A Backpacker ready for the rain

The United States boasts of innumerable trails that are adorned with scenic beauty and are plagued by rains. A backpacker, who is setting out on a trip on these trails for a week, is bound to have a rainy experience. They can either be ready for the mighty rains, or can somehow struggle and survive.

How to be prepared for the rains so that your backpacking spirit is not dampened:

1. Clothing: Your clothing should be appropriate for a hot, sweaty and rainy summer. And you need to remember that hiking is going to make you even more hot and sweaty.

You should wear a t-shirt and polypro briefs, as they would dry fast. Nylon shorts with zip-off legs, synthetic socks, polypro sock liners, to-the-knee gaiters and boots should be ideal for you. Last but not the least, a rain parka, with the hood covering your head, the body covering your pack and the sleeves tied with the pack straps, is going to keep your head and pack absolutely dry.

This way you avoid sweating inside an increasingly smelly parka - and manage to keep yourself and your pack dry.

2. Having a dry tent: A continuous rain can guarantee that the body of your tent is absolutely drenched while you try to erect it. But if you try attaching the tent fly with Velcro, the tent can be erected with a dry interior, once you thread the wands via extended sleeves.

Thus, with a little pre-planning you can enjoy the rains during your backpacking trip.