What To Wear For Fall Hiking: The 7 Essentials

By Catarina Cowden/Sept. 29, 2014 2:10 pm EST

As the leaves change, and the weather cools there is no better time than fall for a beautiful hike in the Great Outdoors. Whether you are going on a day hike, or for an extended trip there are certain essentials that everyone needs. And of those essentials, wearing the proper clothing is key to a comfortable and enjoyable trek. [slideshow:1111]

The right type of clothing depends on the trail, the temperature and climate that it often has at the time of year you are visiting. Here we've focused on fall hiking clothing. What you need to wear on a nice, calm and cool fall day.

Know the best materials. Synthetic material clothing keeps you dry and won't trap moisture like cotton. Also, stick with lightweight, moisture wicking fabrics for a comfortable, weatherproof outfit.

The best way to enjoy fall is to be outside and apart of it. Fall can be confusing with it's choice in temperatures, though. One day it can be a warm and beautiful 75 degree day, and the next can drop to 60 in a span of 24 hours. Prepare for drops in temperature later in the night time (and if you are planning an overnight stay, pack more layers) but for a day trip, these are the 7 clothing essentials you will need.

Durable Pants

Fall hiking always calls for a pair of durable, water repellent pants to protect you from poisonous plants, rough terrain, and wet conditions. This pair of The North Face Men's Paramount Peak II Convertible Pants is a perfect example of a great fall hiking pant. It has UPF 50 sun protection, a water repellant finish, plenty of pockets, and best of all, convertible zip off bottom, to turn them into shorts (in case you need to cool down after a long trek).

Light, Non-Cotton T-Shirt

Grab an old t-shirt from your closet, or buy one made for the trail. Either way layering is the key to comfortable hiking. Also, stay away from cotton materials, since they will trap moisture, which leads to more serious issues when you increase in altitude and decrease in temperature. L.L.Bean's Trail Tee is a great everyday hiking shirt. It is lightweight and breathable with a quick-drying, antimicrobial fabric that moves moisture away from the body.

Click here for 5 more essential clothing pieces for fall hiking