Hiking in the rain

[Tilly]

Walking in the rain can wear you down if it goes on for awhile, say 2, 3, 4 days in a row.

A day of rain isn't a big deal. It can be kind of nice, actually.

On the AT there are shelters and ways to get away from it a bit, even if it's just to make dinner or something.

Best thing to do is be prepared and trust your rain gear/system and your tent/shelter, whatever it may be.

[Skyline]

If you hike / backpack long enough, you'll possibly learn to make friends with the rain. Above about 55 degrees, I kinda like it on occasion. Below that, or with high winds, it's a pain but many of the suggestions in this thread are good coping strategies.

I also carry a 5x8 silnylon tarp that I hunker under for those brief, monsoon-like downpours. I can fit me, my dog, and my pack under it. Sometimes a second person. For all-day rain, just make sure you've got good, dry clothing to put on after you've set up camp. You'll likely be wet no matter how much Goretex you've paid big bucks for.

[Pedaling Fool]

I carry a small umbrella. In some places, that seems to work better for me than rain gear. I avoid starting out in the rain if at all possible.

How's that work in the many overgrown areas of the AT? I've been on many sections where I wished I had a machete to clear a path.

[flemdawg1]

I look at like you've got a better than even chance of hiking in the rain for 1 day, and about 50-50 of 2 days. I'd still go. Have some decent rain gear, a pack cover AND a pack liner (garbage bag), and some dry clothes and socks to change into at camp.

On my section 2 weeks ago, it rained on the first day. We just put our heads down and made miles (15), mostly because we needed to get to shelter/water and off the ridges where the winds really howl.

[Lyle]

While hiking in the rain isn't usually pleasant (except on HOT, humid days) it's not really as bad as you may think. I do tend to make more miles more quickly because breaks are either non-existent or much shorter. The woods take on a very different mood in rainy weather, very beautiful if you are opened to it, and great lighting for photography.

If you choose to go, make certain to keep your camp clothes and sleeping gear dry. Both you and your partner should review the signs and symptoms of hypothermia prior to leaving, then make sure you pay attention to each other. Hypothermia is easy to miss in yourself, easier to spot in others. If it becomes a factor, take action early.

Also, you will need to plan to wear your wet, initially cold clothes each day. Do not be tempted to start hiking in your "dry" clothes. You will regret it at camp that night and possibly put yourself in danger if you wet all your clothes. The misery is surprisingly short-lived once you start hiking so you just gotta "grin and bear it".

You have the option of postponing, so the choice is your's. Just keep in mind, the weather may turn out much better than predicted next weekend, and may be much worse the following - kinda goes with the territory of outdoor activities. No guarantees.

[bigcranky]

I'll be in the Smokies next week. Between my work schedule and the required shelter reservations, I'm pretty much stuck with my planned schedule. So it might rain -- not too big a deal. Wear rain gear (jacket and pants), and DON'T wear too much clothing underneath. A light base layer is almost always enough when it's raining, otherwise you'll sweat so much you get soaked anyway. Make sure your dry clothing and sleeping bag are totally protected inside your pack. In winter it's not too much to have both a pack liner and a pack cover.

I think I will go dig out my Seattle Sombrero, too. Forgot about that. Great hat.

[OldStormcrow]

I've tried hiking in the rain wearing everything from backpacking ponchos to fancy base layers to North Face storm coats. Nothing, no matter how "breathable" it is designed to be, will keep you dry if you are really exerting yourself and sweating. If I am hiking in the rain in warm weather I take off everything that I can without getting arrested and stash my clothes in my pack to keep them dry until I can get into camp and change. In cooler weather (35-45 degrees) I hike in long sleeved base layers, eat lots, get very wet, and change when I get where I'm going. You won't be starting any conversations with my old friend hypothermia until you stop for an overly long break.....at which point you should have a jacket handy until you get started again. If it's really cold, (30 and below) it all turns to ice or snow and you can just brush it off!

[D'Artagnan]

How's that work in the many overgrown areas of the AT? I've been on many sections where I wished I had a machete to clear a path.

That's where the caveat "In some places..." comes into play. If you're out in the open, like say, Grayson Highlands, it's OK. In the green tunnel of a rhodo thicket, not so OK.

[Lyle]

If I am hiking in the rain in warm weather I take off everything that I can without getting arrested and stash my clothes in my pack to keep them dry until I can get into camp and change. In cooler weather (35-45 degrees) I hike in long sleeved base layers, eat lots, get very wet, and change when I get where I'm going. You won't be starting any conversations with my old friend hypothermia until you stop for an overly long break.....at which point you should have a jacket handy until you get started again. If it's really cold, (30 and below) it all turns to ice or snow and you can just brush it off!

