Autumn is one of the best times of the year to enjoy hiking. The cool temperatures, the vibrant colors of the leaves, and the calm this season brings create the perfect setting for a walk in nature.
However, hiking in autumn requires certain additional precautions to ensure greater safety. That's why at RRAT's, we've prepared this blog to help you prepare perfectly for a safe, enjoyable hike.
1. Dress in layers
Autumn weather can be unpredictable. Mornings and evenings are usually colder, while midday can be warm or even bring unexpected rain. Dressing in layers allows you to adapt to these weather changes quickly.
- Base layer: Clothing that wicks moisture away from your body. Synthetic materials or merino wool are ideal as they allow breathability and keep your skin dry.
- Mid layer: An insulating layer to keep you warm, like a fleece or a light jacket.
- Outer layer: Bring a waterproof and windproof jacket to protect yourself from rain or wind, even if the day seems clear.
2. Appropriate footwear
Moisture, wet leaves, and mud make the terrain more slippery in autumn, so it's essential to have footwear that provides good grip and stability. We recommend wearing your RRAT’s Y-Mountain, RRAT’s Y-Gravel, or RRAT’s T-Outdoor, depending on the difficulty of the trail.
For an easy to moderate-trail, the RRAT’s Y-Gravel will be your best ally. However, if you prefer a grip around the metatarsals rather than a toe grip, the RRAT’s T-Outdoor will be the best option for you.
If the trail you've chosen is of medium to high difficulty, the RRAT’s Y-Mountain are the best option, as their Vibram sole is specially designed for difficult and technical terrains, providing extra grip on any surface.
Since it's autumn, we must consider the lower temperatures, so wearing good Vibram socks with your favorite RRAT’s will always be a great choice to keep your feet comfortable and warm throughout the hike.
Remember that for a limited time, you can enjoy 50% off socks with the purchase of any RRAT’s!
3. Bring protection against the cold and the sun
Although the autumn sun is less intense than in summer, it can still burn your skin, so it's important to continue using sunscreen, especially if your hike includes open areas or high altitudes. Additionally, don’t forget to bring a lip balm with SPF, as lips can easily dry out in cold weather.
Temperatures can also drop suddenly, so it’s advisable to bring gloves, a hat, and a light scarf. These items will help you retain body heat in the areas most vulnerable to the cold, such as your hands, head, and neck.
4. Maintain good hydration and nutrition
Even though the temperatures are cooler, it’s easy to become dehydrated during an autumn hike. Dry air can cause you to lose fluids more quickly without realizing it. Carry enough water with you, preferably in a reusable bottle, and make sure to drink at regular intervals, even if you don’t feel thirsty. You can also bring an isotonic drink to help with rehydration and replenish your body's mineral salts.
When it comes to food, opt for light but energy-packed snacks like nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit. These will provide the fuel you need to maintain your energy levels throughout the day.
5. Be aware of daylight hours
In autumn, the days are shorter, and it gets dark earlier. Before heading out, check the sunset time and ensure you plan your route to finish with enough natural light. It's always a good idea to carry a headlamp or flashlight in case you get caught in the dark before finishing.
Additionally, let someone know about your hiking plans, including your route and estimated return time, especially if you are going alone.
6. Use GPS and maps
Although some trails are well-marked, fallen leaves and changes in the autumn landscape can make the routes look different and harder to follow. Always carry a physical map of the area, and if possible, a GPS or a hiking app that works offline. Never rely solely on your mobile phone signal, as it can be lost in remote areas.
Some of the most well-known apps for planning your hiking routes include Strava, Outdooractive, Wikiloc, Komoot, and AllTrails.
While not all of them function perfectly offline, many features can be very useful beyond just keeping track of your route, such as the ability to send your route in real-time to friends or a trusted person to feel safer during your hike, or to create your perfect route and print the map to have everything at your fingertips.
7. Take care of the environment
Autumn is a wonderful time to connect with nature, but it's also essential to be respectful of the environment. So, when you're walking along the trails and enjoying stunning landscapes, don't forget to pick up your trash, avoid damaging the vegetation, and respect the local wildlife. The autumn ecosystem is delicate, and irresponsible behavior can have long-term negative impacts.
Continuing with environmental care, we want to remind you that all RRAT’s Outdoor sandals are made with sustainable materials. Additionally, we are members of “1% for the Planet,” which means we donate 1% of our profits annually to environmental causes.
Choose sustainability with your RRAT’s sandals!