Even though the warm weather is gone, it doesn’t mean all of your outdoor adventures need to come to an end. Fall is one of our favourite times of year to go hiking. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp and cool, and best of all, we get to break out our winter hats and long sleeves.
The key to successful hiking in the fall is layers. When you set out for your hike, there’s a chance the temperature and weather will change along the way. A hike at the bottom of the mountain could start balmy and warm and end frigid and snowy at the top. On the other hand, a hike beginning in the morning may start pretty cold and then get warmer throughout the day. Being able to add or shed layers is key for being comfortable so you can enjoy the scenery.
Here’s how we recommend building your hiking outfit from the inside out and some of our favourite pieces.
A breathable base layer to start
A good base layer for a fall hike is a simple tank or long sleeve that’s designed to wick sweat away from your skin. Good materials for a base layer are wool, silk, or recycled polyester, which you’ll find on our men’s and women’s InMotion lines.
These pieces are lightweight, breathable, and while keeping you dry and comfortable. When choosing your base layer, try and avoid cotton when you can. When it gets wet, it takes a very long time to dry, which can leave you feeling damp and cold.
We Recommend:
Women’s InMotion Longline Active Bra
Men’s InMotion Tank
A warm mid-layer
Hoodies and sweatshirts make for a generally solid mid-layer garment. The name of the game for middle layers is insulation for retaining body heat. We recommend fabrics like fleece that aren’t too bulky but will keep you warm if things get chilly.
We Recommend:
Women’s Treefleece Oversized Hoodie
Men’s Treefleece Classic Crew
A water-resistant outer layer
A thin, water and wind resistant jacket is a good outer layer to have in case you experience inclement weather on the trail. This outer layer may be the most important thing to have with you.
Even if the temperature is above freezing, becoming wet while on a hike can be incredibly dangerous. It doesn’t have to be below freezing for hypothermia to set in. Your body temperature can drop to hypothermic levels in 50-degree weather or 60-degree water. So keeping the wind and the rain out is incredibly important.
We Recommend:
Women’s Cloud Shell Jacket
Men’s Nimbus Rain Jacket
For sunnier forecasts, we recommend bringing along a trusty puffer vest. This is the perfect option for adding a little more warmth but also more freedom of movement than a jacket.
We Recommend:
Women’s Cloud Shell Puffer Vest
Men’s Puffer Vest
A beanie to top things off
It was once thought that you lost up to half of your body heat through your head in cold weather. But as it turns out, it’s actually not that much. You can lose up to 10 percent of your body’s warmth from your head, though, making beanies an excellent choice for brisk, autumn hikes. Easily stowed in a pocket or a backpack, you’ll never regret bringing a beanie along.
Additional Quick Tips:
- Always check ahead and ensure trails are open and safe to hike
- Be prepared for shorter daylight hours
- Wear suitable footwear for wet and sometimes icy trails
- Stay hydrated
- Bring a backup pair of socks
Keep Reading
Eating Earth-First: Mushroom Hot Chocolate
(Perfect to keep spirits high and hands warm on fall hikes)
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