Rainy Recreation: Tips and Tricks for Spending Time Outside During Monsoon Season

In Northern Arizona, petrichor is coming. When the first rain greets dry soil after warm, dry weather, the air becomes thick with the smell of moisture. It is a distinctive part of Flagstaff’s summer monsoon season, which typically runs from early July through the end of September. The season starts when high-pressure systems settle in the Four Corners region, causing a shift in wind direction that brings moisture northward from the Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean. These monsoons are a unique constellation of rolling thunder, sudden downpours, and shifting skies.

Yet the rainy season does not preclude outdoor enthusiasts from pursuing their favorite hobbies. With the right understanding of weather patterns, ample preparation, and proper skills and gear, recreation during monsoons is not only manageable but can also be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. 

At Peace Outfitters, we believe that every season has its charm—even the wet ones. Whether you’re planning on summiting Humphreys Peak, car camping in Coconino National Forest, or exploring canyon country, here’s how to safe, dry, and happy.

Know Before You Go

While monsoons are beautiful and bring much-needed moisture to Flagstaff’s arid landscape, they can also be intense and dangerous. Storms can roll in fast, so it is critical to plan accordingly and have a basic understanding of monsoonal weather patterns.

1. Check the forecast before you head out. Of course, forecasts can always be inaccurate, but outlets such as NOAA, the National Weather Service, and Mountain Forecast offer more reliable readings for recreationists.
2. Do your research on storm patterns. Most monsoons build during the late afternoon, and they develop very fast. Often you will notice clouds moving in and/or getting darker, feel the wind picking up, or hear thunder rumbling. These are signs that a monsoon is imminent. When hiking or backpacking, a good rule of thumb is to be below tree line by early afternoon; when camping, aim to have your tent set-up before that time as well. 
3. Research the area you will be going. What is the trail like or campsite like? Are you above or below tree line? Are you on a ridge or in a gulley, or will you be in and on both? These kinds of questions can drastically influence what kind of gear you bring and what your course of action is if you get caught in a storm. 

Monsoon Hazards

Being outside in inclement weather, whether in the frontcountry or backcountry, presents inherent risks. These risks are important to know and recognize so that you can take steps to mitigate and/or respond to them. 

1. Slippery surfaces: Take extra care on muddy terrain, wet rocks, and rain-slickened logs. 
2. Swollen creeks: During strong rains, creeks and rivers can rise swiftly, causing them to run faster. If you are hiking or backpacking and need to cross a creek, always unclip your hipbelt (to free yourself of your pack in case you fall), face into the current, and never cross your legs (i.e., shuffle sideways). 
3. Flash floods: In canyon country, narrow canyons can become rivers quickly. Always keep a look out for easily accessible higher ground, and never enter a slot canyon if you know it’s going to rain. 
4. Lightning: Although uncommon, lightning strikes can be fatal and it is a risk that is hard to manage. The only way to truly protect yourself from a lightning strike is to get below tree line. Always keep your eyes on the skies. 
5. Hypothermia: Learn to recognize the early symptoms of hypothermia, which include excessive shivering, confusion, drowsiness, and decreased coordination. Wear wool and synthetic layers that continue to insulate even when wet and change into dry clothes when you are no longer moving.
6. Hail: In the high country, particularly above tree line on Humphreys Peak or other parts of the San Francisco Peaks, a storm can drop hail instead of rain. If you’re caught in a hailstorm, cover your head and try to find protection behind rocks or below tree line. 
7. High winds: Similarly to hail, summer storms can bring extremely high winds to alpine areas. On Humphreys Peak, for instance, wind gusts can reach up to 80 miles per hour. If you find yourself in strong winds that are threatening to knock you over, it’s wise to get on all fours and stay low. 

Campsite Strategies and Pitching Tips

For many people, the thought of sleeping in a tent in the rain can seem extremely stressful. The right knowledge and gear, however – with a few tips and tricks – can make it simple and comfortable. 

Site selection is paramount when camping in the rain.

1. Seek higher, drier ground. There will be less moisture in the air to create condensation and you’ll mitigate the risk of your site becoming flooded.
2. Avoid camping in low, depressed areas, where rain can channel through and pool below your tent. 
3. Look for sites under trees to create a warmer, more protected microclimate. It also makes pitching your tent easier when less rain is reaching you.  
4. Avoid sites below and near damaged trees and branches. These are called ‘widow-makers’ and can be blown on top of you by strong gusts.

The longer it takes you to put up your shelter, the wetter you – and it – will get. With that in mind, here are some tips for an efficient pitch in rainy conditions.

