Hiking in Fall: What to wear

Finally, fall is here! While the new season means cooler weather that is ideal for outdoor fun, the change in seasons naturally introduces new challenges regarding outerwear.

Dressing for colder weather is not always easy if you’re planning to be active. You're cold in the beginning, hot and sweaty during and after the activity, our clothes are all wet and we often don’t have any extra to warm up!

How can you avoid being caught unawares by fickle temperature? How do you choose the coat that best suits your needs? And what about the layers underneath it?

In order to answer your questions and help you equip yourself properly for hiking in fall, here is a practical guide on mid-layers.

WHAT ARE THE NEEDS OF A HIKER DURING FALL?

Before you go on your next hike, you need to be properly prepared. Any outdoor sport requires you to adapt to the elements.

Enhanced protection

Whether it's windy, humid, or rainy, hikers must adapt to the cold weather as it sets in and make sure they don't get too hot during their outdoor activity. One thing is for sure: as soon as fall arrives, the weather becomes more severe, so hikers need to not only stay warm, but dry as well.

Whether you like to spend entire days outdoors or are a fan of shorter hikes, the important thing is to protect yourself according to your needs, the type of hiking, and the weather. Your best bet is to go for versatile products that will be able to follow you all season long.

The Key to Success: Layering

Layering refers to layers of clothing that are both adaptable and effective. It consists of three unique elements: the base layers, the mid-layer, and the outer layer.

The first one is breathable and helps to wick sweat away, while the last one is primarily used to protect against the elements. You guessed it: in this article, we're looking at the mid-layers.

Layering allows you to make the most of your hike by modulating your body temperature as you see fit. It's ideal, for example, when you're hot on the trail, but cold when the breeze catches you at the top.

WHAT IS A MID-LAYER?

A mid-layer protects you from the cold by retaining body heat, or in other words, by trapping it in. We're talking about an insulating layer that still wicks away moisture, just like the base layer. It’s loose enough to allow for layering and movement, but still considerably compact so that it can be stored when needed.

There are a wide variety of mid-layers available in stores. So, it is advisable to rely on your personal needs for warmth, the type of hiking you practise, and the weather conditions.

THE BEST MID-LAYER OPTIONS

A vast assortment of mid-layers awaits you. It's up to you to choose your preferred fabrics!

We Absolutely Love Fleece.

Hikers can choose a mock-neck sweater—a fashionable piece that is very popular in the fall. Often made of fleece, we love this soft and light fabric that doesn't take up any space.

We suggest the TKA Glacier Snap Neck Men’s Sweater by The North Face. Made from recycled polyester microfleece, there's no doubt that this shirt is a conscientious choice that will protect you from the cold.

We also love the Cragmont Women's Fleece Jacket by The North Face. It's comfortable and fashionable, and the relaxed fit makes it easy to wear under a coat for a hike in cold weather or as an outer layer on warmer days!

Long live the fleece in the fall season!

For Mid-season

Thanks to today’s technology, performance products for both short and long fall hikes are now better than ever. Transitional coats are especially advantageous and can be worn in a variety of situations.

We recommend the Thermoball Eco Hoodie Insulated Mid-season Jacket for men and women by The North Face, which is both light and warm. The ThermoBallTM Eco insulation is a recycled polyester technology designed to keep hikers warm, even in contact with water.

No matter how windy or cold it gets, this jacket can be worn as a foolproof mid-layer under a softshell or alone on a sunny day.

If the weather is particularly mild, hikers can fold it up in no time and be on their way!

New Take on The Insulated Coat

We also favour one of Arc'Teryx's most popular jackets: the ATOM LT Hooded Insulated Jacket for men and women. Lightweight and compact, the CoreloftTM synthetic insulation traps heat while the stretchy fleece ensures moisture is wicked away. The TyonoTM 20 nylon surface is treated to be water-repellent, allowing hikers to stay protected in all conditions. You can wear this fitted jacket alone or layered, depending, once again, on the intensity of the activity, the wind, and other factors.

A Classic: The Polar Fleece

Finally, hikers can also opt for a variety of fleece fabrics that will protect them from the biting cold without adding bulk to their outfit.

We recommend the Arc'teryx Men's Covert Cardigan—the mid-layer of choice if you're looking for warmth but don't want to compromise on moisture wicking.

Its Alpenex II fleece provides unparalleled thermal performance while providing a soft feel. The transition from the mountains to the city is made in comfort with this versatile layer that, with its Bluesign® certification, combines functionality with sustainable production.

For our adventurous women, Canyonlands Women's Polar Fleece Jacket by The North Face is ideal as a mid-layer in even the coldest weather. Thumbholes and a stand-up collar offer superior protection. It's super comfortable and versatile, just as good for days off at home if you decide to wear it alone.

TIME TO GEAR UP

Find what best suits your needs with Atmosphere's foolproof selection of mid-layers!