Hiking in the rain

 

 

I know some of you frowned at the topic. No, I’m not mad and I won’t leave my home for a hike while it’s raining. Does this mean I will never hike in the rain? No, it doesn't.

Proper rain gear is essential.

I have already mentioned that I prefer not to hike in summer because of the heat and the rain, which is sometimes accompanied by thunder and lightning. I also know and understand that nature is always king. This means that in your hiking journey, you will encounter rain at some point - whether by choice or accident - and you will have to finish what you started. You may avoid being caught in the rain by checking the weather forecast, but as already indicated, nature is king. Trying to plan your hikes around rain may lead to you missing out on some hikes because even forecasters may get it wrong. And if you do get caught in the rain, you may find yourself appreciating the different smells, including the earthy smell. Besides, if you’ve invested a lot in your hiking boots, you get to test their grip – just saying.

My humble advice to hikers is to pack your day backpack for any eventuality. It has become convenient to hike with a small backpack with just a water bladder and space for a few snacks but that may come with a huge cost.  

Be prepared

With nature being unpredictable, it is always best to be prepared. Most hikers know to always prepare for all possibilities. I learned this the hard way. In my earlier hiking days, I had an experience where we finished hiking in the dark and it was raining. At the time, I didn’t know the importance of always packing rain gear (even if it’s a light poncho) and a headlamp. I had to deal with my fear of heights, rain, thunder, and lightning  (being the only source of light) all at once when we crossed Hennops River with the manual cable car.  

Anyway…Here are some tips for the rainy season.

Rain gear: make sure you have a proper raincoat. Please do not go to the ‘kooperasie’ to get your raincoat as that will be too heavy. I can attest to that because some of us who started hiking when it was not yet fashionable, had to learn almost everything the hard way. Except for being waterproof,  your rain gear must be lightweight and breathable. This may be a bit more costly, but you cannot afford to be weighed down by your load and your gear. Just remember, if there is a heavy downpour, and you’re there for a long period, even the best gear will not protect you. Another thing, I am not much of a fan of rain pants, but if you don’t mind them, invest in a pair.

I have realised that a peak cap can be useful when it rains. Having it under the hood of your rain jacket can keep water off your face, meaning you won’t be dealing with water in your eyes.

Backpack cover: Make sure you buy a backpack with a cover. It is advisable to have a plastic liner inside your bag when on a multiday hike. A dry bag can be helpful to keep your electronics dry.

 Some ponchos can cover the day backpack.

Hiking shoes: Whether you are a runner or hiking boot babe, these can make or break your hike, especially when it rains. Here, my preference is clear. I am a hiking boot girl because I want that ankle support. Blame it on age! And they have not failed me yet. I’m grateful that I haven’t experienced how good they can be with holding water, maybe because I’ve never dealt with a heavy downpour. What I know for sure is that I try to make sure that I wear boots with a good traction to mitigate the risk of falling. Not that you won’t fall! Pack your gaiters as they will keep your socks drier for longer.

Socks: I prefer to always have a spare pair of socks, even on a day hike. Walking in wet socks is not ayoba as they say. Not only are they uncomfortable, but the friction can lead to blisters. We cannot even talk about what that would mean for the rest of your hike. Aim to keep your feet as dry as possible. If you sleep with socks on and you’re on a multiday hike, make sure you have a dry pair for sleeping. Add blister packs in your bag for good measure.

Dress in layers: I am not very good with layering because I either get too hot or feel like I’m suffocating. But layering is very good in cold and wet conditions. I try to wear thermal vests as they can keep me warm when it’s cold or wet and they dry easily, thanks to their breathability. A light fleece or a softshell jacket is ideal for cold conditions and as another layer underneath the rain jacket, provided it’s not too hot.  

Right tent: If you’re backpacking, please ensure that you have an appropriate tent and inspect it before leaving. The last thing you need is to be in Drakensberg Mountain only to realise that you have broken or missing camping poles. I’ve had one too many misses when it comes to tents, and that explains my dicey relationship with tents.  

Stay hydrated: When hiking, you continue to sweat even if it’s cold or raining. You need to keep drinking water to stay hydrated. A water bladder can be handy when it rains as it is easily accessible even when you have a raincoat or a poncho.

It is important to stay warm when hiking in the rain.

Beware of the dangers

While it is possible to hike in the rain, you must be aware of the possible dangers such as slipping and getting injured. Avoid taking unnecessary risks and river crossings as there may be a risk of drowning, especially if your swimming skills are suspect - like me. Staying wet for long may cause hypothermia, a condition where the body’s temperature drops too low while there’s no heat produced.

Be extra careful as the trail may be slippery.

At the end

Hiking or not hiking in wet weather is a choice, but most of the time, nature may just surprise you. While it may be unsettling for many, it’s better to always be prepared. You may just enjoy the fresh smell and different colours of the wet plants. Keep doing!