1. Practice, practice, practice: Always practice pitching your tent at home before you head out on a trip. Not only will it help you get faster at pitching it, but it will also let you ensure that all its parts are there and working. 
2. Use a footprint/groundsheet: A waterproof groundsheet helps keep the floor of your tent from getting wet and provides an extra layer of protection for your sleep system. Always use a groundsheet that is slightly smaller than the footprint of your actual tent so that water cannot slide across the groundsheet below you. 
3. Vent your tent: Utilize vents on your shelter’s rain fly, if it has any. This helps prevent condensation from building up inside and creating a soggy sleeping space.
4. Tent orientation: Angle your tent’s doors away from the wind to prevent rain from blowing inside. And whenever possible, pitch your tent so that the lowest and smallest end of it faces into the wind. This reduces your tent’s profile, minimizing the chance of it sailing away in windy conditions. 
5. Stake it out: Utilize all your tents stakes to secure it as much as possible, including all possible guylines. This can help prevent it from being blown over by strong winds or becoming saggy as the rain fly gets wetter. 
6. Fly-first pitch: Some shelters are constructed in a way that allows you to pitch the rain fly before the main body. Check if your tent can do this; if so, it allows you to pitch the rest of it from beneath the protection of your rain fly. 

Gearing Up for the Rain

It is always wise to pack for the conditions in which you expect to be. The same goes for rain; when heading out on a trip during which rain is a likely possibility, you’ll need to bring the proper gear. 

The first pieces of gear you’ll want to adjust are your clothes. Take a close look over your layers and footwear to make sure you – and it – are prepared for the conditions.

1. No cotton: Wear wool or synthetic layers instead of cotton. The latter doesn’t wick sweat away from your skin and takes a long time to dry, meaning you can get chilled and become more susceptible to hypothermia.
2. Rainwear: Make sure that you have good rainwear, including a full waterproof outer shell at minimum. Rain pants or a rain skirt can also be very helpful in prolonged wet conditions. You can also run water over your rain gear to see if water droplets bead up and roll off. If they don’t, consider replacing it or treating it with a DWR coating to restore its performance. 
3. Footwear: Waterproof hiking shoes and boots can work well in wet, cold conditions to keep your feet warm and dry. However, it is important to note that once waterproof footwear gets wet on the inside, it can take a very long time to dry out. You can pair waterproof footwear with waterproof ankle gaiters to ensure water does not slide inside the shoe. In milder (less cold) conditions, you can wear non-waterproof footwear like trail runners or a mesh water shoe that will dry out quicker once the rain stops. Just make sure to bring dry camp shoes for inside your tent. 
4. Dry clothing: Always carry extra layers inside your pack that are dry for when you are at camp or hanging out inside your tent. This is not only more comfortable but safer, preventing you from staying cold and wet and becoming susceptible to hypothermia. 

It is also critical to pack the right equipment for heading out into the rain; from your pack to your tent setup, there are certain pieces of gear that can make a huge difference for your experience. 

1. Pack covers and pack liners: Most packs are not fully waterproof, so it’s important to have extra protection for them when hiking or backpacking in the rain. Pack covers (wrapping around the outside of your pack) and pack liners (a non-stretch bag that ‘lines’ the inside of your pack) are both good options for keeping your gear dry.
2. Dry sacks and dry bags: These can be used like a pack liner if they are big enough, or you can use smaller ones for different pieces and categories of gear. It is a good idea to use these for your most vulnerable pieces of gear, like down sleeping bags and jackets.
3. Waterproof cases: Hard cases or waterproof map cases are an excellent option for things like cellphones, cameras, and other electronics as well as wallets and keys. 
4. Tarps and pop-up canopies: If you are car camping in the rain, it’s nice to have something to set up overhead so that you can hang out outside of your tent but still stay dry. 

Staying Dry this Monsoon Season

If you’re excited about the coming summer rains, you’re not alone; if you’re nervous about spending time outside in those same rains, you’re also not alone. Let us help you calm your nerves! At Peace, we carry a wide variety of rain gear, including rain jackets, rain pants, gaiters, and even full-on rain suits, as well as large selection of dry sacks, dry bags, and waterproof cases. Our staff is also happy to help talk through their tips, tricks, and experiences with getting outside in rainy conditions to help you find the right gear for your trip. Whether you’re hiking in the San Francisco Peaks, car camping at Mather Campground in the Grand Canyon with friends, or exploring local trails around Flagstaff, the rain shouldn’t have to stop you from enjoying time outside.