I checked the 7 day weather outlook today and it does not look good. Well, that depends on your perspective actually. To a rabid hiker, weather is simply part of the variety of like just like the changing terrain. If you hike a lot in the same park or even the same neighborhood, it’s often the changing weather that keeps your hike interesting year after year. If you do go hiking in the cold autumn rain there are some things you can do to make it more enjoyable…

The most obvious thing you’ll need is good rain gear. Occasionally a garbage bag with 3 holes cut in it is pretty “good” rain gear. But if you are going to be out regularly you’ll want something a bit better. Look for a nice, waterproof breathable jacket. Don’t let the fear of tech-gear scare you. You can find a perfectly good rain jacket for well under 100.00 (Even at REI). I like a jacket with a hood so water doesn’t find a way down my neck. If you can get a hood with a brim, even better. Some jackets have hoods that will cinch up and let you completely enclose your face leaving only your eyes peaking out. Your breathing can start to sound like a scene from 2001 after awhile.  Still, some will find it nice and cozy!  If you are going to be out a lot you may want waterproof pants as well. Honesty I could never bring myself to go that far. Keep in mind that when you spend a whole day or more out in the rain it’s almost impossible to really stay dry. In fact as soon as I warm up, my hood comes right off anyway. Rain is really wonderful and you shouldn’t always hide from it!

If you accept that you are going to get wet, then you should wear clothing made from breathable quick dry materials. That includes your underwear and socks too!!! Never wear cotton if you are going to be wet. I can’t image a worse feeling than hiking in a cold rain in squishy underthings & wet blue jeans! Ick! There are plenty of brands and shops out there where you can find breathable, quick drying materials. Because I am an occasional kayaking instructor at Rutabaga in Madison I can’t help but send you their way. (www.Rutabaga.com).

Your feet need attention too. Start with quick-dry socks of course. Then in the summer I wear a nice pair of all-terrain all-weather shoes.  Some are pretty costly and others cost no more than a pair of basic running shoes. You’re looking for good traction, shock absorption, and something that repels the water.  (I’ve had a nice pair of Ahnu shoes for over a year now and they are holding up quite well. )  In addition they should drain fast too. It’s easy to go from damp to just plain flooded. In the winter you may prefer hiking boots.

With all that talk of clothing it’s important to mention not to over-dress. It’s easy to get too warm, sweat, then freeze. Wear layers, cover your head and keep your body core as dry as possible even if the rest of you gets wet.

When hiking on a cold autumn day like today be sure to take some water and a snack as well. There’s a nice article in Outdoor life with some thoughts on the right sorts of meals and snacks to prepare for keeping warm. There is nothing like thermos with a hot drink and a Hershey bar to turn a rainy day hike into absolute perfection!

Hiking in the late autumn rains, sleets, and snows to follow can be a wonderful experience if you are prepared. The world is full of subtle colors and contrast, the tapping of the rain on the dry leaves is musical and meditative. Seeing the first rain turn to snow right before your very eyes while out on a trail seems almost miracles. They say into each life a little rain must fall. I say just dress for it, get out there and enjoy!

Do you like to hike in less than perfect weather?  Have any tips to share?  Feel free to comment!