13 Recommended Items for Hiking in the Rain
This post is sponsored by adidas.
When exploring the outdoors, I encourage you to follow Leave No Trace Principles and be respectful of where you are so we can preserve these spaces for future generations. ♥️
Do you have what you need to go hiking in the rain?
While hiking in the rain can definitely put a damper (pun intended) on your hike, that doesn’t mean that you need to completely cancel your adventure outdoors. I hate seeing rain in the forecast, but unless it is dangerous to get out on the trail, I usually tend to go ahead and set out on my adventure anyway.
But making sure you have the right items can make all the difference when you plan on getting wet. There are some things I just will not leave the house without when it comes to a rainy day, and I tend to pack a lot more when I know that I will be dealing with wet weather.
Here are some of my can’t-leave-behind items when I plan on taking on the rain on my hikes, as well as some tips on how to choose the right type of gear for your own adventure.
In summary: This article covers some of the basic items I recommend when you choose to take on your rainy-day hikes.
Quick tip: Make sure to check the weather forecast several days before you plan on hiking so you know what to expect–you don’t want to be surprised by rain when you show up to the trailhead!
1. Rain jacket
This might be your most essential item for repelling rain on this entire list. Your upper body and head are the spots where you are most likely to lose heat on a cold, wet day, so having some protection can keep you from catching a chill or worse: hypothermia.
Typically, you’re going to want to look for a jacket that has a waterproof coating like Gore-Tex so water doesn’t seep in while you are moving. I also tend to look for ways to ventilate while hiking since sweat underneath a waterproof jacket can also be a problem. Armpit zippers tend to be the best way to release that heat while still staying dry.
A solid hood that covers your entire head is also necessary when dealing with heavy rainfall. You can have an incredible jacket, but if it doesn’t have a hood, you’re still at risk for not being able to regulate your body temperature. To make sure the fit will work, I recommend heading to a sporting goods store to try a few on until you find the right jacket for you.
2. Waterproof hiking pants
When a little rain must fall, hiking pants can provide an additional layer of protection. While not as crucial as a jacket, if you are hiking in colder temperatures and you need to keep warm and dry, these can be a good idea to have, as well.
Before you head out on the trail, make sure to check and see how warm the temperature looks. From there, you can decide if you will need to have lighter-weight shell pants or ones with some lining in them. Like a jacket, it might be worth it to try on a pair in a store with any base layers you might wear if hiking in cold temps.
3. Waterproof hiking shoes or hiking boots
This is a given, but when your feet are wet you are at a much greater risk of dealing with debilitating blisters that can quickly end your adventure. Whether you choose waterproof hiking boots or waterproof hiking shoes is up to you, but make sure they have a waterproof membrane if you are dealing with heavy rain and are made of a material like Gore-Tex.
4. Moisture-wicking shirt
Even the best rain jackets might not be able to completely keep you dry, so having a shirt that can quickly dry underneath can keep you from holding in moisture. As you might guess, this can lead to some serious consequences like the dreaded, and in some cases, deadly, hypothermia.
No matter what, try to avoid cotton since it can trap water and stick to your skin, keeping sweat and rainwater close to your body.
5. Wool socks
Just like your shirt, wearing cotton or polyester socks is asking for trouble. Because both of those materials retain water, you’re much more likely to develop blisters while wearing them on a wet hike.
The solution for this is investing in a pair of wool hiking socks. While they might be a little more expensive than what you would wear day-to-day, they can ensure that you won’t develop any sores if your hiking boots or shoes leak through. I also tend to look for those that will poke out from hiking boot uppers so I know that water won’t seep in through the top of my boots.
6. Dry sacks
If you are like me and you carry valuable electronics with you when you hike, a dry sack can be a necessity. Since I usually have a camera and occasionally a drone with me, knowing that these items are protected help me to relax and enjoy my hike.
These are usually pretty affordable and are an easy item to add to your pack when heading out in the wilderness when it’s drizzling.
7. Plastic bags
For items like socks that I know will get wet while hiking, I keep a few plastic bags in my bag in case I need to change into drier options at some point. This has been incredibly useful when I am on multi-day backpacking trips dealing with some rainy days and some sunny days, and it keeps the dry items in my bag from getting soaked.
8. Trash bag
A trash bag can be used in a number of ways when you are expecting rain in the forecast. It can serve as a makeshift rain cover for your pack or a poncho for you if you need some extra protection. Plus, it doesn’t take up much space!
9. Trekking poles
Unless I am on a mountaineering trip, I don’t usually hike with poles. However, the one exception to this is when I know I’m dealing with slick, rain-soaked terrain. Poles can stabilize you and keep you from falling, especially when you are hiking on desert slickrock and you might have a harder time gaining your footing.
10. Blister prevention supplies
Depending on how heavy the rain is, you might be dealing with rain-soaked boots and socks no matter what material they’re made out of. When you feel a blister coming on, having supplies to help you avoid it getting worse or to care for it if it’s already formed can be the determining factor of whether or not you can keep going.
Moleskin is always good to have on hand, as well as band-aids and antiseptic wipes to clean your wound. That’s why I also suggest bringing along a small first aid kit with you no matter whether your adventures are wet or dry.
11. Headlamp
Visibility is lessened when you are hiking in the rain–especially at night. I always stick a headlamp and extra batteries in my pack with me if I know I will be out in a heavy storm with little sun or hiking in the dark.
12. Rain cover
While most hiking packs are water-resistant, having a rain cover on hand can be one of the best ways to ensure that the items inside don’t get more wet. Many brands include a rain cover with their packs–which is one reason I love my Osprey bags, but some need to be purchased separately.
13. Gloves and hand warmers (depending on the cold)
If you are in a hot climate, a pair of gloves and hand warmers would definitely be overkill, but they can be a godsend when dealing with chilly temps or variable weather with snow or hail. Look for a waterproof coating just like you would with your rain jacket and consider glove liners if you’re planning on a truly chilly adventure.
Conclusion
Having the right gear for your hike in the rain can take it from a miserable time to a memorable one. While it’s never ideal trekking through a downpour, with these items I’ve had much more fun than I would have if I had gone into my wet hike unprepared.
Have any questions about gear you should bring with you when hiking in the rain? Let me know in the comments!
