Nature is beautiful and enchanting in autumn. It is not too cold outside, and this is an ideal time to head out for a hike in the mountains. One of the main prerequisites for enjoying a trip in nature undisturbed is choosing the right clothing. Suitable clothing and footwear increase comfort, and most importantly, they prevent possible colds, and in the case of bad footwear, also injury.
Layering clothing
Weather in nature is unpredictable, especially in the transitional period. The role of clothing is not just to keep a person warm and dry. It should keep the body in an optimal climate even during more demanding hiking or during airsoft, when it sweats excessively. When sweating, the body cools down more easily and the feeling of cold will be as if you got wet. Therefore, clothing should wick moisture away from the body, but at the same time it should prevent cold and moisture from getting to the body from outside.
The more demanding and longer the stay in nature, the more layers or spare clothing for changing you should have ready. Layering clothing, or if you prefer, the onion principle, is a way of dressing in which several layers of clothing are combined. This way you can gradually remove or add individual layers as needed.
Base layer
As a base layer, it is best to choose functional thermal underwear. Especially during outdoor activities, airsoft, or a more demanding hike, when you perform significant physical activity. Thermal underwear ensures the removal of sweat and moisture from the body, keeping the skin dry. Proper functional underwear should not absorb moisture and should have the ability to dry quickly. Choose fitted and elastic thermal underwear that follows the body, does not press, and has flat seams so it does not cut into the body. Body moisture is transferred from it to the next layer, which absorbs it and carries it away from the body, from where it evaporates.
Thermal insulation layer
The main role of the thermal insulation layer is to protect against the penetration of cold air from outside to inside. At the same time, it wicks away body moisture that was transferred into it from the functional underwear, away from the body. Pay attention to what the second thermal insulation layer is made of. If you put on clothing that does not wick away moisture, but retains it, then even the thermal underwear loses its effect. For example, cotton t-shirts and sweatshirts are not suitable, as they retain moisture. That is why cotton would cool you down instead of warming you up.
The thermal insulation layer should be light and quick-drying. Adjust its thickness to the current weather, of course. The most popular material for this layer is definitely fleece, which is breathable, insulates heat excellently, is lightweight and shape-stable. Last but not least, it wicks moisture away from the body and dries well. Fleece sweatshirts or jackets can also be worn as the top, outer layer, especially when you do not need to protect yourself from rain or strong wind. In case of worse weather, you need to put on another outer layer for the mountains or for airsoft.
Outer layer
Third, the outer layer should be breathable, so that it evaporates the moisture absorbed from your body by the clothing underneath. At the same time, it should protect you from weather conditions such as rain or wind. It is important that the outer clothing is waterproof, so get a jacket and trousers with a higher water column rating. A great alternative are softshell jackets, which protect you from rain and wind thanks to the outer treatment that prevents water and wind from penetrating. The outer layer also includes trousers, which should protect you from unfavorable weather similarly to the jacket.
You should take care of such clothing and impregnate it regularly. We recommend the article about clothing impregnation, where we covered this topic in more detail. Of course, if it's pouring like cats and dogs, be sure not to forget to pack a raincoat in your backpack.
Don't forget important accessories
For hiking in the mountains or for airsoft, choose the type of socks according to your shoes. For high boots, you must also choose higher socks. In too thick socks, your foot will sweat a lot, which speeds up the formation of blisters, and conversely, thin socks will not protect you from shoe abrasion. The best socks have a thicker profile in the heel or toe area. Socks made of functional materials, i.e. thermal socks, are suitable, while cotton socks are not suitable.
Don't forget the right headwear either. In case of unfavorable and cold weather, choose a hat instead, since 50% of body heat is lost through the head. Reach for caps or bandanas in warm and pleasant weather.
Hiking boots for autumn
Boots are very important, and when choosing them, take into account the terrain you are about to tackle. If you're facing more demanding hiking, put on hiking boots with a thick non-slip sole. In autumn, the weather in the mountains is uncertain, so choose footwear with a water-resistant treatment and a waterproof membrane. Boots with a protective rubber rim will prevent water and dirt from getting inside. Gaiters also help prevent moisture and water from penetrating into the boots, keeping your feet warm and giving water no chance.
Also read: Waterproof footwear not only for the forest - let's choose together.
Enjoy autumn hiking in the mountains thanks to choosing the right clothing and footwear, which will take care of perfect comfort. Layering clothing is a perfect way to ensure air circulation during more demanding hiking or various adrenaline games, such as airsoft.
