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What to wear hiking in the rain
Hiking in the rain can offer a peaceful experience with nature, with the added bonus of having the trails all to yourself, as others might stay home. However, it can also be miserable if you're not well-prepared or properly equipped. As we say in Sweden, there's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing!
The balance between protection and perspiration
Being too waterproof might seem odd when preparing for a rainy hike, but excessive water protection can actually make you hotter and cause you to sweat more. Sweat can challenge the effectiveness of rainwear, and therefore, the waterproof membrane in shell clothing is constructed to be both waterproof and breathable.
However, if you overheat—perhaps by dressing too warmly or engaging in intense activity—the membrane might not expel water vapor quickly enough. To manage your body temperature and release excess moisture, use the ventilation zippers under the arms or along the thighs. Effective venting is crucial to help the membrane handle the moisture from sweat and body heat.
If your jacket's outer fabric becomes saturated, the membrane’s efficiency decreases. To prevent water absorption, the fabric is treated with Durable Water Repellent (DWR), which makes water bead up and roll off. Since DWR can diminish over time, it’s vital to reapply it regularly to maintain its water-repelling properties.
It's all about the layering
Rainy weather can feel hot and humid or cold and icy. Layering will help you regulate your temperature, wick moisture away from your body and keep you dry.
Base layer
The base layer is the foundation of your outfit and should not be overlooked. Its most important function is to wick moisture away from your body. When it's warm, a t-shirt is ideal as a base layer. However, in cold, rainy conditions, you might need a full base layer set, including trousers and a long-sleeve top, to stay warm and dry.
Opt for materials like polyester, known for their excellent moisture-wicking properties. Polyester is not too warm for summer and helps prevent shell trousers from sticking to your legs while hiking.
Mid layer
The mid-layer keeps you warm when temperatures drop. Opt for a thin fleece that's easy to zip on and off, allowing you to remove it when you're too warm and wear it when you're cold. A full-zip mid-layer also serves well as an outer layer, providing a nice break from your rain jacket when the rain stops.
Shell layer
The shell layer is often the star of the show during rainy hikes. It needs to be waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Choose shell jackets and trousers with ventilation zippers under the arms and along the thighs to help control your body temperature and release moisture quickly when you heat up.
Opt for an oversized hood to keep rain off your face and prevent water from seeping in around the neck. Avoid jackets with fleece linings, as they can absorb water from rain-soaked trousers, potentially causing the jacket to become wet from the inside.
Extra gear to prepare for wet weather
To gear up for wet and rainy hikes, consider adding some essential items to both your outfit and your pack.
Baseball cap. To help keep the rain away from your eyes and face, a baseball cap underneath the hood of your rain jacket can be a good addition.
Good socks (and bring extras!). For rainy hikes, opt for socks made from synthetic materials or wool, as they are excellent at wicking moisture and resisting chafing. For extra protection and warmth, consider wearing two pairs of socks. Don’t forget to pack spare socks in case the ones you’re wearing get too wet.
Waterproof hiking shoes. To keep your feet dry as long as possible, choose waterproof hiking shoes with good breathability.
Raincover for your backpack. Even if your backpack is treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating, it won't hold up against heavy rain indefinitely. If you expect persistent or heavy rainfall during your hike, be sure to bring a rain cover for your pack to keep your belongings dry.
Additional, dry clothing. Even the best outfit for rainy weather can fail, so always bring an additional set of dry clothes in your pack to change into. For safety’s sake, pack them in waterproof packing cubes or plastic bags as an extra protective layer against the rain.
Choosing an outfit for light rain
If you are heading out in light rain, opt for a moisture-wicking and quick-drying base layer top with either short or long sleeves. If the weather is a bit colder, layer up with a fleece or pack it in your backpack if you’re feeling chilly later. Choose a waterproof shell layer with a bit of stretch to keep you dry and comfortable when you are on the move.
Choosing an outfit for heavy and consistent rain
When the rain is relentless, you'll need a waterproof shell layer with high breathability to stay dry. Underneath, wear a base layer set—including pants and a long-sleeved top—to effectively wick moisture and regulate your body temperature, making it more comfortable against your skin. Also, pack a light fleece jacket as an insulating layer in case the temperature drops.
Choosing an outfit for an unstable weather forecast
If you're uncertain about the weather or just like to be prepared, opt for hiking pants with DWR treatment to handle light rain until you can put on a packable shell layer. A quick-drying base layer is comfortable in both sunny and rainy conditions, and a fleece jacket can double as a mid-layer when it’s chilly or an outer layer when the weather permits. For overcast days with a chance of brief showers, a softshell jacket with DWR treatment is an excellent choice.
Don’t forget to reapply waterproofing before heading out!
The DWR coating on your gear will wear off over time with heavy use and several washes. To maintain optimal performance, take care of your clothing by avoiding fabric softener, which can clog the membrane and degrade the DWR treatment.
Before heading out, reapply a waterproofing spray specifically designed for clothing to clean garments. Remember to activate the DWR treatment with heat to ensure it fully bonds.
