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Spring is here, and with spring, comes rain! Lots and lots of rain. Even while you are sitting there reading this, Niagara Adventure Club and 6 awesome hikers are out on their 3rd day braving the rain. Rain in the Summer is nice and refreshing. But with Spring's cool temperatures, rain can be very uncomfortable and even dangerous. So let's take a look at some of the best ways to stay dry and safe in the rain.
Are you headed out for a hike and worried about the weather? It’s important to always be prepared for any conditions, so we’ve got some tips for hiking in rain. First, make sure you know how to pack for a day hike in general, and then we’ll discuss specific gear for hiking in rain and other considerations for staying safe and dry.
Do Your Research
First things first, always check weather reports before you head out. There is a difference between a drizzle and a thunderstorm, both in terms of comfort and safety. If there are severe weather warnings or if your hike includes a potential flashflood area like a canyon, consider postponing your trip. Either way, be sure to tell a friend about your planned whereabouts in case the weather becomes hazardous. Lastly, pack the ten essentials to be prepared for every situation.
Pack a Hot Drink
When packing for a day hike, you should always bring plenty of water and snacks. When packing for a rainy day hike, you may want to add a nice warm beverage to the mix. You can prepare a thermos ahead of time and leave it in the car for when you finish the hike. If you are backpacking for a couple of days, drink mixes like hot cocoa can be a real treat to warm you up.
Wear the Right Rain Gear
As is best practice for every hiking trip, you should wear moisture-wicking inner layers. Dry-fit shirts and wool socks will keep you dry even when you sweat or get caught in the rain. These proper layers insulate body heat, help prevent blisters, and can be the difference between a safe rainy hike and a dangerous wet one.
RAIN JACKET For outer layers, a waterproof rain jacket is a must. Something light that fits in a day pack is a smart choice to avoid bulk in good weather. The most important thing to note is the distinction between water-resistant and waterproof materials. A water-resistant jacket might stay dry if you spill your drink or walk through a sprinkler. However, it is not suitable for hiking in the rain. After a while, the material gets bogged down with water and can become extremely uncomfortable. To avoid being cold, wet, and miserable, a certified waterproof raincoat is an absolute necessity.
RAIN PANTS and PROPER FOOTWEAR Waterproof pants and hiking shoes are the two other essential pieces to stay dry on a rainy day. Waterproof boots are my go-to even on clear days. If I happen to step in a puddle or hop a small stream, my feet stay dry. The one downside with waterproof shoes is that they are not breathable. If rain does get in, it will be extremely hard to get them dry, and you will find yourself walking in puddles the rest of the day. The main concern with wet feet is blisters. When skin gets wet, it is more susceptible to breaking and forming blisters. This is why waterproof pants and shoes (that don’t have a gap at the ankle) are the best way to keep dry. Two other helpful pieces of gear are a towel and an extra pair of socks. You may choose to leave these in the car to dry off when you return. Having a towel for wet hair and drying off wet skin is really helpful, and there is nothing as comforting as putting on warm, dry socks after a wet hike.
Waterproof Your Gear
Next, unless your day pack is truly waterproof, you will want to make sure the stuff inside is well protected. Your phone, cash, food, and other personal items can be kept dry by putting them in dry bags or plastic baggies. A waterproof phone case will help make sure you always have access to navigation tools and emergency services. If you are backpacking for a couple of days, rather than just on a day hike, you will especially want to ensure your sleeping bag, clothes, and toilet paper do not get wet. One great way to keep all your gear dry at once is with garbage bags. Rather than put each item individually in small plastic bags, you can line your entire pack with a garbage bag and then pack everything like normal. As long as you secure the bag shut and get the water off before you open it, you should be able to keep your important belongings free from the rain.
Know Safety Protocols
There are a few important rules to keep in mind for hiking in dangerous weather conditions. First, assume everything will be slippery. Rocks, wooden steps, mossy tree roots: everything is easy to slip on when wet. Be sure to keep your eyes on the trail and tread carefully. If you find yourself caught in a thunderstorm, seek shelter, head to lower elevation, avoid the tallest trees, and avoid open meadows. If you are with a group, you should spread out to reduce the number of injuries in the event that there is a lightening strike. Finally, if you were planning on crossing a stream on your hike, remember that it will be larger in the rain. You should always have an established path with branches or rocks to hold onto for safety. Added water means added current, so be extra careful not to get your feet swept out from under you. Read How to Ford a River Safely for more information.
Dry Out After a Wet Hike
If you head home after your day of hiking in the rain, you can throw your clothes right in the wash. If you’re out for a couple of days, hang everything to dry. Put your hiking shoes in the sun or near a fire (not too close!). It is easy for mold to develop in gear that does not dry properly, so dry out your boots to extend their life.
Consider a Guided Hike
One great way to avoid the hassle and confusion of preparing for hiking in the rain is to book a guided hike. You can learn so much from professional hiking guides on how to prepare and navigate a rainy hike, and you’ll also benefit from someone bringing along those essential first aid supplies. If you are feeling dispirited that the rain ruined your hiking trip, know that it is very possible to have a great time in any weather. With a little preparation and the right gear for hiking in rain, you can ensure a comfortable experience with Mother Nature’s wetter side.
Written by Benjamin Panico for Broadmoor Outfitters, published on March 17, 2023N.A.C. NEWS
(Sunday, April 23, 2023)
Good Morning,
I am writing this edition of Adventure Weekly on Thursday morning. The reason I am writing it so early is because while you are reading this, myself and a group of 6 will be just waking up in the middle of a forest along the Bruce Trail in Owen Sound. We will begin filtering some water soon and making breakfast before packing up camp and hiking 19kms back to the cars to finish up our Walter's Falls Multi-day Hike on the Bruce Trail. As I am writing this, I have just viewed the weather forecast for the Walter's Falls area where we will be backpacking. It doesn't look pretty, there is a lot of rain forecasted. I have attempted this same multi-day hike 3 times in the past. The first time, it was cancelled it due to the pandemic. The second time, Christopher, Richard and I got on the trail, got stuck in a downpour all night, and only completed the first day and one night before the weather was so bad we had to call in a taxi service to bail us out. And the final time, I again had to cancel again due to weather. All 3 times were in the end of the backpacking season, so this time, I decided to try the beginning of the backpacking season. Well, again the weather doesn't want to cooperate. I am beginning to think this trip is cursed. This coming Friday, there is another Rock, Don't Run Indoor Climbing event coming. Other than that, there are no other day hikes or climbing events set up. I will be home late tonight, and during this week, I will plan and set up events to take us right into July when we will embark on our Iceland Expedition. Make sure to watch the Events Page for many more events to be posted soon!
That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy hiking! Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club