| By :
Patricia Strasser
The weather can suddenly turn from beautiful, bright and sunny to dismal, gray and drizzly. When you are planning an outdoor trip, it is best to gear up for the rain and so it won't ruin your adventure. Here are some backpacking tips to help you enjoy yourself despite the rain: A waterproof backpack is a necessity A waterproof backpack is the first thing you need to have on your list. In camping stores and specialty shops, you will find varieties of them. Pick the right waterproof backpack, you will need it for the duration of a trip, as well as protection for whats inside. For easy access to your rain coat and tarp in the event of a heavy downpour, find one with straps that fit you comfortably and has outer pockets. Pack lightweight rain gear It is very important that you do not forget your rain gear. Find some that are lightweight and just the right size. * Rain coat-You need a raincoat. You need to be able to waterproof your backpack. Make sure the length is just right to cover your pants, but so big it will get in the way of hiking. To have easy access to it when it begins to rain and to avoid exposing the other items stored in your bag, pack your raincoat and place it in the outside pocket of your backpack. * Lightweight shoes-You should try to find yourself a good pair of lightweight shoes for backpacking because they easily dry when wet and are less apt to cause blisters. Also, please be positive that they have non-slip soles. Remember also to wear clothing that dries quickly. You want to stay away from clothing made from absorbent material like cotton. Woolen fabric is a nicer choice to bring. Remember to pack up some extra clothes in your backpack. * Rain tarp-If you are in need of a fast temporary shelter then you can use a rain tarp, also known as a rain fly. It's a good idea to have one in an easily accessible outside pocket in case of rain. If you have other exposed pockets in your bag then make certain you cover all your items that can be seen There may be other items, like your sleeping bag, in the outer pocket of your bag that you need to protect from rain. You could use either the pouch your sleeping bag came with or a water proof case to keep it dry whilst rolled up. You should change out of those wet clothes immediately To keep from getting sick, or developing hypothermia, change out of your wet clothes immediately when the rain stops. Put on new warm clothes at the earliest opportunity and leave your wet clothes to dry. In order to keep yourself dry, use camp towels instead of cotton towels While cotton towels are known for their ability to absorb liquids, they're not all that practical for hiking or backpacking. Aside from being bulky, they are very heavy when wet. A camp towel will work much better and can be found in most sporting goods stores. Bring the right gear and be prepared for bad weather, and you will have a rewarding trip. By following these best practices, one will be fully prepared to take on whatever the weather provides.
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