Hiking and Camping In Wet and Muddy Conditions

Planning Ahead, Tricks to Use on the Trail, and More

Mar 27, 2010
Bill Sassani

Mud Can be a Common Sight in Spring - Bill Sassani

Staying dry doesn't have to be a major issue on the trail if one knows the right tricks.

Sometimes it gets wet and muddy while on the trail. Whether it’s seasonal springtime mud season or the continuous rain of the Pacific Northwest, hikers need to know how to hike and camp when conditions are wet, cold, and less than desirable.

Plan Ahead for Wet Hiking Conditions

Before even leaving home, take some time to plan ahead for potential wet conditions. What is the weather forecast for the next few days? What kinds of clothing and gear may be needed during the trip, such as a jacket that will help with staying warm and dry while in the backcountry?

There are also some weatherproofing tricks to keep out moisture. These can include:

Stuffing the sleeping bag in a stuff sack that is lined with a plastic trash bag.
Storing sensitive electronics in either a dry-box or heavy-duty resealable plastic bag.
Coating hiking boots with waterproofing to keep feet dry.
Seam-sealing tents to prevent leaks at night, and bringing a plastic ground sheet.
Pack clothing layers that will retain body heat even when wet.

Keeping Boots Dry While Hiking in Wet Conditions

If trail conditions turn wet and muddy, try to be proactive with staying dry. If carrying gaiters, wear them over boots to keep mud and water from seeping and splashing inside boots. If gaiters are not available, rain paints will also work. Boots will become soaked after a full-day’s walk in rain, mud, and water, so try to dry them out at the end of the day. Wipe away excess mud and water with a bandanna. If it is possible to make a fire, place the boots near the fire to dry them out. However, be careful not to have the boots too close, as the heat may shrink the leather. Always keep a close eye on boots and other garments that are drying near fire.

Camping in Wet Conditions

Setting up a tent in the pouring rain or in muddy conditions isn’t always pleasant. When searching for a suitable camping spot, look for ground that is slightly higher, and will be able to drain water away from a tent. Be aware of any drainages that may direct water towards the tent, and avoid setting up a tent in a gully or empty creek-bed, as these can turn into flash floods quickly. Use a plastic ground sheet to protect the floor of the tent from seeping in moisture.

Other camping tricks in wet conditions include:

Look for firewood underneath trees, which may be drier than out in the open.
Cover dry firewood with a tarp before it rains.
Don’t stand in pools of water for long periods of time, as the water will seep into boots.
Use a dining fly that is separate from the tent area to have a dry place to prepare meals.
Take advantage of opportunities to dry out clothing or footwear, whether from a fire, or if the sun peeks out behind the clouds for a little bit.

By knowing how to stay dry, even a wet and muddy day in the woods can be better than a day back in the office.