Hiking in autumn often means making the most of the last mild days before winter sets in, and taking in stunning landscapes ablaze with colour. 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 fully protected.
Autumn hiking clothing: upper body
In autumn, the main constant you'll face, whatever the region, is the temperature variation throughout the day. You'll experience greater swings than in other seasons, and to deal with this you really need to use the layering system.
You'll want to prioritise warm, breathable base layer garments that wick away moisture. These are worn as a base layer directly against the skin. On top of that, you can add short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts and warm gilets. Finally, over everything, make sure you have a jacket capable of standing up to the elements (wind and rain). It will need to be waterproof and breathable.
If you choose a compressible option, you can easily pack it away in your bag when conditions don't require you to wear it.
Finally, for the coldest spells, consider bringing a mid-layer jacket. For example, a warm, lightweight fleece that will give you effective protection against the cold.
Autumn hiking clothing: lower body
In autumn, for comfortable hiking, it's best to set off with a pair of lightweight long trousers and, optionally, a slightly warmer technical pair of trousers. You can leave the lightweight trousers behind after 15 November (depending on the region), when they'll be less useful. A convertible pair of trousers can also be a smart choice at the start of the season — they let you make the most of sunny spells and mild temperatures by converting to shorts or bermudas. Always choose technical, walking-specific clothing. This will give you a good range of movement and reduce friction. The importance of flat seams here is paramount for clocking up hours on the trail without any issues.
Finally, if you're planning a bivvy or a night in a mountain hut on a weekend hiking trip, thermal long johns will be very welcome at night. They'll keep the cold at bay and you can pull them on right after your walk to keep your muscles warm after the effort (cold can quickly cause cramps and muscle stiffness).
Autumn hiking clothing: socks
Choosing the right socks and footwear for autumn hiking is important: cooler temperatures and the presence of 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 preferences, you can opt for mid-cut walking shoes or lightweight low-cut hiking shoes, though the latter offer less security on wet terrain.
For socks, don't make the mistake of setting off in standard everyday socks or sport socks that aren't suited to hiking. Over a full day's walking, this can make a significant difference in terms of foot comfort and health. You'll need to choose lightweight hiking socks. Ideally, go for comfortable merino wool socks, which are perfect for long days of effort. With a good proportion of merino wool in their composition, they also help keep odours in check.
To aid recovery, compression support socks are also worth considering. They genuinely help reduce the feeling of fatigue and significantly lower the likelihood of cramps and calf pain. They're easy to use — simply pull them on once you're back from your walk and wear them for 2 to 4 hours to get your blood flowing again.
Autumn hiking clothing: footwear
Finally, the last essential piece of kit 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 hiking trip: remember to check the mountain weather forecast in advance!
