What to Wear Walking in the Rain: A Practical UK Guide
While it can be tempting to wish for the rain, rain to go away and not come back another day... we all know that living in the UK, we're bound to encounter a bit of wet weather as we enjoy our time outdoors!
So what should you wear for a rainy day walk? The key is to think about your outfit as a whole, from top to toe, and kit yourself out with outdoor clothing that's prepared to do battle with the elements on your behalf. And we've put together everything you need to know about building a practical waterproof walking outfit that will keep you warm and dry, so you don't have to wait for another day after all.
Quick Glance: What to Wear for a Rainy Walk
Here’s an overview of a walking outfit that will help keep you dry and comfortable in wet weather:
- Base layer: Moisture-wicking top to keep sweat off your skin
- Midlayer: Fleece or softshell for warmth
- Waterproof jacket: Look for a rating of at least 10,000mm for consistent rain
- Waterproof trousers: Overtrousers or all-in-one waterproof walking trousers
- Waterproof walking boots: With good grip for wet conditions
- Accessories: Waterproof socks, gloves, and hat
- Dry bag: To keep spare layers and valuables dry inside your backpack
You might not need all, all at once, which we'll discuss later on, but if you have all these ready to go in your outdoor clothing wardrobe, you'll always stay prepared for all types of forecasts.
Waterproof Jackets
Any walker should definitely invest in a good waterproof jacket, as it will prove invaluable on many occasions! Especially here in the UK with our often four-seasons-in-a-day weather.
This is because your waterproof jacket is your first line of defence: designed to protect your upper body from the rain, so you can stay outdoors for longer.
Key Features
When you’re choosing a waterproof jacket for your walk, here’s the features you want to look for:
- Waterproof rating, so you know how much rain it will be able to protect you from
- Breathability rating, so any sweat or moisture you build up has somewhere to go, rather than leaving you feeling hot and clammy underneath
- Taped seams, sealing up the stitching where the material is most vulnerable
- Durable water repellent (DWR) finish, so rain beads up and rolls off the fabric instead of soaking in and making it feel heavy
- Adjustability, such as an adjustable hood, cuffs, and hem
Regatta Mens Birchdale II Waterproof Jacket
Waterproof rating: 20,000mm
Choosing the Right Jacket
In terms of styling, you've got a few options to pick from, such as:
- A shell waterproof jacket, the type of "standard" jacket image that would usually pop into your head
- A lightweight packable waterproof jacket, which is good for keeping in your backpack as an emergency layer
- An insulated waterproof jacket, that hardy walkers heading out in the colder months of the year will appreciate
- A softshell waterproof jacket, that brings a bit more versatility into your outdoor wardrobe
Different waterproof ratings will offer differing levels of protection against the rain, so one of the key things to consider is how waterproof do you need your jacket to be?
As a rough guide for UK walking:
- If you’re expecting consistent rain, look for a rating of at least 10,000mm
- If you’re expecting heavy or prolonged rain, aim higher, around 15,000mm to 20,000mm
If it's more just short bursts that you might find yourself in, you might not need to go so high, and you could choose something more in the 5,000mm range. To understand more about which waterproof walking jacket would be good for you, we'd recommend having a read of our guide below which talks you through some top picks and what they are best suited to.
Already Have a Waterproof Jacket? Check Your Reproofing
If you’re planning to wear a jacket you already own, have a quick think back to when you last reproofed it.
Over time, the DWR finish on a waterproof jacket can wear thin, particularly with regular use and washing. When this happens, rain stops beading off the surface and starts soaking into the fabric instead, which makes the jacket feel heavier and colder against your skin.
A reproofing spray gives your jacket a fresh boost of protection in a few easy steps. For a full walkthrough, take a look at our guide on how to wash a waterproof jacket.
Grangers Performance Repel Plus Spray-On Waterproofing Spray
Waterproof Trousers
The next item on your list should be a decent pair of waterproof trousers. Because without these, your legs are left exposed to the rain, and wet trousers clinging to your legs on a walk is never a pleasant experience!
As we covered in our best waterproof trousers for hiking guide, you’ve got two main options here:
- Waterproof overtrousers, which you pack away and pull on over your regular walking trousers when it starts raining
- All-in-one waterproof walking trousers, which combine the waterproofing and the trouser in one, so there’s no need to carry a second pair
Which option you go for usually comes down to how often you face rain on your walks. If you’re a regular walker who knows rain is likely, an all-in-one pair could make your life easier. If you only need a just-in-case layer, packable overtrousers might be the better fit.
Regatta Mens Pack It Walking Waterproof Overtrousers
Regatta Womens Pack It Waterproof Walking Overtrousers
Craghoppers Womens Airedale Waterproof Walking Trousers
Craghoppers Mens Stefan II Waterproof Walking Trousers
Base Layers & Mid Layers
A good walking outfit usually depends on three layers (base, mid, outer), as this will help you adapt to the weather as it comes. We've covered the outer with our waterproof jackets, so now let's consider some options for your base layer and your mid layer.
