So, you’ve made up your mind about defying the soggy wonderland of hiking in the rain, huh?
Get ready then to let loose your inner water warrior and dive carelessly into the drizzling insanity!
Rainy hikes are not everyone’s cup of tea, but for us, bold outdoor fanatics, we can’t resist the call of this odd but oh-so tempting mixture of absurdity, beauty, and a drop (Did I say drop?) of madness.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: wet socks and pants, curly hairs, soggy jacket are not a notion of good time for nobody. That’s why proper gear is about as important as not forgetting your hiking boots (believe me, flip-flops will not score here).
No, seriously, we are talking about rain jackets that could double as rainforest-proof umbrellas, waterproof pants that keep your legs drier than a desert, and backpack rain covers that turn your backpack into a fashion-forward waterproof fortress.
After all, having the right gear is not just about looking like a diehard explorer (even if it can give you some street cred). It’s more about ensuring that your experience in the rain-soaked wilderness will be as comfortable and safe as possible.
Because let’s agree on this, slipping and sliding on muddy trails can be priceless but ending up with a nasty fall is not so funny (I know what I’m talking about).
So, before you embark on your rainy adventure, I will reveal some of the must-have hiking gear that will help you “sail” the wet trails with ease and confidence.
Essential Rain Gear for Hiking
Photo by Dan Gold on UnsplashRain Jacket
Material
When you hike in the rain, your trustworthy rain jacket is your knight in … waterproof armor.
But keep in mind, my brave friends, that not all rain jackets are created equal. You need to choose wisely because in the rain gear world things can get complicated.
First of all, let’s talk material. You are looking for a material that says “waterproof” and “breathable”. This fabric will repel water but will also allow your skin to breathe so you don’t turn into a walking sauna. Oh, and one more characteristic I almost forgot that is as important as the other two guys above and that is the “seam sealing” so water won’t find a way in through the stitches of your jacket.
This material is often engineered with tiny pores or laminated layers that repel liquid water molecules while allowing water vapor (a.k.a. sweat) to escape.
Among the well-known materials you can find the legendary Gore-Tex, the rebellious genius eVent and the versatile DryVent developed by The NorthFace. Of course, there are many more (at least 7 or 8 I know of) but I don’t want to drown you with the less popular ones.
Hey, I’m not finished yet with this rain jacket material. I know you like the quick tips approach when it comes to choosing hiking gear but there are two more aspects for this magical fabric that will laugh at the face of rain, “waterproof rating” and “number of layers”.
So, to make it easy on you guys, here are two tables that will, I hope, make your quest for the perfect rain jacket as easy as rolling off a log.
Waterproof Ratings:
| Waterproof Rating | Water Resistance Rating | Suitable Weather Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 1,500 mm | Low to moderate | Light rain or occasional drizzle |
| 5,000 mm | Moderate | Light to moderate rain or short periods of exposure to moisture |
| 10,000 mm | High | Moderate to heavy rain or extended periods in wet environments |
| 20,000 mm | Very High | Heavy rain, downpours, or prolonged exposure to wet conditions |
| 30,000 mm and above | Excellent | Intense rain, stormy weather, or activities involving prolonged exposure to moisture |
Layers options:
| Layer Type | Construction | Characteristics | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Layers | Outer fabric + Inner lining | Outer fabric provides water resistance, inner lining offers comfort and may have moisture-wicking properties | Affordable | Can be less breathable and heavier compared to other options |
| 2.5 Layers | Outer fabric + Thin laminate + Printed or sprayed-on coating | Thin laminate layer provides waterproofness, printed or sprayed-on coating protects the laminate and enhances durability | Lightweight and packable | Less durable compared to 3-layer construction; printed or sprayed-on coatings may wear off over time |
| 3 Layers | Outer fabric + Waterproof membrane + Inner lining | Outer fabric provides durability, waterproof membrane offers maximum water resistance, inner lining enhances comfort | Excellent waterproofness and breathability | Generally more expensive; can be slightly heavier and less packable compared to 2.5-layer construction |
See, wasn’t that bad. Now that you know everything about the material of your future rain jacket (which basically is a hiking jacket! AH!) let’s talk about three more, not as insignificant as they look, factors.
