It’s spring, which means rain season. Mud season. And for most, it’s “I don’t want to go for a hike” season. But if you’re a hiker, or really anyone who could use a little exercise and some reconnecting with nature, are you really going to let a little rain stop you?
This past Saturday there was a persistent mist, and a little bit of rain, as I went hiking up North Pack Monadnock. Given the conditions, I expected to have the trails to myself, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I wasn’t the only one undeterred by the weather. Along the way I met an older mother and son team, two ladies with their dog, a solo hiker, a family with two little ones exploring as far as they could, three Germans, and a few others I didn’t see coming. How wonderful is that?
Weighing the Options
During the week I have a few specific days where I can get out for a big hike. When a day is set on the calendar for me, especially when coordinating with a friend, that’s it. It’s got to be that day or I’m going to miss my chance that week. So, I’ve gotten pretty good at seeing the weather as an obstacle to overcome as opposed to something that turns me back. The only exception is when I’m attempting to do something like backcountry ski Tuckerman Ravine, or climb Mount Washington, where avalanche risk and inclement weather can seriously put your life in danger. But outside of life-threatening conditions, when it’s time to go, I have found over the years that I regret missing out on a bad weather experience more than experiencing bad weather.
Tackling Bad Weather
To combat crummy conditions, I’ve found the following works for me. If it’s super raw, I prioritize loading up on vitamin c. Something about damp weather gets in your bones, and I find that a healthy dose of vitamin c fends off any potential cold. Then I make sure I have a good shell with a hood, where the rain just slides right off. All my underlayers are usually wickaway, because I sweat like a beast, so that’s fine for rainy days too.
But in my pack, I always bring an extra fleece or semi-wool pullover, as well as an extra pair of wool hiking socks (which is the most critical thing for every hike). Having extra wool socks is my number one priority item to pack on each hike, no matter the time of year; replacing your wet socks with dry ones mid-hike can help mitigate blisters, and they can also keep your drinks from freezing if the temperature drops.
I usually have two shells on a bad weather hike. A North Face hardshell that feels just slightly less impervious than a foul-weather jacket you’d wear on the ocean, and another thin shell with a hood that can fit over my North Face jacket. I usually find I’m pretty-well covered with that setup. I bring some rain pants to go over my hiking pants if necessary, and after that I’m pretty much good to go. The only other must-haves are spikes if I’m going into the higher elevations, as snow and ice can linger for a couple more months.
Which Show to See?
Spring hiking can be dangerous, but if you plan properly, it can also be pretty exciting. The snows are melting and the rivers are opening up. Hearing and seeing the thundering of a fresh river breaking over a mountain slope is magical to behold. Powerful. What was once a peaceful flowing brook in the autumn season is a cascading torrent in the spring. Both forms beautiful. Both worth seeing.
I’m sure there will be plenty of days ahead where my only chance to hike something will be on a gross rainy day. And on those days maybe my only options will be to watch yet another Netflix show or go see what there is to see. Unless it’s hailing or raining graupel, or lightning out, it’s almost a guarantee which option I’m going to pick. “Out there” is where all the best shows are.