Planning to buy the best rain gear for hiking? Many don’t like the pitter-patter of rain when going on a hike but the truth is told, excitement can be doubled when hiking amid the wet and the cold. But while you may already have the “10 essentials” at hand, it may be best to adjust your list should you brave hiking with imminent deluge on the horizon.
Arcteryx Motus SS Crew – Women’s
Even when it’s all sunny, it won’t hurt to be prepared particularly when scaling high elevations. The contention is– bring along what will not only protect your stuff from getting wet or soiled but also save your life and make the trip more rewarding.
The Rainy Hike Day Essentials
Waterproofing and weatherproofing are two important factors to consider when prepping for a big hike. No problem with short hikes and easy trails, but if you’ll be out and about for hours and the possibility of getting lost in the maze of flora and fauna then, it would be wise to be ready even without dark clouds hanging in the sky. Here’s what a wise hiker should prepare.
- Inner Layer. Think- zero cottons Instead, choose a quick-dry moisture-wicking shirt as a primary layer. Cotton absorbs water–fast– and doesn’t dry out as much. Instead choose nylon or polyester clothing (including undies, too!) like the Arcteryx Motus SS Crew Neck Hiking Shirt is a good option.
Arcteryx Motus SS Crew Neck Hiking Shirt
- Outer Layer. Always tag a rain jacket along with you. Multi-day hikes, for instance, will have you exposed to different weather conditions. Even in the dread of summer, precipitation may cause spontaneous rainfall in some regions. When choosing a jacket, choose synthetic insulation and look for waterproofing grade quality like the Diamond Candy Waterproof Women’s Outdoor Jacket. Again, “water-resistant” is not enough. Always choose certified waterproof with soft-shell cover for maximum protection and comfort.
Diamond Candy Waterproof Women’s Outdoor Jacket
It’s not enough to just pack a hooded jacket though. To prevent water from clouding your vision, this Outdoor Research Halo Rain Cap truly makes a difference. Though waterproof, wear it under your jacket’s hood for double protection.
Outdoor Research Halo Rain Cap
Aside from a waterproof jacket, make sure to wear quick-dry, waterproof hiking pants. It is such a hassle to hike with pants dragging you down. The Columbia Storm Surge Pants, for instance, is made of quick-drying moisture-wicking nylon + polyester fabric complemented with trademark Omni-Shield exterior. Definitely, pants engineered to handle wet conditions are a great addition to your gear list.
Columbia Storm Surge Pants
- Footwear. Don’t forget hiking shoes. Rainy condition calls for waterproof boots like this Timberland White Ledge Boot. It keeps feet dry preventing nasty blisters while outsole offers the best traction when trudging wet and slimy trails. Deep lugged soles also make it best for mud and stability.
Timberland White Ledge Men’s Waterproof Boot
- Must-Have Gaiters. Of course, don’t forget those gaiters. This pair of Outdoor Research Men’s Rocky Mountain High Gaiters will not only shield your footsies and your boots from mud, water, pebbles, loose sand, grime, and dirt, it also keeps your footsies warm.
Outdoor Research Men’s Rocky Mountain High Gaiters
- Backpack Protection. Don’t forget to protect your backpack, too. Have it covered with a JoyWalker Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover. Some experienced trailblazers usually pack extra clothing and hiking stuff in a trash bag or dry sack. Phone, GPS, GoPro cams and other knick-knacks can be encased in a Ziploc.
Joy Walker Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover
- Other Essentials. Do remember to bring hand warmers, a bandana, and a blister pack. Trekking poles may also help go around slippery slopes or when crossing waterways while a headlamp help guides your way when gloom overrides the light inner sanctum of a trail. And even when you’re not wearing a jacket, this Andake Reusable Rain Poncho can be a lifesaver when water starts dripping from the sky.
Andake Reusable Rain Poncho
One rule of thumb when on a hike– staying dry is better than drying out. But just because the weatherman told you it’s going to rain doesn’t mean you can just shrug off a good day to hike. With the best rain gear for hiking handy, you can finally enjoy frolicking in the utmost solitude and magical charm of the trail as both flora and fauna welcome you with glee.
