How to Pack Light for Your Upcoming Fall Hikes

As seasons change, so does the gear you wear and pack for a hike. Whether you’re headed out for a short hike on a local trail or taking a day trip to a new trail out in the wilderness, what and how you pack matters.

Since weather and conditions can fluctuate throughout a fall day, you might find yourself looking at a chilly morning followed by a toasty afternoon. You don’t want to overpack and end up carrying too much. But you don’t want to leave behind any gear you may end up needing either.

Packing for a fall hike is all about striking the right balance, and versatility is the name of the game. You might wear a sun hat that also has water resistant features to help protect against sun and light rain. Or maybe you save some room in your pack for when you warm up and take off your outer layer. Whatever the day brings your way, here are a few quick tips for packing light on a fall hike.

Curate a Lightweight and Packable Hiking Wardrobe 

This tip starts before your next fall hike or any hike. It’s focused on your hiking apparel. How you curate your hiking wardrobe can influence how light you’re able to pack—this applies to any season.

For the fall, it’s all about layering. A wardrobe that includes a lightweight base layer, mid-layer, and outer layer is ideal for the fall. This might include a long-sleeved sun shirt (base layer), a performance fleece half-zip (mid-layer), and a light insulated jacket.

You might also include durable yet lightweight hiking gaiters as part of your hiking wardrobe essentials. During the fall, trails can be covered in dry brush or wet foliage. Hiking gaiters can help keep debris and moisture out of your shoes and socks. Hiking gaiters can also help protect against the insects of the season and moisture.

Hiking Gaiters

Start Layered Up and Remove Layers as You Go 

When you have a versatile hiking wardrobe, it makes it easy to start the hike layered up and plan to remove those layers as you go. When you prioritize lightweight layers, it makes fitting them in your pack easier, too.

As you traverse different terrain, your body heats up or cools down along the trail, and as conditions change through the day, layers allow you to dial in your comfort level. Mix and match to find the combination that works best for every aspect of your next adventure.

Focus on Your Top Hiking Essentials

It can be tempting to pack extra things you think you “might” need. But what can you pare down? Think of even the smallest details. If you carry a knife along with other tools, it might be time to “upgrade” to a single multitool.

Or take stock of your big-picture gear. What about your backpack? If you’re going on a short hike of just a few miles, a small 15- or 20-liter pack is likely best. For a longer hike, you might want more room—closer to a 30-liter capacity. For an overnight trip, you may choose a 50-liter pack or more.

No matter what size pack you choose, tailoring your gear to your adventure is the key. Taking a larger pack on a shorter hike can tempt you to pack more than you need and weigh you down. With just the essentials, you’ll be able to focus on what really matters: spending some much-needed time outdoors.

About Outdoor Research

As the seasons change, Outdoor Research has you covered. From sunny day trips to rainy weekend excursions, this trusted outdoor brand makes their gear with sustainable, versatile materials you can count on, no matter where your next adventure takes you. Be ready for fun in the sun with their UPF-rated collection of sun hoodies, shirts, and hats. Rain in the forecast? Don’t let wet conditions slow you down. With women’s and mens rain hats, pants, and hats, you can stay dry every step of the way. Outdoor Research also has fleece layers, flannels, and lightweight insulated jackets perfect for all your favorite seasonal activities, including hiking, camping, mountain biking, or simply enjoying an autumn afternoon at the park.

Find the season’s essential hiking apparel at https://www.outdoorresearch.com/

Original Source: https://bit.ly/407x7I6