Td

My wish for 2025

 

At the end of each year, many people look back at the year that was and make plans or resolutions for the coming year. I used to be one of those, but over the years it no longer mattered. Not because I never achieved any of the things I resolved to do. But because I tend to act on impulse. Structure has never been my thing, and I know it will bore me to death. And structure includes having structured working hours!

(2017) Getting here was anything but easy.

Anyway, resolutions for most hikers usually include a bucket list of hiking trails. If you have a list, good luck, and I hope you get to tick off some of those trails on your list and create beautiful memories in the process. I just remembered a moment on the Machu Picchu citadel after years of having the picture of the place on my wall. The high altitude made this the roughest hike I ever experienced but it was also the most memorable. Even though I’ve never had a hiking bucket list, I have always wished to walk the Spain Camino and Machu Picchu. I still hope that one day, I will have the mental, physical, emotional, and financial fitness to go on the five-week pilgrimage.  

Ease

What I wish for myself is ease. We have been taught to work hard and to fight to get what we want. I have done all that and some, and all I have to show is exhaustion. I am tired of feeling tired. I need some ease! In everything I do, I need ease. I hope that even the most challenging mountain I will face this year will be trodden with ease. I wish for ease in all the different types of relationships and encounters. And I wish the same for you if, like me, you’re tired of being tired!

Staying fit

I’ve always tried my best to keep my fitness in check. Last year, I had some health issues that affected my fitness routine. I tried my best, and it was almost always a strife. I hope my fitness journey will be less stressful this year so I can have less stressful hikes. And I promise myself to do more yoga to improve my flexibility. This is also a reminder to you, as a hiker, to keep fit so you enjoy time spent in nature with less stress.

Taking better care of my feet

Hikers need strong legs to carry them and their baggage, but do you know the importance of caring for your feet? What happens when you get a blister during a hike? That’s your whole trip ruined! Anyway, there are ways to keep your feet happy, including giving them a good Epsom salt soak occasionally and soaking them in cold water after being physical. I love walking barefoot, mostly because I like feeling connected to Earth - and maybe because I’m rural like that - but that causes my feet to be dry and hard. This requires extra care and extra moisturisation. A good soak and moisturising your feet (Vaseline works) can do wonders for your dry feet, and putting on socks will keep them soft. It is essential to soften your feet when preparing for long hikes to avoid blisters.  Oh! And please keep your toenails very short! Thank me later!

Introduce one person to hiking

Last year, I introduced a sister-friend to hiking, and I’m confident that despite the injury she suffered, she will be back this year and possibly joining weekend hikes. My chat with a stranger also led to them exploring short hikes, which they reportedly enjoyed. I had hoped to introduce one or two more people to the healing space, which is nature. I haven’t given up hope yet, and I look forward to sharing the outdoors with more new people. Have you already started? Do you have someone you want to introduce to hiking?

Some hikes not only reward you with beautiful views...

Take care of the environment

Each time I go hiking and I see litter, my heart bleeds. In the past few weeks, I saw a level of litter that touched me too deeply. I do not understand why we choose to pollute the environment, yet we expect it to continue taking care of us and future generations. We are quick to bemoan the unpleasant weather and yet we fail to see our contribution. I cannot talk about big companies and other businesses and the mess they cause to the environment. But I know that if you and I do something, no matter how small, we are making a difference.

One of the waterfalls at Kgaswane Nature Reserve

Volunteer for environment clean-ups and/or trail maintenance

Being a hiker has made me appreciate the environment more. And I understand the need to do my bit where the environment is concerned. I have, in the past, found myself in spaces where I had to do my part, either cleaning up spaces or even dealing with alien species. The fulfilment! This reminds me of one of the nature reserves that were instrumental in building the hiker I am, or is it was? Kgaswane Nature Reserve boasts two beautiful and challenging weekend trails, which many of us have used to prepare for more challenging hikes. It pains me that the place is now dilapidated with the trails not maintained. Maybe I should call on all hikers willing to volunteer to restore the trails and huts at Kgaswane to their former glory, to come together so we can devise a plan. What do you think? Even new hikers can join! Or is there a trail that you feel needs hikers to intervene? I know we can do this!

Getting hands dirty for a good cause.

Support a friend pursuing an epic outdoor activity

Nothing pulls my heartstrings like knowing that someone believes in what I’m doing and is willing to give me support. While hikers do not get prizes, medals, or awards, conquering a rugged mountain is all the medals we need. I have supported fellow hikers prepare for serious summits such as Kilimanjaro. And I have always wanted to be on the side of the road cheering for those running the Comrades Marathon. And this year, I hope to be there - in cheerleader gear - to support some of the brave ones I know during the Comrades Marathon. How is that? Who will you support? A hiker? A cyclist? A runner? Let’s be creative!

At the end

I hope you enjoy beautiful hikes with as much ease and flow as possible, doing it one step at a time. And while at that, let’s save the environment for future generations, one mindful act at a time.

 

Td