What to Wear Hiking in Fall
Fall is one of the best times to hike, in my opinion, because the foliage is stunning, and the weather is beautiful! But fall can have unpredictable weather, making it crucial to understand what to wear hiking in fall.
I have hiked plenty of times in the fall where the trailhead temperatures were significantly warmer than the summits, and sometimes the summits have snow! Layering is important when hiking in fall to keep you warm.
This guide will review everything you need to know about what to wear hiking in fall, so you feel confident on the trail!
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Fall Hiking Base Layers
One of the most important things for learning what to wear hiking in Fall is layering. Having multiple layers allows you to add them when you are cold or remove them as your body temperature rises. Even if you do not wear all of your layers, it is important to pack them just in case!
Leggings
As the weather gets colder in fall, you will want to wear thicker or fleece-lined leggings to keep your legs warm. These leggings are perfect fall hiking because they are warm, breathable, and moisture-wicking. They also have stretchy fabric, so you can move freely on the trail while staying warm.
Short-Sleeve Shirt
A short-sleeve shirt is the perfect top base layer when the weather is cold or a stand-alone top when it is warm. The shirt will help regulate your body temperature and wick moisture as you hike.
Long-Sleeve Shirt
A long-sleeve shirt is great as a base layer when it starts to get colder. This base layer should be lightweight, moisture-wicking, stretchy, and breathable, giving you the ultimate comfort on the trail.
Fall Hiking Mid Layers
Fleece Jacket
Fleece jackets are warm, breathable, and retain your body heat, making them perfect for fall hiking. It is a great layer to wear on top of your base layers. Because fleece jackets do not tend to be waterproof, you will need an outer layer to protect you from the elements. We will get into that next!
Fall Hiking Outer Layers
INsulated Jacket
Down and synthetic jackets are crucial insulating layers that retain your body heat. Down jackets are warm, lightweight, and compressible but lose efficiency when it gets wet. Synthetic jackets are similar and perform better when wet but do not compress well. Both are great insulating layers!
Outer Shell Jacket
An outer shell jacket protects you from the elements, including rain and wind. Most rain jackets make perfect outer shell jackets because they are waterproof and windproof. .
Fall Hiking Footwear
Hiking Boots
Because the weather is unpredictable in Fall, I recommend getting waterproof hiking boots that are supportive, comfortable, waterproof, and durable.
If your feet run cold, I recommend getting insulated hiking boots to help keep your feet warm.
Hiking Socks
Hiking socks are just as important as other fall hiking gear because they keep your feet warm and dry. The best types of socks to wear are ones made of synthetic fabric or wool because they retain heat while wicking moisture.
Microspikes
Microspikes are important to bring on Fall hiking trips because the cooler temperatures can bring icy and snowy trails. These will provide you with traction to keep you steady and safe while hiking in Fall. They are also lightweight and easy to pack in their storage bag when you are not using them.
Fall Hiking Accessories
Hiking Daypack
Of course, one of the most important pieces of fall hiking gear is a daypack. Because you will be packing layers, I recommend getting a bag that can fit everything you need, including gear, food, and water.
Neck Gaiter
Many people overlook the importance of having a neck gaiter or something to keep your neck, nose, and cheeks warm. A neck gaiter helps keep your neck warm while you hike in fall, and you can pull it over your cheeks and nose when they get cold.
Hat
Most of our body heat escapes through our heads, so having a warm hatis crucial when hiking in fall! It will help insulate your head to retain body heat and is also nice to have when relaxing in cold weather on the summit.
Gloves
Your hands should not be left out when keeping your body warm because they tend to be the first parts of our bodies to get cold. I recommend getting a warm base layer gloves and a waterproof pair.
Remember, it is better to have more layers that you do not need than not enough. This guide is a great starting point to learn what to wear hiking in fall!
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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