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Before setting off on a hike, always check the weather forecast before leaving.~Don't just limit yourself to the weather on your favourite TV channel or generalist website. We recommend you look in more detail and check the temperatures, the risks of lightning, landslide or anything else specific to the terrain you'll be crossing.
YOU'LL HAVE THE TRAIL ALL TO YOURSELF
The rain empties the trails, so you may not meet anyone and be able to enjoy your hike with a feeling of real exclusivity and tranquillity. A little silence and lots of patience may enable you to meet animals you don't usually see.
However, make sure you're clued up with the signs and map and compass reading as you may not come across any other hikers if you get lost. Also, always tell someone you're going hiking, telling them where and for how long.
YOU WILL ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF NEGATIVE IONS
Despite being called negative ions, which can be misleading, they are actually very good for us.
The rain is full of them, and all the better for it! They help refresh the air, and help to reduce asthma and chronic fatigue. So the next time you go out to take a good breath of fresh air, wait until it rains to get all the benefits.
YOU'LL (RE)DISCOVER THE LANDSCAPE WITH YOUR SENSES INCREASED TENFOLD
The rain is an extraordinary sensory experience. While its noise helps some to sleep, its smell is also beyond compare.
If you're walking through the woods, the grass looks greener, the smell of the trees and plants is sharper and even the sound of the streams formed by the rain and the little waterfalls it creates appear more intense.
To enjoy it all while keeping your feet dry, don't forget your over-trousers and gaiters. Indeed, even if your boots are waterproof, water can run off the grass and into your boots by running down your legs.
YOU'LL FINALLY BE ABLE TO TEST YOUR WATERPROOF JACKET, WHICH WAS BEGINNING TO FADE IN YOUR CLOSET
Admit it - you've been searching for the perfect jacket, waterproof, breathable, lightweight and comfortable to wear for a long time.
And then you came across the Forclaz 400 jacket, or maybe the Forclaz 900 jacket, which finally meant you could go out in all weathers. But your jacket hasn't been out of your wardrobe for an eternity. It's an opportunity to check it lives up to its reputation.
Remember, our waterproof jackets undergo specific tests to provide them with a waterproofing score that goes up to 5. To find out all about how to choose your waterproof jacket, it's here. To learn how the waterproofing rating of our jackets is calculated, go that way.
YOU'LL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE ANIMALS THAT ONLY COME OUT IN THE RAIN
You'll also have a better chance of seeing wild animals. From snails to salamanders and frogs, everybody should find something to their taste. In these conditions, we recommend that you always have binoculars or your camera to hand. It's an opportunity to organise a snail race with your children, so long as you respect the animals.
YOU MAY EVEN BE LUCKY ENOUGH TO SEE A RAINBOW
We're all just big kids and a rainbow always brightens up the day. But without rain, there are no rainbows. There is another reason to go out even when the weather doesn't seem ideal.
YOUR CHILDREN WILL LOVE JUMPING IN THE PUDDLES
Classic but effective, puddles always appeal to young ones.
But be careful to watch where they're going, to make sure they don't slip on muddy ground. Also make sure you kit them out well to prevent water from entering their shoes or boots.
BONUS: A HOT DRINK AND THE FEELING OF ACHIEVEMENT WHEN YOU GET BACK HOME
A hot chocolate and a warm bath on your return is to a hike what raclette by the fire is to skiing. So after a hike in the rain, use this time to prepare for your next outing and why not dream of hiking in distant landscapes or just go and explore the paths of your local area. In any case, you'll always find a great new hike to do soon.
GOOD TO KNOW
As you've seen, the rain doesn't just have its bad side; it can even be really pleasant.~However, make sure you know when it's time to take shelter if your rain shower turns into a storm thanks to our article on the right things to do in the event of a storm in the mountains.
