Traveling in wet weather comes with plenty of challenges. One of the biggest ones is that your clothes can get damp and smelly when they get rained on. And not just the clothes you are wearing; those in your luggage as well. 

That musty smell can be difficult to get rid of even when you dry the clothes, and it can spread to everything else in your suitcase. Here are some tips to keep your clothes dry and fresh when traveling in rainy weather. 

Get Weatherproof Luggage or a Rain Cover 

The most important thing is to protect your luggage from the rain. If you expect rain on your trip (check the weather report), consider traveling with weatherproof luggage. It will protect your clothes and other items like electronics from getting wet. If you are going hiking or camping, get a waterproof backpack. 

If you only have regular luggage, you don't have to buy a new suitcase (good quality luggage is expensive). All you need is a waterproof rain cover. Get one that perfectly fits over your suitcase. 

Tip: Even if your backpack or suitcase is waterproof, we still recommend getting a rain cover for extra protection. Waterproof luggage may not be completely waterproof, particularly in heavy rain. 

Another way you can add an extra layer of protection is to pack your clothes and any other sensitive items like gadgets inside plastic bags. 

Pack Quick-drying and Odor-resistant Clothes 

The worst kinds of clothes to be caught in the rain with are cotton clothes. Cotton is normally a great fabric. It wicks sweat and is super breathable. But it doesn't do well with lots of moisture, whether it is excessive sweating or rain. 

It holds onto a lot of moisture and doesn't dry quickly, leaving you damp and uncomfortable. Cotton clothes can also easily get a musty smell since they stay damp for long. 

If you expect rain, choose quick-drying clothes made from wool, silk, linen, or bamboo. Synthetic clothes made from polyester and nylon also dry quickly. 

Certain fabrics are also odor resistant, meaning they stay fresh even when rained on. They are less likely to get a musty or mildew smell. Natural fabrics like wool, linen and hemp have the best odor resistance. 

You can also get antimicrobial fabrics that are designed to fight off odor-causing bacteria. Hercleon has several of these including HercSocks, which are both odor and water resistant. Other options include the HercShirt and Kribi underwear.

Air Damp Clothes Immediately 

If you get rained on, the worst thing you can do is stuff the clothes in a corner or a plastic bag. Even if they are only a little damp, they will quickly develop mold and mildew. That musty and earthy smell can be really hard to get rid of. 

Once you get back where you are staying, air the wet clothes immediately even if you don't plan to wear them again. This will keep them from getting musty especially once you re-pack them.

This is another reason to pack fast drying clothes. You hang them up in the evening and they are dry by morning and ready to pack. 

Pack ‘Rained On’ Clothes Separately 

Even if you manage to air the wet clothes, they may still have a bit of dampness in them that makes them go musty once they are in the confines of a suitcase. This mustiness can spread to your fresh clothes.  

Just to be safe, pack them separately from your clean clothes. Ideally, you should put them in a plastic bag to help contain odors. If you don't have a plastic bag, put them in a separate compartment of your suitcase. 

Pack Protective Wear

You can avoid all these issues by keeping your clothes from getting damp in the first place. One way you can do that is using a rain cover or waterproof luggage. 

In addition pack a waterproof rain jacket or poncho, as well as an umbrella. Don't forget to pack high boots that will keep the rain from seeping through to your socks. If you are going outdoors, make sure they are waterproof boots.