If you’re thinking about what to wear for hiking in the fall, then you’ve come to the right spot. Learning the art of autumn layers for hiking is about finding the perfect mix of mid-weight, base, outer and mid-weight layers. The right balance between airflow and warmth can be challenging initially, but there’s a proven method to ensure you can master it every time.
The Best Cloths and Materials To Wear Hiking In Fall:
Women can choose fast-drying and fewer humidity fabrics, such as wool clothes and synthetics when they go outside in all kinds of weather to stay warm and dry. Avoid denim and cotton because they keep water in and make you cold, so don’t wear them.
The ideal hiking clothing for the fall season is insulated and not too hot and allows enough airflow so that you’re comfortable regardless of how the weather changes.
Fall Hiking Base Layers
A well-constructed base layer can help keep your body warm and regulate the body’s temperature. So, you don’t overheat or get hypothermic wearing wet clothing that sticks onto your skin.
These items are the foundational components of a fall hiking outfit. Since they’re close to your body and easily added to depending on the need. Start with these essential pieces the next time you head out on the trail.
1. SHORT SLEEVE HIKING TEE
Put a hiking t-shirt on top of your layers. Such as the Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt by Patagonia. Made from recycled polyester jerseys. That dries fast and wicks away moisture from the skin. Ensuring you’re dry even when you begin breaking a sweat on the final climb towards the top.
Additionally, it’s good to have short sleeves when you’re in the sun, when the temperatures rise, or you’re hot when hiking uphill.
2. WARM YET BREATHABLE LEGGINGS
When the weather starts to change and the temperature rises, you’ll need to change your hiking pants to one that offers some extra warmth. This REI Active Pursuit Tights pair is thicker than regular leggings, offering all-weather comfort, but the moisture-wicking fabric lets the legs breathe during the climbs. In addition, they’re incredibly comfortable with a waistband that isn’t slipping even when you’re in motion.
Fall Hiking Mid-Weight Layers
Layers of mid-weight provide the perfect balance of breathability and warmth. Therefore, they are crucial when deciding what to wear to hike in autumn. You should wear clothes that offer insulation and provide adequate cover to trap the heat but are also lightweight and easy to layer. Here are some versatile mid-weight layers we suggest.
1. LONG-SLEEVE TOP
Make sure you add a long-sleeved shirt such as this REI Co-op Active Pursuits Half-Zip Pullover to your list of autumn hiking clothing to ensure warmth and flexibility. The half-zipper provides you with the ability to cover or ventilate based on the weather. It’s not too tight and ideal for wearing over a short-sleeved t-shirt that doesn’t feel too tight (although it is recommended to size up to get looser fitting).
2. INSULATED VEST
An insulated vest can be an essential factor, especially for hot women, and require their arms to breathe on cold autumn days. The vest helps reduce the bulk or weight that an insulated puffy jacket will be while also providing warmth to your body’s core.
The Patagonia Nano Puff Vest, constructed from recycled materials, comes with a waterproof outer shell with two compartments to store your necessities and drawstrings at the hem. When it is zipped to the fullest, it ensures that it is flashed to the fullest your neck stays warm during the cold winds.
Fall Hiking Outer Layers
Even if it is hot, bringing an outer layer of clothing and additional pieces to provide warm clothing will ensure that you are ready for sudden changes in the weather in autumn or because the sun sets earlier.
For instance, in September, I was on a hike of 14ers in Colorado in what began as a gorgeous warm afternoon near the start of the trail. A couple of hours later, it became freezing and windy at the top and was hailed as I walked down. It’s possible that you won’t always need outer layers; however, you’ll be happy to have an additional layer of protection against the elements if the conditions warrant it. It’s worth taking a look at sizing your pack to accommodate all the fall gear you’ll need for hiking.
1. INSULATING HOODIE
Its Arc’teryx Atom LT Insulating Hoodie is a sturdy jacket that offers a lot of warmth but does not leave sweaty and hot. It’s simple to layer underneath the jacket if it becomes freezing. Even though it’s not waterproof, the polyester can fight off the rain if it starts to rain. In addition, this hoodie is light enough that you’ll not notice that it’s on and is simple to put inside your backpack every time you remove it.
2. RAIN JACKET
While it’s not as cozy as its more insulating counterparts, however, nothing beats the breeze and rain more than rain shells, or the REI Co-op Rainier Jacket has been currently our choice. The fall season is characterized by unpredictable weather conditions, making rain gear a must-have clothing accessory for hikes during the fall. The rain jacket is constructed of recycled ripstop nylon, and when it’s not being used, the jacket won’t be an ample space or weight on your pack.
Fall Hiking Accessories
1. GLOVES
Throw the gloves into your bag since they are essential to your fall outfit for hiking. In cold, chilly mornings or on mountain tops, These Outdoor Research gloves provide a light, warm layer. In addition, they’re compatible with touch screens, which means you can make use of your smartphone and GPS device to snap pictures or track while you hike.
2. BEANIE
Did your autumn hike turn out to be surprisingly colder than you expected it to be? Are you in a cold place to eat lunch? Luckily, female hiking clothing (included beanie) is adorable, practical, and long-lasting—triple-double.
3. BUFF
Made from recycled polyester, I was able to see what a versatile item the Buff is during the Everest Basecamp Trek a few years back. When the wind began to roar, I put the Buff over my neck, mouth, and nose, and I felt much more relaxed.
Fall Hiking Footwear
1. HIKING SOCKS
While it’s important to avoid cotton socks throughout the year, it’s essential in the winter months when it’s cooler and wetter to wear wool socks or similar synthetics to your foot. This is because wool socks are better in regulating temperatures, wicking sweat away while also keeping you dry during rainy weather conditions.
2. WATERPROOF HIKING BOOTS
The time of year when you’re more likely to be greeted by rain is the best time to ensure those hiking shoes are water-resistant. Soggy feet aren’t an issue during the summertime, but wet boots can cause serious problems resulting in numb feet or painful blisters when the temperatures drop.
Waterproof hiking boots are made of an anti-water membrane (often manufactured by Gore-Tex) sandwiched between leather or synthetic materials. They’re typically a little heavier and less air-tight than non-waterproof hiking shoes; However, they also tend to be warmer.