Hiking might not usually be your first thought when waking up to a rainy day, but there are many benefits to walking in wet weather. The trails will usually be a lot quieter, birds and wildlife seem to thrive and the atmosphere can be super peaceful and relaxing!

With the right attitude and equipment, hiking in wet weather can be as enjoyable as hiking on a summer’s day.

Waterproof Jackets

Rating	Resistance	Weather
0-1,500mm	Weather resistant	Very light rain
1,500mm-5,000mm	Waterproof	Light to average rain
5,000mm	Very waterproof	Moderate to heavy rain
10,000mm	Highly Waterproof	Heavy rain

We would suggest picking a jacket with a waterproof rating between 5,000 and 10,000mm, this will ensure you stay dry even in tough conditions. Some jackets can pack away into a much smaller size to fit in your rucksack, making them ideal for any trek.

Waterproof Pants

Waterproof pants or over pants are designed to keep your legs and regular pants dry when out in the rain. When combined with a waterproof jacket, they offer the ultimate protection from the elements.

Most waterproof over pants are designed to be worn over your normal pants or shorts, keeping them dry. You can wear them on their own, but as they can be thin, you may get a bit cold. Like waterproof jackets, you can tell how waterproof they are by their rating.

Mountain Warehouse offers waterproof pants with waterproof ratings ranging from 1,500mm to 20,000mm. The higher the rating, the more waterproof they will be.

Waterproof Boots

There is nothing worse than wet, cold feet. So, finding a pair of waterproof boots is an important part of planning your wet weather hike. Whether you want leather, suede or a softshell fabric is personal preference but make sure you look out for our IsoDry technology, a waterproof and breathable membrane that allows moisture out and prevents rain getting in.

Another option are running sneakers, as they’re lightweight and will dry quickly once wet. We’d recommend bringing a spare pair of socks and looking out for, specifically, waterproof running shoes.

You may be tempted to walk in rain boots, while these are waterproof, they won’t give your feet much support, and you might not be able to walk as far as you would in waterproof hiking boots.

How To Keep Your Backpack Dry

Backpack covers are the ideal way to ensure everything in your bag stays dry. You can find them in multiple sizes, and they should fit tightly around your backpack. Many of our backpacks already come with a backpack cover concealed inside, making it easy to cover and uncover whenever you need to.

A handy trick to prevent any water getting inside is to line your backpack with a trash bag, or alternatively keep your valuables safe in a small waterproof dry bag.