Learning how to stay dry walking in the rain is crucial when you do not want bad weather to stop you from following your exercise routine.
Sometimes, you love hiking and other outdoor activities but want something to stay safe and dry in the rainy season.
But, what can you do about it?
Thankfully, it is possible to learn how to stay dry when walking in the rain, and usually, you just need to make small adjustments to your routine.
From route planning to gear choices and taking measures to stay safe on the road, you can do a number of things to stay dry and safe walking in the rain.
How to Stay Dry Walking in the Rain
Not picking the right clothing before heading out in the rain can hurt you big time. Waterproof and water-resistant clothing can help you stay dry.
Here are some options to consider:
Opt for Waterproof Coats and Jackets
When you walk regularly to stay fit, you need to invest in a waterproof coat or jacket.
Do not try to cut corners here and opt for a jacket with sealed seams yet adjustable cuffs.
Similarly, a jacket with a breathable membrane is a great choice because it helps you stay dry by keeping water away while making you feel comfortable.
Fact: It is also a good idea to buy moisture-wicking clothing because those base layers keep your skin dry by drawing perspiration away from your skin.
Get Rain Pants
Going with shorts is often a good idea, but you can also manage to stay dry by investing in a pair of rain pants or leggings.
Opt for the ones designed to go over your regular clothes for better protection while walking in the rain.
Buy Waterproof Shoes
Even if you have covered yourself properly, you still need to get the right pair of shoes to stay safe while walking in the rain.
Bear in mind that wet feet can quickly turn into a serious problem.
Leaving your feet wet even for a few minutes could take a toll on your feet and make walking miserable.
To stay safe, get boots that come with support and a proper grip to prevent slips.
Get Yourself an Umbrella and Proper Rain Accessories
A sturdy umbrella is an absolute must when venturing out in wet weather.
Just bear in mind that umbrellas can protect you from the rain, but not all of them are the same.
Pick an umbrella with a large canopy to protect yourself and your belongings from the rain.
Your umbrella will not get blown inside out in the wind as long as the frame is well-built and there are no weak points in the design.
Putting your money on an umbrella with an automatic opening and closing mechanism is even better.
It will save you from getting wet if you need to open or close it quickly.
An Important Consideration
Besides carrying an umbrella, you may also want to invest in whatever rain accessories you can afford.
For starters, you can opt for rain hats and waterproof ponchos.
Fact: Umbrellas with a comfortable handle and wrist strap are less likely to blow away in gusty weather and help you stay dry while walking.
Timing and Route Planning
If you plan ahead, you have a far better chance of staying dry when out for a stroll in the rain.
Before venturing out on a stroll, it is a good idea to check the weather forecast.
You should probably postpone your walk or find an inside activity if there is a chance of severe rain.
Arrange your journey to spend as little time outside as possible.
Stay on well-worn paths, in the shade of trees, and underground wherever possible.
If you are in a location that is prone to floods or huge puddles, you should reroute your walk to remain on higher ground.
Practice a Good Walking Technique
How wet you get while walking in the rain also depends on your walking technique or simply your gait.
Here are a few things to bear in mind:
- Move quickly to reduce the amount of time spent walking in the rain.
- Keep moving to help you create body heat and stay comfortable in the wet.
- Shorten your strides so you do not lose your footing or splash water on yourself.
- Tilt your umbrella slightly against the direction of the rain to shield yourself from raindrops pushed by the wind.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
If you must go through the rain, do not forget to use modern technology to keep you dry and comfortable.
Here is what you can try:
Use Weather Apps
These apps can help you plan your stroll and avoid severe downpours by providing real-time information on rain conditions and radar maps.
Waterproof Phone Case and Accessories
Protect your phone from water and moisture with a waterproof phone case.
If you want to listen to music while you are out for a walk, you might want to invest in a portable waterproof speaker or waterproof headphones to keep your gadgets safe from the elements.
Fact: Stay informed by signing up for electronic alert systems that can notify you of impending severe weather or floods by text message or sound.
What Should You Know about Post-Walk Care?
A little TLC after a rainy stroll will extend the life of your gear and keep you dry and comfortable.
To avoid being cold and to keep your body warm, you should:
- Dry off swiftly by removing wet clothing using a towel.
- Avoid the growth of mold and mildew on your damp clothes by air drying them.
- Not dry garments in front of radiators, as this might ruin their water resistance.
- Shake out any dirt or debris and tuck newspaper inside shoes to soak up any remaining wetness.
Fact: Once inside, opening your umbrella and letting it air dry will help keep it in good working order and avoid rust.
How Can Hikers Stay Dry While Walking?
Hikers who think a rain jacket is all that they need to stay dry are surely going to find themselves in an unwanted situation.
Those jackets may work sometimes, but may not be suitable depending on your hiking trail.
Even a jacket with a waterproof-breathable shell can make you wet from the inside out in mild conditions due to overheating and excessive sweating.
This is especially the case while walking uphill and carrying a pack.
For hikers, what they wear certainly counts, but learning how to regulate their body temperature is even more important.
Here are a few basic tips to help hikers stay dry walking in the rain:
Carry an Umbrella
Isn’t it obvious? It surely is, but interestingly, far too few people ever think of carrying an umbrella while on a hiking trip.
It is a good idea to invest in a lightweight, backcountry umbrella so long as you know the wind would not be too strong to damage your umbrella.
Remember that the arms of your umbrella may snap if the wind is a bit too strong.
You may keep your hands free by attaching an umbrella to the shoulder strap of your backpack.
Eat and Drink
When hiking in the rain, many people just keep their heads down and keep moving, regardless of whether or not they have enough water or food.
It is simple to overheat and dehydrate since you might not notice how much distance you have covered.
Understand that it is already too late if you experience symptoms such as fatigue, lightheadedness, or dry mouth.
Ventilate Your Jacket
Jackets with a membrane or coating designed to be both waterproof and breathable allow for some inside moisture to escape to the outside while still keeping the rain away.
Yet, they are generally more effective at preventing rain from entering than they are in dissipating sweat and internal heat.
Because of this, we might easily overheat and become drenched while hiking in the rain and warm weather.
So, keep that in mind when buying a jacket.
Takeaway
Learning how to stay dry walking in the rain can make it an enjoyable activity.
In most cases, you can get good results simply by following basic tips.
Sometimes, listening to the weather forecast can help you decide whether you should carry an umbrella.
But, still, it makes sense to wear water-resistant clothing and employ smart walking techniques to stay dry and safe all the time.
