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To paraphrase Alfred Wainwright, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong kit. And he of all people should know. Wainwright spent his life charting every nook and cranny of the notoriously wet and windy Lake District. But he never let a bit of bad weather get between himself and the great outdoors. And nor should you.
Autumn is a surprisingly pleasant time to venture outside. Yes, it can be damp and cold. But let’s focus on the positives: there are fewer people to share the trails with, and the golden-brown leaves create stunning scenery to be enjoyed exclusively by those bold enough to brave the elements. Besides, that crisp autumn air is far more pleasant to hike in than the suffocating summer heat.
Of course, it’s only pleasant if you’re kitted out correctly. With that in mind, here’s my carefully honed autumn hiking kit list for getting outdoors in comfort, whatever the weather.
The average coat soaks up water like a sponge, quickly becoming sodden, cold and uncomfortable. That’s the last thing you want in bad weather, 10 miles from the sanctuary of the nearest pub and God knows how much farther from home. This is where a waterproof jacket comes in handy.
These waterproof shells are designed to deflect rain drops while also allowing condensation (read: sweat) from your stinky hiker’s armpits to escape. The result: your torso stays bone dry, even in heavy rain.
Haglöfs men’s LIM GTX II jacket, £230
This Gore-Tex jacket from Swedish outdoor brand Haglöfs is extremely lightweight and comes in a seasonally appropriate burnt-orange colourway.
Patagonia women’s Torrentshell jacket, £180
Patagonia’s bestselling shell blends classic looks with impressive rain protection.
In my experience, the colder and wetter you are, the better tea tastes. With that firmly in mind, an insulated vessel for hot drinks is a must. Poor conditions can sap morale fast, but sometimes all it takes to get back on track is a hot cuppa while seeking refuge under a tree.
Yeti Rambler bottle, £25
Built for a battering and available in a range of hard-to-misplace colours, the Yeti Rambler is a solid option for hot drinks on the go.
Thermos Revival flask, £23.99
Traditionalists will love this throwback tartan flask inspired by one of the brand’s archive models.
A merino wool base layer and a waterproof shell make a formidable duo. You can sandwich anything – from a hoodie to a thick-pile fleece – between them, and they’ll keep you warm and dry.
Merino is a highly effective insulator, making it excellent in cold weather. It’s quick-drying and great at wicking away moisture from the skin when you’re working up a sweat. On top of all that, the wool is soft and comfortable. I wear mine throughout autumn and winter, not just when I’m hiking.
Forclaz men’s long-sleeved merino T-shirt, £27.99
A nice trim fit with a nice trim price tag to match.
Mountain Warehouse women’s merino top, £34.99
This form-hugging base layer offers the magic of merino insulation at a reasonable price.
Few sensations are as unpleasant as soggy trousers clinging to your legs on a hike. If you’ve bothered to shield your torso from the elements, why neglect your lower half? Even if you never take them out of your pack, having a pair of waterproof trousers with you is wise when the forecast is less than favourable.
This loose-fitting legwear uses the same fabric as waterproof jackets and is designed to go over the top of your normal trousers to keep them dry. Most will have side entry for easy access to your pockets and an elasticated waistband for a snug fit.
Finisterre men’s Rainbird trousers, £125
Low-rustle fabric with just the right amount of stretch and fluorocarbon-free waterproofing from the eco-conscious Cornish surf brand.
Berghaus women’s Hillwalker pants, £125
These popular trousers feature an adjustable waist, articulated legs, Gore-Tex fabric and plenty of ventilation.
If you spend any time outdoors, a neck gaiter might be the best thing you’ll ever buy. These fabric tubes are relatively inexpensive but highly versatile. I wouldn’t dream of heading to the hills without one in autumn or winter.
A neck gaiter is far more packable than a scarf, but it’ll keep your throat warm in much the same way. It can also double up as a hat if your ears are getting chilly, and you can even pull it up over your mouth and nose, either for additional protection against the cold or as a makeshift face covering.
