6 Tips in Choosing your Fall Hiking Gear Must-Haves
Many of us look forward to autumn because it is the ultimate hiking season. Not only is the weather cooler, but the mosquitos are gloriously gone for the season, and the beautiful lush greenery is being replaced by luminous oranges, reds, and yellows.
With the change in temperature there of course must be some adjustments to our hiking gear. Fall weather is unpredictable, so here are some suggestions on what to wear and pack for a hike:
Start with Your Feet.
Summer is more forgiving when it comes to footwear, you can get away with trail-running shoes, or even less. However, fall hikes require tougher shoes that provide ample protection from the weather and the terrain. Since trails can be wetter and rougher in fall, select hiking boots that are waterproof with a sturdy sole and good support.
Wear Pants.
The weather can flip on a dime in fall, so it’s better to be on the safe side by ditching the short and wearing hiking pants that are wind- and water-resistant. Hiking leggings (or tights) are also great for moisture-wicking and flexibility.
Layer Up.
When hiking in fall, it’s best to dress in layers, so you can add warmth and insulation if needed, or peel off layers if the sun is gloriously bright near the summit.
Start with the Base.
Functional base layers provide a warm and stable body temperature. Base layers keep you from becoming hypothermic while wearing wet clothes and prevent you from overheating. When choosing a base layer, opt for lightweight and moisture-wicking ones.
Cover Your Head & Feet.
During fall, you want to preserve body heat just in case things get really cold. To prevent heat from escaping your head, opt for a simple and lightweight beanie made from wool. On the other end, you want to bring wool socks to keep your feet warm and dry. Wool is perfect for locking in body temperature and keeping sweat and moisture off your feet.
Plan for Rain.
It’s always smart to bring a rain jacket. Get a jacket that won’t take up much space or weight in your pack.
With the change in temperature there of course must be some adjustments to our hiking gear. Fall weather is unpredictable, so here are some suggestions on what to wear and pack for a hike:
Start with Your Feet.
Summer is more forgiving when it comes to footwear, you can get away with trail-running shoes, or even less. However, fall hikes require tougher shoes that provide ample protection from the weather and the terrain. Since trails can be wetter and rougher in fall, select hiking boots that are waterproof with a sturdy sole and good support.
Wear Pants.
The weather can flip on a dime in fall, so it’s better to be on the safe side by ditching the short and wearing hiking pants that are wind- and water-resistant. Hiking leggings (or tights) are also great for moisture-wicking and flexibility.
Layer Up.
When hiking in fall, it’s best to dress in layers, so you can add warmth and insulation if needed, or peel off layers if the sun is gloriously bright near the summit.
Start with the Base.
Functional base layers provide a warm and stable body temperature. Base layers keep you from becoming hypothermic while wearing wet clothes and prevent you from overheating. When choosing a base layer, opt for lightweight and moisture-wicking ones.
Cover Your Head & Feet.
During fall, you want to preserve body heat just in case things get really cold. To prevent heat from escaping your head, opt for a simple and lightweight beanie made from wool. On the other end, you want to bring wool socks to keep your feet warm and dry. Wool is perfect for locking in body temperature and keeping sweat and moisture off your feet.
Plan for Rain.
It’s always smart to bring a rain jacket. Get a jacket that won’t take up much space or weight in your pack.
