Backpack in the Rain

Backpacking in the rain is often a necessity when you've trekked in and have no choice but to trek back out in the wet. At other times, it is also the result of the area you have chosen to hike in, such as a Plan a Trip to the Rainforest where dripping water and rain is pretty much guaranteed. Backpacking in the rain is not onerous provided you are prepared; indeed, some people adore it when it rains as they hike! Here are some ideas to help your next trek in the rain.

Steps

  1. Always know the weather forecast before setting out. While this isn't always a good indicator that you'll avoid rain, as storms can come in much faster than forecast, it does give you a general idea of what you can expect for most of your trek and will help you to plan the best route, timing, and even what clothing to take.
  2. Be prepared. Despite knowing the weather, don't think that the sun will continue to shine as promised. Always take wet weather gear with you in case. This is especially true for climates known for dampness and rain (such as New Zealand, maritime zones), for mountain environments, and for backpacking during winter and monsoon seasons. The gear that you should have on hand includes:
    • Pack all of your dry gear in a large black plastic contractor-grade garbage bag, and avoid the expense and weight of a backpack cover. So-called waterproof backpack cover are pretty much useless as any water that runs down the back of your poncho or raincoat will seep into the pack. And even the best waterproof cover won't protect your sleeping bag and clothes from a wet tent once it's packed for travel. If you're afraid of punctures, throw another folded garbage bag bag at the bottom of your backpack as a spare. Contractor-grade garbage bags can also be used as emergency ponchos, shelter, water carriers, washbasins, etc. Cameras, and any other small dry items can just go into zippered plastic bags for easy access.

    • Clean a Raincoat - for you. There is nothing more harrowing than getting soaked to the skin with a backpack to lug around and a muddy trail and dripping trees to tackle. Put the raincoat on when it starts to rain and use the hood and draw cord to keep rain off your face as well. Test when you buy it that there is adequate room to move around in it.
    • Gaiters - these are important for your lower legs to help stop saturation of walking pants during heavy downpours. They also assist with wading through muddy areas and waterlogged areas, to help protect your boots–and you–from anything seeking to bite, such as gnats, snakes, etc.
    • Water-resistant pants - hiking gear is great these days and you should take advantage of it. Purchase quick drying pants and you will be really grateful. You can also get t-shirts, shirts, jackets etc. with similar properties but the pants are the most important as your raincoat stops at some point and leaves your legs exposed.
    • Emergency poncho - have one just in case. It can serve as a pack cover if needed and can clothe any person who forgot their raincoat.
    • Good walking boots - waterproof boots are essential for backpacking in wet, damp and rain-prone areas. Pay for quality and they will last a decade or two, depending on how much you hike.
  3. Keep an eye on changes brought about by rain. Rain can cause very fast changes to the environment and some of these can be really dangerous to you and your hiking companions. Things to be especially wary of include:
    • Streams and rivers. These can fill up incredibly quickly during rain. A once-dry river bed can become a raging torrent in minutes. If you are unsure, keep away from it. Also beware crossing what seems a shallow stream but very fast flowing. The force of the water and slippery stones can knock you off your feet and plummet you downstream into deeper, faster waters. Many have drowned this way. Also, whenever you cross streams, keep your backpack unbuckled in case you slip. This way, you can escape from your pack quickly and easily.
    • Slips. Watch for wash-outs caused by water erosion during rain. This can be on hiking trails, on cliffs etc. The result could be dislodging of ground causing you to slip and fall down a hillside or cliff-face. Alternatively, water erosion can cause stones, and even rocks, to be dislodged from above and fall on you and your hiking pals. Be alert and keep a good lookout at all times.
  4. Find shelter. If the rain is becoming really persistent and heavy, it can pay to find shelter. This might include pitching a tent or tarpaulin structure for temporary respite, or finding a cave, or a large tree etc. Beware trees and other tall structures, however, if there is lightning accompanying the rain.
  5. Keep hydrated and fed. Odd as it may seem, when you are surrounded by rain, people sometimes forget to keep drinking. You are still exerting yourself as much as in the sunshine, so you still need to drink. In addition, keep warm with regular snacks and meals.
  6. Take and use a waterproof map case (or a large sturdy ziplock). This is a wonderful invention that lets you carry your walking map around in the rain. No need to lose your way with this handy tool. There are even waterproof maps if you can find one.
  7. Keep warm. Hypothermia can be a real issue if someone is drenched to the skin and chattering to the bone. Keep an eye on your own sensitivity to the cold air and to effects on others. If signs appear, you will need to act quickly and try to warm the person and prevent the situation from deteriorating further. (See how to treat hypothermia.)



Tips

  • Pack chocolate, nuts, thermos of hot soup/tea/water, crackers, dried fruit and cookies to help keep up your energy when backpacking in wet weather.
  • Bring a large garbage bag. It can function as a back-up poncho, a backpack cover, or a waterproof tent covering or tarp for sleeping, and it's light and takes up minimal space.
  • Bring a spare set of dry socks to change into for when you stop in case your boots soak through. Constantly wet feet can fall victim to fungus, blistering and immersion foot ("trench foot").
  • Avoid fully waterproof rain gear such as silicon treated or rubberized jackets. Any heavy exertion in this type of material will cause you to become soaked with sweat and almost as wet as going without it. Aim for "water resistant" materials if the rain is light or "breathable" fabrics. Even breathable fabrics however can't keep up with very heavy sweat.
  • If you are going somewhere that you know will be wet, take all the items listed and simply be prepared mentally to be damp and wet a lot. If you doing a field trip and need to take notes, don't forget to investigate waterproof notebooks; these are available in good outdoor stores.
  • If you are backpacking in the sense of visiting the world with a backpack, rather than hiking with a backpack, some of this article still applies. Always have a good quality travel raincoat and a waterproof pack cover on hand. Many hostels and hotels appreciate a clean backpacker with clean backpack rather than someone mud-spattered and dripping. Plus, even in urban environments, being wet is truly unpleasant. Have sturdy, water-resistant walking shoes and keep an eye on the forecast each day by checking the internet weather news for your area. And the waterproof map carrier works well for this type of backpack travel too.
  • If it is raining, and there is little wind or obstructions, consider hiking without a jacket and using an umbrella instead. You'll stay cooler and drier.

Warnings

  • If you are hiking in chilly and very windy conditions (e.g. above treeline) being wet can result in dangerous hypothermia even in relatively moderate summer temperatures. Avoiding direct skin exposure to the cold and wind is essential.
  • Unless conditions are tropical avoid wearing cotton clothing (e.g. denim, most t-shirts) in wet conditions. Cotton loses its insulating capacity when wet and will chill you. Use artificial fleece or wool based clothing instead.
  • Beware of leeches in swampy terrain. Gaiters are great, as are long-sleeved and long-legged clothes for preventing them from attaching.
  • Keep out of fast-flowing and fast-rising streams and rivers. A river that has swollen since you last crossed it is a river to beware of. If you must cross it, even if there is a bridge, always unbuckle your pack straps (both the hip belt and the chest strap) so that if you fall into the water, you can easily slip out of your pack and it won't bring you down.
  • Never camp in a riverbed or other dry waterway. You could be fast asleep when the rain begins and the riverbed begins to fill. Also avoid slot canyons if there is any chance of rain, even miles away.
  • Avoid going inside pipelines, culverts and other human-made or natural made water conduits during rainstorms. You could get caught by rising water levels.

Things You'll Need

  • Backpack
  • Backpack plastic cover
  • Waterproof map case
  • Gaiters
  • Waterproof pants
  • Raincoat
  • Boots (solid, waterproof)
  • Ropes

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