Fall is one of the best times of the year to get outdoors and be in nature, but choosing what to wear hiking in fall can be quite a challenge!
We’ve set up this fall hiking clothing guide to make sure you’re prepared on the trail no matter what the weather throws at you.
Read on for some great fall hiking clothing picks before you hit the trail.
What To Wear Hiking In Fall
What Footwear To Wear Hiking In Fall
Hiking Boots
Having a good (and warm) pair of hiking boots is at the top of the list for having a great fall hiking experience.
Make sure your boots have grippy soles and lug patterns in case you encounter slippery terrain like mud or snow, and be sure that your boots offer proper ankle support.
Check out our guides on best hiking boots for men under $100, best hiking boots for women under $100, and how hiking boots should fit for some extra direction here.
Once you choose a pair of fall hiking boots, be sure to take a read through our guide on how to break in hiking boots.
If you already have a pair but they need some fine tuning, learn how to stretch out hiking boots for some great tips.
Hiking Socks
A good pair of hiking socks are going to keep your feet warm and dry, while also preventing painful blisters.
We tend to recommend merino wool blend socks due to their comfort, temperature regulating, and moisture wicking properties – like the Darn Tough Light Hiker Socks.
If you will be crossing water during your hikes, consider layering a pair of neoprene hiking socks for extra protection.
Layer Your Fall Hiking Shirts For Warmth And Versatility
You’ll want to layer your tops when hiking in fall due to the varying temperatures throughout the day.
If it gets too hot you can always remove a layer – and put it back on if it gets chilly.
Having the right layer strategy can keep you properly insulated and comfortable no matter what the conditions are on your fall hikes.
Base Layer
Your best bet for a base layer is going to be a simple hiking tee (if warmer in fall), or a merino-wool long sleeve base (if it’s chillier).
Look for something that’s lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable, and NOT cotton.
Cotton can absorb moisture (like sweat) and doesn’t dry quickly – if you encounter colder temps while wearing wet clothing it can increase your risk of hypothermia.
Second Layer
Synthetics, fleece, and down are all great choices for a warm second layer. Long sleeves are highly recommended.
Go for a thin synthetic sweater or a lightly insulated jacket here.
Ultimately this layer is to provide you flexibility and added warmth while offering adequate ventilation.
Warm Jacket
Depending on the forecast, you may consider a puffer jacket or something similar (think a thicker warm outer layer)
Rain Jacket Or Hardshell Jacket
A good rain jacket is something we recommend for every hiker year-round – no exceptions.
Opt for protection, durability, comfort, lightweight construction, and breathability with this layer.
A great starter piece for a fall hiking rain jacket is the Marmot PreCip Eco.
The Best Type of Pants For Hiking In Fall
Unlike summer hiking, hiking in fall requires pants with added thickness to block against low temps and wind while still allowing a wide range of movement on the trail. (This means jeans and denim are a no-go for cold weather hiking!).
Look for pants that offer some stretch to them, like the prAna Zion fall hiking pant for men or the prAna Halle fall hiking pant for women.
Ultimately, the best pants to wear hiking in fall are going to be lightweight, breathable, flexible, and also allow room for a baselayer if desired.
If you do go with a base layer for your bottoms, merino wool is the best material to select.
Underwear For Fall Hiking
We don’t recommend cotton underwear for reasons mentioned earlier in this guide, but beyond that, simply choose something that is comfortable and non-chafing.
Extra bonus points if your underwear have moisture-wicking properties.
Check Your Head
Keeping your head warm is really important while hiking in fall or other cold weather, so come prepared!
Go for a beanie (preferably merino wool like the Smartwool Merino 250 Wool Cuffed Beanie) or wide-brimmed sun hat depending on the weather, or pack both just to be safe.
Grab A Daypack
Every hiker needs a good daypack, especially to carry the extra layers and items you’ll need to wear hiking in fall.
Look for a lightweight daypack that can carry 20 or more liters and that comes with a rain cover if possible.
The Venture Pal 40 Liter Lightweight Daypack is a great starter option as it includes many key features and plenty of storage at an extremely reasonable price point.
Gloves
Choose a pair of gloves that have a removable glove liner that can be used on their own like the Outdoor Research VersaLiner Hiking Gloves for extra versatility.
Check out our reviews and buyers guide to the best hiking gloves for a deep dive and other great suggestions.
What To Look For In Fall Hiking Gear
There are a few key characteristics you’ll want to make sure most of your fall hiking clothes have:
Insulation
Insulation allows you to stay warm by holding in the heat your body produces, so make sure at least your middle layer has some insulating properties.
Moisture Wicking
This is an important property in any of your fall hiking layers, but especially the ones that touch your skin.
Moisture wicking allows the fabric to pull moisture and sweat away from your skin and move it to the outer surface so it can dry faster, keeping you warmer.
Waterproof and Windproof Properties
Look for these properties in your outer layer or “shell”, as this will keep you from getting cold or wet due to wind or rain.
To be clear, water-resistant and wind-resistant are not the same as waterproof or windproof, and will not completely block those elements.
Most waterproof jackets are also windproof, so opt for those features if possible.
Breathable
Breathability is important in every layer you’ll wear because it’ll allow the layers below it to dry quicker.
Sun Protection
When possible, opt for clothing that has a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating, as this will help shield you from the sun while outdoors.
Different Types Of Fall Hiking Gear Fabrics
There are many fabric types out there, and choosing your material properly when hiking in fall can make a big difference.
Wool
Merino wool is our top choice for wool fabrics due to its softness, moisture-wicking, breathability, and quick-drying properties. It’s also odor-resistant!
Fleece
Fleece jackets, while made out of polyester, are soft and thick which help promote warmth.
Polyester, Nylon, And Other Synthetics
These fabrics are the least expensive and are great at drying quickly.
Clothing layers and outer layers can be made of polyester, nylon, or other synthetic fabrics and are well suited to hiking in fall.
Wrapping Up What To Wear Hiking In Fall
Deciding what to wear hiking in fall doesn’t have to be a mind-bending task.
Just look at the forecast and make sure you’re fully prepared – planning ahead will ensure you stay comfortable and safe on your fall hikes this season!
