I would like to reinforce what has been said about holding the torch in your hand and that applies to mist, rain/snow or the vapour from your breath. Holding the torch low also shows shadows of objects on the ground, giving a good three dimensional sense of the terrain.
In scientific terms the problem arises from 'light scattering' by particles rather than reflection (as Bob hinted). The amounts of 'forward scatter' and 'back scatter' depend on the particle size. Particles larger than a few microns scatter most of the light backwards.