How to Keep Your Gear Dry in Wet Conditions

How to Keep Your Gear Dry in Wet Conditions

There’s something magical about hiking in the rain – the way the mist clings to the trees, the sound of droplets tapping against your jacket, the smell of the earth waking up. But let’s be honest – it’s only magical if your gear stays dry. There’s nothing quite as miserable as a soaked sleeping bag, soggy clothes, or a phone that’s suddenly decided it’s had enough.

Over the years, we’ve learned a few tricks (some the hard way) to keep our gear dry when the weather turns. Whether you’re heading out for a quick bushwalk or a multi-day adventure, here are our top tips for staying dry in wet conditions.

1. Line Your Pack

Before you even think about packing your bag, line the inside with a durable plastic pack liner or heavy-duty garbage bag. This creates a waterproof barrier between your gear and the elements. Unlike a rain cover, it protects your stuff even if your pack gets fully saturated. It’s a simple, affordable fix that can save your trip.

Tip: Don’t use flimsy kitchen bags – they’ll rip. Look for heavy-duty plastic or invest in a purpose-made pack liner.

2. Use Dry Bags for Essentials

For things that absolutely can’t get wet – think your phone, camera, spare clothes, and food – dry bags are your best friend. They come in different sizes and colours (which also helps with organisation). Roll-top dry bags create a watertight seal that’ll keep your valuables safe, even if they take a swim.

We like to use one dry bag for clothes, one for electronics, and another for snacks. It makes life easier when you’re digging through your pack in the rain.

3. Pack Smart

The way you pack matters. Keep your rain gear (like a jacket or poncho) right at the top of your bag or in an outer pocket so you can grab it quickly. Same goes for your pack cover, if you’re using one. There’s nothing worse than needing your jacket and realising it’s buried under three days' worth of food and a tent.

4. Invest in a Good Rain Cover

Pack covers aren't perfect, but they’re still worth having. They protect your bag from direct rain and help reduce how quickly water soaks through. Just remember – they don’t protect the back panel of your pack (the bit that sits against your back), so they’re not foolproof on their own. Use them alongside an internal liner for full protection.

Bonus Tip: In heavy rain, we’ll often use a rain cover and a poncho that goes over both us and the pack for extra insurance.

5. Don’t Forget About Your Tent

If you’re camping overnight, make sure your tent is packed in its own dry bag or lined stuff sack. When you arrive at camp, set up your tent fly first if you can (some tents allow this) so the inside stays dry. If not, try to work quickly and be strategic about what you expose to the rain.

And always – always – check that your tent’s rainfly is still properly waterproof before you head out.

6. Keep a Dry Set of Clothes

No matter what, always carry one dry outfit in its own sealed bag. Even if you hike all day in the rain, you’ll have something warm and dry to change into at camp. It makes a huge difference to morale (and body temperature).

We keep ours tucked in the middle of the pack, triple-bagged if necessary.

7. Watch Where You Set Up

If you’re staying overnight, pay close attention to where you pitch your tent. Avoid low spots where water can pool or flow through if it rains. Look for higher ground, and clear away any leaves or debris that might channel water underneath you. A little site prep can go a long way.

8. Embrace the Wet – but Plan for It

Rain is part of the adventure. With the right prep, it doesn’t have to ruin your hike. Check the forecast before you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust your plans if conditions are looking dangerous. But if it’s just rain – embrace it, gear up, and enjoy the fresh, wild side of nature.

Some of our most memorable hikes have happened in the rain. Just make sure your gear doesn’t remember it for all the wrong reasons.