There’s a popular Swedish saying we live by: “Det finns inget dåligt väder, bara dåliga kläder.” which translates to “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”
This is one of the best pieces of advice you can take to set yourself up for an enjoyable Sierra Nevada trip.
The weather in the High Sierra is a main character. It’s powerful, it’s beautiful, and it’s varied. We’ve seen snow in August. We’ve hiked in 100+ degree heat. We’ve watched a 90-degree afternoon turn into a 50-degree rainstorm in under an hour.
This isn’t a problem. It’s just a logistical challenge that we plan for, and part of the fun that is the Sierra backcountry. Want to know when to expect what weather? Check out our seasonal guide to Yosemite backpacking.
The Common Sierra Thunderstorm Pattern
In July and August, the Sierra has a very common weather pattern: you’ll wake up to a perfectly clear, 75-degree morning. By 3:00 PM, a dramatic thunderstorm will roll in, rain hard for an hour, and then clear up for a beautiful evening.
When a forecast says “10% chance of rain,” we don’t hear “it probably won’t rain.” We hear “it will almost certainly rain for about 10% of the day.” Often times it isn’t raining where we happen to be, but you can see it in the next valley over, or see evidence of it in the puddles on the trail.
Our strategy for this is simple: we aim to be at our next camp before it starts raining. We manage our daily schedule to get the hiking done in the best weather, letting you get set up in your tent, dry and comfortable, before the afternoon storm arrives.
How We Handle Multi-Day Storms
Now, what about a real storm? A multi-day system that settles in?
This is where preparation and perspective make all the difference. When a big storm rolls in, it’s an adventure. It’s also an opportunity.
Sometimes, the best and safest decision is to declare a “zero day,” especially if we’re in the high country and lightning is close by. This means we stay put. We hang out in our (very dry, very high-quality) tents, read books, play cards, and drink hot tea. There is a unique, cozy fun in being safely tucked away while the wilderness gets a deep cleaning.
It’s not a failure. It’s not the end of the world. It’s a part of the experience. And when you do start hiking again, the world is fresh, clean, and smells incredible.
Our Gear Strategy for Sierra Nevada Weather
This is our job. We treat weather as a problem of logistics and gear. See exactly what gear we provide to keep you safe and comfortable in any conditions.
1. Expert Rain Gear: We provide high-end rain parkas, not just jackets. These are designed to cover both you and your backpack, keeping your whole system dry. (Your feet will probably still get wet, but thanks to the wool socks you’re wearing, they’ll still be warm.)
2. Storm-Proof Tents: We use high-quality, 3-season tents. Critically, they are designed to prevent “splashback”—when heavy rain hits the ground and splashes up under the rainfly, getting your gear wet. Ours don’t do that.
3. Synthetic Sleeping Bags: This is a crucial, intentional choice. Down sleeping bags are useless when wet. Our synthetic-fill bags will still keep you warm even if they get damp. They might not be as cozy as when they’re dry, but they will be safe.
Your Packing List: Why “Cotton Kills”
This is your job, and it’s the most important one you have. It all comes down to one rule: Cotton Kills.
We mean it. Cotton (jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, even cotton socks) has zero insulating properties when wet. It actively pulls heat from your body, leading directly to hypothermia.
You must bring wool and synthetic fabrics (like polyester or nylon). These materials wick moisture away from your skin and, like our sleeping bags, continue to insulate even when wet. Read our complete clothing guide to learn how to build the right layering system.
This is what the Swedes meant. With the right gear (ours) and the right clothing (yours), there is no bad weather. There’s just hiking.
Ready to experience the High Sierra in any weather?
Request a free consultation and we’ll match you with the perfect season and route for your goals. Learn more about our all-inclusive charter system and how we handle logistics so you can focus on the adventure.
