How bad before you call off your trip?

[zukiguy]

The rain/temperature combination is more a concern for me. I can take cold, or rain, but the combo isn't much fun (pouring rain hovering just above freezing). While my gear would keep me warm and dry is isn't much fun just hunkering down under my tarp all night. I really prefer to have a nice fire and socialize with my hiking partners.

So, your real question might be more like "how will inclement weather impact the goals of my trip"? If you're just out there to test your gear and put in some miles then the impact is minimal. If you're wanting to sit around and relax in comfort then this might be a different story. There's nothing wrong with being a "fair-weather camper" but it does kind of limit your opportunities.

I spent a week on the AT about 3 years ago and it poured 4 out of the 5 days. We stayed mostly in the shelters and by the end of the trip most everything was kind of soggy. It wasn't much "fun" slogging down the trail in the rain but it my gear did what I needed it to do and I stayed "dry" for the most part. The crappy weather just made you really appreciate a good hot dinner and some dry clothes and sleeping bag. Still made for a great trip with lots of good memories.

[L.D. Cakes]

I'm glad you decided to go Gideon. I have gone on many trips where half the group bailed because of predicted rain and it turned out great for us that chose to face the elements. They're loss!
Feel assured that looking at the weather forecast before you go is a good thing though, so you can adjust your gear accordingly and be prepared for any route changes. Like stream crossings that may get too high or hanging spots that may be too close to run offs or flash flood zones. It sounds like you have an excellent tarp and proper clothing for the challenge too!
Good luck, have fun and we will be waiting for your trip report.

[Demeter]

I would never cancel a hike for rain because I like rain. I don't like hiking in it, but I do like sleeping in it.

Ya, and you sure slept through the hail and 40 mph gusts during the MAHHA pre-hike with Highlife while I sit drinking in my truck!!

[Roadrunnr72]

On Scouting trips, we take into account the insulation and/or gear that our Scouts are likely to have with them. We also consider the fact that we're transporting other peoples children.

+1, we have had canoe trips that we cancelled due to storm surge and high winds/waves. A few, if it was just adults, we still would have gone, but, as PapaSmurf said, we have other peoples children.....RR

[enoorange]

I am going out this weekend (red river gorge) with the same rain forecast but colder. Never even considered bailing but I am bummed at the extra gear im packing (umbrella, etc)

[GeezerScouter]

In all of our camping we have done with the troop, the only thing that made us cancel a trip or scurry home early was a known line of severe thunderstorms with tornadoes. Snow, sub-zero temps, lots and lots of rain - we kept going through it all.

GeezerScouter

[Gideon]

RNGN, I ended up going with 1.75 mm lash-it, continuous but over the top. There's a dutch hook on one end and a Dutch Tarp Flyz on the other. The tarp is attached to the CRL by two prusik knots. there's a small loop of shock cord over the ridge line attached to the center ridgeline tab on the tarp. I borrowed Hairbears way of using the snake skins on the tarp. I love the set up; it's easy to put up, weights next too nothing and the extra foot of length on the tarp makes is soooo much nicer to close in the ends for bad weather.

Two days to go.....

Gideon

[UncleMJM]

Other than severe weather warnings or nighttime temps over 80* I can't think of a time I've cancelled a trip due to weather. Like others have said, the best sleeping and most vivid memories have involved rain.

I will confess to shortening a 3 night trip to 2 once. It had been dry, I didn't feel like packing in the rain, and there was a casino calling.

[FLRider]

Known hurricane.

I tend to go because it will be raining.

Yeah, that sounds familiar.

For me, hurricane-force winds where I'm intending to be, 105*+ F heat with 100% humidity, or temperatures below what my gear is rated for (right now, below 15* F) are the show-stoppers.

Otherwise? "Y'see, this one time, when I was hiking through..." makes for a good story to trade over a beer...

[tjm]

I cancelled a planned 5 day solo winter expedition in the White Mountain because the predicted overnight lows went from -5 F to -25 F on the days leading up to the trip.

Felt very bad about it and have second guessed myself a few times since it happened, maybe I could have done it without any major problems, but "at least I know I didn't make the wrong decision"