Keeping Warm and Dry in Autumn

The leaves are changing, and we’re experiencing 30-degree temperature swings daily. Fall is officially here. If you’re planning a day hike, backpacking trip, bike ride, or any other outdoor adventure, make sure you’re layering for the season.

This is how I layer for the fall temperatures:

Baselayer – The baselayer is the inside-most layer of clothing. The baselayer is meant to keep a person dry by wicking sweat off the body. In cooler temperatures, a shirt’s ability to keep skin dry is a major factor in keeping someone warm. For these layers I recommend synthetic materials (polyester, dryfit, underarmor type) or merino wool.

Midlayer – While the baselayer keeps you dry the midlayer provides warmth. Jackets, hoodies, and sweatshirts all count as midlayers. In the fall I favor fleece jackets as my midlayer. Fleece is lightweight, dries quickly, and is more breathable than other options. It also typically provides enough protection over a base without the need for an additional layer.

Shell – Sometimes the weather can turn in an instant. This is where a shell can come in handy. Shells are waterproof and windproof layers designed to keep the heat in and the elements out. I usually don’t wear a shell in the fall. Temperatures are typically mild enough that I’d get uncomfortably warm if worn. I always bring one in my pack though in case a storm rolls in while I’m out hiking. Shells typically come in one of two options: hardshell or softshell. Hard shells are made from a tougher, heavier material (think gore-tex), and their purpose is to keep the elements out at all costs. The hardshell is basically impenetrable. There is a tradeoff though. Hardshells are heavy, restrict a user’s range of motion, and don’t have great ventilation. These are perfect for winter. In the fall I recommend a softshell for most outdoor adventures. During extreme weather conditions they might not block everything, but what they lack in protection they make up for in their breathability, comfort, weight, and user mobility.

Hope to see you layered up on the trails!