5 Tips for Hiking in Rain
Hiking in Rain on the Dingle Way in Ireland
Lets face it, you can’t wait for perfect conditions or time to hike. The key to hiking in the rain is preparing for it. Here are 5 tips and more to help you get ready.
1) Wear Breathable Rain Gear – it must be waterproof not water resistant.
2) Clothes – a) Base-layer – Wear moisture-wicking clothing underneath – merino wool is the best but polyester works too. Generally you end up sweating underneath. Thus the wool or polyester keeps the water off your skin and you warm. Do not wear cotton. b) most hiking shorts & pants are nylon and dry quickly.
3) Wear Gore Tex (waterproof) hiking boots..
4) Use trekking poles when hiking in the rain – great for balance, crossing streams & brooks and going up and down hills.
5) Wear Gore Tex gaiters
Other important tips – Make sure you have rain cover for your daypack. Never trust a rain cover…way tends to go down the back of your dayback. Always put your gear inside your daypack in dry bags, pouches or ziplocks. Take a pair of waterproof gloves with you to wear to keep your hands warm. Cycling gloves can be used. Take an extra pair of socks. Change into a dry set of clothes when you finished hiking. A warm fleece jacket is nice to put on afterwards.