Rain- 10 Ways to Embrace a Rainy Hike

Memorial Day Weekend, and they're calling for lots of rain here in the White Mountains. The temptation is to go to "Plan B" and look for something to do in which one will remain dry.

However, hiking in the rain has its benefits, and can be a lot of fun as well as rewarding. Here's how to approach a certified "rain day":

1.  Embrace the fact that that you're going to get wet. We naturally equate wetness on the trail with being miserable-- something to be avoided. I'm as guilty as anyone in trying to avoid puddles, wet branches, etc when hiking. Even on a rainy day, when I know the boots, feet, body are going to get wet, I still walk around puddles to put off the inevitable. But when the dampness comes, it's there and it's not going to go away. Beginning with the mindset that wetness is going to be a part of the experience for the day frees you from the stress of avoidance.

2.  Have the right gear. A Gore-tex jacket/shell, pants and hat are musts for me. Are you still going to get wet? Yes. If you're exerting yourself at all, your perspiration is going to overcome the "breathability" of the Gore-tex. But your rain gear is going to save you from getting drenched. Adjust your exertion level to compensate for temperature/humidity/fabric breathability. Gaiters can aid in shedding water off your boot and lower pants legs. Sometimes I'm in the mood for gaiters, sometimes I go without. Also, I have both Gore-tex and coated nylon gaiters. I haven't noticed any difference in performance between the two. I actually prefer the coated nylon pair-- they seem to let my legs "breathe" better. I use a Gore-tex sombrero with a wide brim that works pretty well for deflecting the rain. Hiking poles help with your footing, especially when it comes to stream crossings, wet logs, rocks, etc.

3.  Gore-tex lined boots?  No. Your feet are going to get wet. Period. At some point, your feet are going to start "squishing" in  your boots. Embrace the squish. Gore-tex may postpone the inevitable, but once you've reached the tipping point of enough rain dripping onto your socks and them wicking it lower to your feet, along with the sweat of your feet, the Gore-tex lining simply keeps those larger water droplets inside your boot.

4.  Have a good pack cover. Use it. Will it keep everything dry? Grow up-- of course not. But it's your first layer of protection. And get ready for the pack's shoulder straps and hipbelt, along with your back to get wet. Nothing you can do about it. Embrace it.

5.  Protect the gear in your pack.  Use trash bags and zip lock bags to protect the stuff in your pack. Use the heavy duty kind. Don't skimp on this. The lightweight trash bags and ziplocks WILL FAIL. Use freezer bags and heavy duty trash bags. You can re-use them on multiple trips, and pretty much guarantee the gear in your pack will stay dry. And quit complaining about the fact that you spent so much money on your pack and you can't believe it's not waterproof. Get over it. Too many points of entry guarantee moisture will get into your pack. Duck-tape a watersports dry bag to your waist if you want, but otherwise: trash bag it... maybe even double bag a camera. Keep your map in a zip-lock bag for easy access and reference. Fold it so that you can see the portion of the trail you're hiking and don't have to open it.

6.  Hike. Step in a puddle early and embrace it. Realize that the trails, especially here in NH are actually "dry river beds in disguise," just waiting for rain so that they can become whitewater rapids for the hiker! There are some great trails where maintenance and design have mitigated run-off and erosion. However, NH has a lot of old trails that go straight up the hill. Even with the best water bars, White Mountain trails still turn into sizable torrents when it's raining.

7.  Practice good risk management.  When it's wet, things get slippery. Take your time and ensure good footing before committing your weight. Logs, once wet, are the worst, as are leaves. Use your poles for backup support if needed. Are you hiking solo? Then be extra cautious. Save the really daring things for another day when conditions are more favorable. Bad weather can get you turned around very quickly when visibility is low. Today may not be the day to explore that secret cave or bootleg trail. Risk management applies to your time management as well. Build in an extra cushion for a "turn around time" and stick to it.

8.  Pack Nutritious Food and Hydrate!  Drink early and often to stay hydrated. Keep snacks handy and munch often. I often forego a regular lunch and just keep a steady supply of food going into my system to keep me fueled. Nuts, fruit, raisins, jerky all hold up especially well. Rain makes things slippery. Staying properly fueled and hydrated help you make better decisions and prevent the "stumbles" that often accompany dehydration.

9.  Have a dry change of clothes in your vehicle. I always try to have a towel, cotton change of clothes and sandals back at the trailhead. Once I'm off the trail and driving home, I want that soft feel of dry cotton on my skin. I also want my feet to breathe and dry out. I'm a weenie, I know, but that's just me.

10.  Enjoy the scenery. Rain transforms your day into another way to see and experience the hike, just as hiking a certain trail each season gives you a different perspective. Look for the differences and savor them.