Rainy weather does not necessarily mean plans to go hiking should be cancelled. What it does mean that you need to take extra precautions to stay dry and safe while enjoying your time outside. Here are some tips for preparing for a rainy day hike.  

Choose the Right Rain Jacket

Your rain jacket is possibly one of the most important items you will use on a rainy day hike. It needs to provide adequate protection from the rain, but also not be too heavy or stifling.  

When shopping for a rain jacket, pay attention to whether it states it is "waterproof" or "water-resistant." Waterproof jackets tend to withstand a driving rain, while at the same time providing some breathability. By contrast, a water-resistant jacket is more suited for light rain. The material is more lightweight than a waterproof jacket, but does not provide much protection if you end up staying in the rain too long.  

You also need to decide if a windproof or wind-resistant jacket is more suited to your needs. A windproof jacket can handle high gusts of wind. In most instances, if the jacket is labelled waterproof, it is likely windproof as well. Alternatively, a wind-resistant jacket does not handle heavy storms well. If you are hiking on a short trip, this could be a solid choice.  

Protect Your Pack

Not only do you have to worry about protecting yourself from the rain, you also need to protect your pack. This is especially important if you are hiking for a long period. 

One available option is to simply by a pack that is waterproof and windproof. However, if you are looking for a less expensive way of protecting your belongings, you can make modifications to your pack. For instance, you can cover it by trimming a plastic bag to fit over it. You could even opt for just placing your possessions in sandwich bags before putting them in the pack. 

Keep Your Clothes Beneath the Jacket Protected

Depending on the force of the rain, your rain jacket might not be enough to keep water from getting under it. Soggy clothes can put a damper on your hiking trip. 

Protecting your clothes starts with wearing a cap. The cap helps to keep water off your face that could otherwise roll down and get onto your clothing. You also need to roll back your sleeves and cuff your pants. Use safety pins to secure them and keep them from getting wet. 

For more information, talk to a professional like The Jacket Shack.