Fall is one of the most rewarding seasons for hiking. With fewer crowds, moody clouds framing mountain views, and the spectacular color-changing leaves, it's a beautiful season. But fall can also be brutal with freezing temps in the morning, sudden snowstorms or thunderheads, and a chance for hot weather in the afternoon. Stay prepared for fall’s temperamental temperatures with a dialed layering system, so you can enjoy all the views fall has to offer. Here are some of our favorite fall hiking essentials.

HATS AND BEANIES

Cool temperatures mean you can finally break out your stellar beanie collection; they are a fall staple.

  • The Pointed Fleece Beanie has a timeless silhouette and vintage decals, making it a great option, season after season.
  • Our Merino Beanie is fleece-lined and extra warm for those chillier days.
  • The Camper Cap is a classic 5-panel hat, great for any sunny hike.


TOPS


In the fall, it can be hard to decide between a t-shirt and a long-sleeve shirt. Transitions can be tricky, but we suggest keeping it simple with a versatile long-sleeve tee that will keep you cool if temperatures climb.

  • The Men’s Circuit Hoody is a super soft, breathable hoody that is our go-to top for brisk, fall days.
  • Our Alpenglow Hoody is a staple for all seasons, and it excels in fall as a baselayer on days that start cold and get warm and sunny.
  • The Lightwire Long Sleeve Tech Tee is a great option if you are hiking faster and longer as it is moisture-wicking and breathable.

For more casual hikes and cooler temps, you can never go wrong with a flannel. We have a full line-up of flannels for your fall adventures.

  • The Project Flannel is your classic go-to flannel made with 100% cotton, offering the perfect balance of warmth and breathability.
  • The Project Heavy Flannel is a heavyweight flannel that can be worn by itself on chilly days or layered on top of your favorite tee.
  • The Project Twill Long Sleeve Shirt is similar to the Project flannel in weight, but is more textured from its twill construction, offering a more rugged look and feel.
  • The Project Line Flannel is for the chilliest of fall days when the fog hangs low and there is a dusting of snow in the mountains. It's great for a hike, but all you’re going to want to do in it is snuggle up by a wood stove with a book.

MIDLAYERS


Versatility is the key to layering when heading out for a fall hike. Cold mornings can transition to warm afternoons, then back to stormy evenings. A great midlayer in your layering system can have you prepared for all conditions.

  • Our Solution 2.0 Jacket is our go-to for cool fall days. It is windproof and water-resistant, and the ultimate versatile layer. It layers easily under a rain jacket or larger puffy, and can be worn on its own.
  • The Access Down 1.0 Hoody is a down insulation midlayer with stretch-woven side panels in the arms, which offer more movement than the Solution 2.0 Jacket. It is still warm with 700-fill down and a favorite for late-season leaf peeping.
  • The First Light 1.0 Stretch Hoody is highly breathable with merino wool side panels that dump heat when you need it. It is a versatile midlayer perfect for when you are huffing and puffing up a steep hill to catch some foliage.


PANTS


Fall means shorts season is over, but you still need stretchy fabrics that allow for freedom of movement and ample pockets for trail snacks.

  • Our Pursuit Pants are a great fall hiking pant, with 2-way stretch nylon that is comfortable and stretchy, and ample zip pocket storage. A DWR finish keeps you protected in misty conditions.
  • The Pursuit Hybrid Pants are a burly upgrade to the Pursuit Pant that offer extra durability in high-wear areas and are great for hikes with more bushwhacking and variable terrain.


RAIN LAYERS


Keeping a rain shell in your pack during the fall months is essential for the unexpected storm that can roll through. Fall can be its most beautiful when it is raining—or even snowing—don’t get stuck inside because you don’t have the right shell, get out there, stay dry, and enjoy it, protected.

  • The Fineline Stretch Shell offers reliable protection when it pours. Stretchy and fully waterproof/breathable/windproof thanks to a 2.5L BD.dry™ construction, the Fineline is fully featured and ready for fall hikes in any conditions.
  • The Highline Stretch Shell is a great option if you need to be prepared for truly inclement weather. It could rain, it could snow, it could sleet sideways, and the Highline will keep you dry. Featuring 3L BD.dry™ construction, it is burly and ready for the worst conditions you can find on the trail.


BRING IT ALL TOGETHER


When you are leaving the trailhead, along with a dialed layering system, don’t forget some other key trail essentials.

  • You don’t need to wear all your layers at once on the trail; pack everything you need in the roomy and streamlined Trail Vista 28 Pack.
  • Our Trail Cork Trekking Poles are one of our most popular poles and offer 4-season versatility. For when fall transitions to winter and you are still hitting the trail, these poles are compatible with powder baskets.
  • Fall brings shorter days and longer nights. We recommend hiking with a Spot 400 Headlamp in your pack in case you are out after dark.

CONCLUSION

Fall can be a temperamental time to go hiking, but being prepared with the right layering system means you can enjoy the changing season no matter the weather. There is an old German saying, ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing,’ and fall is a great time to put that saying to the test.

Molly climbs The Thumb on Lone Peak.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Molly is Black Diamond Equipment’s copywriter. Her expertise in outdoor apparel and equipment comes from a decade-long love affair with backcountry splitboarding and climbing. She likes low-angle powder laps on high-avy days and sending long desert splitters.