For many, hiking under rainy weather does not exactly sound like the most fun or comfortable activity. When forecast counts on rain showers, people tend to postpone their hiking sessions for later days.
After all, there may be different dangers that a rainy day brings to the table on the hiking trail.
But in the same vein, hiking under the rain brings multiple opportunities that you will not usually see under fair weather. This article will list the pros on cons of hiking under such weather conditions.
Pros
Less people on the trails
As mentioned earlier, gloomy and rainy weather discourages many hikers from venturing out, as they would rather stay comfortable inside.
On the other hand, that also means that there are less people to encounter while on the trails, which is especially excellent for those who want some alone time while walking alongside nature.
It also does wonders for people who simply want to get away from civilization and socialization for a bit, to escape the daily routine of having to interact with other people, be it due to school or work, helping said hikers feel more refreshed upon their return.
Lots of exercise
The added weight of both the rain and the extra gear you are likely to be carrying coupled with muddy and “heavy” trails mean that it will take more effort for you to go from point a to point b.
This is seen as a detriment for some who do not want to exert so much effort especially under such weather conditions, but other people enjoy the extra effort to help keep their core and legs fit as they walk along the trail.
Tranquil feeling from rain
Rain invites lazy and relaxing days indoors, but it can also invite lazy and relaxing days outdoors. It helps reduce stress and make you feel more refreshed, thanks to the combined efforts of peace and quiet as well as the lovely environment surrounding you.
The relaxing “rainy” scent (which is actually called petrichor, the smell that comes when rain hits the soil) comes into play here as well, which is something you can’t really smell during regular days.
Cool temperatures on the trail
Hiking under the sun is nice because there is no rain to bother you, but there are also moments where you were likely sweating buckets due to the heat.
Rainy days, meanwhile, are the opposite. They instead provide a cool feeling in the air, thanks to its increased humidity. You will probably still feel a bit of the heat from under your rain gear, but nothing as bad as during a hike under the sun.
Lovely nature views
Even something as simple as the ground getting wet can change the way we see the environment around us.
The leaves of the plants glistening in the rain, the shiny rocky areas on the road, and even the clouds and rain itself provides a nice backdrop to the place you are in.
Not only that, but even the activity of wildlife differs when there is rain. Dirt burrowers such as earthworms surface because of the rain, while birds pick them off from the ground for lunch. You might also find a lot of snails, slugs, and frogs roaming about, wherein they would usually be hidden away.
Cons
Slippery and muddy routes
The sights might be nice to see, but the routes sure are not. With all the water soaking up the dirt, it forms slippery and squishy mud.
It makes for a potentially dangerous walking experience, as narrow, uneven, and unsteady paths might be dangerous to go through, meaning that you will either need to take a detour or turn back entirely.
Plus, you will also get a not-so good scenario of having to clean your mud-riddled boots when you get home.
Getting you and your gear uncomfortably wet
A lot of people go out to hike to enjoy the breeze of nature, but how can they do that when the rain is constantly interrupting their train of thought, especially with how wet they are getting?
No matter how many layers and umbrellas you pack, you can and will eventually get wet. Whether it is from the rain due to footwear that does not cover enough, or your own sweat because of the lack of breathing room from your feet from wearing rain boots, you will have to deal with getting wet one way or another eventually.
Of course, this can be remedied with a nice hot shower when you return, but it might be discouraging to be interrupted on what should be a relaxing outing from your wet socks and shoes.
Chance to catch hypothermia
This is a big one. Hikers that are unprepared or underestimate the effects of hypothermia might find themselves in the middle of a nasty surprise, should they catch it in the middle of their hike.
Hypothermia is an extremely dangerous illness, and what should be a cool and relaxing hike can quickly turn into a freezing and potentially fatal emergency.
Before going out on the trails, ensure that you are well-equipped to deal with not just the weather, but with the cold.
Should I hike in the rain?
This largely depends on you. The experience factor might be something that could be worthy trying out even just once, especially since it is a completely different feel from simply hiking during fair weather.
Just make sure you make adequate preparations for the trip and your safety.