Hiking in the Rain: A Guide to Staying Dry

If you spend enough days hiking, you’re bound to find yourself trekking through the rain at some point. Whether a light drizzle or a torrential downpour, you want to make sure you stay dry. So, what is the best plan for doing so?

Well, everyone has their own preferences that they have learned with their experiences so there isn’t one right answer. It is up to you to decide what method or methods work best to keep you dry and comfortable.

With that said, here is a list of common options hikers use to keep themselves and their gear dry whether they are day hiking or thru hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Rain Jackets

A rain jacket is typically a hiker’s first line of defense against rainy weather. Most will be waterproof to a certain degree before it begins to become saturated. Generally, the more waterproof a rain jacket is the less breathability it likely has.

Breathability is an important factor when it comes to choosing a rain jacket because you will put out a lot of body heat during a strenuous activity such as hiking. To enhance breathability, manufactures may include pit vents or vents in other locations to promote more air flow. However, these will be vulnerable to allowing water in.

Some rain jackets advertise exceptional breathability, but it is relative to other rain jackets, meaning it won’t breath like your hiking shirt. The inability for your body heat to escape can cause excessive sweating which may lead you to think your rain jacket isn’t blocking out the rain.

Another consideration for a rain jacket may be the weight, especially if you are hoping to achieve ultralight status. However, note that ultralight jackets aren’t usually as durable as heavier ones. Unfortunately, that is just the nature of the beast.

You also have jackets that use zippers or some that are pullovers. Of course, most rain jackets will have a hood, but whether or not the hood has a drawstring is something else to look for. Bottom line, there are a lot of different options out there with various features so be sure to do some research.

Rain Pants

Rain pants are made from a waterproof material, just like a rain jacket, and just like a rain jacket they can only take so much water before they become saturated.

Rain pants for hiking should be big enough to wear over your regular pants and have wide enough legs so that they can be slipped on without having to remove your shoes. If it starts to rain, you don’t want to stop to remove your shoes so you can put your rain pants on.

Most rain pants will come in sizes ranging from small to large with an elastic band around the waist. You may find some with buttons, zippers, or maybe draw strings.

Much like rain jackets, you have ultralight options when it comes to rain pants. However, ultralight rain pants will likely be less durable, so these won’t be ideal if you need to hike through brush or bushwhack.

Rain Suits

Rain suits are rain jackets and pants bundled into a single package. Some are made more durable than others but will likely weigh much more. FroggToggs are the most popular rain suit for hikers, but there are other options available such as Coleman’s PVC/Nylon suits.

Most rain suits are not designed with the hiker in mind, so be aware that some may be heavier than what any hiker would prefer to carry. Again, FroggToggs are very popular amongst hikers due to their low cost and light weight, but they are not the most durable rain suits on the market. But given how expensive some ultralight rain gear is, plus a lack of durability, you can buy several sets of FroggToggs before even getting close to the price of some of the more popular rain jackets.

Rain Kilts / Skirts

Another option for keeping the lower half of your body dry is a rain kilt or skirt. These are growing in popularity due to their ease of use and ultralight weight, usually weighing 2 – 4 ounces. Instead of fighting to get rain pants over your shoe and up to your waist, you just place a rain kilt around your hips and you are good to go.

Some rain kilts have elastic bands that stretch and tighten around your hips and others may use a fastener like velcro or maybe even buttons. A draw string is also common for keeping a kilt snug around your waist.

Most rain kilts are made from some type of nylon but Zpacks makes one that is made from dyneema composite fabric, or DCF. A DCF kilt will generally be lighter, but most rain kilts fall into the ultralight category already.

The downside of rain kilts is that most won’t cover down to your ankles the way a pair of rain pants will so your legs will be more prone to getting wet which can lead to your feet getting soaked inside your shoes. There is also a slit that runs from the bottom to top on most models that creates an opportunity for rain to get inside. And, depending on the size of a rain kilt, your range of motion may be limited while hiking.

