9 Tips and Advice for Wet Weather Hiking with Kids. -

Wet weather hiking with kids. I know what you’re thinking, who goes hiking in the rain? More importantly, who hikes in the rain with kids? Sure, you may get wet, but if you have some good hiking gear, you can focus on being explorers and not your sopping wet socks.

Wet weather hiking is inevitable and some of the best destinations are consistently shrouded in moody fog. I have been to two such places, Cradle Mountain - Lake Sinclair National Park in Tasmania and The Grampians National Park in Victoria. Even though my family has more time than the average holiday maker, and can potentially wait out dreary weather, we still hike in the rain.

Wet weather hiking can be more dangerous.

Before setting off on any hike, you need to be aware of current and changing weather conditions. I always check the Weatherzone app, it is excellent at displaying changing wind speeds, predicted chance of rain and it has frequently updated radar imagery.

The track conditions determine the level of risk you will be taking. Important things to know before you go include; are there any creek crossings? Creek crossings can easily morph into a torrent of water. Remember that even though it may not be hammering down with rain in your location, flash flooding can and will occur from much further upstream. Adhere to track closures, no hike is worth risking your life or of those who will need to come and rescue you!

The key to having a successful hike in wet weather (ie. no one whinging about the weather) is to be prepared and stay safe.

You’ll be pleased to know, you don’t need to spend the equivalent of a trip to Bali or carry an extra backpack to have a good experience wet weather hiking with your family.

I’m putting it up there with being one of the few essential items required for a wet weather hike.

I can hear you asking, what’s wrong with my pair of joggers? Why should I have a dedicated pair of shoes for hiking? Waterproof hiking shoes can be expensive.

In the past, I only ever purchased them when they were on sale. We all know kids are always growing and with so many other expenses, it can be hard to justify the cost for a pair of hiking shoes. That was until Decathlon arrived on Australian shores, bringing with them quality hiking gear at a super affordable price. It is truly a revelation when you can hike as a family, in bad weather, and there is not one single complaint about having wet socks, wet feet, wet shoes and a wet attitude.

Now, about your pair of joggers. Your joggers are designed to jog or run, usually on a flat surface like concrete and maybe even grass.

Hiking shoes are specifically designed with a particular type of walking / boulder climbing / loose surface in mind. I like to call my hiking shoes, my all terrains. Much like an all terrain tyre used by avid 4wders, hiking shoes have more grip and more safety features built in.

For me, I need a lightweight, mid rise hiking shoe, to protect my ankles from rolling. I had suffered a severe ankle strain when participating in Tough Mudder a few years ago, and I am susceptible to having another ankle injury. My pair of Mid Rise waterproof Mountain Hiking shoes from Decathlon, have kept my feet dry and warm on all of our wet weather hikes. I have had no concerns about trekking through puddles and streams, their performance has been bloody brilliant! You can pick up waterproof hiking shoes from Decathlon from a low entry level $55, ranging through to $279 for the top of the range.

Encourage everyone in the family to fuel up their bodies before you go. I make sure the kids have had a balanced breakfast, including fruit. I never take any overly processed food on a hike. The last thing anyone needs is artificial energy. For shorter hikes, pack fruit such as apples, bananas, oranges and mandarins. Of course, any fruit that is in season and travels well, will work great. I have found that fruit that has skin that bruises easily, like pears, plums and strawberries are not worth the hassle. If it needs to go into a container to protect it, it can wait for us to demolish it when we return home. For longer hikes, I add a sandwich for each person and an additional piece of fruit.

You’re surrounded by the stuff but sticking your tongue out just won’t cut the mustard on a hike. You can still become dehydrated hiking in wet weather. Our family only uses stainless steel water bottles as none of us can stand the taste of water from a plastic drinking vessel.

About a year ago, I accidentally ran over my stainless steel bottle with the 4wd and although its a bit bent out of shape, I still use it everyday. Look for the double walled bottles, they are excellent at maintaining temperature for many hours. In my opinion, stainless steel bottles are a worthy investment.

Waterproof backpack covers do exist and you should pack one. I can’t say I have ever hiked to a peak without bringing a camera to document the experience. Your sensitive electronics will quickly become compromised on a wet weather hike. These days, quality backpacks come with a waterproof cover and you can purchase them separately. If you’re really stuck, and have been hit by an unexpected turn in the weather, a cover will ease the stress of losing your camera equipment to water penetration.

You’re doing something outdoors together as family. The kids are getting closer to nature and are developing motor skills while you clamber over boulders, walk on loose gravel, mud and leap from one side of the track over and over again to avoid the puddles. All of this is happening in quite miserable weather, at a time when most other kids are indoors watching movies, playing games or reading a book. For me, because we are full time travellers, I like to reward the kids by letting them choose what activity they want to do when we return back to camp. Sometimes, the reward may come days later, as a real hot chocolate or a treat from a cafe or bakery.

9 Tips and Advice for Wet Weather Hiking with Kids.