Wondering what to wear hiking in fall? You’re not alone!
Deciding what to wear for a fall hike can be confusing. During the fall months, the weather could be in the 70s one day and down in the 40’s the next. If you’re planning a full-day hike, you can also look forward to frigid morning temperatures and toasty afternoons that make it nearly impossible to pick the right outfit.
As an avid year-round hiker, I have figured out the secret to what to wear hiking during the fall months. So if you need help with what to wear hiking in the fall, check out my suggestions and inspiration below!
What I Love About Fall Hiking
Hiking during the fall months isn’t just for those who enjoy cooler weather while on hikes! In fact, fall is one of my favorite seasons to hike for many reasons like these:
- See the fall foliage: If you want the chance to see the changing colors of the season, fall is the best season to go hiking! You can hit the trails and see the shades of yellow, orange, and red all around you. In fact, seeing the scenery is a great motivator to keep your hikes going longer and longer.
- It’s not a total sweat fest: One of the worst parts of summer hikes is how sweaty you can get! During the fall months, the cooler temperatures make it easier to control sweat.
- Fewer crowds: As the summer season dies, many parks or hiking trails start experiencing their off-season. This means you can enjoy fewer people on the trails and more time for yourself.
- Fewer bugs: As the weather starts to cool down, many bugs enter hibernation and begin to disappear. There may be a few bugs here and there, but it’s nothing like trying to get rid of them during the summer months.
What to Wear Hiking in Fall
Fall can be a tricky season for choosing outfits. With so much temperature variation throughout the day, you could get a little bit of everything in one day. Even snow is not out of the question on a fall hike!
So what should you wear hiking in the fall? LAYERS! Once you master the art of layering, you will be able to regulate your body temperature and stay comfortable no matter what the weather throws your way on your next hike.
In this section, I will dive deep into layering and give you some of my personal recommendations based on my own fall hiking experiences. If you are hiking later in the season or in cold weather, check out my winter hiking tips to help kick up your layering game.
Winter Hiking Gear
Comfort and Safety Essentials
Hiking in winter is a completely different experience from hiking in the warmer months. Learn more about what you really need to wear hiking in winter to stay safe and warm.
Fall Hiking Footwear
Socks
Good hiking socks are essential for any long hike, but they serve dual purposes in the fall months. Quality hiking socks can help prevent blisters, and they will help keep your feet warm during cold mornings or breezy afternoons. My favorite pair of hiking socks are from Darn Tough. They have terrific value and have a lifetime warranty.
I love that Darn Tough socks come in a wide variety of styles and weights for adventuring in different conditions. These lightweight crew socks are my go-to choice with my Oboz hiking boots for most hikes in fall, winter, and spring.
It’s also a good idea to pack an extra pair of socks on your hiking trip so that you can change them out if the ones that you are wearing get wet.
Hiking Boots
During fall, the Pacific Northwest experiences a rainy season, so waterproof shoes are a must! This includes your hiking boots too. A good pair of hiking boots is essential in the fall because you could run into ice or snow on your hike, especially if you’re hiking at elevation. While most hiking boots have good traction and protect shoes from rocks, you also want a pair that will keep your feet dry.
- Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof – I also use these hiking boots through the winter months! (I’ll opt for the insulated version on super cold days.)
- Altra Olympus Hike Low GTX
In addition to a good pair of waterproof hiking shoes or boots, if you’re going to be hiking on trails where you may encounter snow or ice, a pair of microspikes is highly recommended for additional traction.
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Hiking Shoes
If you don’t want to wear hiking boots, hiking shoes are another option. They are typically less expensive than hiking boots and are lightweight. Hiking boots usually provide more ankle support, but hiking shoes can be ideal for shorter or easier hikes.
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An important note about hiking boots: Wet feet are the last thing you want on your hike. As fall brings the rainy season, we recommend a pair of waterproof shoes. If you want more help with hiking shoes for kids, I wrote a whole post on hiking shoes for kids you should check out!
