What should I wear when hiking in the rain?
Key clothing items
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer made of polyester or merino wool. Avoid cotton because it soaks up water and loses insulation when wet. Add a waterproof, breathable rain jacket with a hood and pit zips for ventilation. Rain pants are essential to keep your legs dry and warm.
For your feet, wear waterproof hiking boots or shoes with wool or synthetic socks. Avoid cotton socks. A wide-brimmed hat or a hood keeps rain off your face. Gloves or mittens can help if it's cold, but choose water-resistant ones.
- Base layer: synthetic or wool, not cotton
- Rain jacket: waterproof and breathable, with hood
- Rain pants: full-length, packable
- Footwear: waterproof boots, wool socks
- Hat: wide brim or hood
- Gloves: water-resistant if cold
Why these choices work
Waterproof layers keep rain out, but they also trap sweat. Breathable fabrics and vents let moisture escape. Synthetic and wool base layers move sweat away from your skin, so you stay drier and warmer. Cotton holds water, which can lead to chafing and dangerous cooling.
If it's warm, you might skip rain pants, but they protect against wind and brush. In cold rain, hypothermia is a real risk, so staying dry is critical. Always pack rain gear even if the forecast is clear, because mountain weather changes fast.
- Breathable fabrics prevent overheating
- Wool and synthetics retain warmth when damp
- Cotton loses insulation and dries slowly
- Rain gear also blocks wind
Common mistakes
- Wearing cotton clothing, which soaks up water and loses insulation.
- Choosing a non-breathable rain jacket, which traps sweat and makes you wet from the inside.
- Forgetting rain pants, leaving your legs exposed to wind and rain.