Emphasis added by me.

With due respect, I would like to disagree.

My one and only personal experience with hypothermia happened in New Mexico in July. I was hiking with the Scouts at Philmont. Several of us were shirtless on a very warm day. It began to rain and a breeze picked up just as we were starting a relatively long descent. After about 45 minutes of continuous hiking, the other adult leader pulled me aside and convinced me to put on a jacket. Apparently, I had begun stumbling and weaving along the trail. I was not even aware of this, nor did I feel in the least bit chilled since we were still moving. As soon as we got to a flat area, we set up a tarp and heated some water for some hot drinks for everyone.

I learned a valuable lesson on that mid-summer day. That is why, in my earlier post, I recommended that both hikers review the Signs and Symptoms of hypothermia and then be observant of eachother. I did not even suspect that I was becoming chilled, but the symptoms disappeared shortly after putting on the jacket.

[Summit]

Hiking soaked by rain feels better than hiking soaked by sweat in hot weather. One or two days of rain is part of normal mountain weather cycle. More than that (days in a row) and it can dampen my spirits. If I'm out for a week and deal with two days of rain, I consider it a great hike as far as weather goes. I like a little rain hiking now and then.

[adventurousmtnlvr]

Day 1 - 70% chance of no rain
Day 2 - 40% chance of no rain
Day 3 - 60% chance of no rain

I like the way you think! Another person who sees the glass half full. Besides, the air is sooo nice after a good rain.

I wouldn't want to hike in it for days either but when I was in the Army ... had no choice. So for this thread, it's really up to the person who will be hiking as to what 'they' can or want to handle ... especially in the really muddy areas and depending on what sort of food you brought (might want to include some things you don't have to cook if only making a quick stop in the rain prior to making camp).

[Footslogger]

It's just water ...

Now if it's cold and raining, THAT'S a different story but otherwise you just keep on keepin on.

'Slogger

[NICKTHEGREEK]

So me and my buddy have a hike planned for next weekend (Nov. 13-15) from Hughes gap to 19E. Based on weather.com's 10 day forecast for Elk Park (the closest town I could find near that section of the trail) there is a 30% chance of rain on day one, a 60% chance on day 2 and a 40% chance on day 3. The forecst for Bakersville is basically the same. I have no experience hiking in the rain, but I imagine it is pretty miserable. I'm sure some of you guys have hiked in rainy nasty weather. What was your take on it? We are thinking about postponing the trip to the weekend after. What would you do?

Find a puddle, sit in it and eat a sandwitch, then take an hour nap. From then on walking in the rain is like a night at the ritz.
Hiking in the rain really is like making love to an ugly woman-A real chore to get started, but a pleasure once you get going.

[the dragon]

Thanks guys for all your input. It is really appreciated. We plan on making the ultimate decision on Monday whether or not to postpone to the next weekend. I have a pretty demanding schedule at work sometimes and I have been looking forward to this trip for a while. I really don't want to get out there and be cold and wet all three days. Cold I can handle. Wet I can handle. But, the two of them together just sounds like asking for trouble.

[Wise Old Owl]

I carry a small umbrella. In some places, that seems to work better for me than rain gear. I avoid starting out in the rain if at all possible.

Or a big Tilly Hat

[Summit]

Thanks guys for all your input. It is really appreciated. We plan on making the ultimate decision on Monday whether or not to postpone to the next weekend. I have a pretty demanding schedule at work sometimes and I have been looking forward to this trip for a while. I really don't want to get out there and be cold and wet all three days. Cold I can handle. Wet I can handle. But, the two of them together just sounds like asking for trouble.

The forecast (actual conditions) could change dramatically between now and next weekend. It's too far out yet. By mid-week the forecast at that time should be fairly reliable. Make your go/no-go decision Wednesday if you can. I agree when doing a three-day hike, if you have the flexibility to avoid three days of rain do so. If you're going for a week or more, I would say just go because rain is part of the mountain experience and when you put a positive attitude on being out in it, it can be rather fun! The only down-side really is missing views from those balds on the section you're doing.

[Tagless]

Many outstanding thoughts have been shared in previous posts so I'll add only one additional point of view. My wife (Tag-along) and I evolved into the following guiding philosophy over 20 years ago. This way of thinking has served us well repeatedly...

Don't let the weather forecast ruin your planned fun.

[Downunda]

There's something nice about hiking in the rain, the sounds you hear are quite different plus the the scent given off trees and undergrowth is really intense, something you don't experience in the dry.
I found rain gear pretty much useless as you perspire too much somewhat defeating the purpose, except if it was windy then it helped to keep the wind chill under control.

Otherwise I didn't wear any. The main thing you need to ensure is that you can dry off and change into dry warm clothes at the end of the day.