Fit
Fit is another fundamental aspect to consider. You want your rain jacket to be like a second skin that will stretch and move with you.
Your jacket will give you enough room for those rain-dodging moves but not so much that you look like an oversized and baggy penguin.
Snug, but not suffocating – that’s the key.
Hood
Let’s talk now about the hood. Ah, that imperial hood! It’s like your own rain castle for your head.
I would highly suggest (since I’ve been using all sort of rain jackets since I’m a kid) you look for an adjustable hood that will allow enough tightening when the rain is coming sideways and the wind will try to uncover your precious head of yours.
Pay attention that the hood covers your forehead and is articulated (No, not the language term) so you can turn your head and it stays put.
If you can find a rain jacket with a hood with a stiff brim, even better, go for it, you won’t regret it as you will get less rain on your face and eyes… or glasses.
Pockets
Pockets are the final touch on your perfect rain jacket. Seek the ones that are roomy and deep enough to stack all your easy to reach items (phone, camera, GPS, snacks, keys, your squirrel pet… just kidding, leave the squirrels alone!).
Zippered pockets are a big plus since they keep your valuable stuff safe, secure and DRY (Have you ever eat a soggy sandwich?)
So, my pluviophile friends (pluvio.. what? I was just looking for another word for rain-loving, fancy isn’t it?), just remember the golden rules for a rain jacket: waterproof, breathable, fit like a dream, articulated hood and zippered deep pockets, and you’ll be ready to conquer those rain-soaked trails like a true adventurer.
To make you an idea of all the elements we talked about above, I’ve selected some of the best rain jackets that have the highest ratings and that I really like:
Women’s:
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Men’s:
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Waterproof Pants
Just like a trusty rain jacket, waterproof pants will make your rainy hiking experience even more enjoyable.
Before choosing your rain-defying pants, take your time to assess your needs, consider the terrain you’ll be tackling, and choose pants that strike the right balance between waterproofness, breathability, style, comfort, and functionality.
So, let’s dive in:
- Waterproofness: Look for pants that are explicitly labeled as “waterproof” or have a high waterproof rating (same as my handy tables above).
- Breathability: like the rain jacket, you don’t want to trap all that precious sweat and heat inside. So, look for good breathability, allowing moisture and excess heat to escape. Again “breathable” should be written on the pants tag.
- Durability: These leg protectors also shield you from the sneaky tricks of nature, such as prickly bushes, thorny branches, and creepy-crawlies that may lurk along the trails. Look for pants made from durable materials that can resist abrasion and hold up well under challenging conditions. Reinforced knees and seat areas are excellent additions for added durability.
- Comfort and mobility: Seek pants that offer a relaxed yet functional fit, allowing you to comfortably move and stride along the trails.
- Weight and packability: Look for lightweight and packable options that won’t weigh you down or take up excessive space in your backpack.
- Features and adjustability: These can include adjustable waistbands, elasticized cuffs, or zippered vents for temperature regulation.
- Pockets and storage: secure and accessible pockets are a big plus. Just make sure that they are designed in a way that will not comprise the waterproofness of the pants.
- Style: For unpredictable weather conditions or just for freedom to adjust, convertible rain pants are ideal. With a simple zip you can easily switch between full rain protection or increased breathability.
My selection:
Women’s:
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Men’s:
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Rain Cover for Backpack
Ah, the mystical rain cover for backpacks.
Now that you are protected from head to toes (maybe not toes as I didn’t talk about footwear yet!) from the relentless onslaught of rain, you wouldn’t feel very happy after a full day of exceptional experience hiking in the rain to discover that all your precious belongings are soaked wet.
When I first started hiking in the rain, I really thought that all backpacks were more or less waterproofed but, believe me, they are NOT.
Rain covers are here to save the (rainy) day as they are designed to keep your backpack and everything inside snug as bug in rug and completely dry.
