Hiking in the rain
Return to DiscussionsI have done it a few times. If it's a nice, warmer summer rain it really can be a great experience. Tends to keep people off the trails so I have been free to hike where I normally could not go. Also it breaks the heat and disperses the bugs. So much better than hiking in wet clothes, or fighting to stay dry. Unfortunately the rain is usually rather cool, so unless it's a really hot day, I won't stay on the trail for long.
I don't get much opportunity for naked hiking around here (dammit), but about a year ago I was on a textile hike and got caught in a downpour I turned around, but I was two miles from the car and no shelter in sight. It wasn't my first choice, but I survived it. I think I would have liked it better naked. Wet clothes chafe.
Yes, It's happened to me a few times. A light sprinkle is nice on bare skin. But one time a storm came up when I was pretty far out a forest trail. Light rain turned to heavy cold pelting drops and then hail. Not so fun, but it got me sprinting back to my car, so the exercise was good!
Naked is the best raincoat. WARM rain just feels fantastic on the skin & makes for a fun way to shower (and cut down on water bils).
Nothing whisks away water & sweat or breathes like our epidermis; clothes just get in the way & need to be washed&dried, a total waste of time, energy, water. Got caught in a couple of HEAVY rainstorms on three-day biking&camping trip. Wet clothes are a real drag; drying takes FOREVER-- IF there is SUNSHINE. Even fresh water Rivers & Lakes leave an organic(?) dank smell on cothes making them even more oppressive to wear.