One big positive for rain kilts, aside from how lightweight they are, is that they will be cooler than rain pants because they are completely open on the bottom which allows for much better air flow. Prices for rain kilts are also fairly cheap compared to some of the top brands of rain pants that may cost over $100 and still weigh twice as much.

Umbrellas

A less popular option for staying dry when hiking in the rain is an umbrella. Most outerwear designed to keep you dry in the rain can only take some much water before the rain starts to seep through, but an umbrella keeps the rain off of you entirely.

Ultralight umbrellas are even available now and they aren’t super expensive. Without doing a whole lot of digging, I found that Mont-Bell makes an ultralight umbrella weighing 3 ounces and cost just over $50. There may be lighter and/or cheaper options available as well.

While umbrellas work well for keeping you dry, gusting winds may render them useless if it blows the rain in at an angle or causes damage to the umbrella. They also require you to hold them up the entire time, thus losing a trekking pole and maybe causing arm fatigue.

Ponchos

There is a wide variety of ponchos available ranging from ultralight to heavy duty. A thin poncho won’t be as durable but weighs only a couple of ounces. Something heavier will likely be more durable and have a much longer lifespan.

Ponchos are also available in various configurations that can be beneficial to hikers. There are some made to slip over your backpack along with your body, eliminating the need for a pack cover to keep your gear dry. Some ponchos can even double as a tarp shelter and maybe even a groundsheet.

Ponchos for the most part are inexpensive, but it depends on style, material, and brand. Emergency ponchos can be bought for less than $3 while some of the top brands can sell for around $100, like the Sea-to-Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Tarp Poncho.

Pack Covers

A pack cover is used to keep your hiking backpack protected from the elements. While they can be used to protect your backpack from abrasion, they are most commonly used to keep your pack and its contents dry in case of rain.

Some hiking backpacks can be bought with a pack cover included. These covers are a much better fit than some of the universal pack covers you can find at retailers. Either should be fine though as long as you use one that is the appropriate size.

If your backpack didn’t come with a pack cover, you can always check with the manufacturer to see if they make one designed for your pack. If not, use a universal cover or use one of the other methods listed in this article.

Pack Liners

Regardless of if you use a poncho, pack cover, or a waterproof backpack, I recommend using a pack liner because it provides extra protection from water just in case. In fact, many experienced hikers choose to forego any kind of covering for their backpack and only use a pack liner.

Pack liners are typically waterproof and can be made of various materials such as nylon, plastic, or DCF (dyneema composite fabric). Ones designed specifically for backpacking are sized in liters, just like a backpack, so choose one that is near the same capacity as your pack.

Another common (and cheap) option for a pack liner is a trash compacter bag. These are inexpensive and are very durable, being thicker than normal trash bags. Some compacter bags are scented, so be sure to avoid these unless you like attracting critters to your camp at night.

Waterproof Backpacks

Many hiking backpacks are made from water-resistant materials and some are technically waterproof. DCF is a waterproof material used to make many ultralight backpacks, but the seams are vulnerable to letting water in. Using a seam sealer properly should eliminate any issues of water getting in but combine this with a pack liner and your gear should stay dry.

The most common material used for backpacks is some type of nylon, which may or may not be waterproof or resistant. To increase water repellency, manufactures will apply DWR (durable water repellent) to a backpack but if this isn’t done from the factory, you can always buy a bottle of DWR and apply it yourself. Note that this does not make something waterproof! It only increases the ability to repel water!

Keep in mind that pockets and other features on the outside of a backpack may not be waterproof or may be able to allow water in. For this reason, you need to be cautious about what you are keeping on the outside of your backpack during rainy weather.

Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Waterproof hiking shoes may be okay for lighter rains that don’t last too long, but they are better for trekking through water rather than keeping your feet dry in the rain. For this reason, I don’t recommend waterproof hiking shoes in circumstances involving prolonged time on the trail. Eventually, waterproof shoes will take in water and they will take a long time to dry.

Most hiking shoes advertised as waterproof have a DWR finish that helps repel water, but unless they are an actual rubber rain boot, they will not be 100% waterproof. Rubber rain boots are not ideal for most hikers because they don’t breathe very well which leads to a buildup of moisture in your shoes from sweat. Excessive moisture in your shoes can also cause blistering and affect overall foot discomfort.

