Autumn is a wonderful season for trekking. In fact, it is probably the best time to hike, thanks to the unique colours of the landscapes, the still mild temperatures and the fact that the routes are less crowded. However, we must not forget that autumn is a transitional season and, therefore, can sometimes play tricks on less experienced hikers. Just like in spring, when we decide to organize an outing in autumn, we must be prepared for any sudden change in the weather, be it rain or a drop in temperature. It is therefore best to go on trekking routes or walks following some specific advice taking into account the particularities of autumn.
Please note that hiking and trekking have a high accident rate , perhaps due to the overconfidence of hikers. If you want to go trekking in autumn with the greatest safety, do not hesitate to equip yourself with sports insurance , which, in addition to covering medical assistance in the event of an accident or illness, including COVID-19 coverage, works as national or international travel insurance. Throughout this post we will give you more details about trekking insurance.
Autumn is the best season for trekking. Here are some tips to help you prepare and trek safely.
In addition to physical training and knowledge of the route, we must focus on the clothing we should wear or carry in our backpack and other items that are part of the trekking equipment.
Find out about the weather
The trails are less crowded, the wildlife can be observed more peacefully and the vegetation takes on an incredible range of autumn colours, unique to the season. Without a doubt, nature in autumn offers hikers an ideal opportunity for magnificent walks. The cooler temperature of the morning becomes more temperate with the presence of the sun, which warms the bones and muscles making it more pleasant to walk in the forests or in the mountains.
Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before going trekking in autumn to be prepared for any eventuality. In autumn the weather can change quickly, especially in mountainous areas, so you will have to take into account the considerable temperature differences between day and night. These variables will have to be taken into account when defining the itinerary and the clothes to wear when going trekking, but also what to put in your backpack in case it gets colder, the wind gets stronger or it rains.
Get your gear ready for autumn trekking
Part of our trekking equipment will go in the backpack , which we should choose based on our size and weight and the number of days our route will last. If we are not going to spend more than one day, the most recommended are trekking backpacks with a capacity of 10 to 20 liters, but if we are traveling for several days, we should take one with a capacity of about 40 liters that allows us to carry a larger amount of clothing and equipment. Be careful, buying a backpack that is larger than necessary has the risk of filling it with useless items for our route, carrying unnecessary weight. However, the material of the backpack should be light but resistant. Another fundamental characteristic that an autumn trekking backpack must have is waterproofing. There are some with a cover. Also choose those that have several compartments that facilitate access to the different items that we carry. Ideally, it should include a camelbak or a separate hydration backpack, to be able to access the canteen quickly. Check that the backpack also has adjustable straps, a waist belt and chest closure, a load rappelling system, pole holders and octopus-type straps to hang items from the outside.
When choosing the trekking route to take, we must take into account that in autumn the hours of light decrease. Therefore, if the departure takes longer than expected, equip yourself with a flashlight or a lamp that illuminates the ground and obstacles. Twilight can become an unrepeatable opportunity; it will be easier to observe wild animals that come out to look for food at dusk. A good adventure for Halloween, don’t you think?
It is essential to have some items in your autumn trekking gear to help you navigate, such as compasses, watches or your own smartphone. For mobile devices there are useful applications to organize routes and guide you along the way.
Finally, trekking poles can help us walk with firmness, balance and safety. Wearing them properly helps distribute the stride and reduce the load on the legs and back. Materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum give the trekking pole flexibility and lightness.
Wear specific clothing and footwear for trekking in autumn
It is essential to carry in your backpack not only the necessary equipment to face the sudden darkness, but also the appropriate clothing for the changes in weather. We will be prepared for the wind, cold and rain, but also for some hours that can be slightly hot. Therefore, we will wear thermal and breathable shirts during the central hours of the day. In addition, we will carry a fleece sweatshirt and a windbreaker or waterproof jacket for the cold, rain or humidity. Convertible pants are the most suitable, as they allow you to remove the bottom part to be used as shorts during the day. In the backpack for autumn hikes it is always good to make room for gloves , hats and an isothermal blanket . If everything goes according to plan, there may be things that we will not use, but it is better to be cautious and take a series of clothes that are light and that can be useful when temperatures drop or when it rains.
We must not forget to protect our feet. Wearing trekking boots that are not suitable for our feet and without taking into account the route we are going to take will not only prevent us from walking comfortably, but will also leave traces on our feet after the walk. During autumn routes it is advisable to choose trekking footwear that can withstand mud and humidity. If in summer the essential qualities of this type of boots are breathability and lightness, in autumn waterproofing and thermal insulation should become the first characteristics to consider when choosing trekking footwear. Ideally, they should cover up to the ankles and have soles with materials that increase grip on the ground, which can be slippery due to humidity.
Practice covered trekking with sports insurance
Of course, good training and good trekking equipment are useful to avoid incidents during our excursions. Even so, we must be protected in case some of the most common mishaps arise when we go out to practice sports in nature, such as accidents, which may require medical assistance or even a search and rescue intervention. Curiously, the adventure sports that cause the most accidents are trekking and skiing, mainly due to the inexperience or imprudence of confident hikers and skiers. We will have protection against these incidents when practicing autumn trekking if we acquire sports insurance , useful if we travel to practice trekking and other sports on land, water, air or snow.
