🚶How to Hike Safely During the Rainy Season
Hiking in the rain may not be your first choice, but it can offer solitude and a unique ambiance, especially if you’re prepared to stay dry and warm. Here are some tips for planning a rainy-day hike and staying safe on the trail.
🦉Choose Your Hikes Wisely
When selecting a hike for a drizzly day, consider trails that are suitable for the weather. Avoid exposed ridge walks or hikes involving scrambling over slick rocks. Instead, opt for trails through dense forests or lush bushland. Plan for shorter hikes and start out earlier in the day. You can be quite protected under a thick canopy of trees, but a little bit of rain can also makes these areas a mud slide.
☁️Check the Weather
There are plenty of online sources for weather and road conditions. In Australia we often use the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s website. It provides detailed forecasts for various regions, including mountain areas. You can also use your local area’s reliable weather channel.
⛈️Do not hike in thunderstorms. It is very dangerous to be on top of a mountain or under a tree when there is lightning about.
🚗Check Your Access Roads
Stay updated on road conditions with local authorities’ updates on mountain pass and remote area conditions. Be aware that road conditions can change rapidly due to weather. Roads may close, and alternative routes may be necessary. Potholes can form, roads are slippery when wet, and visibility can decrease where low-lying fog settles or heavy rain rolls in.
🌦️Hiking During or After Heavy Rain
Exercise extra caution when hiking during or after heavy rains. Watch your footing around steep drainages, hillsides, shorelines, and snowfields. Drainages around recent fire activity can be particularly unstable to mud and debris flows. In winter, heavy rains could destabilize snow and increase landslide & avalanche danger, so check local forecasts and warnings.
🦺Carrying Safety Gear
Before embarking on your hike, ensure you carry essential safety gear. This could include a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) which is excellent in case of emergencies. You can buy or hire a PLB from your local hiking store. Be prepared for encounters with leeches by packing leech prevention supplies. Additionally, include an emergency blanket for warmth and strapping for twisted ankles and knees. A hiking pole can be very beneficial in wet and slippery conditions. It adds that crucial third point of contact to the ground, which can be vital on unstable and slippery terrain.
As always, never leave for a hike without informing someone of your planned route and expected return time. It’s also advisable to hike with a companion whenever possible.
🎒It can be useful to have a waterproof bag in your backpack to store your phone and car keys and protect these items from getting wet.
It is also useful to have a waterproof backpack or backpack cover.
🏁After Completing Your Hike
Upon completing your hike, it’s essential to take care of yourself and your gear:
Have a mud bag ready for your boots, socks, and other dirty clothing to keep your car clean.
Bring a change of clothes, ensuring they are warm and comfortable.
Pack a towel in the car to dry off on.
Putting down plastic sheets in the footwell of the car and on seats can prevent muddy and wet seats & floors.
Have a snack ready in the car to provide an energy boost for your drive home.
Keep a spare pair of glasses in the car, as glasses can easily get lost or broken during a fall on the hike.
By following these post-hike preparations, you can ensure a comfortable and safe journey back home after your outdoor adventure.
🧥Clothing: What Do You Need?
You don’t need a new wardrobe, but you’ll need some basics to stay safe and comfortable:
Base layer: Long thermal underwear tops and/or bottoms for colder weather.
Warm, insulating layer: Fleece jackets or comfy wool sweaters provide warmth.
Waterproof/windproof layer: Rain/wind jackets and hiking or rain pants keep you warm and dry.
Socks: Hiking-specific socks offer more cushioning and breathability than cotton tube socks, protecting against blisters on long hikes.
Shoes: Non-slip, waterproof hiking boots are recommended.
🌈Remember, while you may get wet at some point, these tips will help you stay warm and safe on your rainy-day hike. Honestly, there is something magical about hiking through a rainforest when it’s lightly raining. Also don’t forget to look out for Rainbows and forest magic and enjoy your fresh air and freedom.
