Shorter Days, Better Adventures: Your Autumn Hiking Checklist
There is plenty to love about autumn hiking. Woodland paths change colour, familiar views open up as the leaves fall, and a flask of something warm becomes a very welcome part of the day.
With fewer daylight hours to play with, a little preparation helps you make the most of every mile. Whether you are heading for a local trail or a longer day in the hills, here is your autumn hiking checklist.
Plan around the daylight
Check sunset time for your destination and work backwards from when you want to finish. Allow time for breaks, slower ground and the occasional wrong turn, with a generous margin before darkness.
Choose a route that suits everyone in your group. A walk you completed easily in summer can feel quite different when the paths are muddy, and the light is fading. Identify places where you can shorten the route, and agree a time to turn back.
An early start can leave you with time to enjoy the view rather than keep checking your watch.
Check the weather forecast for where you are going
Look at the conditions along your route, including higher ground if you are heading uphill. Pay attention to wind, rain, visibility, and temperature, and check for weather warnings before setting off. Allow for wind chill, especially if you're heading for the hills. If the weather is bad, don't go. The hills and mountains will still be there tomorrow.
Choose a more sheltered walk or postpone if conditions exceed your experience. Keep reviewing the weather as you walk; reaching your destination is only part of the day, and you still need to get home.
Pack a light you can walk with
A headtorch leaves your hands free for navigating, opening a gate, or using walking poles. Check it works and pack spare batteries or an appropriate backup.
Bring one even if you expect to finish well before dark. A delay can quickly change your plans, and your phone battery already has enough jobs to do.
Dress for movement and stops
Wear layers you can adjust as your pace and the weather change. Pack waterproofs and an extra warm layer for breaks, plus a hat and gloves when conditions call for them.
Choose footwear with suitable grip for the terrain. Wet leaves can hide uneven ground, so give yourself time on slippery paths. Keep spare clothing protected inside your rucksack, so it stays dry if the rain arrives.
Give drinking water a place in your plan
It is easy to organise the flask and forget your drinking water. Pack enough for your route, with extra for delays, and make bottles accessible so taking a drink does not mean unpacking your bag.
If you intend to refill, identify suitable sources in advance and carry an appropriate treatment method. A stream marked on a map may be dry, inaccessible or unsuitable when you arrive. Carry a reserve and have another option.
A portable purifier such as the LifeSaver Wayfarer can form part of that plan where suitable freshwater is available. Check the instructions and the contaminants it is designed to address before you go. Avoid water suspected of chemical pollution or affected by an algal bloom, and follow the product guidance on protection from freezing.
Keep food and navigation close at hand
Pack lunch and easy snacks, with a little extra in case the day takes longer than expected. Choose a sheltered place for a break before everyone becomes tired and hungry.
Carry navigation tools you know how to use, including a map and compass for hill routes. Download any digital maps in advance, charge your phone, and consider backup power. Don't rely solely on your phone for navigation; batteries can drain surprisingly quickly, especially in the cold. Tell someone your route and expected return time.
Your final check before leaving
- Route, forecast and sunset time checked
- Headtorch and backup light or batteries packed
- Suitable footwear, layers and waterproofs ready
- Drinking water, food and a reserve packed
- Refill and treatment plan checked if needed
- Navigation, charged phone and first aid kit ready
- Emergency shelter packed where appropriate for the route
- Route and return time shared with someone reliable
Autumn offers some wonderful days outdoors. Give yourself enough time, keep your plans flexible, and enjoy the details you might have walked past in summer.
Planning your next walk? Explore the LifeSaver Wayfarer and see how it could fit into your hiking water plan.
For more advice:
Mountain Rescue England and Wales — Stay safe: https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/safety/