Have you ever tried to go hiking solo, but you felt scared, especially on rainy days? Did you let your fears of trekking alone keep you in the shelter of your home? Guess what? You do not need to worry!
Solo trekking is an excellent opportunity to reflect and grow while on the trail. You can also have your space, your time and schedule. Moreover, it will allow you to pack limited supplies just for yourself.
But of course, that’s not the only thing you have to remember in this type of excursion. In this article, we will give you some of the best solo hiking tips your solitary adventure safe and fun!
Benefits of Hiking Alone
Here is a list of advantages you can reap for solo trekking:
– Solitude: it will calm you down and make your mind clear and at peace
– Quietness: which will promote wildlife encounters (you can rarely experience it when you have a large group of trekkers
– Control: you can regulate your destination and pace
– Stress reliever: it will relieve any stress and worries
– Chance for Mental Challengers: for instance, conquering the fear of being alone, fear of the dark, etc.
– Challenge Yourself: it is an excellent opportunity to test and improve your outdoor skills
Must-have Tips to Hike Alone on a Rainy Day
For the rainy season, here are some of the strategies you may follow to make your trekking happy and secure:
Gear Up Properly
When rain is inevitable, it is proper to adjust your gears and clothing. You need to make sure that you bring proper clothes, such as your footwear and outerwear. Also, you want to check if they are rain-ready before packing them up.
Here are some of the clothing strategies you must follow:
– Never Bring Cotton Clothes
It is true, especially for next to the skin layers. You need to understand that cotton may not wick sweat and moisture away from your skin. So, it will take too long to dry out. In wet conditions, it will mean that you will get cold and become vulnerable to hypothermia. Instead, you have pack nylon, wool, or polyester types of clothing.
– Check Out Your Rainwear
A soft shell won’t keep you warm if you will trek a harsh atmospheric condition. You may want to get a hard shell that is waterproof. Moreover, It is right to consider upgrading your rainwear because some brands may update their technology. But, of course, your preference still matters.
– Change the Durable Water Repellent of Your Rainwear or DWR
Check if your current rainwear can wick off rain drops. If not, then there is an excellent chance that you have to change your DWR coating. It will surely restore the capability of your rainwear, especially for waterproofing.
– Assess Your FootwearYour waterproof footwear will work well on rainy days to keep your feet dry and warm (Non-waterproof footwear will function well in mild conditions). They will dry quickly if you have to step into a creek or puddle. With either option, you will need to have deep lug soles. That way, you can handle the superior traction, mud, wet log, and rocks. Some of the hiking boots can be quite expensive, however, but if you are not going deep in the wild, you will be fine with even good Converse shoes like these: https://serp.co/best/brown-
– Pack More Essential Camp Shoes
You should obtain camp shoes that will keep your underfoot secure. In that way, you can still put them on around a wet and slippery field. On the other side, you can replace them with your waterproof trail boots.
– Select Rain Pants or Gaiters
You may pack rain pants for increased breathability. Also, you can bring gaiters to protect the top of your footwear and your socks from the rain. Then, you may need to obtain an additional pair of waterproof pants.
– Bring a Rain Hat
Search for hats with a long bill or wide brim. This design will keep your face dry during wet conditions.
– Pack Dry Clothing More
Additional clothes should be in the essentials when packing for your hiking trip. You should not lessen the number of clothes you intend to bring when the forecast says that it will rain. So, obtain more clothes that you can use for sleeping. They will keep you warm and dry when you sandwich yourself in your sleeping bag.
– Obtain Blister Supplies
Moisture will make your feet prone to blisters. So, you need to make sure that you have a few supplies of synthetic or wool trekking socks. Also, you should pack blister treatments in your first-aid kit.
Strategies for Your Campsite
For site selection, here’s what you need to consider:
– Look for a Drier and Higher Ground
These areas have less moisture in the air that will condense later on in your tent.
– Search for Campsites Under the Trees
They will make a more secure and warmer temperature when it is raining outside your tent.
– Prevent Sites Below Damaged Trees or Limbs
The branches or limbs may go on top of your tent, which will cause damage and harm.
– Avoid Campsites in Low Areas
The rain will gather in depressed areas. So, make sure you select a higher ground.
– Place the Doors of the Tent Away from the Wind
That way, you will prevent the wind from blowing in your tent.
Stay Dry During Wet Conditions
When the rain hits your campsite, it is important to keep yourself dry. Here are some of the tips to follow to stay dry and warm:
– Keep a Dry Set of Clothes
You may store them in your dry bag. You may not open the bag until you are in the tent.
– Put On Dry Clothes
During the day, you may change your wet pants, socks, and other layer clothing to prevent hypothermia.
– Clutch Weather Windows
Making your gear dry is one of the most crucial things to do. So, you need to dry your wet things under the sun when it shows up after the rain.
Conclusion
Some people may find it scary to hike along during severe weather conditions. However, you can do it! Aside from the fact that it gives you peace of mind, it also allows you to have a breather for yourself. And these are prerequisites so that you develop your physical and mental capabilities.
If you do not have any idea how to survive a solo hiking in a rainy day, then having a great a time is not a plausible idea. But, by following the tips suggested above, you can hike or backpack solo full of happiness and confidence.
Author Bio
Louise Brown is a photographer, camping lover and hiking expert based in Colorado. TheAdventureLand.com, where she share experiences venturing, tips & tricks and survival skills that will help you have an exciting adventure. “Let’s pack our bags and explore the world!”. Follow her on Twitter @adventure_howdy