So here are some words of wisdom when it comes to selecting a rain cover for backpack:
- Consider the shape and design of your backpack.
- Look for a rain cover that fits well and wraps around the contours of your backpack without leaving any gaps. They come in sizes that correspond to backpack capacities, such as small, medium, or large.
- A snug fit is important to ensure effective protection from rain and to prevent the cover from flapping or sliding off during your ventures.
What I also discovered later on is that many big brands of backpacks (Deuter, Osprey, etc) come with their own rain cover usually ingeniously hidden in a little pouch inside the hood. I don’t need to tell you how stupid I felt when I took out all my wet stuff from my backpack just to stumble upon that hidden rain cover (and I still consider myself a proud blond).
So, if you found one of these in your backpack, great, and if you think that it’ll do the job even better. But you should know that these rain covers don’t offer extra features such as integrated storage pouches, reflective accents for visibility, or even extra attachments like bungee cords for securing gear on the outside of the backpack.
To resume, choose one that fits like a glove, providing reliable protection to your gear. Embrace the features and sizes available, and keep an eye out for durability, convenience, and good waterproofness.
And again, I did some research and here is my selection:
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Waterproof footwear
I don’t want to imagine anyone hiking in the rain with flip-flops or sandals, even though I’ve met some of these “Footloose and Fancy-Free” hikers.
Hiking footwear is another wide-ranging and overwhelming topic and I will not get into it here. Everything you need to know about hiking boots and shoes is right in this “How to Choose Hiking Boots and Shoes” extensive buying guide I’m pretty proud of.
But just remember that investing in quality waterproof footwear is like arming your feet with the ultimate defense against the forces of nature.
You can embrace the hiking boots for their rugged strength or pick nimble trail shoes for their agility and versatility.
Regardless of your choice, prioritize reputable brands known, like Salomon, Salewa, Merrel, Lowa or Hanwag for their commitment to quality and performance.
And if you have to remember one thing, if your shoes or boots say GTX (Gore-Tex), you should be covered :). Trust me, I’ve tried them all and never had wet feet.
Some of my favorite waterproof hiking shoes and boots:
Women’s:
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Men’s:
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gaiters
You must be wondering why would I talk about gaiters for hiking in the rain? Aren’t they more suitable for walking into deep snow?
This is where those nifty accessories, my brave friends, will save your boots from the perils of water, mud, and all those pesky trail debris that seem determined to hitch a ride inside your precious footwear.
But there is more.
In the beginning, I wouldn’t wear gaiters into the rain, but of course all the rest of the waterproof gear I talked above, like pants, jackets, boots, backpack cover.
Just to realize that gravity works for everything, even water.
Where would all these droplets accumulated on my water repellent gear go?
They would roll down to that ultimate meeting point which is located exactly where my waterproof pants or rain poncho end and where my hiking boots start, and they would end up dripping right into your boots through the collar.
Get the idea? If not check that marvelous article on “how to choose your hiking boots” where I have some nice illustrations.
Basically, consider gaiters with sturdy closures, like buckles or Velcro straps, that can be easily adjusted and provide a secure fit. This way, you can fine-tune the tightness and ensure your gaiters stay in place throughout your hike.
For ankle gaiters, models like the Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low are popular choices, offering lightweight protection and durability.
If you’re in the market for full-length gaiters, brands like Outdoor Research and Black Diamond offer a wide range of options with robust construction and reliable waterproofing.
My suggestions:
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
And here is my last piece of advice my intrepid rain-loving hikers.
Consider trekking poles as your loyal companions on wet and rainy hikes.
They give you stability in slippery situations, better traction, rain or shine, offer some undeniable uphill assistance and help you descending with grace.
Oh, and one more thing trekking poles can be used for in heavy rain.
Extend your trekking poles, attach a tarp, poncho, or even a spare jacket, and voila! You have a temporary umbrella, shielding you from the heavens’ watery offerings. It may not be the most elegant solution, but desperate times call for creative measures!
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