Hiking Tips for Autumn and Winter

Lisa, 7 October

Going for an afternoon hike can be a great way relax and connect with the nature. To make sure everything goes as planned and nothing catches you off guard, use these tips to prepare for your upcoming hike.

Clothing

How do I dress?

The way you need to dress for hiking largely depends on the conditions you’re going to be hiking in, so make sure to always check the weather forecast beforehand.

Starting from October, the weather gets colder, and temperatures can already drop below zero. So, make sure to:

• Dress in layers. You can remove some of the layers if it gets hot and put them back on when you need extra warmth.
• Wear fabrics that wick away moisture while keeping you warm. A good example of such a fabric is poyester fleece.
• Wear a warm insulating jacket or a coat. The temperatures can reach below –20 °C during the winter, so bring a very thick jacket or coat to protect you from the harsh cold.
• When the ground get colds and covered with snow during the winter, you’ll need winter boots with thick soles and insulating lining.
• Take gloves with you, as they are a must when the temperatures drop below 10 °C. When it’s get especially cold, wear thick winter gloves or mittens.

Equipment

What do I need to take with me on a hike?

Here’s a checklist of the essentials you’ll need to bring with you:

• A fully-charged phone. You can use maps on your phone to find your way around.
• A power bank in case your phone runs out of power.
• A map and a compass. It’s an old-fashioned way to find your way around, but it sure works!
• Water or thermo flask with hot tea or coffee.
• Snacks to help you keep your energy high. Bananas, nuts, and dried fruits make great healthy snacks.
• Matches.
• Sausages to cook on fire.
• A flashlight, especially during the fall and winter when days get very short.
• Use hand cream and lip balm to help your skin deal with the cold.