How to prepare for a fall hike?
Preparing for a fall hike is much different than for a summer hike! Despite more complex planning, fall is most likely the best season of the year for hiking.
The fresh air and the absence of mosquitoes make outdoor physical activity much more pleasant! But the star benefit is undoubtedly the beauty of the colorful landscapes. The change of color of the trees attracts more than one in the forest. It's no secret that trail traffic increases in the fall.
To properly prepare for a fall hike, you should pay attention to:
hours of sunshine
hunters
comfort
Here are our tips for a perfect experience.
Adapt to decreasing hours of light
Unlike the summer season, fall hikes are marked by much fewer hours of light. Plan your expedition accordingly to avoid finishing the hike in the dark.
You also have to take into consideration the temperature variations that come with shorter days. You need to bring clothes in which you will be comfortable all day. Many hikers control their body temperature thanks to the multi-layer system.
How to dress in layers?
The multilayer system is the superposition of several layers of clothing. Rather than favoring one-way clothing (like a big warm coat), we remove and add clothing to adjust our body temperature according to the difficulty of the trail and the ambient weather.
Watch out for hunters
When hiking in the fall, beware of hunters. Indeed, autumn is not only the best season for hiking, it is also the season for hunting. Before venturing into a new trail, find out about the different hunting seasons and areas.
In addition to being the hunting season, it is also the mating season for many animals. It is therefore absolutely necessary to show its presence. This way you avoid surprising and frightening animals, in addition to being seen by hunters. To do this, you can wear accessories such as an orange hat or vest.
💡 If you don't have colorful accessories, some trail networks like the Zec network offer the rental or purchase of vests and hats.
Comfort above all
By placing comfort above all, you increase your chances of having a perfect experience. A multi-layered system is good, but your comfort mainly depends on your feet. They are, after all, the ones who will get you to your destination.
What shoes to wear for an autumn hike?
All hiking shoes will be good in the fall, as long as they have a Vibram sole. Vibram soles are internationally recognized for their simply incomparable traction! They are therefore perfect for slippery grounds.
Also wear waterproof materials. In the fall, the grounds are wet for a reason, rain is much more frequent. So you need shoes that will protect you from water infiltration.
At Grisport, the leather of our shoes is tested to ensure maximum waterproof protection. Waterproof technology is also applied to the inner membranes to guarantee breathability, performance and comfort.