Staying dry while hiking: check out our 8 tips

Waterproof jacket and over-trousers are two essentials. They are often very light and easy to slip into a backpack. Some overtrousers even come with ankle zips, so that you can get them on/off without removing your shoes.

The added extra: Regarding tops, there are two schools of thought, i.e. those who prefer ponchos and those who prefer jackets. The poncho has the advantage of protecting both yourself and your backpack. However, in windy weather, it quickly becomes a hindrance and can even prevent you from seeing where you're putting your feet. A jacket doesn't protect your backpack but does offer great freedom of movement. In this case, consider protecting your backpack with a cover. Some Quechua backpacks have a built-in cover.

 

Walking with wet feet is never very pleasant and can cause friction and so discomfort. Therefore, remember to take water-resistant footwear.

Please note: not all the waterproof boots offer the same level of waterproofing.

You'll find three levels of waterproofing which correspond to a number of flexes, i.e. steps:~- 2000 flexes (about 4 km of walking) ~- 4000 flexes (about 8 km of walking) ~- 8000 flexes (about 16 km of walking).

If you have already been using your boots for a few years, don't hesitate to restore the waterproofing before your hike. When crossing rivers, it's best to take off your boots and socks, which you can swap for a pair of open or quick-drying shoes like those of our Fresh footwear range. The latter eliminate water through a sole that is perforated with water channels. Dry your feet before putting your shoes back on. Also consider taking a spare pair of socks, just in case.

It may seem strange, but an umbrella still comes in handy in addition to your walking gear, in the event of a shower. It's also essential in some countries where the heavy rainfall or monsoon combined with high temperatures make it the perfect accessory to stay dry without getting too hot.

The added extra: Of course, do not use it in thunderstorms.

Indeed, it is important that the clothes you wear under your waterproof jacket wick away perspiration effectively. Otherwise you'll be soaked ... in your own perspiration! Read our article to find out how to calculate the breathability of materials.

The added extra: we tend to tighten the rip-tabs at the cuffs in the hope that water won't be able to get in. This also means that you will feel hotter and soon transforms your jacket into a sauna, regardless of how breathability it is.

If you have spent the whole day hiking in the rain and are base camping, i.e. day hiking and returning to the same base camp every evening, remember to dry your clothing during the day for the next day. Even if your first reaction is to attend to basic needs such as eating or resting, take a few minutes to hang up your clothing or lay it out in a place that is sheltered from any overnight downpours.~If you have the misfortune to get the inside of your boots wet, take the insoles out, loosen the laces and, above all, do not place them too close to a heat source, as this makes them lose their shape so that you end up with sore feet the next day!

The added extra: you can also make the most of any sunny spells during the day to dry your things by hanging them from your bag (which has been dried itself) or on a tree during a break. Make the most of every ray of sunshine.

 

Safety advice: Experiencing a shower during a hike is one thing, hiking in driving rain with no visibility is another.~We strongly recommend that you do not leave if the conditions of visibility are sub-optimal. ~And of course, even though it doesn't protect you from the rain, remember to take one or more torches that can be fastened to the head or other elements so that you can be seen, even from a distance.