Sunny or Rainy?

Barney · 07-02-2011, 07:29 AM

I prefer slightly cloudy weather for my hikes and trips because I don't like strong sun. Besides, people usually don't like cloudy weather which is fine for me because there are less people on the trail.

Gondor · 07-02-2011, 07:48 AM

I'm kinda both ways on this. I don't like heavy sun either but I also don't like to get wet which is usually what happens with cloudy weather.

outwest · 07-02-2011, 09:35 AM

If the weather would always play fair I think many of us would have a few less canceled or delayed trips. The last time I went out the weather man said the day was perfect, 45 minutes into the hike it down-poured like there was a flood in heaven.

Grandpa · 07-02-2011, 02:08 PM

cloudy and cool is nice until time to take a picture, then I want the sun. I never get what I want so I live with what I get.

briansnat · 07-31-2011, 09:01 PM

Around here the tree cover is so thick it hardly makes a difference. But I like sunny days because the view is better when I get to the top.

outwest · 08-01-2011, 10:25 AM

I wish we had the tree cover like you are saying, we are lucky for shade in our area. Sometimes I wish I lived in the woods so I could actually go outside without swearing myself to death.

jason · 08-01-2011, 03:24 PM

During the hot summer months, I like cloudy weather. When it gets a little cooler, I like sun. But even like today working outside in the heat, it is still a bit much.

Tigger · 08-01-2011, 05:43 PM

I don't care. I hike year round in every type of weather. The only time it stops me is when I am solo in winter and I expect dangerous weather or possible avalanche. Otherwise, bring it on. Weather just makes it different for me. I've got the gear to handle pretty much anything that is thrown my way.

JimBob · 08-01-2011, 07:59 PM

Certain things I don't mind the rain for, like swimming since you're already getting wet, but when I go out to the everglades walking, I want clear skies and sunshine. The heat doesn't bother me, so it's ok.

ghostdog · 08-01-2011, 08:41 PM

I don't mind light rain or snow but one of the conditions that I don't like is heavy wind. On my most recent backpack we went into the high country to escape the heat. The wind came up hard and surreal. We had selected our campsite very carefully away from the tall trees but the forest was so thick that we were still surrounded by them, just out of reach. On the second day three huge dead snags fell right in our sight and the top half of a live tree blew out, all with thunderous crashes. It was not enough to drive me home but I didn't find it pleasant at the time.

I prefer quiet sunny days, dramatic clouds or a silent snowfall while hiking. Not a deafening wind.