My Mindset for Backpacking in the Rain

Certainly a big concern when inclement weather is forecasted but I don't think it should be feared, it can be both a great experience and perfect time for gaining new skills or honing old ones!

THE BACKPACKING GEAR I USE:

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[apriloutdoors]

Well said! Camping with Boy Scouts the past 10 years, we plan monthly hikes/campouts and go - no matter the weather. We call rain "liquid sunshine" and say there is no such thing as as bad weather - just the wrong gear!

[seesfractals]

Thanks for the encouragement. Been hit with depression lately. Always love seeing new stuff from you.

[flx]

I don't know why but I have always LOVED hiking when its raining.

[goprodiaries]

When that polar vortex came through Iowa and we got -20 temps, me and my buddy got psyched and camped out. I dont know whats wrong with me but I love this stuff!

[adventure_hannah]

Awesome video! I totally agree with the "get out there and practice" philosophy. Even when I can't get days off to go backpacking, I day hike as often as I can (basically every weekend) and three or four times a month camp out in my backyard with my gear just to mess around and try out new tarp configs, see how far I can take a quilt or sleeping bag, or practice cooking over fire instead of with a stove. Backpacking trips are way less scary because I've made a lot of the camping mistakes a 1/4 mile walk from my house, and hiked in a lot of conditions.

[Godisfirst]

Leaves his cozy home. Leaves his cozy car and goes out in the rain. You have the BEST ATTITUDE!

[Impalaontrail]

If it ain't raining it ain't training..

[bretthikez]

I feel ya on the practicing part...every kind of weather can make your skills get better.i love going out in crappy weather ..glad to see im not the only one .great video dude

[robertcurrey]

I've "preached?" to day hikers that simply won't make the jump to an overnight backpacking trip, to simply find a campground, carry everything for an overnight, return to the campground, and spend the night AS IF you were in the wild. The out is their car right there in the campground. It's not the full experience, but it's a baby step.

[Pack.Leader]

Excellent, practical advice. The dream always pales in comparison to reality.

[nobodyhikes]

The timing of this is perfect. I am researching this subject as rain is in the forecast for the entirety of an upcoming trip and I've never backpacked in the rain. Should be interesting. Good point on it still being beautiful.

[alexmarchica]

Great points for hiking in the rain. Its not something most people look forward to like you said, but you will never learn unless you experience these conditions first hands. I've been hiking for years and hiked in the rain once before last october. I was hiking the Ozarks and it rained all, damn, day. thankfully I had rain pants and rain jacket, but it was a hell of a learning experience when you need to make 26.8 miles in rough, rocky terrain. Keep the great videos coming!

[felipecastellon]

I was 19 years old, now 60. Went to get my grandma in the southern Sierra Madre in central Mexico at 3 in the morning to 7:30 in the morning. Night hiked, no water, food or light, just the moonlight. Hiking/backpacking is my life. A couple of years ago I went to Mt Woodson in San Diego County because I knew it was going to rain that day and I saw a cloud covering it. I was prepared. On the way up a guy with a small bottle of water, shorts and a t-shirt was coming down, looked almost hypothermic and couldn't talk because of his condition. I offered to shelter him with my emergency blanket but he took off. Yes it is necessary for people especially if they don't get out on the wilderness, to practice because when that fog rolls in or that snow gets to thick or the water on the desert is not enough. It gets scary. Thank you. Sorry for the long comment.

[jonahunderwood]

I've been walking to and from school in the rain most days for the past few months to prepare for my summer trip. It's been really nice getting mentally tougher in those types of conditions that are less than desirable

[georgepena]

Your doing the right thing put yourself in the elements but stay until it hurts it makes it easier to stay longer in future hikes well done 👍.

[timlois]

Amen, brother. I am so disappointed when my friends bail on a weekend trip because there is some rain in the forecast. We live in western Pennsylvania. It's going to rain more days than not, especially in the spring. You prepare, and you go. Unless is going to rain non-stop for 4 days, or dangerous storms are in the forecast. If you wait for the perfect day, you're not getting out too often. Thanks for the video. I'm going to pass it along next time someone starts crying about the weather before a trip.

[c]

Awesome advice. When I first moved to the mountains of Colorado, I made a point of winter camping in several feet of snow but only being a few miles from my vehicle. I learned a lot. I mostly learned that winter camping in the Rockies is cold! I just found your channel and videos are great. Very practical, thank you.

[markhendrickson-projectk]

just tried all my rain gear out this last week. Great info like always. I start the PCT this Saturday. I would love to see you post some more, or another cold soaking recipes video. anyways, take care and keep on keepin on.

[decentdiversions]

Agreed. Hiking in the mountains will often produce a mix of conditions. You’ve got to be ready for them. My fave photos I’ve taken in the Adirondacks have been on cloudy days too.

[JaredandTasha]

Moved from SoCal to Washington. Needed this