During monsoon season, simply singing “Rain, rain, go away,” probably isn’t going to cut it when you’re going to be spending time outside. Preparation is vital to keeping yourself comfortable and healthy. Some outdoor-enthusiasts provided some tips to prepare for nature-oriented activities during monsoon season. Keep reading to learn from their experiences.
Van Rees
Dr. Van Rees is a conservation scientist, naturalist, and nature guide based in the United States. He is the founder of Gulo in Nature.
Manage the Moisture
Managing moisture is the name of the game. Your equipment, clothing, and body can all be affected by the excessive rainfall of a monsoon climate. You’ll want to have frequent changes of clothes available, specifically socks and underwear, especially if your skin isn’t accustomed to high humidity.
Make sure that you have moisture-wicking clothing so that wetness doesn’t stick to you and so you can dry once you’re indoors. Wool can keep you warmer when wet, but this isn’t a big priority in tropical climates (unless you’re moving back and forth from air-conditioned indoor environments).
Having antifungal powders and creams with active ingredients to combat athletes’ feet is a good way to be prepared for any unwanted fungal skin infections that can come from excess moisture. Keep these and other moisture-sensitive items in a designated dry bag.
I strongly recommend packing a heavy-duty rain poncho. Army-navy surplus stores tend to have excellent ones. It’s good to have a spare, or for a cheap backup option, keep a few large garbage bags folded up in a ziplock bag in your backpack. These can double as a tent fly, bag cover, or even raincoat in a pinch. Tear three holes in a garbage bag, put your arms and head through them, and, voila! Emergency rain layer. Another great emergency option is to have waterproof matches or some other firestarter available.
Plan ahead for how many days you will go without access to opportunities for drying your clothing and equipment. Will you need a place to store wet clothes? You’ll want to make sure that they get to air out for some amount of time to prevent mold and mildew growth, which can damage fabrics and make them smell. If you’re hiking or outdoors for multiple days, it can be good to have a separate bag to carry wet things or find a way to hang them outside of your backpack so they can air out a little.
Waterproofing coatings for several products are available through most outdoor outfitters. Waterproofing parts of your bag or hiking boots might be a smart idea depending on what you’re bringing with you.
Enjoy the Rain by Being Prepared
The best way to enjoy nature activities during the monsoon season is to be prepared. Here are a few tips:
- Check the weather forecast before heading out. This will help you dress appropriately and plan your activities accordingly.
- Wear comfortable, waterproof shoes. This will help you keep your feet dry and avoid slipping on wet surfaces.
- Bring along insect repellent and mosquito nets. Mosquitoes are more active during the rainy season, so it’s important to take precautions against them.
- Pack snacks and plenty of water. Since you’ll likely be spending more time outdoors, it’s important to stay hydrated and fueled up.
By following these simple tips, you can make the most of nature activities during the monsoon season. So get out there and enjoy the rain!
Adam Lee
Adam Lee from Ultraposite: Thoughts in my head trail running.
Embrace Layers
Find good waterproof gear and embrace layers. If you can ensure you are comfortable, even during heavy rains, you will enjoy yourself out there so much more.
A good thermos that allows you to keep warm drinks on hand can be nice as well. A good water filter means you don’t have to carry as much water, as there are more opportunities to refill during the wet season.
Finally, make sure you have a dry change of clothes and a snack waiting in the car. When you get back you will be very happy to have some food and warm clothing to change into while you reminisce about your fun monsoon season outing.
This is a crowdsourced article. Contributors’ statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors.
