With the summer months here and the rain pouring down each afternoon, for the hiker, the change in conditions is making their favourite pastime a whole lot more complicated. At Bermanzi, with our hiking trails up in the mountains of Mpumalanga, when the rain comes down, the trails can become a little more slippery than usual, and this can make things difficult for the not so seasoned hiker. With these tips in mind, if our destination is on your radar this December, you can make the most of your hiking holiday break.
To make the most of your trip and to make sure that you are fully prepared for a walk in the rain, there are 3 main aspects of the hike that you have to plan for. Firstly, you need to have the right gear. This doesn’t mean you have to go out now and buy new gear, it just means you should be aware of what will make your trip a lot more pleasant. A good pair of boots is an absolute must because, without a tough pair of boots, you might slip and hurt yourself. Next, you need the right kind of clothing, ideally, a waterproof jacket should be a part of your wardrobe. And finally, you should be aware of common hiking hazards which you can then avoid while out in the rain.
Rainy Day Hiking
When hiking in the rain, the air is clearer, and the silence is serene.
While some might think that the rain will completely ruin the trip, for others a hike in the rain is good for the soul. There is something incredibly beautiful and special about rainy days in the mountains, and you can have a truly memorable trip so long as you make sure that you are fully prepared for your rainy adventure.
- Staying dry is ideal
It is easier to prepare for your hike in such a way that you stay dry throughout, than to try to get dry after the trip. So, don’t wait until it is pouring down with rain to put on the necessary waterproof clothing.
- Know what to expect
With so many weather apps these days, you can easily keep an eye on the weather and know more or less what to expect from the day. This will help you either prepare for the hike, by working around the rain, or it will help you to make sure that you bring along the right clothing for when it starts to rain.
- Watch out for storms
There is a big difference between a downpour of afternoon rain, and a heavy, lightning filled thunderstorm. Storms have the possibility of being deadly and in Mpumalanga, the storms can be fierce and so if you see lightning, it might be a good idea to end the hike or to find safe shelter (not under a tree).
- Know when to call it a day
If the day turns stormy or if the rain will just not let up, you need to know when to give up and turn back. It’s not a failure to end the hike before you expected to, that is just a part of the hiking hobby.
