Do I Need Rain Pants for Backpacking?

By Robert Palmer

When you’re packing for a backpacking trip, it can be difficult to decide what you need and what you can leave behind. Rain pants can provide an extra layer of protection from the elements, but are they worth the extra space in your pack?

The answer depends on where you’re going and how long your trip is. If you’re heading somewhere that gets a lot of rain and your trip is more than a few days, then rain pants are definitely worth bringing.

Not only will they keep your legs dry, but they will also help keep you warm when the temperature drops. Additionally, they provide some protection against wind and other elements like snow or hail.

On the other hand, if you’re headed somewhere that has less rain and your trip is shorter, then it may not be worth bringing rain pants. This is especially true if your pack is already full with other necessary items. In this case, simply bringing a rain jacket or waterproof shell should be enough to keep you dry on most days.

When deciding whether or not to bring rain pants on your backpacking trip, there are several factors to consider such as the climate of the area, length of your trip, size of your pack and any other items that need to fit inside it. Ultimately though, having rain pants can make a big difference in terms of comfort and safety so if possible it is always recommended that you bring them along with you on any backpacking trips.

In conclusion, it is advisable to have rain pants for backpacking trips – especially those in areas with frequent rainfall – since they will ensure maximum comfort and protection from the elements. However depending on where one is going and what else needs to fit in their bag one may choose not to bring them along if space is limited.