If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation.

16 dos and donts, according to a travel writer with 30 years of hiking experience.

It helps that I grew up in Montana where many kids myself included take their first steps on trails.

Collage of five hiking essentials we recommend on a white background

Credit:Travel + Leisure / Francesca Fasciglione

Babyhiking bootsare a thing, and trust me: theyre ridiculously cute.

Fall is a tricky time to hike.

The weather is changing, and transitional seasons require more technical gear.

person hiking with trekking poles

Katie Jackson

Plus, you have to pack more layers than youd need for an August outing.

That means youll need a bigger backpack.

Most importantly, Ive included what to put on or pack instead.

Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

Amazon

I live in Montana where we had a winter weather advisory last week.

(Yes, fall hiking here usually involves snow and wet conditions.)

This fall, Im treating my feet to their fourth pair, the newMoab 3 Vista Mid.

trail tights striped olive

REI

When Im outside during these temperamental months, I prefer transitional pieces that work for a range of conditions.

My ultralight 3.4-ouncepackable Patagonia Houdinisummer rain jacket goes into storage, and out comes myColumbia Switchback Rain Jacket.

That said, its made of nylon and polyester, so its still pretty lightweight.

long lined jacket

REI

Still, she was in pretty poor shape when I took her on a 5-mile hike in South Africa.

Meanwhile, I did just fine in my belovedAltra Olympus 5 Trail Running Shoes.

They have grippy Vibram outsoles, so I feel confident on uneven or wet terrain.

trail running shoes

REI

The brand is billing it as the ultimate shoe for the upcoming shoulder season.

Not a fan of Altras wider toe box?

Check out the newMerrell x Janji Agility Peak 5 Trail Running Shoe.

Fjallraven Abisko Wool Long-Sleeve Shirt - Women’s

REI

Merino wool, on the other hand, is naturally moisture-wicking.

My go-to top for fall hiking is myFjallraven Abisko Long Sleeve Merino Shirt.

They have saved me from too many falls and potential injuries to count.

Amazon TrailBuddy Trekking Poles - Lightweight, Collapsible Hiking Poles for Backpacking Gear

Amazon

Won’t hit the trail without them."

Instead, opt for a hoodie made with microfleece.

Its just as warm, but because the fibers are thinner, the fabric is lighter.

fleece jacket zipper front

REI

Its also more breathable, so it dries quicker.

Look for hoodies with fleece fromPolartec, the pioneer in performance fleece.

For example, considerREI Co-ops Hyperaxis Fleece Jacket 2.0.

colorful hiking socks

Amazon

But the word I use is miserable.

Regardless of season or destination, I always hike in long socks now.

They keep dirt and sand out of my shoes and protect my ankles from stray branches.

hiking backpack

Amazon

Theyre so popular that 3,000 sets (each set has five pairs) were sold last month.

Nine times out of 10, it will be too big for the trail theyre on.

I, too, sometimes overestimate how much space I need, and I always regret it.

long sleeve UPF 50

Amazon

It has a very impressive 4.8-star average rating on Amazon and is adjustable to fit different torso lengths.

September through December is the most popular time to hunt.

I definitely dont want to be mistaken for a bear or a deer.

shacket button down

Amazon

But, you could also find more affordable loud layers from other brands on Amazon.

Don’t wear: Flannel shirts

Wear this instead: Flannel shacket

Forget football.

Fall is flannel season.

closed toe easy walk sandals

Amazon

In the last few years Ive hiked everywhere from Portugal to Peru in myUANEO Flannel Plaid Shacket.

I also dont recommend wearing it if youre not willing to tell other hikers where you got it.

Trust me: youll get compliments.

hooded down vest

REI

Yet, your feet still get to breathe.

Plus, you’re able to hike sans socks (just dont do it in Rwanda).

Your arms will be free, so youll have a wider range of motion and less bulk.

bear spray

Amazon

That said, your corewhich sends blood to your limbswill stay warm.

If having an insulated hood is more important than packability, check outPatagonias Bivy Hooded Down Vest.

Spoiler alert: I made it out unscathed.

merino orange bralette

REI

Because bears hibernate in the winter, theyre most active in fall, foraging for food pretty much 24/7.

But that shouldnt keep you from hiking.

Just dont do what some tourists do and rely on bear bells to keep you safe.

technical active backpack

REI

According to this NPShiking in bear country guide, bear bells are not adequate or effective.

Also, check the expiration date.

Most bear spray has a shelf life of around 3-4 years.

Doc Miller Open Toe Compression Socks, FitFlop Women’s Lulu Wedge Sandal, iHealth Neo Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor, and 7 For All Mankind Men’s Austyn Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Jeans on a blue background

But every time I did, I had regrets.

Theyre just not as comfortable, especially when wet.

These days, I only hike in sports bras likethis moisture-wicking prAna Chakara brawith UPF protection.

Kate Spade Madison Lilly Pochette, Staci Medium Tote, Flora Flower Bouquet Crossbody and Gwen Espadrille Flat on a blue gradient background

On sale, its only available in sizes S and XS.

For more options, consider thisREI Co-op Merino Bralette, available in sizes XS-3X.

Its made of merino wool, so its naturally odor-resistant and temperature regulating.

People wearing Alo Airbrush High-Waist 7/8 Bootcut Legging in Espresso, Navy and Black on a concrete background

And in lieu of an annoying clasp, it has a stretchy band and adjustable straps.

That said, I dont use it for hiking, especially in the fall.

Hip belts are essential for more even weight distribution.

Shop More T+L-Approved Picks