Hiking in wet conditions, whether it’s rain or a swampy trail, can be absolutely miserable or loads of fun depending on how well you packed. 

Gear for regular hiking won’t do when it comes to dealing with wet weather. Your shoes will get wet, your socks will stink, your backpack will let in water and a host of other problems. So here’s a quick guide on what to pack when going hiking in the rain or if you expect the trail to be wet (e.g. crossing lots of small rivers or passing through swamps). 

What to Pack for Wet Weather Hiking 

Packing the right stuff is not just about comfort; it’s also about safety. Wet conditions carry the risk of hypothermia and other health problems. So you need to make sure you stay warm and dry. Here’s what to pack when it comes to clothing, footwear and other essential gear. 

Moisture-wicking and Quick-drying Clothing 

The most important part of wet weather hiking are the clothes you wear. They determine how comfortable and safe your hike will be. 

The first thing, as any experienced hiker will tell you, is to ditch cotton especially for clothes in contact with your skin. Cotton holds onto moisture. Not only is this uncomfortable, you run a risk of hypothermia or, at the very least, getting really cold especially if it is windy. 

Wool makes for the best material when hiking in wet conditions. It is especially useful for innerwear like your t-shirt or base layer pants. Wool stays dry and regulates your temperature to make sure you don't get cold or overheat. 

Synthetics like polyester and nylon are also good since they dry quickly. 

Another tip is to dress in layers. You have your base layers to keep you dry, a second layer like a jumper or a lightweight fleece or down jacket to keep you warm, and an outer layer like a waterproof jacket or a raincoat to protect you from the elements. 

Other useful wet weather clothing include a rain cap and warm waterproof gloves. 

Waterproof Footwear 

Now let’s go down to your feet. Whether you are worried about walking through water or getting rained on, the right footwear is important. 

Wear waterproof boots with deep lug soles that provide lots of traction on muddy trails. As for socks, either go with waterproof socks that will keep your feet dry (our very own rain and snow resistant HercSocks)or quick-drying socks made from merino wool. 

As a bonus, the Hercleon HercSocks are also odor-resistant, so you don't have to worry about smelly shoes and feet during your hike.  

Additional Gear

A waterproof hiking backpack is ideal for wet weather hiking. But don't worry if you don't have one. A good quality rain cover should be enough to protect your backpack. To be extra safe, pack everything and especially essential items like your clothes and electronics in plastic bags. 

Even if you have a waterproof backpack, you should still use a rain cover since the seams and zip can let in some water. 

Pro Tips for Hiking in Wet Conditions

• Go slow and watch out for slippery surfaces and hazards like rocks and ruts hidden under the water. Consider carrying trekking poles to help you navigate tricky trails. 
• Always check how deep the water is before attempting to cross streams or swamps. Use your trekking pole or a stick. Avoid anything that’s deeper than your mid thigh. Also look out for fast flowing streams and rivers. 
• You need to eat more in wet weather to make sure you stay warm and have lots of energy. Take frequent breaks to snack or eat on the go. 
• Know when to call it quits. If the rain is too heavy or the conditions too wet for safety, it’s smart to turn around and call it a day. You can always come back again or try another trail. 
• Always pack an extra set of dry clothes that you can quickly change into at the end of the hike or even during the hike if you get wet. 
• Check the forecast before you leave for your hike. If the forecast predicts a heavy storm, flash floods or any kind of extreme weather, be safe and stay home or choose a different trail.