Adventure Plans

1. Accept the goal

In sustained rain, the goal is not staying perfectly dry. The goal is staying warm enough, safe enough, and functional enough to keep moving.

This mindset makes your decisions clearer.

2. Pre-rain setup

Before rain starts, do three things:

• Put waterproof shell layers on early
• Move electronics and sleep gear into dry bags
• Keep one set of dry camp clothes sealed in your pack

Starting this early is much easier than fixing soaked gear later.

3. Pacing and body temperature

If you push too hard in rain gear, you sweat heavily and get wet from inside.

Use a steady effort level and vent your jacket when possible. Slow down slightly on climbs and keep moving on flats.

4. Protect your hands and feet

Hands and feet fail first in wet weather.

• Keep a dry pair of sleep socks packed away
• Change socks at camp if possible
• Use simple glove systems that still work when damp
• Air feet during breaks when conditions allow

Wet feet are common, but trench foot risk rises when feet stay wet and cold for long periods.

5. Break and camp strategy

Take shorter breaks in poor weather. Long static breaks can cool you quickly.

At camp, prioritize in this order:

1. Shelter setup
2. Dry layer on
3. Warm drink and food
4. Wet gear organization

Good order saves energy and protects morale.

6. Safety boundaries

In heavy rain, stop and reassess if you see:

• Falling temperature with strong wind
• Water crossings rising quickly
• Loss of visibility on complex terrain

Turning around early is often the strongest decision.

7. What to carry for wet days

A simple wet-weather setup:

• Waterproof jacket with hood
• Waterproof trousers for prolonged rain
• Dry bags or pack liner
• Spare dry base layer and socks
• Warm hat and gloves

This is enough for most beginner routes in mixed weather.