The leaves are changing colors, the sun is rising later, the temps are cooling down, and there’s no shortage of beautiful trails to explore: fall is officially upon us. Hiking in the fall means colorful foliage, emptier trails, and crisp mornings. Fall is prime hiking season, so here are the fall hiking essentials you need for your next outdoor adventure.
Ditch the Shorts
Hiking in shorts is great for summer day-hikes and shedding weight to beat the heat. As fall weather starts to hit, you’ll want to put those shorts away and grab a pair of thicker hiking pants. While it may not be time to grab your hardshell pants just yet, it’s a good idea to pick up a pair that is weather-wicking and wind resistant. Find a pair that is comfortable and moves with you, while still offering protection from the elements. If it is really starting to get chilly, break out those winter thermals a few weeks early.
Layer Up
Fall hiking is all about layers: shedding layers as the sun peeks out and throwing layers on as the sun starts to go down. When you forget to check the forecast before your trek on a rainy day, you will be grateful for packing that extra outer shell layer. The perfect outer shell will keep you toasty with wind chills, while keeping sweat from rolling down your back at high noon. We recommend the StormLine Stretch Rain Shell as a versatile outer shell. It is waterproof and windproof, but features ventilation pockets for increased breathability. This shell also neatly stowes in a built-in pocket in the right hand.
Picking out a base layer for your fall hike is a great way to keep your body warm and dry. Moisture wicking base layers will prevent any sweat from soaking into your clothes. As colder weather sets in in the fall, keeping your clothes dry is essential.
Wool Sock Season
Hiking socks are a necessity year round, but are especially important in the cooler months. Fall indicates it’s time to ditch synthetic socks and pick up a few pairs of wool socks. They come in different densities, ranging from ultralight to heavyweight. The wool material is breathable, moisture-wicking, and cushioning, and will keep your feet comfortable for hours.
Don't Forget the Boots
As the leaves start changing in autumn, they also start falling, meaning the trails start getting slippery. With temperatures starting to fall, it’s common to see frost or even light snow dusting on trails in early mornings. Nippy mornings indicate it’s time to put those trail runners away and break out a boot with some traction. Waterproof boots are a good idea for those who live in wet climates, while desert hikers can get away with ditching the waterproofing and choosing something that is a little more breathable. Whatever your decision may be, be sure to choose a boot that will keep your feet warm, protected, and gripped on slick trails.
Bye Bye Hydration Pack
It’s time to trade out the trusty hydration pack you’ve been carrying all summer for your favorite backpack. Hydration packs are lightweight and easy to carry, but they don’t fit much other than a granola bar. With mother nature’s mood swings in the fall, you’ll need to pack more gear for your treks. For day hikes, look for a pack with at least 20 liters and plenty of pockets. But, ensure you don’t grab a pack that is too large for your adventure. Unused space in a pack is unnecessary added weight.
Backpack Add-Ons
It’s always a good idea to keep these items below in your pack, but slick trails signal its time to start packing cautiously. As you start breaking out heavier boots, your feet can tolerate a pack with some added weight to it. Keep these fall hiking essentials on you.
- Sunglasses and sunblock – Because no one actually enjoys getting a sunburn.
- Lip balm – Wind chills and colder weather mean dry and cracking lips. Keep them, or your knuckles hydrated with a lip balm.
- Water and snacks – Hydration and nutrition are key to successful hikes. Without the sun beating down on you, it may be difficult to remember to keep your body fueled for a successful adventure.
- Headlamp – With the sun rising later and setting earlier, there is less sunshine for day hikes. Always carry a headlamp in case your hike runs long and you find yourself scrambling back to your car or camp in the dark.
- First aid kit – With increased risk of injury on wet and slippery trails, we recommend keeping a small first aid kit in your pack at all times.
- Pocket knife or multi tool – Any hiker knows these come in handy countless times. Even if it is just to help you tear open a snack!
Always leave no trace!