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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
