and snackies), while also protecting it from rain and snow. (Not an ad, I really love my fanny pack)

solo female traveler backpacking alpine peaks turquoise lake best places to visit chile patagonia — My DSLR camera staying protected in a dry bag (light blue)

7. Use trekking poles

I’ve said it before and I will say it again with my chest- TREKKING POLES ARE A GAME CHANGER. They are an essential part of my hiking gear that gets brought on every hike. They are even more important when the trail conditions are muddy or slippery. They will help you maintain your balance, test the trail surface for a safe place to step, and will take some weight off your knees and ankles should you slip and fall. They are great for climbing and descending, but most importantly they can help keep you safe and from getting injured.

8. Waterproof covers

If you are taking a backpack with you while hiking in the rain, it’s a good idea to have a waterproof cover for it. Even if you have your electronics in dry bags, it’s still a bummer having all the rest of your stuff get wet, like that extra pair of socks. If you are camping in the rain (or backpacking in the rain) your backpack should either come with a waterproof cover, or be waterproof itself. If you don’t have a cover, you can line the inside with a garbage bag as a DIY waterproofing method.

9. Wear moisture-wicking clothing

Theoretically, if you’re wearing waterproof gear, your clothes shouldn’t get wet. However, in practice, that isn’t always how it goes down. Cotton holds moisture, so even if you are just sweating, your clothes will feel damp and you might get uncomfortable. Clothing designed for physical activity is usually made from material that wicks sweat away from your skin, which keeps you dry and comfortable. I personally prefer wearing athletic clothing designed for running and yoga (as opposed to hiking) because I found it fits better (and also looks better).

To see what clothing (and gear) I personally wear when hiking, check out my Backpacking Gear Checklist.

10. Be careful of lightning

If you get caught in a rain storm, be aware of the chance of lightning. Lightning is dangerous, even though the chances of being struck are small, they are not zero. If a rain storm rolls in, you should make your way off of peaks, ridges, and other high ground. Lightning tends to strike the highest object, so stay away from tall lone trees or places of high elevation, especially if you are the tallest thing around.

If you start to feel tingling or your hair stands up, run as fast as you can away from that location because that’s your sign that shit is about to go down.

Hiking in the rain can be a peaceful and enjoyable experience if you stay dry and comfortable. There will be fewer people on the trail, so you can bask in the serenity of nature and feel the rain on your skin! No one else can feel it for you, only you can let it in. 🙂

Check out my YouTube video about hiking in the rain (and snow)!