Hiking Rain Poncho. How to Stay Dry During Severe Mountain Rains?
You should not be afraid of rain in the mountains, because rain is just a natural phenomenon of nature and not a natural disaster, and you need to treat it calmly. However, it is still necessary to take care of your own comfort, and you need to do this in advance. The key to your comfort on a hike is a reliable poncho raincoat, so let’s figure out how to choose it.
What kind of raincoats are there?
The best and most practical option for the mountains is a rain poncho made of breathable fabric. A rain poncho most often has a cavity for a backpack and covers not only you but also your things from the rain, which is very important. After all, during the rain it is not so important to stay dry yourself, it is more important to keep things dry so that you can change into warm clothes later. The disadvantage of a raincoat-poncho is unprotected legs. This is not critical, because most often the legs get wet during a downpour, despite any protection. But if dry feet are very important to you, you can purchase gaiters or drop pants for your poncho.
Another good option is membrane clothing. Such rain protection is suitable only for those regions where heavy and prolonged rains are not expected. In this case, a membrane jacket and pants can be good protection against rain, while the tourist will remain compact and feel mobile. However, if you choose this option, you will need a backpack cover. The membrane has its drawbacks – it requires special care and periodic renewal. The membrane dries quickly but also gets wet quickly. Usually, it lasts for 30-50 minutes of light rain. Remember that the membrane is not capable of fully replacing the raincoat, it is better to use it for light rain, and in case of seriously bad weather, still keep a raincoat in your backpack.
A good and very versatile raincoat for hiking is a waterproof suit, it consists of a jacket and pants. Often tourists take an ordinary fishing suit, which weighs more than a tourist one. The disadvantage of such a raincoat is that it does not protect the backpack and the things in it. Suitable only in combination with a backpack cover.
All other options are not very practical. You should not take an oilcloth raincoat – inside it, you will get as wet as outside, but not from rain, but from sweat. There are also quite exotic options – for example, a hiking umbrella. Alas, the mountains are not a place for people with umbrellas.
How not to get wet on a hike?
Most importantly, don’t be afraid of the rain! Remember that your main task is to keep things in your backpack dry. You should have a dry sleeping bag because it is very difficult to dry it by fire. Must have dry clothes to change. Therefore, pack things in a dry bag or a regular bag, and only then put them in a backpack. Get a backpack cover if your hiking raincoat won’t cover it. You don’t need to take things that take a long time to dry, such as cotton or wool, on a hike, it is better to take things made of synthetics. The same goes for shoes: good hiking shoes, even when very wet, dry by the fire for about an hour. Therefore, make sure that you have dry warm socks and changeable slippers (sneakers, etc.)
And most importantly, when it starts to rain, remember, it is not the weather that creates your mood, but only you! Carefully, and responsibly approach the choice of a raincoat. To find one, just visit the Decathlon website.
WANT TO RECEIVE PERSONAL, STYLISH SUGGESTIONS TO YOUR EMAIL?
FILL OUT THE FOLLOWING FORM: