Keys to Staying Dry

Bikepacking in the rain can test even the most prepared riders. When it comes to staying dry, it’s a blend of practical preparation, sharp decision-making, and sometimes just plain luck. Weather can shift unexpectedly, and sooner or later, every bikepacker faces the dilemma: push through or take cover?

While it’s impossible to stay perfectly dry all the time, being equipped with the right gear, knowing when to use it, and understanding how to make strategic choices can make all the difference between an enjoyable ride and a soggy, uncomfortable ordeal. Whether you’re aiming to avoid getting wet or simply manage the conditions, these tips will help you maximize your chances of staying dry on the trail.

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Preparedness

Preparedness is the first and most crucial line of defense against getting soaked on a bikepacking trip. Before you even set out, familiarize yourself with both the route and the weather patterns of the area you’ll be riding. Knowing the potential challenges on your path—such as exposed stretches, sheltered areas, and bailout points—will allow you to make better decisions when faced with sudden weather changes. For instance, a long, exposed ridgeline could become a problem in a thunderstorm, whereas a nearby treeline or a town along the route might provide a chance to take cover or set up shelter if conditions worsen.

Knowing the forecast and regularly checking for weather updates will help you plan ahead, while also giving you an idea of which sections might be best tackled early in the day to avoid potential afternoon storms.

Beyond route familiarity, knowing your own limits and being comfortable with your gear are equally important. Testing your rain gear before the trip helps ensure it fits well and performs effectively when you need it most. It’s also essential to understand your comfort threshold in wet or cold conditions; if you’re someone who gets cold easily, extra layers or better-quality rain gear might be worth the investment. Being honest about what you can handle and choosing gear that matches those needs can keep you both drier and safer.

With a solid grasp of your route, gear, and personal limits, you’ll be well-prepared to make quick, informed decisions that help you stay as dry as possible, no matter what the weather throws your way.

Preparedness Must Dos:

Plan Ahead: Familiarize yourself with the route, weather, exposed areas, and potential shelters.
Understand Weather Patterns: Regularly check forecasts to anticipate and avoid storms when possible.
Assess Gear and Personal Limits: Test rain gear before the trip, ensuring it meets your comfort needs.
Stay Aware of Personal Comfort: Know your tolerance for wet or cold conditions, and pack accordingly.
Be Ready for Quick Decisions: With knowledge of the route, weather, and gear, adapt easily to changing conditions.

Pro-Tip

Staying in your tent isn’t an option, so the sooner you get out and going the more miles you’ll put in.

Weather

Staying dry while bikepacking is often about timing. By monitoring the weather, you can anticipate and prepare for storms before they arrive, allowing you to make proactive choices that minimize exposure to the elements. If you have cell service, use your phone to track weather updates; apps can provide real-time radar, precipitation forecasts, and alerts for incoming storms. When you’re in town or at resupply points, asking locals about recent weather patterns or upcoming forecasts can also provide helpful insight, especially in areas with spotty service or unpredictable weather.

Another key factor is knowing the area’s typical weather patterns before you even start your ride. Some regions, particularly mountainous ones, are prone to afternoon thunderstorms, which often build up as the day warms. Understanding this pattern allows you to adjust your schedule, perhaps starting earlier to avoid those likely stormy afternoons. Even when conditions seem mild, remaining mindful of these regional quirks can help you find shelter in advance and avoid getting caught in the worst of it.

With knowledge of both current and anticipated weather, you’ll be better equipped to make smart decisions. Planning around storms, stopping early to set up shelter, or choosing to wait for a passing shower are all ways you can manage the weather to stay as dry as possible.

Weather Must Dos:

Proactive Monitoring: Check weather updates regularly to anticipate and prepare for storms.
Use Technology: Track weather with phone apps for radar and precipitation forecasts if you have service.
Seek Local Knowledge: Ask locals about current and upcoming weather, especially in areas with spotty service.
Understand Regional Patterns: Learn typical weather for the area, like afternoon storms in mountainous regions, to plan around them.
Smart Decision-Making: Adjust your timing, set up shelter early, or wait out rain when necessary.

Clothing

The right clothing is essential to staying as dry as possible in unpredictable weather. Being caught off-guard without rain protection is a recipe for a soggy, uncomfortable ride. Invest in high-quality, packable / breathable rain gear that’s easy to access and quick to put on, so you’re always prepared when the weather shifts. Remember that it’s easier to stay dry than to dry out, so get that rain gear on at the first sign of rain.

While riding you’ll naturally warm up, one needs to be aware of this and needs to staying dry by regulate your temperature. If not you’ll run the risk of getting wet from sweating. Also, consider keeping an extra set of dry clothes or a base layer in a waterproof bag—something you can change into if you get drenched, especially for nights at camp (sometimes you can’t avoid getting wet). Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture and can become uncomfortable or even dangerous if the temperature drops.

Sometimes regulating one’s temperature isn’t possible but knowing one’s own body and gear is key to try to achieve this. This is something one can learn by doing Shakedown Rides.

Clothing Must Dos:

Invest in Quality Gear: Use packable, breathable rain gear that’s easy to access and quick to put on.
Act Fast: Put on rain protection at the first sign of rain to stay ahead of wet conditions.
Temperature Control: Regulate your body temperature to avoid getting damp from sweat.
Pack Extra Dry Clothes: Keep a set of clothes or base layer in a waterproof bag for emergencies or night use.
Avoid Cotton: Choose quick-drying materials to prevent discomfort or hypothermia risks.
Practice with Shakedown Rides: Test gear and understand how it works under different conditions.

Shoe Covers

-Make sure their not super tight. Fighting to get shoe covers on/off with cold wet hands is like trying to wrestle an angry cat into a carrier.

Waterproof Socks

-Cold wet feet are the worst. Plastic bags are so rookie. Invest in waterproof socks.

Rain Pants

-A lot hiking rain pants have shorter inseams and are cut narrow. Be sure you have ample length and mobility for pedaling.

-Ankles with zippers are key so you don’t have to remove your shoes to put them on or take them off.

Rain Jackets

-Pit zips and breathability are key! The ability to regulate one’s body temperature while bikepacking can’t be stressed enough.

Rain Mitts

-Cold hands might be worse than cold feet. Waterproof gloves or a pair of light weight waterproof rain mitts can make the worst rain tame. (Consider carrying a second pair that are always dry).

Shelter

-Options are endless with this category. It’s pretty much “To each his own”. With that said I personally found using a bivy was simpler and lighter than a tent, but not having the ability to change or maneuver was a big draw back.

Fenders

-Your seat bag and handle bar harness (if you have one) may block most water coming off your tire but take a look at downtube fenders for added protection.

Shower Cap

-A shower cap from a hotel is a cheap and easy way to cover your helmet, thus keeping your head dry and yourself warm/more comfortable in a long day of rain.

Waterproof Socks

Shoe Covers

Rain Pants

Rain Jackets

Rain Mitts

One Stop Rain Protection Shopping

Showers Pass is your one stop for staying dry while on the bike. They make everything from waterproof socks to their Elite 2.1 Jacket with it’s 3 layers of protection. If you’re looking for top of the line protection, Showers Pass has you covered.

Pro-Tip

Pack your bike so that your rain gear is easily accessible.

Gear

Protecting critical gear—like electronics, sleeping systems, tents, maps, and important documents—is essential when bikepacking, as these items directly impact both safety, comfort and outcome of your adventure. Wet electronics can fail entirely, leaving you without navigation, communication, or essential data, or back up power supply especially in remote areas. Maps and documents are equally vulnerable; once soaked, they can become unreadable, putting you at risk of getting lost.

Keeping your sleeping system dry is also crucial for rest and body warmth, especially in cold conditions where a damp sleeping bag can lead to discomfort or even hypothermia. A well-maintained tent or bivy, free of moisture, ensures you have a dry shelter, which is vital for recovery on multi-day trips. Investing in waterproof bags or covers and ensuring these items are packed securely can make a significant difference in preserving their functionality and your overall experience.

Gear Must Dos:

Electronics: Keep devices dry to maintain navigation, communication, and essential functions.
Sleeping System: Protect from moisture to ensure warmth and comfort, especially in cold conditions.
Tent/Shelter: A dry shelter is vital for rest and recovery on multi-day trips.
Maps and Documents: Waterproof to prevent loss of navigation and important information.
Storage Solutions: Use waterproof bags or covers to safeguard critical gear and enhance trip safety.

Shelter

-Options are endless with this category. It’s pretty much “To each his own”. With that said I personally found using a bivy was simpler and lighter than a tent, but not having the ability to change or maneuver was a big draw back.

Fenders

-Your seat bag and handle bar harness (if you have one) may block most water coming off your tire but take a look at down tube fenders for added protection.

Electronics

-Keeping your electronics dry can be critical on long adventures. Water can cause damage to sensitive electronics and ruin your trip.

Stuff Sacks

-The clothing and other sensitive gear stored on your bike needs to be protected from getting wet as well. Having dry camp clothes or sleeping bag are key in bad weather.

Shelter

Fenders

Electronics

Stuff Sacks

PLANNING AIDS

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Mental Preparation

Staying dry on a bikepacking trip isn’t only about preparation and gear—it’s also a mental game. Your mental attitude while bikepacking plays a huge role in how you handle the challenges that come with unpredictable weather. While it’s easy to buy the recommended gear, it’s another thing entirely to know how to use it and, more importantly, to be comfortable with it.

Top racers often carry minimal gear. They can do this because they’re intimately familiar with each item they bring and know their limits well. While it may seem like they’re sometimes taking risks, they know what they can handle and are confident in each piece of gear they carry. This level of comfort is essential for any bikepacker and allows you to focus on the ride, not on second-guessing your setup.

Another key mental component is remembering that “everything is temporary.” When the weather turns foul, remind yourself that it won’t last forever. This is especially true for challenging conditions that can make each mile seem twice as long. I live by the motto, “Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” It’s a powerful reminder to push through discomfort, knowing that every tough moment will eventually pass.

So use your head, know your limits, be confident with your gear, and keep in mind that every storm eventually clears. With this mindset, bad weather won’t look so daunting, and you’ll be better prepared to enjoy the ride, rain or shine.

Mental Must Dos:

Be Comfortable with Your Gear: Know how to use every item you bring and be confident in its reliability.
Know Your Limits: Understand what you can handle and don’t take unnecessary risks.
Remember, Everything is Temporary: When conditions are tough, keep in mind that discomfort won’t last forever.
Stay Positive and Persistent: Embrace a mindset that pushes through challenges, remembering, “Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” – L. Armstrong]

Pro-Tip

Know your weaknesses (both physical and mental) and work on them. Having the right attitude can make all the difference.

Summary

Staying dry when bikepacking requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Begin by monitoring weather conditions and familiarizing yourself with the route to anticipate any changes. Invest in high-quality, breathable, and waterproof gear that is easily accessible. Additionally, protect your electronics and sleeping systems from moisture, ensuring you have a safe place for your maps and documents. Understanding your limits and maintaining a positive mental attitude will help you cope with unexpected weather challenges.

Being proactive also means being ready for the possibility of getting wet. Pack extra dry clothing and gear to change into when conditions turn unfavorable. Temperature management is essential; be mindful of sweat, as it can contribute to feeling damp. By integrating these strategies into your bikepacking routine, you can navigate unpredictable weather with confidence and enhance your overall experience.

You can’t fully avoid getting wet but you can follow these simple steps to help make the experience less grueling and that should keep the pedals turning. Good luck and happy trails!

Key Takeaways:

Monitor Weather: Regularly check forecasts to anticipate conditions.
Quality Gear: Invest in breathable, waterproof clothing and easily accessible rain gear.
Protect Your Gear: Safeguard electronics, sleeping systems, and maps from moisture.
Temperature Management: Be mindful of sweating to prevent getting damp.
Mental Preparedness: Understand your limits and stay calm in adverse conditions.
Have a Wet-Weather Plan: Be prepared for getting wet by packing extra dry clothing and gear.

MORE RESOURCES

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PLANNING / GEAR RESOURCES

PLANNING AIDS

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Checkout all our Planning Aids at our store. (Tour Divide, GDMBR, AZTR, CTR, Kokopelli Trail, TNGA, Coconino 250, and Bay Circuit Trail). SOBO & NOBO, as well as metric versions are available depending on the route.

TRIPLE CROWN GEAR

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Dive into all three gear lists from the Bikepacking Triple Crown, and find pros & cons; things I’d do differently; and tips.

“IF I RODE…” SERIES

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In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide, CTR, AZTR, Kokopelli Trail, and Bay Circuit Trail again.

RIDER SURVEYS

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Curios to know what gear other riders used to get to the finish line? Checkout our Rider Surveys to find out what works or to take the survey yourself.