How Do Backpackers Stay Dry In Rainy Weather?
There’s nothing that puts a damper on a backpacking trip quite like a rainy forecast. It’s a natural occurrence and it can make the trip more challenging, but if you’re prepared for it, it doesn’t have to ruin the experience.
1. Keep Wet Gear Safe
Even if your backpack is waterproof, it’s still going to get wet inside. This can lead to mould and mildew buildup as well as a lack of dry clothes, so you need to keep your gear safe. To do this, invest in a backpack tidy and organiser and try to keep items that are particularly wet, like electronics and camera equipment, safe within the pack.
2. Use a Lightweight Rain Cover
There are several ways to keep your backpack dry but the best and most effective is to cover it with a waterproof rain cover. Many newer packs come with a stowable cover and they’re a good choice for the majority of hikers. Alternatively, you can also buy a waterproof backpack liner and place it inside your pack to keep the contents safe.
3. Wear Shoes That Drain Quickly
If you are prone to blisters on your feet, it is important to wear shoes that drain quickly and easily so that they will not get wet. You can do this by choosing a pair of lightweight synthetic hiking boots that are not only waterproof but also have a breathable mesh upper that will help to dry your feet.
4. Take A Rain Umbrella
During a downpour, the worst thing that can happen is for water to run off your boots onto your skin or other clothing and into the lining of your backpack. This is not only bad for your skin but also a very un-hiking experience!
5. Carry Extra Socks And Ankle Gaiters
It can be difficult to find a decent pair of ankle gaiters for lightweight hiking boots. But a pair of gaiters can go a long way to keeping your feet dry and prevent blisters.
6. Use A Lightweight Rain Coat
The hood of your rain coat is another great way to keep your head, neck and torso dry. The hood helps to stop the rain from soaking through your clothing and will help keep your head warm too.
7. Put Your Base Layers Up Away From The Wrist
It’s a common mistake to leave your wrists and sleeves tucked away under your shirt when you are in heavy rain, and this is a common cause of leakage from the base layers that are inside. To avoid this, look for waterproof cuffs and push any long sleeved base layers up away from your wrist to minimize the amount of water that can penetrate through the cuffs.
8. Don’t Power Through Wet Feet
Wet feet can be a problem on long hikes where the ground is soft or muddy and can be a major irritant to your feet and lower legs. When this happens, you should change your socks and apply foot balms or plasters to the affected area.
