Hiking in the rain: the essentials

All nature lovers will tell you, hike that's great, but it also means being subject to the meteorological hazards. Whether we like it or not, walking in nature is not always about frolicking under an open sky and a bright sun, especially in the mountains where the weather is unpredictable and changeable. But when you like to hike, there's no question of backing up behind a bit of rain ! So for these occasions, it is better to be well prepared and above all good team. 

Any good hiker must have in his closet at least one waterproof efficient and a coat warm and rainproof when the temperature drops. And spoiler, to be well protected against the rain, there are some conditions to respect. You are free to follow them or not, at your own risk!

The editor gives you today his advice for hiking well protected in the rain and bad weather. 🌧

WHAT EQUIPMENT FOR WALKING IN THE RAIN?

How to choose your waterproof jacket?

First of all, the key point to be properly protected against the rain is to know choose his waterproof jacket properly. Well, we're not going to tell you again that you have to select one with a hood, you probably already know that. But what we can do is give you some pointers on the slightly technical details, not necessarily easy to understand. 

First of all, know that it is always better to opt for a jacket waterproof (we specify) rather than water repellent. A water-repellent jacket will only protect you temporarily and in the event of fleeting light rain, these are not jackets suitable for dealing with insistent rain. 

Then, depending on the type of hike you are going to do, you do not necessarily need the same rain resistance. For example, for a city hike of a few hours in light rain, there is no need to wear a waterproof high resistance. On the other hand, for a one-day mountain hike in more insistent rain and fog, you will need to choose a raincoat with higher resistance.

What is rain resistance?

All waterproof jacket has what is called rain resistance, measured in mm of water thanks to multiple tests. This index is also called Schmerber's index. So you can read on all your waterproof jackets something like « resistor 2000 schmerber "Or" withstands 2000 mm of water ". If it does not have this indication, consider that it is certainly not waterproof but rather water-repellent.

This rain resistance is a good indicator for you, it lets you know what type of occasion and use the jacket is dedicated to. So now let's get down to business.

Which rain jacket for which occasion?

There are several levels of rain resistance when it comes to waterproof jackets and each time, the number of indicated specifies the number of millimeters before which the water will start to penetrate your fabric. 

If your jacket resists 2000mm of water, it is waterproof but does not have a very high level of impermeability. A jacket as such will be suitable for short hikes, intended to be carried out in mostly dry rather than wet weather, and will withstand a few showers. It is not the most optimal resistance in the event of rain.  

For hikes in heavier rain, you will need resistance to 10mm of water. A jacket with this resistance is ideal because it offers you good protection against water, which is longer and therefore more pleasant in the long run. So, obviously, if you stay in more or less heavy rain without interruption, the resistance is likely to last less. 

But this phenomenon is normal and can be explained by the simple fact that the more water stagnates on the fabric, the more it apply pressure and risk of infiltrating. The same thing happens when the handles of a backpack press on your shoulders, the water ends up passing because a constant pressure is operated: it's as simple as that! 

Coming back to our resistance to 10 000 mm, it also allows you to make a multi-day hike For example. If you're planning a two- or three-day hike and expecting a few showers, a jacket of this strength might come in handy.

Otherwise, for the most expert and those who want to be equipped to the max of the max, there are some with a waterproofness amounting to 20 000 mm for perfect sealing, or another 30 mm for the most technical ! These are particularly suitable for extreme use, if you plan to go hiking and camping for several days, for example.

How to cover yourself well in the rain and the cold?

If having a good waterproof jacket is essential for hiking in bad weather, it is also important to provide a cold protection. 

Well yes, because hiking is not only done in summer, quite the contrary! Many people choose to venture on the hiking trails in autumn or at the end of winter, or even in winter when they go on holiday in the mountains! 

So for these occasions, it is all the more interesting to combine impermeability à heat by getting a tailored coat. For that, the jackets are very practical and, reversible, they offer several technical uses for several looks!

So now it's up to you! (I.e.