How to Dress for the Mountains in Autumn? Practical Tips for Every Trip

Autumn is the perfect time for a mountain hike. Beautiful views, fewer tourists, and often still very good weather encourage you to embark on a trip to the Carpathians, Tatras, or Beskids. Before you grab your backpack and escape to the Bieszczady Mountains, prepare for this journey. Find out how to dress for the mountains in autumn.

Clothing rules for autumn hiking – will an extra layer of clothing be necessary on an autumn trail?

In autumn, the weather in the mountains can change like a kaleidoscope – one moment it's warm and sunny, and within minutes it's windy, rainy, or even snowy. That's why you need to be prepared for every eventuality – a raincoat and a raincoat aren't enough. Women's or men's thermal underwear . Learn the basics of dressing for autumn hikes and ensure your thermal comfort.

First layer of clothing – remember about thermal underwear

The first layer, thermal underwear, is a key element of autumn mountain clothing. Wearing a thermal shirt is important because it absorbs moisture from the skin's surface, keeping the body dry even during intense exertion.

Choose thermal underwear made of breathable materials, such as synthetics or merino wool, which have natural antibacterial properties. Avoid cotton, which absorbs moisture and can lead to hypothermia.

It is important that long-sleeved thermal underwear fits snugly against the skin, as this will increase its effectiveness.

Second layer of clothing

Second layer – these can be Women's or men's ski sweatshirts and fleeces – these provide thermal insulation, keeping you warm. Fleeces are an ideal choice, as they retain heat well while being lightweight and breathable. They also provide thermal comfort without the risk of overheating.

An alternative solution is a softshell jacket, which provides additional wind protection and wicks away moisture, preventing you from getting too cold. It's important that the midlayer doesn't restrict your movement, so opt for a lightweight jacket instead of a sweatshirt or jacket that's too thick and tight.

Additional outer layer

The outer thermal layer provides even greater thermal comfort. These can be women's or men's jackets and coats with down filling, as well as models with synthetic fibers.

Is an extra layer of clothing always necessary on autumn trails? It depends on the weather conditions. On sunny, warm days, a waterproof jacket will suffice, but on hikes in rain, snow, or strong winds, as well as in higher mountain ranges, a down jacket will be essential.

What materials should you choose clothing from for a walk on a mountain trail?

Choosing breathable materials is crucial. This ensures comfort while hiking mountain trails in autumn, as well as warmth, breathability, and moisture protection. Find out which materials to choose for mountain hiking.

Merino wool

Merino wool clothing is an excellent choice for autumn hikes. Clothing made from this material effectively wicks away moisture while remaining breathable. Here are the key properties of merino wool:

thermoregulation – provides warmth but does not cause overheating;
breathability – natural fibers wick away moisture well, keeping the skin dry;
odor resistance – merino wool prevents the growth of bacteria, which makes the clothes stay fresh even during an autumn trip;
pleasant to the touch.

Synthetic materials

Clothes made of synthetic materials such as polyester and polyamine are also ideal for autumn trips to the mountains, because:

they are low weight – they are very light, which ensures freedom of movement;
are quick-drying – the material dries quickly, thus reducing the risk of hypothermia;
durability – these materials are resistant to mechanical damage, so they will prove useful during many hikes.

Additional clothing items for an autumn trip to the mountains

The weather can be changeable, especially in autumn, so you need to equip yourself with appropriate clothing and accessories that will protect you from wind and rain while also allowing you freedom of movement.

Trekking trousers

Decide on Sports pants and leggings made of quick-drying materials that effectively wick away moisture, preventing chills. Hiking pants with zip-off legs are also a great option – they make it easier to adjust to the weather.

Hat

In autumn, a lightweight hat made of merino wool, polyester, or polyamide is best. Choose a breathable material that wicks away moisture and retains heat to prevent your head from overheating.

Multifunctional scarf

What else should you bring? A multi-functional scarf or neck warmer may be essential, as they provide additional protection against cold wind, rain, and snow. These scarves are useful on colder days, and can be worn around the neck or face.

Trekking socks

Even the best hiking boots won't be comfortable without the right socks. Choose socks made of merino wool or synthetic materials, as they're both breathable and abrasion-resistant.

Backpack with rain cover

You can store not only high-energy snacks and drinks in your backpack, but also accessories and clothing that will come in handy in case the temperature drops. Therefore, you should protect your backpack well, and it's worth using a special rain cover.

What trekking shoes should you choose for autumn mountain trips?

Choose trekking shoes that provide stability, moisture protection, and ventilation. Models with a Gore-Tex membrane are ideal due to their high waterproof rating, effectively protecting your feet from rain, snow, and mud.

Adequate cushioning is also important, as it ensures comfort even on long hikes. Also, make sure your women's or men's shoes have a durable, non-slip sole that will provide traction on slippery surfaces, such as rocks. We also recommend hiking shoes with a high shaft, which provides additional ankle support and reduces the risk of sprains or other injuries.