Let me tell you something about rain.
Most hikers see it as the enemy. The thing that ruins plans, soaks boots, and turns a good trail into a muddy slog. I used to think that too, back when I was younger and less wise.
Now? Rain is one of my favourite things about being out in the wild. And once you know how to handle it, I think it might become one of yours too. 🌧️
🧥 Dress for It — Don't Fight It
The number one mistake people make in wet weather is wearing the wrong kit. Cotton is the enemy when it's raining — it soaks up water, gets heavy, and stays cold against your skin. Instead, think in layers:
Base layer: Moisture-wicking merino wool or synthetic fabric. Keeps you warm even when damp.
Mid layer: A fleece or insulating layer for warmth. Can be removed if you heat up on the climb.
Outer layer: A proper waterproof jacket with sealed seams. Not water-resistant — waterproof. There's a difference, and you'll feel it.
Waterproof trousers are worth it on longer hikes. And gaiters? Underrated. They keep the mud and water out of your boots on boggy ground.
Blue's tip: Always pack your waterproofs even if the forecast looks fine. British weather has opinions of its own.
👟 Keep Your Feet Happy
Wet feet are miserable feet. Invest in a good pair of waterproof hiking boots — properly broken in before you take them on a long trail. Pair them with wool socks (not cotton) and carry a spare pair in a dry bag inside your pack.
If your boots do get wet inside, stuff them with newspaper when you get home. It draws the moisture out overnight far better than leaving them by a radiator.
Blue's tip: Trekking poles are especially useful in wet conditions. They give you extra stability on slippery ground and take the strain off your knees on descents.
🎒 Protect Your Pack
A waterproof pack cover is a small investment that makes a big difference. Alternatively, line the inside of your rucksack with a bin bag and pack your valuables — phone, map, spare clothes — in dry bags or zip-lock bags inside that.
Your snacks should be in a waterproof pocket or bag too. Soggy oat biscuits are not the trail experience anyone deserves.
🌿 Why Rainy Trails Are Actually Magic
Here's the thing nobody tells you: the trail after rain is extraordinary.
The colours are deeper. The greens are greener. The air smells of earth and pine and something ancient and clean. Waterfalls that barely trickle in summer become proper roaring things. Puddles reflect the sky. Mist sits in the valleys like something from a painting.
And the best part? Most fair-weather hikers stay home. The trail is yours.
Some of my most memorable walks have been in the rain. There's something about being out in it — properly out in it, not hiding from it — that makes you feel very alive.
☕ The Reward at the End
There is no hot drink in the world that tastes as good as the one you have after a wet hike. Whether it's a flask of tea on a hilltop or a proper coffee in a warm café at the end of the trail — you've earned it. Every sip.
Don't let the rain keep you indoors. The wild is out there, and it's beautiful in every weather.
See you on the trail. 🐾
— Blue
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