Go Hiking In The Rain

The trailhead parking lots are always more packed when the sun is shining, but it is better to be an “all weather” hiker especially if you live in an area of the world where it rains a lot. There are several advantages to hiking in the rain.

The most obvious advantage is just that you get more hiking done. You don’t have to scratch your head and ask yourself if you will skip this hike. It is always a go! What about the less obvious, but maybe more important?

Challenge

Hiking in in the rain is a bit of a challenge. Do you like challenges? You should because they build your resilience. With hiking you need to figure out the best clothing to wear. If you wear a rainproof poncho you will over-heat, unless you are someone who “saunters” up the mountain. Typically, people over dress in the rain or cold, sweat, and then get cold. It is better to go light and pack a couple extra jackets or pullovers. In fact even when it is hot be sure to pack warm clothing so if you get stuck somewhere overnight your all comfy.

Keep your pack dry with a cover. Put your wallet and car keys in plastic bags. If it is cold wrap them in a cloth and them put them in the bag.

Get Used to Not Being Rewarded

In life when we work hard towards something and we do not reach our goal it is easy to be disappointed. Self help folks point out that it is not the goal, but who we become in the pursuit of it that matters. I agree!

When climbing mountains we sometimes don’t get to see the beautiful mountains in the distance when it rains. When there is fog (low clouds) sometimes you can’t see ten feet in front of you. So you climb and climb thinking that the weather might change and you will be rewarded with a view. When that doesn’t happen there is a tendency to be disappointed, but get used to it. You don’t always need to be rewarded with a view. However, like in this photo you can be surprised with something sectacular. Whatever the weather, just go hiking!