Do you fashion yourself an adventurer at heart? Finding yourself wanting to hike, even under stormy weather and unfavorable winds? Maybe you’ve got that walking itch that needs to be scratched, while every other person decides to stay down until the weather calms?
Well, no need to fear. While hiking under the rain is an uncommon activity, it is no means one that cannot be enjoyed. Done well, the experience you can get might be just as grand as a hike under the sun, yet it would feel like a much different experience, thanks to having sights that you don’t normal get during a regular day.
However, this all depends on whether you have made proper preparations for your journey, so what should you do?
Research the trail that you wish to go through
While many trails are good to go through, rain or shine, it would still be beneficial for you to sit down and properly examine the trails that are available to you.
There are still some trails out there that are better left for sunny days. For instance, trails that take you up in the mountains, or trails that go through or flowing river, just to give you some examples.
The best trails during the rain are ones on even ground, such as forests, as they allow you to help enjoy the presence of the rain around you.
Not only that, there is the chance that a route might be blocked or unavailable, either during your hike or on your trip back.
With that said, hiking in a more controlled environment means that it is much easier to get back on the trail and head home, should things start getting worse.
And while you’re at it, spare a couple of minutes to research the weather in your area as well. It would do you well to be properly aware of how strong the rain is and whether or not it will worsen over time. That way, you can anticipate whether or not it might be too risky to continue with the hike.
Wear and bring proper clothing
You will be wearing more layers than your usual hike, thanks to the rain, but you probably won’t need to go out and get an entire new wardrobe just to hike under the rain.
It is important to note, however, that getting wet under the rain is an inevitability, it is only a matter of when. Whether it is by the rain or your own sweat, the end result is the same.
Rule of thumb: Stay away from clothing that uses poor insulating materials when wet, like cotton. Should they get wet, you run a bigger risk of getting hit with hypothermia, which is the last thing you want on a supposedly relaxing hike under the rain. Synthetic or wool material for clothing is much better.
Since it is raining, that means you will need to wear rain gear. Rain jackets, rain socks, and hiking socks work will work well for you. Your hiking boots are likely to already be waterproof and will help keep your feet dry at least until they start sweating.
You can also bring a hiking pole, which will help you maintain your balance, especially on slippery paths under the rain.
Bring snacks and beverages
Whether it is on a sunny or a rainy hike, having a pick-me up in the form of a nice biscuit or a good chug of water will help energize you to continue on your journey. Plus, you get to sit back and watch nature while you snack.
Just make sure to pack it in waterproof material, especially if it is out of the wrapper!
Waterproof your things
Like yourself, your own things should be waterproofed as well.
A waterproof sack or zip lock bags for your electronic devices (cellphone, headphones, etc.) and extra clothes will do wonders to protect them from the rain. Toilet paper, especially, should be well hidden if you don’t want to have a bundle of useless wet paper later on.
Watch for hiking hazards
New weather brings new hazards that you don’t see on a regular day.
That means that while it is okay to relax and take in the scenery while you hike, you should also be alert to your surroundings.
The path is more slippery and muddy while bodies of water may overflow depending on how strong the rain is. Winds might disrupt your sense of balance and direction or even blow away your things.
Most of these, however, can be avoided my simply paying proper attention to both the weather and your surroundings and acting accordingly.
Be flexible and ready to turn back if conditions worsen
Even with your best preparations, with the best gear and the best weather reporting for the best trail, the hike might still be too dangerous to proceed. Maybe the weather reporting was wrong, and the storm was much stronger than expected, or maybe you find a tree log suddenly blocking your trail when it wasn’t there before.
Don’t be stubborn. Always expect the unexpected, especially during a rain shower, and turn back if need be. Your safety is much more important than a relaxing walk. There’s always next time.