Hiking in autumn often means enjoying the last days of fine weather before winter sets in, as well as taking in magnificent landscapes with vivid, shimmering colours. But dressing for the transitional season can sometimes be tricky. Here are a few tips and clothing suggestions for autumn hiking that should help you make the right choices and set off on the trails fully protected.
You should therefore prioritise first layer of warm, breathable clothing that wick moisture away. These should be worn as the base layer directly against the skin. You can then add short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts and warm gilets. Finally, over all of that, equip yourself with a jacket capable of handling bad weather (wind and rain). It must be waterproof and breathable.
If you choose a packable option, you can easily stow it in your bag when conditions don't require wearing it.
Finally, for the coldest spells, consider bringing an insulating mid-layer jacket. For example, a warm and lightweight fleece that will provide effective protection against the cold.
Finally, if you are planning a bivvy or a night in a refuge on weekend hikes, thermal long underwear will be a welcome addition for the night. It will protect you from the cold and you can pull it on straight after your walk to keep your muscles warm after exertion (cold can quickly cause cramping).
To aid recovery, compression fatigue-relief socks are also worth considering. They genuinely help reduce the sensation of fatigue and significantly lower the likelihood of cramps and calf pain. They are simple to use — just pull them on once you've arrived after your walk and wear them for 2 to 4 hours to reinvigorate blood flow.
One last tip before heading out hiking: make sure you check the mountain weather beforehand!
Autumn hiking clothing: upper body
In autumn, the main constant you will face, in any region, is temperature variation throughout the day. The swings are greater than in other seasons, and to deal with this you really need to use the 3-layer system.
You should therefore prioritise first layer of warm, breathable clothing that wick moisture away. These should be worn as the base layer directly against the skin. You can then add short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts and warm gilets. Finally, over all of that, equip yourself with a jacket capable of handling bad weather (wind and rain). It must be waterproof and breathable.
If you choose a packable option, you can easily stow it in your bag when conditions don't require wearing it.
Finally, for the coldest spells, consider bringing an insulating mid-layer jacket. For example, a warm and lightweight fleece that will provide effective protection against the cold.
Autumn hiking clothing: lower body
In autumn, for comfortable hiking, opt for setting off with a pair of lightweight full-length trousers and a slightly warmer technical trousers if needed. You can phase out lightweight trousers after 15 November (depending on the region) when they become less useful. A convertible trousers can also be a good option early in the season. Indeed, it allows you to make the most of the sunshine and mild temperatures you may encounter, by wearing bermuda shorts or shorts. Always choose a technical garment suited to walking in any case. This will give you a good range of movement and prevent excessive chafing. Flat seams are paramount here for accumulating hours of walking without discomfort.
Finally, if you are planning a bivvy or a night in a refuge on weekend hikes, thermal long underwear will be a welcome addition for the night. It will protect you from the cold and you can pull it on straight after your walk to keep your muscles warm after exertion (cold can quickly cause cramping).
Autumn hiking clothing: socks
Choosing the right socks and shoes for hiking is important in autumn: cooler temperatures and the presence of moisture create more demanding conditions for your feet, so it is essential to kit yourself out properly. First and foremost, footwear is of course crucial: it is necessary to walk in proper walking or hiking shoes. Depending on your habits, you can opt for walking shoes mid-height or low-cut lightweight hiking shoes, though the latter are less secure on wet terrain. When it comes to socks, don't make the mistake of setting off with ordinary everyday socks or sports socks not suited to hiking. Over a full day's walking, it can make a significant difference in terms of foot comfort and health. You'll need to choose lightweight hiking socks. Ideally, opt for comfortable merino wool socks which are ideal for long days of effort. With a good proportion of merino wool in their composition, they help keep odours at bay.
To aid recovery, compression fatigue-relief socks are also worth considering. They genuinely help reduce the sensation of fatigue and significantly lower the likelihood of cramps and calf pain. They are simple to use — just pull them on once you've arrived after your walk and wear them for 2 to 4 hours to reinvigorate blood flow.
Autumn hiking clothing: footwear
Finally, the last essential piece of kit for hiking is footwear. High, mid or low cut — choose a pair of hiking shoes that suit your needs, the terrain and the season.
One last tip before heading out hiking: make sure you check the mountain weather beforehand!
