Hiking in autumn often means making the most of the last days of mild weather before winter sets in, and enjoying stunning landscapes with their vivid colours. But dressing for the shoulder season can be tricky. Here are some tips and clothing suggestions for hiking this autumn to help you make the right choices and hit the trails perfectly protected.
Autumn hiking clothing: upper body
In autumn, the main constant you have to contend with, whatever the region, is the variation in temperature throughout the day. You'll experience much greater swings than in other seasons, and to counter that, the 3-layer system is truly the way to go.
You should therefore prioritise base-layer garments that are warm and breathable, wicking away perspiration. These are worn as a first layer directly on the skin. You can then add short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts and warm gilets. Finally, over all of that, make sure you have a jacket that can stand up to the elements (wind and rain). It will need to be waterproof and breathable.
If you choose a compact enough one, you'll be able to stow it easily in your pack when conditions don't call for wearing it.
For colder periods, consider bringing a mid-layer jacket. For example, a fleece that is warm yet lightweight will give you effective protection from the cold.
Autumn hiking clothing: lower body
For comfortable autumn hiking, take lightweight long trousers and, if needed, a slightly warmer technical pair. Depending on the region, you may no longer need the lightweight pair after 15 November. Convertible trousers can also be useful early in the season: wear them as shorts when the sun is out and temperatures are mild. Whatever you choose, make sure your clothing is technical and suited to walking. It will give you freedom of movement and help prevent excessive rubbing. Flat seams are particularly important when you are walking for hours.
If you are planning a bivvy or a night in a mountain hut on a weekend hike, thermal leggings will be useful overnight. They protect you from the cold, and you can put them on straight after walking to keep your muscles warm after exertion, as cold can quickly lead to muscle tightness.
Autumn hiking clothing: socks
Choosing the right socks and shoes for hiking in autumn is important: cooler temperatures and moisture create more challenging conditions for your feet, so it's essential to kit yourself out properly.
First, footwear is essential: you need walking or hiking shoes. Depending on your preference, you can choose walking boots with a mid-height upper or lightweight, low-cut hiking shoes, though the latter offer less security on wet ground.
When it comes to socks, do not set off in ordinary everyday socks or sports socks that are not suited to hiking. Over a full day on foot, they can make a real difference to comfort and foot health. Choose lightweight hiking socks. Comfortable merino wool socks are ideal for long days of activity. A good proportion of merino wool also helps limit odours.
To aid recovery, you can also get hold of compression recovery socks. They genuinely help reduce the feeling of fatigue and significantly lower the likelihood of cramps and calf pain. They're easy to use — just slip them on once you're back after your walk and wear them for 2 to 4 hours to reinvigorate blood flow.
Autumn hiking clothing: footwear
Finally, the last essential item for hiking is footwear. High-cut, mid-cut or low-cut — choose a pair of hiking shoes that suit your needs, the terrain and the season.
One last tip before you go hiking: check the mountain weather forecast in advance!