The KEEN Targhee Low Waterproof Hiking Shoe is our top pick for durability, versatility, and comfort. Our kids have worn these for hiking, playground days, and more. We've come back to this model over and over.
Fall Hiking Base Layers
Hiking Shirts
Don’t go overboard with buying new shirts just for hiking. However, there are a few things you want to make sure you note for your base layer hiking shirt. You don’t want cotton! Cotton will soak up your sweat and can lead to hypothermia. Make sure the shirt you choose is breathable and won’t retain moisture.
Leggings and Hiking Pants
There are several options that you can wear during fall hikes. A great pair of wool or poly blend leggings can be comfortable and flexible as a base layer to help you stay warm during particularly cold hikes. Try out these hiking pants that will keep you warm and cover your legs during the colder fall months!
Fall Hiking Mid Layers
Light Jacket
When looking for a mid-layer jacket for hiking, you want a fleece jacket or something similar. Wool would work for jackets as well. They will keep you warm while you are hiking, and if it’s too cold, they can be the perfect mid-layer between your down jacket and base layers.
The key to hiking in colder weather is ensuring you have the right layers. Skipping on a fleece jacket or other warm insulating layer will leave you feeling cold on every hike you take! On warmer hikes, you can skip the outer jacket and stick with your fleece jacket to stay warm without overheating. If you’re looking for a quality mid-layer jacket, try Columbia or Mountain Hardwear.
I love this down jacket from Mountain Hardwear. I've had it for several years and it's still my go-to choice for travel and layering. It packs down easily into one of its pockets, is lightweight to carry, and provides ample warmth.
Fall Hiking Outer Layers
Rain Jacket and Pants
In the Pacific Northwest, fall weather brings the start of a rainy and wet season. This means you will want to ensure you have a rain jacket that is perfect for hiking!
No matter the rain percentage, I always bring a rain jacket. On particularly wet days, we also tend to bring rain pants as well. There are more times than I can count when the weather has taken an unexpected turn, and I was happy to have a rain jacket in my backpack.
- Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic – this jacket is so comfortable and moves with you, making it great for rainy hikes.
- Patagonia Granite Crest – this jacket is a great eco-friendly option made from recycled nylon and PFC-free!
- Columbia – Columbia jackets are great for kids! They are reasonably priced and hold up well over time.
- Mountain Hardwear Rain Pants – These rain pants will help keep your legs dry on rainy day hikes!
Down Jacket (or Down Alternative)
If you are hiking up in elevation, you may find that the viewing spot you’re heading to is colder than the trailhead you start on. This is why I recommend always bringing a down jacket (or down alternative), just in case. Mountain Hardwear has amazing puffy jackets perfect for layering and keeping you warm when things get chilly.
- Midlayer Puffy Jacket Mountain Hardwear: Ghost Whisperer – The Ghost Whisperer is my current go-to for a light, warm, packable down jacket to layer on fall hikes.
- Midlayer Puffy Jacket Mountain Hardwear: Kor Airshell – This midlayer jacket is a lightweight, breathable option perfect for fall layering if you prefer to avoid down.
Fall Hiking Accessories
Hats
Never underestimate the power of a good hiking hat. Bringing beanies with you to store in your bag or to wear out on the trail can keep you warm and keep your hair from blowing in your face on breezy fall days.
When it comes to beanies, many of them can be rough on hair. With my 3a-3b curls, I really notice a lot more frizz and dryness with standard beanies. That's why I often reach for my satin-lined beanie from Grace Eleyae, especially if I plan to take the beanie off in public. 😆
Gloves
Gloves are something so small and so easy to forget at home! However, they can help you keep your hands warm, and you would be shocked at how easily a pair of gloves or a hat can change a cold morning hike. This is a great layer to add if you know the weather will warm up later in the day but you want something to keep you warm in the meantime. They take up little space and can make a huge difference in comfort.
