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.
Finally, for the coldest spells, consider bringing along a mid-layer jacket. A warm, lightweight fleece, for example, will give you effective protection against the cold.
Autumn hiking clothing: lower body
In autumn, for comfortable hiking, opt for a lightweight pair of long trousers and possibly a slightly warmer technical pair as well. You can leave the lightweight trousers behind after 15 November (depending on the region) when they'll be less useful. A convertible trouser can also be a great option at the start of the season. It lets you make the most of the sunshine and mild temperatures you might encounter by converting to shorts or a half-zip. Always choose, in any case, a technical garment suited to walking. This will give you a good range of movement and prevent excessive chafing. The benefit of flat seams is key here for clocking up hours of walking without issue.
Finally, if you're planning a bivvy or an overnight stay in a refuge on weekend hikes, a long thermal base layer 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 the effort (the cold can quickly cause muscle cramps).
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 and foremost, footwear is of course essential: you need to walk in proper walking or hiking shoes. Depending on your habits, you can opt for walking shoes with a mid-cut upper or lightweight low-cut hiking shoes, though the latter offer less security on wet ground.
Don't make the mistake of heading out in regular everyday socks or sports socks not suited to hiking. Over a full day's walking, it can make a significant difference to your comfort and foot health. You'll need to choose lightweight hiking socks. Ideally, go for comfortable merino wool socks — perfect for long days of effort. With a good proportion of merino wool in their composition, they also help keep odours at bay.
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 heading out on a hike — remember to check the mountain weather forecast beforehand!
