You’re probably asking yourself: What happened to summer?
Aren’t we all?
Autumn’s here. Summer’s colder, wetter, windier cousin. But there’s still plenty of opportunity to pull on those hiking boots and get outside, no matter the temperature.
So we thought there’s no better time to explore the dos and don’ts of hiking in colder weather!
Pre-trail prep, the gear you wear, the terrains you face. All actions and choices you’re going to need to make (and make well) to maintain hiking equilibrium.
So let’s make the autumn transition together…
Think ahead, get ahead
Be temperature smart
Depending on where you are in the world, conditions are likely to worsen (pretty rapidly) over the coming weeks and month. As we move toward the end of the year, temperatures will drop off the chart. So think ahead. It doesn’t hurt to take extra layers in your bag.
If you think you’re going to be cold in two layers, wear three. If you’re still not sure – wear four. You can always remove them later if you need to.
Layering helps to trap pockets of warm air as it escapes from your body. Consider multiple, thinner layers. They are light and more versatile and you can strip back as you naturally heat up.
Hats, gloves, compression leggings, lycra tshirts, fleeces, thick socks and water resistant footwear are all great for staying warm in even the coolest of climates.
This might seem like common sense, but these items will become hiking essentials. If your body temperature drops by just a few degrees, you’re putting yourself in real danger.
Stay insulated.
Keep tabs on the weather forecast
Find out what you’re up against before you face it.
Checking the weather forecast up to 24 hours before you set out on the trail could save you from a hike-mare. If the forecast says rain, wear your finest waterproofs.
Jackets, trousers, boots – you name it.
Getting drenched in a downpour – or even snow – on a mountainside (without the appropriate kit) is a potential disaster. Especially at higher altitudes.
Once you’re wet, your temperature will fall. As the rain evaporates the body cools – just as it does after sweating. This is another reason why multiple thin layers work so well. If you were to wear one big layer and get too hot, you’d sweat and actually get colder!
So if you want to stay warm, stay dry.
Play it safe
There are also a number of safety equipment essentials that you should keep with you at all times. It’s always better to be cautious than to find yourself underprepared in a sticky situation (an eventuality that’s more common in cold and wet conditions).
These items include:
- Trail map and compass — and know how to use them!
- Pocket/Swiss Army knife
- First aid kit
- Whistle
- Hand warming packets
- Headlamp
Plan your route
Make sure you know where you’re going before you set out to be sure of distance and difficulty. If you know your route, you’re likely to know how long it’s going to take and, as a result, far less likely to get lost or stranded in the dark.
Let someone know where you’re headed when you’re leaving, and when you’re due back. That way, if you’re not back safe by a certain time someone can raise the alarm.
Be realistic when planning your autumn hike. If you’re thinking about taking on a trail that’s challenging in optimum conditions, maybe consider a more forgiving route this time round.
You should also think about the people around you, their capacity and what sort of trail would suit them. You might fancy yourself as an accomplished hiker, but remember: you’re only as strong as your weakest link.
Don’t put others at risk.
Out on the trail
So you’ve mapped out your route, kitted yourself out with the appropriate gear and checked (and double-checked) the forecast. It’s time to show autumn who’s boss.
Shorter days, smarter hikes
It’s recommended that you start your hike early as possible to avoid earlier sunsets. This doesn’t mean you need to be up at the crack of dawn, but setting off in the morning will definitely put you in good stead. The last thing you want is to have to rush on testing terrains.
Stay alert and watch your footing
When faced with rocks, mud, inclines and declines, it’s important to stay focused on where and how you’re stepping. Wet leaves are also deceptively slippery underfoot – and during autumn they’re everywhere! One awkward fall could lead to a broken bone or worse.
Specialised hiking boots will help to keep you on your feet. Those equipped with MICHELIN tyre to sole technology, such as Under Armour’s Verge Mid GTX or AKU Pulsar GTX, provide ultimate traction on damp, slick surfaces with their innovative tread designs.
Stick together
However many people there are in your group, keep tabs on every last one. For larger groups, regular head counts are an easy way to avoid any mishaps. The last thing you want is to find yourself, or a friend, get detached from everyone, without any means of navigation.
Positioning your most capable heads and experienced hikers at both the front and back of the pack will make such an event much less likely.
Autumn climates can also intensify the levels of fog in wet, humid areas. It can become incredibly easy to lose a group member in dense fog. In fact, don’t be afraid to call off the hike if conditions are bad enough to impair sight.
Stay hydrated
Although temperatures fall in the later months of the year, it’s still vital to make sure you’ve got enough water to last the hike. It might not be the same scorching conditions you faced in the height of summer, but you’re still exerting a lot of physical energy.
Dehydration can cause weakness and severe lapses in concentration that can lead to mistakes on the trail. Hiking bladder bags are a quick, easy, affordable fix to this. These large, resilient reservoir sacks can hold several litres of water and attach to your bag for ultimate convenience.
Don’t be too proud to turn back
If there’s one thing to learn from autumn hiking, it’s that weather can change in the blink of an eye. So be ready to turn back if conditions get turbulent. We all love a challenge, but sometimes it’s just better to be safe than sorry!
Rain, wind and snow can put you at real risk on more rugged terrains. So be aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on conditions and be practical when it comes to judging the trail.
It’s not all doom and gloom!
Now that we’ve covered the basics, you’re ready to go.
Hiking can be an incredibly rewarding pursuit that’s accessible to most people, and although autumn can throw up some less favourable conditions, it’s important to remember that it can also throw up some of the most beautiful days of the year.
Adventuring into the forest, foothills or even braving the mountainside at this time of year is a great way to make the most of the pre-winter weather. So pull on those hiking boots, keep your head screwed on and get out there!