If you need to use your phone during hikes or GPS, make sure you get a touch-screen-compatible pair of gloves. You might not think you want to use your phone much until you find the most breathtaking view and have to remove your gloves just to take a photo.
Day Packs
When you go hiking, you should always have some type of backpack with you. You can use this bag to hold extra layers and other supplies you’ll need on your hikes, such as snacks or water. If you’re wondering what else you need, I have an entire post dedicated to what to bring hiking, including a list of the 10 Essentials.
The WANDRD PRVKE is an excellent travel backpack for adventurers - and is comfortable enough for hiking too. Optional camera cubes and accessories protect your camera while leaving you plenty of room for the essentials.
Buff (aka Neck Gaiter or Neck Tube)
If you are hiking on chilly and windy days, make sure to bring a buff with you. This will protect your neck, mouth, nose, and ears from the cold and can serve as a great mask if you need it during a windy hike.
We love to have a variety of neck gaiters in our arsenal for different temperature days. In addition, it's always nice to have extras if one gets wet or frozen on a snowy day. Merino versions resist odor and provide warmth in a lightweight option.
Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are optional for fall hiking but are so helpful if you run into ice. I also like using them for downhill parts of a trail, steep terrain, and trails with a lot of roots and rocks.
If you have weak knees or ankles, they can help provide much-needed support. I use Leki Januu Trekking Poles for our fall hikes as they are lightweight and specifically designed for women! They help to take the strain off my knees and make me feel stable when the ground is wet and slick from the rain.
These lightweight hiking poles from Leki telescope down into a small package that's easy to carry when not in use. They adjust from 90cm up to 125cm to accommodate different heights and have ergonomic handles for comfort.
FAQ
Are long pants a good choice for hiking?
You want to have lighter-weight clothing when you’re hiking, which can be in the form of pants or even a pair of shorts if the weather is mild 😉.
However, most people feel that having the right hiking gear means wearing hiking clothing that will cover their bodies well during autumn hikes. You want your legs to be covered in cooler conditions to avoid having cold legs and a cold body. Pants are also good because they offer sun protection and are versatile against unpredictable weather.
What is the most important thing to pack for hiking?
It’s hard to narrow it down! A personal preference is to make sure that you have the proper clothing for your hike alongside your 10 essentials. Make sure you have clothing that wicks moisture away from your body to keep those cool temperatures at bay.
Are wool socks good for hiking?
Yes! Wool socks are a great option for hiking in any weather. They come in different thicknesses and styles for different seasons and activities. In particular, thick socks made with wool or a wool blend are a great choice during the colder time of the year. They keep the cold temperatures away from your feet and wick moisture away to keep your feet dry.
When is the best time to buy clothing for hiking?
That just depends on when you plan on hiking. A summer hike means that you should buy hiking clothes during the fall or winter season to get a better deal. For the best hiking boots, look for specials during the winter months as well. Waterproof boots tend to stay the same price most all the time, but you can occasionally get some good deals on hiking gear during the summer months and the late fall.
Can I dress differently for shorter hikes?
As long as you’re aware of potential weather changes, you can dress differently for shorter hikes. You can get away with fewer layers for short hikes close to home or in your neighborhood park. However, it’s still important to have your hiking outfit or backup layers ready for short hikes that might turn into longer treks as well.
The answer is yes, as long as you’re prepared for unpredictable changes or situations. Just pick the best hiking clothes for short and strenuous hikes, and make sure you dress according to the temperatures during that time of year.
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Final Thoughts on What to Wear Hiking in the Fall
Mastering the art of fall hiking is all about finding the perfect combination of base, mid, and outer layers. Finding a balance between warmth and breathable materials can be challenging. Still, this layering method will help you nail it every time!
Make sure that you take the time to plan out your fall hiking gear just as you would plan out the actual hike. If you’re not dressed correctly, you may have to change your hiking plans or even shorten them.
Planning ahead and figuring out what is the best to wear while hiking is the perfect way to enjoy your hike with little to no interruption!
