Autumn Adventures: How to Adapt Your Outdoor Gear for the Season
Summer might be over, but that doesn't mean it's time to put the outdoor gear away. In fact, autumn is one of our favourite times of year to get outside. The mornings are crisp, the trees start to turn golden, the trails become quieter and there's something pretty special about being out in the countryside as the seasons change.
The only thing that changes is how you need to prepare. The gear that worked perfectly for a warm summer walk might not be quite enough when you're dealing with colder temperatures, wet ground, stronger winds and shorter days. A little extra preparation can make a huge difference, so here's how to adapt your outdoor setup for autumn.
Why Autumn Is Different
Autumn weather in the UK can be unpredictable. You can leave home on a bright, clear morning and find yourself walking through rain a couple of hours later. Temperatures can also change noticeably throughout the day, particularly once the sun starts to disappear.
The days are getting shorter too. A walk that would have been comfortably completed in daylight during the summer can suddenly finish much closer to sunset than expected.
That's why autumn adventures are all about being prepared for change. You don't necessarily need loads more equipment; you just need to think a little more carefully about what you're taking with you.
Start With Layers
One of the easiest changes to make is swapping your lightweight summer clothing for a proper layering system.
Instead of relying on one heavy jacket, several lighter layers give you much more flexibility. A comfortable base layer can help manage moisture, while a fleece or other mid-layer gives you extra warmth when temperatures drop. Over the top, a waterproof or wind-resistant jacket can protect you from the worst of the weather.
The great thing about layers is that you can adjust them as you go. You might start your walk feeling cold, warm up quickly once you're moving and then need another layer when you stop for lunch. It's much easier to deal with changing temperatures when you're prepared for them.
Don't Leave Home Without Waterproofs
There's something particularly unpleasant about getting soaked halfway through a walk when it's only a few degrees above freezing.
A lightweight waterproof jacket doesn't take up much room in a backpack, so there's really little reason not to carry one. If you're going on a longer walk, waterproof trousers can also be worth taking, especially when the forecast is looking unsettled.
Don't forget about the gear inside your backpack either. A rain cover or dry bags can help keep spare clothing, food, maps and electronics protected if the heavens open.
Your Footwear Matters More
Summer trails can often be dry and firm, but autumn brings mud, wet leaves, puddles and slippery ground.
Good footwear with decent grip becomes much more important. A pair of walking shoes might be perfectly adequate for a local woodland walk, while longer or more challenging routes may call for waterproof walking boots with a more aggressive tread.
Wet leaves can be surprisingly slippery, particularly on rocks, steps and wooden bridges, so slow down when conditions demand it. There's no prize for getting around the trail five minutes faster if you end up on your backside.
Put a Little More in Your Backpack
Your summer daypack might have contained little more than a bottle of water, a snack and your phone. Autumn is the time to add a few more essentials.
A waterproof jacket, warm layer, hat, gloves, spare socks, first-aid kit, power bank and headtorch can all be useful additions. You might not need any of them, but that's exactly why they're worth carrying.
When you're heading somewhere more remote, it's better to have something and not need it than need something and not have it.
Remember the Days Are Getting Shorter
This is an easy one to overlook.
During summer, you can set off for an afternoon walk without giving much thought to when you'll be back. As autumn progresses, darkness arrives much earlier.
Before setting off on a longer route, check the sunset time and give yourself plenty of spare time. Muddy paths, steep climbs, navigation and unexpected stops can all make a walk take longer than planned.
And take a headtorch.
Even if you think you'll be home well before dark, a small headtorch weighs almost nothing and could make a huge difference if your plans change.
Check the Weather Before You Go
Checking the weather should become part of your routine during autumn.
Don't just look at the temperature. Check the chance of rain, wind speeds, visibility and any weather warnings that might affect your route.
It's also worth thinking about where you're walking. Conditions on an exposed hill can be very different from those in a sheltered woodland, so consider how much protection you'll have if the weather turns.
If the forecast looks particularly unpleasant, there's nothing wrong with choosing a shorter route or saving the bigger adventure for another day.
Autumn Walks With the Dog
Autumn is brilliant for getting out with the dog. Cooler temperatures can make longer walks more enjoyable, and there's usually plenty for them to investigate as the countryside changes.
