Every walker has their preferences — and that includes the weather. Some love the crisp air of autumn, others wait for the bright skies of spring, and some crave the dry heat of summer. And then there’s the rain: sometimes inconvenient, often underestimated.
Walking in the rain simply requires a shift in perspective. It’s not about waiting for perfect weather, but about learning to find beauty even in what most would call a “bad day.” For many, rain becomes something else entirely: a time when the walk feels more intimate, more silent, more real.
Let’s be honest: you don’t need perfect weather to enjoy the trail — you just need to be prepared. Here are seven tips — plus one extra — to help you embrace even the stormiest day with light steps and a calm mindset.
Think of your backpack like a little boat: everything inside should stay dry no matter what. The simplest solution? Use trash bags or waterproof liners to protect everything inside, especially electronics, glasses, and maps. Or use individual waterproof stuff sacks — whatever works best for you.
And don’t forget to use the rain cover that likely came with your pack. It might not be 100% waterproof, but it keeps the outer fabric from soaking through (a wet pack can get really heavy).
At Sloways, you don’t need to carry everything yourself — with our luggage transfer service, you only walk with a small daypack carrying the essentials.
???? With Sloways’ luggage transfer, you only carry a light daypack — no heavy load on your back.
This is an age-old debate. Umbrellas are great in light rain with no wind — they keep your head and pack dry, don’t make you sweat, and leave your field of vision clear. But in wind? Useless.
Ponchos offer full-body coverage (even over your backpack), but they can make you sweat and flap around like sails in strong wind.
A great middle ground is a high-quality technical rain jacket — waterproof and breathable — with an adjustable hood and ventilation zippers. Look for materials like Gore-Tex or similar, and avoid plastic-y fabrics that trap moisture. And remember: even the best jacket won’t stay waterproof forever. Reproof it or replace it as needed.
Your feet are your foundation.
If you find a shelter, take it: heavy rain rarely lasts all day at the same intensity. A short pause, a warm drink, or simply a moment of stillness can turn a grey day into something beautiful.
And if you choose to keep walking, slow your pace. The instinct is often to speed up and escape the rain — but that’s when you’re more likely to miss a trail marker, take a wrong turn, or lose focus on your map. Slower steps are safer on wet terrain and allow you to take in the atmosphere more deeply.
A forest wrapped in fog. Raindrops rippling in puddles. The steady rhythm of water tapping your hood.
Walking in the rain is also poetry. It brings you into the present, step by step, breath by breath. No rush, no noise — just you and nature, stripped back and real. Let go of resistance, and the rain can turn your walk into something unforgettable.
There are days when even the best gear won’t be enough. If the forecast calls for electrical storms, strong winds or hours of heavy, nonstop rain, it might be best to hit pause. That’s not giving up — that’s making a smart, respectful choice.
You can take the time to visit a nearby village, enjoy a shorter stage, or simply rest. Walking is not about pushing at all costs — it’s also about listening to what your body (and the weather) is telling you
If rain just isn’t your idea of fun, no problem — at Sloways, we offer walking trips in milder, sunnier regions that stay dry even in shoulder season.
A few ideas:
Yes, walking in the sun is beautiful. But walking in the rain — if you accept it — can give you some of your most powerful memories.
Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486