Virustatic Shield Original, £35
This lightweight neck gaiter is biodegradable and features an antiviral coating for protection against airborne nasties.
Mountain Warehouse neck gaiter, £9.99
Neck gaiters don’t have to be fancy, and this one certainly isn’t. That’s why it’s so cheap.
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You’ll need to take provisions if you’re planning to walk more than a couple of miles. As tempting as it may be to save money by recruiting your tattered old gym bag, your shoulders and back will thank you for investing in a proper hiking backpack.
It doesn’t have to be huge – about 20-30L will be sufficient for extra layers, lunch, a flask and other odds and ends. Look for plenty of padding in the shoulders and back, a chest or waist strap to evenly distribute the load and plenty of compartments for organising your supplies. Choose one with an integrated waterproof cover to keep everything dry.
Osprey Talon 22 backpack, £135
Built for comfort and stability, this lightweight daypack from Osprey has a close fit and a breathable back panel.
Quechua MH500 backpack, £54.99
With lots of straps for a comfortable fit, plenty of pockets for storage and a bright orange rain cover for visibility, this 30L pack is excellent value.
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Hiking socks (and a spare pair!)
You may think blisters are par for the course when walking long distances, but you can make them less likely with the right socks. Proper hiking socks are thick and soft, often with extra cushioning around the toes and heel. Again, merino is a good choice: it’s soft, comfortable and quick-drying.
And don’t stop at just one pair. Carrying a spare set of hiking socks is always a good idea in autumn. Even with the best walking boots in the world, your feet may still get wet, and nothing lifts the spirits quite like popping on a dry pair
Smartwool Hike Light men’s cushion crew socks, £25
I tried these merino socks from Smartwool a few years back and haven’t used anything else since. They’re seriously comfortable, with a snug fit and just the right amount of cushioning.
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Smartwool Hike Light women’s cushion crew socks, from £17.24
Batteries can lose energy faster in cold weather than on warm days, so carrying a power bank with you is always a good idea. The best ones are small, relatively lightweight and powerful enough for at least one full smartphone charge.
Even if you don’t use it, having a power bank will give you valuable peace of mind when venturing into the wilderness. Just don’t forget to charge it before you leave.
Anker Powercore 20100, £44.99
This portable charger weighs less than a can of soup and will charge your phone at least five times.
anker.com
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Belkin 10,000mAh power bank, £19.99
Small and light, but with enough juice for at least two full charges of most smartphones.
If you’re heading anywhere remotely … remote, you’ll need something more reliable than a smartphone to guide you. Fog can descend fast in the autumn, especially on higher ground, and a map and compass give you the best chance of finding your way home safely.
These are two pieces of kit you should always have in your backpack. A waterproof map sleeve is essential at this time of year too, as anyone who’s ever attempted to unfold a giant sheet of paper in the rain will attest.
Ordnance Survey compass, £14.99
A reliable and easy-to-read compass from the map authority itself.
Mountain Warehouse soft feel map case, £8.99
With a roll-top closure and welded seams, this cheap-and-cheerful case will keep your map dry whatever the weather.
A poncho is no substitute for a proper waterproof jacket, but it’s still a good idea to carry one with you for the heaviest downpours. Simply throw it on over yourself and your backpack, and you’ll stay dry even in torrential rain. And don’t worry about breathability. See that big hole in the bottom? That’ll do the trick.
These inexpensive rain covers also double up as something to sit on when it’s time for a sandwich and the ground is sodden. Just throw it down as you would a picnic blanket and you’re good to go.
Mountain Warehouse disposable unisex poncho, £2.49
This poncho is only disposable if you throw it away – and please do so responsibly if you really must bin it. In reality, there’s no reason to not use this poncho multiple times.
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Paddy Maddison is a freelance consumer journalist, outerwear enthusiast and exercise addict. If he’s not hiking in the hills, he’s grinding up them on his bike, hurtling down them on his snowboard, or lacing up his running shoes and hitting the pavements. As a result, he gets plenty of time to put all the latest and greatest gear through the wringer for the Filter