The rainy season which falls around November to mid-May is not the best time to do outdoor activities such as hiking. The risk of accidents when climbing does increase during the rainy season. One example is a path that becomes slippery due to rain, making it prone to slipping. In addition, thick fog often hits mountain areas during the rainy season. This causes visibility to be limited, which can lead to getting lost. Wet conditions due to rain also increase the risk of developing hypothermia. To minimize this risk, several mountains have closed climbing activities during the rainy season. Apart from being for the good of climbers, closure also serves to restore the ecosystem. It is better if you refrain from climbing during the rainy season. But if you still want to climb during the rainy season, pay attention to the following 7 tips:

1. Choose a mountain or hill that is easy to climb

If you still want to climb during the rainy season, choosing the right mountain must be done. It is better not to climb a mountain where the terrain is difficult to climb because when it rains, conditions will get worse. Also choose mountains with short travel times to the top and descent. This is important to avoid bad weather. If the weather starts to get worse, the descent can be done quickly.

2. As much as possible do not have to camp

Indeed, tents can be brought when hiking to anticipate bad weather such as rain and wind. Still, camping in bad weather is a risk. If it rains heavily, water often can still penetrate the layers of the tent. Strong winds are not infrequently able to knock down tents. Cold winds can also get in when the weather is bad, which increases the risk of hypothermia.

3. Bring a raincoat Raincoat

It becomes a must-have when hiking in the rainy season. Of course the goal is not to get soaked when you have to hit the rain because there is usually minimal shelter in the mountains. If you get soaked because you don’t bring a raincoat, the hike will be even harder. Especially if cold air or wind blows, wet clothes will double the risk of hypothermia.

4. Bring an extra change of clothes

A change of clothes should be taken when hiking, either in the rainy or dry season. But the risk of wet clothes is still greater when the rainy season arrives. Even after wearing a raincoat, water can still enter through small gaps or holes. Therefore, to keep the body dry, extra clothes must be brought with you. Make sure that the changing clothes are placed in a waterproof place such as wrapped in water plastic so they don’t get wet.

5. Hike when the weather is good

Make sure to start your hike when the weather is clear. It’s better than braving the rain from the start of the journey. However the journey is easier when it is not raining. If conditions worsen when leaving, such as heavy rain or even a storm, wait until the weather improves.

6. Avoid walking at night

It is safer to hike during the rainy season during the day. When it is still bright, the hiking trail is easier for the eye to see, which minimizes the risk of getting lost. At night, especially if it rains, the hiking trail will be more difficult to see. If heavy fog descends, this further increases the risk of getting lost.

7. Check the mountain’s open-close schedule

Also check which mountains are still open for climbing during the rainy season. Do not arrive when you arrive at the designated mountain climbing post, it turns out that the mountain you are climbing to is being closed so the trip is in vain. If it’s closed, don’t be desperate to climb. In addition to endangering their own safety, the climbing operator also does not hesitate to give punishment to those who are determined to climb.