Walking in the rain: how to stay dry
Autumn is a wonderful season for walking: woods turning colour, mushrooms and quiet paths. Only the weather does not always cooperate. Fortunately a shower need not spoil your walk. With the right gear and a few smart tips you, your backpack and your phone stay dry.
Dress in layers
Even in the rain you will sweat if you walk briskly. So wear a thin base layer that wicks moisture away, possibly a fleece as a mid layer and a rain jacket or rain poncho as an outer layer. Avoid cotton: it absorbs a lot of moisture, dries slowly and therefore feels cold.
Rain poncho or rain jacket?
- Rain poncho: cut generously, so it also fits over your backpack, and ventilates well because it is open at the bottom. Folded up it takes little room. In strong wind a poncho can flap about.
- Rain jacket: fits more closely and is more comfortable in strong wind, but your backpack is then left unprotected.
The Travelhawk Rain Poncho has a hood and is one size, so it fits easily over your clothes and backpack.
Keep your backpack dry
A backpack is rarely fully waterproof. So use a rain cover for your backpack. Choose the size that matches your pack's capacity so the cover fits snugly. A rain cover with reflective details also makes you more visible at dusk.
For extra certainty, put things that really must stay dry, such as spare clothing, in a dry bag. That keeps them dry even if water does get into your backpack.
Protect your phone
You use your phone on the way for the route and photos. In a waterproof phone case it stays dry and you can still use it through the case.
Dry feet
- Wear waterproof walking shoes and check that they are still properly water-repellent.
- Choose walking socks rather than cotton socks and take a spare pair in a dry bag.
- Cycling to the starting point? With waterproof overshoes you arrive with dry shoes.
After the walk: how to dry your gear
- Take the insoles out of your shoes and stuff them with newspaper. Replace the paper when it is wet.
- Let shoes dry at room temperature, not on the radiator or by the stove. Too much heat can damage the material.
- Hang your rain poncho and rain cover up unfolded to dry before you pack them away.
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear on a walk in the rain?
A thin base layer that wicks moisture away, possibly a fleece and a rain jacket or rain poncho as an outer layer. Avoid cotton.
Does a rain poncho fit over a backpack?
A generously cut poncho usually fits over a daypack. For a large trekking pack a separate rain cover is handier.
Do you need a rain cover for your backpack?
Most backpacks are not fully waterproof. A rain cover keeps the outside dry. Combine it with a dry bag for things that really must stay dry.
How do I dry wet walking shoes?
Take the insoles out, stuff the shoes with newspaper and let them dry at room temperature, not on the radiator.
Ready for an autumn walk? Take a look at everything for walking and our dry bags and waterproof covers. Free shipping from €40, 1-2 working days delivery and 30 days free returns.