Base Layers
When choosing what to wear as your base layer, there are a few key features you want to keep in mind:
- Moisture-wicking, so any sweat doesn't cling to your skin
- Breathable, to help manage the airflow and reduce any clammy sort of feeling
- Odour-resistant, for general comfort (particularly on long routes or more active hikes)
On a rainy walk especially, you’re likely to keep your outer jacket fully zipped, hood up, and cuffs sealed for most of the walk, rather than opening up vents or loosening your collar the way you might on a dry day. That means less airflow reaching your skin, so your base layer has more work to do in pulling sweat away and keeping you comfortable underneath.
A cotton t-shirt will likely hold onto that moisture instead, leaving you cold and damp from the inside out, which is the last thing you want when you’re already dealing with the rain! A moisture-wicking base layer, however, helps solve that problem.
Trespass Mens Timo Long Sleeve Baselayer T-Shirt
Icebreaker Womens Oasis Long Sleeve Baselayer Top
Mid Layers
Two of the most common mid layer options for a rainy walk are:
- Fleeces, a walking wardrobe staple thanks to their warmth and easy wear
- Softshell jackets, which offer a bit more wind resistance and a slightly more structured fit
A midlayer’s main job is to keep you warm, and, ideally, it needs to be lightweight enough to pack away when not needed. This is the layer that will probably come in and out of play the most on a walk in the rain, as your base layer will stay put, and you'll also need that waterproofing from your outer jacket. So having something mid layer that's easy to take on and off to adapt to any changes in temperature is perfect.
Regatta Mens Kadley Midlayer Softshell Jacket
Dare 2b Womens Refresh Midlayer Full Zip Fleece
Regatta Mens Thompson Marl Quick Drying Half Zip Fleece
Regatta Womens Sweethart Lightweight Marl Half Zip Fleece
Waterproof Walking Boots
Time to consider what to wear on your feet, and the best footwear for rainy walks is a pair of waterproof walking boots. It's the easiest way to keep your feet dry, not only from the rain itself, but any puddles or just general wet ground/conditions you might encounter.
Merrell Mens Moab 3 Mid GORE-TEX Walking Boots
Regatta Mens Samaris III Waterproof Walking Boots
Regatta Womens Samaris III Waterproof Walking Boots
Merrell Womens Moab 3 Mid GORE-TEX Walking Boots
Tips for Choosing a Pair of Waterproof Walking Boots
The word comfy gets thrown around a lot in talks about outdoor clothing and footwear, but that's because it's what we're all searching for! We all want to enjoy our time exploring and having adventures, and comfy feet are what we need to do so.
When you're shopping for a new pair of walking boots, you'll be looking at features such as:
- Waterproofing, to help keep the water on the outside of the boot where it belongs!
- Breathability, which helps let the sweat vapour escape, so your feet don’t feel damp from sweat getting trapped
- Good grip, as wet mud and grass all reduce traction, so a boot with a deeper, grippier sole tread lowers your chance of slipping
Fit is also important to consider. A boot that’s too tight can lead to rubbing and blisters, made worse by wet socks. If you’re between shoe sizes, it’s usually worth sizing up slightly to leave room for a thicker walking sock. We have a 60-day return policy here at Avenue 85, so you don't have to worry about being able to switch things out to a different size if needs be.
Alongside your boots, you could go for a pair of gaiters to boost your protection even more. Gaiters cover the gap between your boot and your trouser leg, stopping water and debris from getting in from above, which your boots alone may not be able to protect against.
If the conditions you'll face are likely to be quite heavy rain, or you'll be walking through long grass in fields or lots of puddles, say on a forest walk, it could be worth picking up a pair of these.
Trespass Unisex Adults Walking Waterproof Gaiters
And similar to your waterproof jacket, consider when the last time you reproofed your boots was. If it was a while ago, and you've been using them plenty since, we'd recommend giving them a quick reproof before you head out in the rain.
Grangers Footwear Repel Plus Spray-On Waterproofing Spray
Waterproof Accessories
These are the bits and bobs that make a wet weather walking outfit complete, and lots of brands now offer waterproofing for many accessories, such as your:
- Walking socks
- Hat (beanie, bobble hat, or baseball cap)
- Gloves
If rain makes a usual appearance on your walks, choosing waterproof accessories just makes life easier, as then you know that your feet, hands, and head are staying dry too!
Sealskinz Starston Waterproof Cold Weather Mid Socks
Sealskinz Unisex Holkham Waterproof Striped Roll Cuff Beanie
Then you've got your hiking backpack itself. Some bags, like this Trespass one, come with a waterproof raincover included:
But it's also recommended to put any valuables, any spare layers, and anything else you really don't want to get wet in a dry bag inside your backpack. These are very versatile items that are great for other outdoor activities too, like your camping trips!
