Hiking Rain Pants and Boot Covers

Written by Super Member: Leon Roode


One thing that surprises me all the time is how many people out there don’t have or own rain pants or a rain cover for their backpacks. One of the first things I pack when doing a long trek is my rain gear, especially my rain pants and rain pack cover.

I hike in all weather and I don’t care if it is raining or the sun is out. For me, one should accept and take what Mother Nature gives. I love the different smells of the flowers and trees and even the rocks when it rains – everything smells fresh, and I even love the sound of the rain. You can even smell it whenever it’s on its way.

Hiking in the rain isn’t a problem if you are prepared for it and if you have the right gear. I can’t understand why people don’t have rain pants or a rain pack cover and those who think it is unnecessary.

On my guided trips here in Hokkaido, Japan, I have a list of what gear people have to bring and if people don’t have anything, I can also supply it. I find most people coming from Canada and the US often ask me to supply them rain pants and a rain cover. It is getting to the point that I’m starting to think whether or not it is raining there. After my numerous trips, many people tell me that they are going to buy a pair of rain pants and especially a rain pack cover because they now see the good in those stuff.

You may be asking what is good about wearing or having rain pants. Well, that is an easy question to answer - It keeps you dry which means you can hike in the rain. You might say I just don’t hike in the rain. Well, that’s good if you have a choice, but sometimes you don’t, especially on long treks and in areas and countries that you have never hiked before and don’t know much about.

I once met a guy here in the mountains in Hokkaido, Japan who was at a hut and has been staying there for about three days while hiking from somewhere because the rain won’t stop. All his pairs of hiking pants and shorts, socks, boots were wet, as well as every gear inside his backpack. He told me that he tried to hike in the rain for a couple of days ago but everything just got wet and his legs started to get cold and he just had to stop and wait for the rain to go. By doing so, he missed this flight back to the US.

I think this guy wouldn’t have missed his flight if he had a pair of rain pants and a rain pack cover. Other good point about rain pants is that they can keep your socks and even your boots dry. You may say, “My boots are water proof”. But still, a lot of water gets in from the top of your boot between your legs then it works its way down to your feet. When your hiking pants or legs are wet, wearing rain pants that go over the top of your boots will stop this. The rain will go off the side of your rain pants and down past your boots to the ground.

Aside from dry bagging your clothes, rain pack cover gives you that added protection which, if you ask me, helps a lot to keep things dry.

I hope this info keeps you dry. Hiking in the rain can be fun if you make it.

Find related products in our Hiking Shop:

This Article was contributed by a Super Member:

Hi! My name is Leon Roode aka The Bush Pig. I am a New Zealander who has been living and running guided treks on the big northern island of Hokkaido, Japan for over 10 years. I have well over 25 years guiding and outdoor experience which I am more than happy to share with you here. Take care and happy trails.

Cheers,
Leon