Things You'll Need:
- Rain tarp
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Waterproof backpack
- Camp towel
- Waterproof matches
- Sealed food items
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Step 1
Pack for rain. If there is even the slightest chance that you’ll be hiking or camping in a rain shower, plan ahead and bring the necessary items to keep yourself dry and comfortable. Short-lived thundershowers and storms are common during the afternoon and evening hours at high elevations in many regions.
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Step 2
Carry a waterproof backpack. These packs come in a wide price range and feature a water resistant flap that covers the top of the pack and secures around the sides to keep water out (see Resources).
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Step 3
Tuck a lightweight rain jacket, with a hood, into an outside pocket of your backpack where you can access it without exposing the rest of the pack contents to the rain. A side or bottom zipper pocket is handy for quick retrieval.
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Step 4
Bring waterproof matches. Purchase these from a sports or camping store or, alternately, seal strike-anywhere matchsticks in small watertight containers. The challenge when backpacking in the rain is keeping your gear dry and functional.
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Step 5
Wear comfortable lightweight hiking boots with a good tread. Walking in wet footwear increases the chances of blistering so your shoes must fit well to prevent slipping when wet.
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Step 6
Keep a small rain tarp in an exterior pocket of your backpack. Like your rain jacket, this should be accessible without opening your pack. This tarp, also called a “rain fly” secures to nearby trees or sticks to provide temporary protection from a downpour. Choose one that is very lightweight (see Resources).
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Step 7
Dry off with a camp towel once you’re safely out of the rain. Forget about using a cotton towel, because once wet, they dry slowly, if at all. Instead, choose a highly absorbent camp towel made of synthetic material that quickly absorbs water and wrings out nearly dry (see Resources).
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Step 8
Change clothing as soon as you can after the rain stops. Even in moderate temperatures, wet clothing can lead to hypothermia in a short period. Pack one or more non-cotton changes of clothing for quick changes.
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Step 9
Cover items attached to your pack that don’t fit inside. The most common item is a rolled sleeping bag. If you’re spending a few days in the wild, a dry sleeping bag is imperative. Wrap the tightly rolled bag in waterproof nylon and secure all sides.
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Step 10
Distribute the weight of your gear evenly in your backpack. When the weather is dry, a lopsided pack can strain your back but when it rains and wet straps rub against your skin, an uneven pack becomes a source of blistering.
Comments
HowardBThiname said
on 11/19/2008 Great article. Very informative.