Craghoppers 5L Dry Bag Rucksack
How to Layer Your Waterproof Outfit for Different Conditions
For rainy days, you'll likely be layered up, because British rain usually equals a bit of cold wind too. But if the temperature remains mild, like it can do especially over the spring/summer months, you might find that you just need a base layer and your waterproof jacket, leaving your fleece in your backpack as you walk.
As a general rule of thumb, we'd suggest adapting your walking outfit as follows:
|
If the weather is... |
Adjust your outfit by... |
|
Warm with light intermittent showers |
Wear a moisture-wicking base layer and lightweight waterproof jacket. Bring waterproof overtrousers that you can put on when it is raining and then remove when it stops |
| Cool and rainy |
Add a fleece or other warm midlayer underneath your waterproof jacket, and keep your waterproof trousers on |
| Heavy or prolonged rain | Prioritise full waterproof protection from head to toe, with a reliable waterproof jacket and trouser, waterproof accessories, and add/remove the base layer + mid layer to the temperature |
And we've got one final top tip for rainy day walkers, and that's keep a changing robe in the car! You will thank yourself when you can easily change out of your wet hiking gear into something clean and warm for the drive home.
Safety Tips for Walking in the Rain
Rain can change the walk itself, not just what you wear for it. Slippery ground, cold wind, reduced visibility, and rising water levels in streams and rivers are all factors to keep in mind, alongside keeping your own body temperature regulated as you go.
A few essentials we recommend packing for a hike in the rain are:
- Spare layers packed in a dry bag, in case you need to change
- A headlamp as this keeps the path visible and your hands free
- Trekking poles to give you extra stability on muddy ground caused by the wet weather
- A physical map alongside a GPS device, as bad weather can affect phone signal
- An emergency blanket to help get you warm quickly if needs be
- A hi vis vest which you can put on if you need to be visible
- Plenty of water and snacks, for your body burns more energy staying warm in cold, wet weather, so you need to keep your levels topped up. You might also get caught out having to go a longer route if paths aren’t safe to walk on, so take more than you’ll think you need
If it's just a short dog walk or stroll around, you might not need all of these. But if you're heading out for a hike, they add peace of mind and could be a lifeline.
Plus, always make sure you let someone know your route and expected return time before you head out, and, importantly, walk to the conditions you find. Staying safe is priority number one, no matter how much you want to reach the top!
Craghoppers Venture Pair Walking Pole
Regatta Mens Essential Hi-Vis Vest
Regatta Cree 5 LED 100 Lumens Head Torch
FAQ: Walking in the Rain in the UK
We've now covered the different parts of an outfit that you can wear for your hikes in that glorious British rain, so now let's answer a few quick questions to finish up.
What should I wear for hiking on a rainy day?
Your best bet is a full layering system:
- a moisture-wicking base layer
- a warm midlayer such as a fleece
- a waterproof jacket (rated at least 10,000mm)
- waterproof trousers
- waterproof walking boots
And remember that it's always easier to stay dry than it is to get dry, especially when you're outdoors, so being prepared will make a world of difference. The beauty of a layering system is that if you get too warm, or the rain stops, you can remove (and then add again) as needed.
How do I keep my feet dry and prevent blisters during rainy walks?
Start with waterproof walking boots that fit well, with enough room around your heels and toes - as these are the usual blister spots. Wear them a couple of times for a short time, before you go for a longer hike in them, just to break them in a little to the shape of your foot.
Pair these with a good walking sock, and consider switching to waterproof socks for extra protection in particularly wet conditions.
Making sure your boots are properly reproofed also helps keep the water out and reduces the friction that leads to blisters.
How can I protect my electronics and valuables from rain when hiking?
A dry bag is the simplest solution, keeping your phone and any other valuables sealed away from the elements inside your backpack. If you’re carrying your phone for navigation, a waterproof phone pouch can also let you use it while keeping it protected.
Get Ready for Your Next Rainy Walk with Avenue 85
So, all in all, with the right outdoor clothing and a bit of preparation, a walk in the rain can still be a great day out!
And whether you need a new waterproof jacket or pair of boots, or you're kitting yourself out with a full new walking outfit, we've got all you need in our full walking and hiking collection - including lots of sale items, plus free UK delivery over £65. You'll find great brands like Regatta, Trespass, and Craghoppers, with plenty of options for your next walking adventure.
About the Author
A dad to two energetic boys, James spends his weekends juggling football matches, skate parks, and Sunday afternoons at Disley’s very own Lyme Park. While he might not get to hit the golf course as often as he used to, he’s all in for family adventures in the great outdoors - coffee in hand and his favourite Ecco walking shoes on his feet. On the Avenue 85 blog, James loves to help other families make the most of their time outside by sharing his tried and tested tips, whether it’s finding the best waterproof jacket for a rainy day or discovering the best local walks that are perfect for little legs to explore!