Hiking in Lebanon: How to Keep Your Gear Dry

Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate, but the mountains make it unpredictable: a clear morning can become a storm by the afternoon, and evenings in the high country are cold even when the coast is warm. Whether you're walking a section of the Lebanon Mountain Trail, exploring the Qadisha Valley, the Chouf or Akkar, or doing a day hike close to Beirut, the plan is the same — expect water, and protect what matters.

Why your backpack isn't waterproof

Most hiking backpacks are water-resistant at best. Rain finds its way in through seams, zips and the back panel, and a soaked pack gets heavy. The fix is not a more expensive pack — it's putting the things that must stay dry inside waterproof bags within the pack.

A simple system that works

• Pack liner or dry bags for the main load. A liner protects everything inside the pack; roll-top bags protect specific items. Our comparison of dry bags, pack liners and waterproof backpacks explains when to use which.
• One small bag for essentials you reach for. Phone, wallet, keys, a headlamp and a first-aid kit in a 5L roll-top, kept near the top of the pack or worn across your body.
• One larger bag for your dry layers. A spare layer and your sleeping clothes in a 15L roll-top stay dry no matter what the day brings.

What goes in the dry bag

• Phone, power bank and charging cable
• Spare insulating layer and dry socks
• Wallet, ID and cash
• Headlamp and spare batteries
• Food you don't want soggy
• Map or navigation backup — trails can be thinly marked, so a backup matters.

River crossings and spray

In spring, snowmelt can swell streams and make crossings wetter than expected. A sealed roll-top bag protects against splashes and brief dunks — but if you're wading in anything above knee height, unbuckle your hip belt and chest strap first, and keep valuables dry and secure. Always test a bag before relying on it.

Which size for hiking?

For day hikes, a 5L covers your essentials. For overnights or when you're carrying spare clothing and food, step up to a 15L. The Rihla 15L fits a full change of clothes and snacks, and pairs well with a backpack for bulkier kit like a tent. The Rihla 5L is the essentials bag. See the size guide for the details.

Conditions and trail markings change — always check recent trail reports and the weather forecast, tell someone your route, and go with a group or a local guide if you're unfamiliar with the area.