Got caught in a hail storm on the Four Pass Loop and it taught me to trust the forecast less
Back in July I hiked the Four Pass Loop near Aspen and packed for 75 degree days because every forecast said clear skies all weekend. About 3 miles past Buckskin Pass the sky went dark and we got pelted with pea sized hail for 20 minutes with zero cover anywhere. I ended up hiding under a boulder with my pack over my head while my buddy laughed at me from his spot under a pine. Now I always carry a rain shell and an emergency blanket even when the forecast says 0 percent chance of rain. Anyone else get burned trusting a mountain forecast, and what do you pack just in case?
Mountain forecasts are straight up guesses past a day or two. I don't even check them anymore, just assume it'll rain at some point and pack for it. Extra layer, shell, and a cheap mylar blanket weigh nothing and save your butt when the sky turns on you.