Waterproof Gloves/Rain Mitts

A minor accessory when it comes to staying dry, but waterproof gloves or rain mitts can provide some extra protection. Obviously, the idea is to keep your hands dry which may not be a huge deal to you, but they are an option.

If you aren’t aware of the difference between the two, mittens don’t have fingers which will help to keep your hands warmer than gloves. Also, mittens should have less seams, meaning they will probably provide better protection against water than gloves since seams are usually vulnerable to water penetration. This, of course, can vary from model to model.

Waterproof Hats

Rain jackets and ponchos will have a hood, but they won’t do a good job of keeping the rain off your face. Having any type of brimmed hat will help prevent that, but a baseball style cap can be worn underneath the hood of your jacket.

Waterproof hats may be overkill if you plan on wearing a baseball cap, but if you go with a brimmed hat, choosing one that is waterproof makes sense, assuming they are also moisture wicking and breathable.

They also make waterproof beanies, and while I don’t know much about them, I would be wary of making this purchase for rain protection. They won’t keep the rain off your face, so they won’t serve any more purpose than the hood on your rain jacket. Having a waterproof beanie, in my opinion, should only be an additional feature, not your primary purpose for using one.

Waterproof Socks

Waterproof socks have a place, but I’m not so sure I would use them for everyday hiking. They will be more ideal when hiking in light rain or through deep snow, but they aren’t nearly as breathable as typical hiking socks and can lead to excessive sweating, especially if you wear them with waterproof shoes. In my opinion, there is a better option for keeping your feet dry than waterproof socks or shoes when hiking in the rain.

Gaiters

Gaiters cover your feet and lower legs and are designed specifically for keeping rocks, snow, and water out of your shoes. There are different configurations of gaiters, so some work better for certain conditions.

Most gaiters will be waterproof, but different heights are available. Mid-calf is probably the best option for hiking in the rain while knee high gaiters are best for extremely wet conditions or deep snow.

Some gaiters may not fully cover the laces of your shoes, so this may leave an opening for the rain to get inside. Having gaiters that have a lace hook will help cover the laces more completely, reducing the chances of rain soaking your toes.

Durable Water Repellent (DWR)

Many jackets, pants, and other clothing and outerwear options may have a DWR coating which helps increase a material’s ability to repel water.

DWR can deplete over time due to dirt, oil, and grime, plus the amount of washings a garment undergoes. However, DWR can be restored. A good cleaning, followed by applying heat is the best way to revive DWR, but if that doesn’t work then you can apply a new coating.

If you decide to apply a new coat of DWR to your gear, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. There are wash-in and spray-on options, so choose which ever will work best for you.

Everything Else

There are some things in our backpacks that we need to take extra care to make sure they stay dry. Namely speaking, electronics, food, and clothes.

Electronics don’t like getting wet, so keep them inside a waterproof bag inside your backpack that has its own protection from the rain (cover, liner, poncho). A budget friendly and lightweight option is a common Ziploc bag. This is also a good option for keeping your food dry, too; just use a one or two gallon-sized bag.

You may find it a little more challenging to keep clothes in a Ziploc bag, but drybags come in large enough sizes that will suffice. Combining this with a pack liner is the best option, in my opinion. You definitely want to keep your extra clothes dry, because after hiking in the rain all day, having dry clothes to change into will give you comfort when you are settled in at camp. So, whatever method you choose, make sure it will be enough to keep your valuables protected.

Conclusion

It isn’t hard to stay dry when it comes to scattered, mild showers, but if you end up hiking all day in the rain, it can be difficult. Again, most waterproof gear is only waterproof to a certain extent. Don’t think your gear doesn’t work if you happen to get wet after hiking eight hours in a steady rain. I suppose the best option will be to have an umbrella, but who wants to hold one up for that long?

If you are planning a hike that will last weeks or months, recognize that you very well may get wet no matter how well you prepare. Accepting this will help you be better prepared for the physical and mental challenges of hiking in the rain.