Just remember that your dog needs to be prepared for the conditions too. Take enough water, particularly on longer walks, and a towel can be a lifesaver when you inevitably encounter a muddy patch.
Once you're home, give their paws a quick check and have a look through their coat. If you've been walking through woodland or long grass, checking for ticks is also a sensible habit.
And if you're walking near farmland, keep an eye out for livestock and follow local signs regarding dogs.
Autumn Camping Is Worth Trying
If your camping season normally ends when summer does, you're missing out.
Autumn camping can be fantastic. The evenings are cooler, campsites can be quieter and waking up surrounded by changing woodland is hard to beat.
It does require a little more preparation, though.
Your sleeping bag needs to be suitable for the temperatures you're expecting, and a good sleeping mat becomes particularly important because the ground can feel very cold once autumn sets in.
Keeping your sleeping clothes dry is another simple but important tip. If you've spent the day walking in wet clothing, don't climb into your sleeping bag wearing it. Keep a dry set of clothes specifically for sleeping.
It's also worth giving more thought to where you pitch your tent. Look for a suitable, sheltered location and avoid areas where rainwater could collect.
Think About What You're Carrying
Autumn is a good time to reassess your backpack.
If you're heading out for a full day or planning an overnight trip, you'll probably need more room for additional clothing, food and camping equipment.
A larger trekking pack can make a big difference for longer adventures. Something around 50–60 litres gives you plenty of space without necessarily becoming unnecessarily bulky.
It's also worth organising your pack properly. Keep things you're likely to need quickly near the top or in external pockets. There's nothing worse than having to empty half your backpack just to find your waterproof jacket when the rain starts.
Protect Your Phone and Other Electronics
Rain and electronics aren't exactly the best combination.
Even if your phone is water-resistant, it's worth taking a few extra precautions. A waterproof pouch or simple dry bag can help protect your phone, power bank and other valuables.
This becomes even more important if you're using your phone for navigation. A dead or water-damaged phone isn't much use when you're halfway around a route you've never walked before.
Autumn Trails Can Be Tougher Underfoot
It's easy to focus on what's happening above you and forget about the ground.
Heavy rain can turn paths into mud, while fallen leaves can hide rocks, roots and uneven sections of trail. A route that normally takes two hours in dry conditions might take considerably longer after a few days of rain.
Take your time and don't be afraid to slow down. Enjoying the walk is far more important than trying to beat your previous time.
Look After Your Gear
Autumn adventures can be hard on outdoor equipment, so give your gear a little attention when you get home.
Don't leave a wet tent packed away. Let it dry properly before storing it. Clean mud from your boots, empty your backpack and give your bottles and cooking equipment a proper clean.
It's also worth checking straps, buckles and zips every now and again. A few minutes of maintenance can help prevent a small problem becoming a big one when you're miles from home.
Leave No Trace
One of the best things about autumn is seeing the countryside at its most colourful, so let's keep it that way.
Take your rubbish home, stick to appropriate paths, respect wildlife and livestock and follow local countryside guidance.
If you're camping, leave your pitch exactly as you'd like to find it. The aim is to enjoy the outdoors without leaving a lasting mark.
Your Autumn Adventure Checklist
Before heading out, it's worth doing a quick check. Have you got a waterproof jacket? An extra warm layer? Enough water and food? A phone and power bank? A first-aid kit? A headtorch? If you're going further afield, do you have some form of navigation and have you told someone where you're going?
For camping trips, add a suitable sleeping bag, sleeping mat, shelter, cooking equipment and dry clothing to the list.
It might seem like a lot compared with a summer day out, but most of these things are small and easy to carry. More importantly, they'll make you much better prepared if conditions change.
Make the Most of Autumn
Autumn doesn't mean the end of outdoor adventures. It just means doing things a little differently.
The long summer evenings might be disappearing, but they're replaced by crisp mornings, golden woodland, quieter trails and some fantastic opportunities to explore.
Take a few extra layers. Pack the waterproofs. Check the weather. Keep an eye on daylight. Wear sensible footwear and make sure your backpack has the essentials.
Most importantly, don't let the changing weather keep you indoors.
There's a whole new season out there waiting to be explored.
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