Staying Comfortable While Hiking in the Rain

How to Hike in the Rain & Stay Comfortable

Tips for dealing with wet and muddy trails

We’ve all been there – you plan a hike, pack your gear, and then wake up to the sound of rain on the roof. You’ve got two choices: reschedule, or embrace the weather and head out anyway.

If you’ve been following our adventures for a while, you’ll know we don’t shy away from a little rain. In fact, some of our favourite hikes have happened during a downpour. There’s something special about misty forests, the sound of rain on the canopy, and the fresh smell of the bush after a storm. But hiking in the rain can be uncomfortable if you’re not prepared.

Here’s how we hike in the rain and still have a good time – wet boots, muddy trails and all.

1. Dress for the Wet

The key to staying comfortable in the rain is dressing smart. That doesn’t mean staying completely dry (that’s almost impossible) – it means staying warm, managing moisture, and avoiding chafing.

• Rain jacket: Look for one that’s waterproof and breathable. A good rain jacket keeps the water out while letting sweat escape. Bonus points if it has pit zips to help regulate your body temp.
  
  
• Base layers: Wear moisture-wicking layers (no cotton!) that help move sweat away from your skin even when you’re damp.
  
  
• Pants: You can wear waterproof overpants or quick-drying hiking leggings or shorts. In warm weather, we usually just embrace wet legs and focus on staying warm up top.
  
  
• Gaiters: These help keep mud, water, and debris out of your boots and are especially handy on sloppy tracks.
  
  
• Hat or hood: A wide-brim hat helps keep the rain off your face, but if it’s cold, a hood will keep you warmer.

2. Keep Your Feet Happy

Your feet take the biggest beating on wet and muddy trails, so look after them!

• Waterproof boots can help, but even they’ll eventually soak through in heavy rain or deep puddles. The real trick is having dry socks to change into later.
  
  
• Wool socks are your best friend in the rain. They stay warm even when wet and dry out quickly.
  
  
• Pack at least one extra pair of socks in a waterproof bag and change into them once you’ve finished the worst of the mud.
  
  
• Blister prevention matters even more in the rain – apply tape or balm before you start if you’re prone to hotspots.
  
  

3. Use Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are incredibly helpful on slippery and muddy tracks. They give you extra stability, help with balance on uneven ground, and save your knees on steep descents. We’ve avoided more than a few spills thanks to a trusty set of poles.

4. Adjust Your Expectations

Rain and mud will slow you down – and that’s okay. Slippery rocks, boggy patches, and water crossings all take more time and care. Allow for a slower pace, take breaks when needed, and don’t rush. It’s not a race – it’s an adventure.

5. Protect Your Pack

We mentioned this in our gear drying article, but it’s worth repeating: wet gear is miserable. Use a pack liner inside your bag to keep everything dry, and a pack cover for extra protection. Dry bags are great for electronics, food, and clothing.

6. Watch Your Step

Wet trails can be unpredictable. Here are a few tips for safer footing:

• Step on rocks not roots – wet roots are extremely slippery.
  
  
• Go through the mud, not around it. Walking around muddy patches just widens the trail and damages the environment. Plus, you’re going to get dirty anyway!
  
  
• Test your footing before committing to a step, especially near steep drop-offs or creek crossings.
  
  

7. Bring the Right Attitude

Rainy day hikes are all about mindset. If you expect to stay perfectly dry, you’ll probably be disappointed. But if you lean into the wet weather, stay warm, and laugh at the mud between your toes – you’ll have a great time.

Some of our favourite moments have been slipping down a hill and laughing like kids, or sitting under a tree sipping tea in the middle of a gentle downpour. It’s all part of the story.

8. Get Dry After the Hike

Once you’re back at the car or campsite, change into warm, dry clothes as soon as you can. Have a towel handy, a thermos of something hot if you’re lucky, and a dry pair of socks waiting. Trust us – it makes all the difference.