Rain Hiking

There are a few things that separate more experienced hikers and backpackers from less experienced ones. The top skill is hiking and swimming in the rain, something that a lot of hikers go to great lengths to avoid.

If you only hike on days when there is no chance of rain, you won’t do much hiking. Sooner or later, you are going to get soaked through on a hike, even before you go for a swim. Getting wet doesn't mean you’ll get hypothermia. You just need to become a little more vigilant in managing your thermo regulation.

Gentle Nature

When it rains you can experience nature at its gentle side. The ground is softer, the air smells fresh and full of fragrances. Enjoy listening to the rainfall, watch the drops run off your rain cape, and the feeling as the rain is peacefully soaking you. Hiking through constant rain can be quite fun even though you get all wet. Here are tips for taking a backpacking trip through extended wet weather.

Amphibious Trekking

The most beautiful places in nature are off the beaten track, beyond rivers, lakes and muddy trails. You may cross flooded ditches, crawl through mud pits, and clean off while swimming in a lake. Just when your clothes have dried a bit, there is yet another beauty spot beyond the water, and so you go in for another soaking.

Prepare to get soaking wet and muddy on this amphibious trek. That is its appeal and where the fun comes in. Wetland trekking is unpredictable. One moment you're dry, the next you're soaking wet. The thrill is that you may not know when you have to go into the water or slide through a mud pit.

The best part of a wet trek is when you go into a lake or stand under a small waterfall. It is a refreshing chance to clear the mud and dirt out of your clothes.

Hiker Wash

Hiker Wash (which is also called Runner Wash or Mountain Biker Wash) occurs when saturated vegetation comes in contact repeatedly with your carefully dried shoes, socks, and, if the brush is tall enough, the rest of your outfit. Your whole outfit. For days.

Hiker Wash is a cool morning phenomenon. You'll find it also near waterfalls, and for a while after the rain stops. This is a nice experience when the temperature is warm and a refreshing start to your hike. Your clothes get wet but will dry soon as you keep going after a good hiker wash.

Wear thin quick drying pants, a long sleeve top, and maybe your hiking cape to protect from nettles and insects. Put your other clothes into your bag to keep them dry. Don't get any dry clothes wet. In the humid climate it takes a long time to dry anything.

Enjoy seeing other hikers traipsing in front of you, taking Hiker Wash for the team. Swap the lead occasionally, so everyone has a chance to get washed, clothes and all.

Regular Practice

The best thing you can do is to get used to being wet with a bit of regular practice. The hard part is that you have to get re-accustomed every summer, since you've spent the winter avoiding wetness like the plague. It does seem to get easier every summer, though, especially when you don’t have much of an alternative.

For a good practice session dress in light sportswear with a poncho or rain cape on top. Get under the shower or use a hose pipe to get wet from the outside. Put the hood up to see how much water comes in through the face opening. Then put the hood down and notice how much more water comes in through the collar. Once you're all wet go for a brisk walk.

Go for a Walk in the Rain

Keep your hands inside your poncho or cape and swing them as you walk to get better ventilation to dry your clothes. Go out on all rainy days to get used to a good soaking. If possible, go for a swim. Ponchos and anoraks are easy to swim in, so start practising.

Learn how to stay healthy and safe when you get wet. You can only gain this experience by hiking in the rain, which is why you want to practice it close to home before you need to rely on it in more challenging or dangerous conditions.