Tips to stay comfortable when caught in rain

If rain should strike during your day hike, head back to
your vehicle to avoid muddy trails and various dangers.
Photo courtesy of pfly/Photoree.

Even if you check the weather report before heading out on a day hike, sometimes Mother Nature still will show who’s boss by dumping a little rain on you. It might be a surprise shower or could be something as light as a mist. This is especially true in the mountains where microclimates exist.

To stay dry on a day hike, plan ahead to have the appropriate clothing. Wear water repellent shirts, shorts/pants, and socks, avoiding cotton and denim that tend to sponge up moisture. In addition, keep a raincoat or poncho in your backpack. Wear a hat with a bill to keep rain out of your eyes and, should you wear glasses, off them. Make sure your hiking boots are waterproofed before hitting the trail.

Quickly put on your rain gear as soon as you feel the first sprinkles. If you wait until more rain falls, the layers of your clothing beneath the raincoat or poncho will become wet, increasing the chance of hypothermia and certainly leaving you uncomfortable.

Turn around for your vehicle as well. This is especially so if you hear thunder or see lightning, which you now are in risk of being hit by. Streams also can become swollen and flash floods sweep through the area, cutting you off from your vehicle. Even if no disaster occurs, should the rain falls more heavily, the trail will be muddier, increasing the chances of a fall injury, and paper maps will get wet when you check them.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Be sure children don brimmed hats with chin straps during day hikes

A hat with brim and chin strap is idea
for young children on a hike.

Half of all body heat is lost through the head, hence the hiker’s adage, “If your hands are cold, wear a hat.”

In cool, wet weather, wearing a hat is at least good for avoiding hypothermia, a potentially deadly condition in which heat loss occurs faster than the body can generate it.

Children are more susceptible to hypothermia than adults.

In lower latitudes, higher altitudes, deserts and especially during summer, a hat with a wide brim is useful in keeping the sun out of eyes. It’s also nice should rain start to fall.

For young children, get a hat with a chin strap. They like to play with their hats, which will fly off in a wind gust if not “fastened” some way to the child.

Read more about day hiking with children in my Hikes with Tykes guidebooks.

Layer clothing on children when heading out on day hikes

On all but the hot, dry days, you and your children should wear multiple layers of clothing that provide various levels of protection against sweat, heat loss, wind and potentially rain.

Layering works because the type of clothing you select for each stratum serves a different function, such as wicking moisture or shielding against wind. In addition, trapped air between each layer of clothing is warmed by the child’s body heat. Layers also can be added or taken off as needed.

Generally, both you and a child need three layers. Closest to your skin is the wicking layer, which pulls perspiration away from the body and into the next layer, where it evaporates. Exertion from walking means you will sweat and generate heat, even if the weather is cold. The second layer is an insulation layer, which helps keep you warm. The last layer is a water-resistant shell that protects you from rain, wind, snow and sleet.

As the seasons and weather change, so does the type of clothing you select for each layer. The first layer ought to be a loose-fitting T-shirt in summer, but in winter and on other cold days you might opt for a long-sleeved moisture-wicking synthetic material, like polypropylene. During winter, the next layer probably also should cover the neck, which often is exposed to the elements. A turtleneck works fine, but preferably not one made of cotton, as this won’t wick moisture from the skin when you sweat. The third layer in winter, depending on the temperature, could be a wool sweater, a half-zippered long sleeved fleece jacket, or a fleece vest.

You might even add a fourth layer of a hooded parka with pockets, made of material that can block wind and resist water. Gloves or mittens as well as a hat also are necessary on cold days.

Read more about day hiking with children in my Hikes with Tykes guidebooks.

How to prevent, treat hypothermia in kids

Avoid hypothermia by not getting wet.
Photo courtesy of kangotraveler / Photoree.

The opposite of heat exhaustion, when a child has hypothermia, the body can’t maintain its normal temperature. Our normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees; when it falls just 1.6 degrees, we can start to feel negative effects. If the body drops just 3.6 degrees, it can cease to function.Hypothermia happens because heat loss from the body occurs faster than the body can keep up, usually when a person is in wet, cold air or clothes.

You can avoid hypothermia by ensuring your children wear adequate clothing and then layered clothing, including a hat, which can decrease heat loss from body. For infants, change diapers immediately, as the wetness can be a source of chill. Also, eat high energy foods on the hike and drink plenty of fluids. When taking rest stops on cooler days, have kids immediately put on their hats and an extra layer of clothing before they get cold, as it will be difficult for their chilled bodies to play catch up.

If a trip into a lake or stream is part of the hike, carry a bathing suit or swimming trunks. Going into water with jeans will mean wet pants, and hypothermia is possible even on a warm day.

Signs of hypothermia include a loss of normal level of consciousness, loss of normal coordination, uncontrollable shivering, and a slow, weak pulse. Victims usually deny they are cold and even become combative about it. That’s because their body is confused, so they think they are hot.

To treat for hypothermia, change the victim into dry clothing and snuggle to warm them up. You might cover them with a space blanket. Always seek immediate medical assistance. Handle a victim gently as movement increases the heart rate.

Finally, don’t make the error of believing that children can simply keep warm by continuing to walk. By walking, they’re actually expending energy needed to keep warm.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

Wear proper headgear when hiking with kids

Ensure children wear the proper headgear when day hiking.

Half of all body heat is lost through the head, hence the hiker’s adage, “If your hands are cold, wear a hat.” In cool, wet weather, wearing a hat is at least good for avoiding hypothermia, a potentially deadly condition in which heat loss occurs faster than the body can generate it. Children are more susceptible to hypothermia than adults.

In lower latitudes, higher altitudes, deserts and especially during summer, a hat with a wide brim is useful in keeping the sun out of your eyes. It’s also nice should rain start falling.

Wear lightweight hats in late spring and summer and heavier ones in cooler weather. During winter, wear balaclavas or hats with ear flaps.

For young children, get a hat with a chin strap. They like to play with their hats, which will fly off in a wind gust if not fastened some way.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.