With daylight hours shrinking and colder weather setting in, it’s common to feel the mental strain of the season. One of the best ways to lift your spirits? Head outdoors.
A beach getaway sounds nice, but it’s not a viable option for most of us. Hiking, however, offers a year-round, low-cost alternative that’s great for families and easy to enjoy near home. And if trails are limited, making your own can add a fun twist to your adventure.
Before you go, though, it’s important to prepare. While we can’t map your route, we can help you prepare for a safe and enjoyable hike.
What to Wear on Your Hiking Trip
The first thing to consider is: layers. And you will need several.
Upper Body
Base Layer: Moisture-wicking materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics.
Middle Layer: Insulating options like fleece or lightweight jackets.
Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof shells for protection against rain and wind.
When hiking, looks are not that important; comfort and safe clothing are. Hiking often involves vigorous activity, which means sweating is inevitable. That’s why a good base layer is key, something that draws moisture away from your skin to keep you dry.
Those long sleeve sun shirts you were ready to pack away for winter? They’re perfect for hiking in cooler months, too. Made from moisture-wicking materials, they help regulate your body temperature as a base layer. And if the sun comes out and the day warms up, they work just as well as your only layer.
Head
A wide-brim hat is ideal for unpredictable weather, offering sun protection, shade, and light rain resistance. Look for adjustable straps to secure it in the wind and pair it with a neck gaiter for warmth in colder conditions.
Neck gaiters are tube-shaped garments that go around the neck but are stretchable enough to be pulled over the cheeks, head, and face.
Legs and Feet
Fall and winter weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to wear convertible hiking pants to adapt to temperature changes. Choose water water-resistant materials. If it’s cold enough, you’ll want a pair of wicking long underwear as your base bottom layer. When conditions get stormy, wear them under hiking pants.
One of the most important things is keeping your feet dry, and that’s where proper hiking shoes come in. Choose a breathable, water-resistant type and pair it with moisture-wicking socks.
What to Take With You
The main point of hiking is getting away from city life and connecting with nature. Ironically, these cities have the emergency services we might need, and sometimes, they are not close (you choose how far away they are). So, depending on how far away from a settlement your hiking trail is, you can choose the necessary accessories from this list:
Navigation Tools
- Map and compass
- GPS device or smartphone app with a power bank
Hydration Gear
- Water bottles or hydration bladders
- Water filters or purification tablets
Safety and Emergency Tools
- First-aid kit
- Multi-tool or knife
- Whistle
- Emergency blanket
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Some sort of firestarter
Protection
- Gaiters for ankle and leg protection
- Trekking poles for stability and knee strain reduction
- Water-resistant gloves made from durable materials.
- Foldable raincoats
Food Storage and Tools
- Snacks or energy bars
- Reusable utensils
- Lightweight, airtight food storage containers
Hiking With Kids
Encouraging your grade-schoolers to explore the outdoors is a wonderful step. Early exposure to nature helps them build a deep connection with the environment, and they will learn to love and protect it.
But you need to remember that kids are natural adventurers and explorers. And ironically, they can get bored very quickly. So, bringing them on a hike brings its own set of challenges.
Time
They will want to stop and explore things that might seem irrelevant to you. Give them time. That means you should plan for additional time-eating stops. Make sure you have enough time to get back to your starting point.
Entertainment
Don’t choose trails with more peaks or views; your kids probably won’t be impressed. Instead, find kid-friendly trails that would interest them, places where they can skip rocks or clamber onto boulders, for example.
Planning and adding to the excitement
Involve them in the planning and preparation, from picking their trail to packing their pack.
Extra clothing
Kids have a knack for getting dirty and wet, even in the cleanest environments—let alone out in nature. Always pack extra clothing, just in case.
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
One German saying goes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather; there’s only wrong clothing.”
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting to explore the trails with your family, the right preparation can transform a challenging weather day into an unforgettable adventure. So check the forecast, pack your backpack, grab the kids, and head out.
Interlinking suggestions
Anchor: kid-friendly trails
Anchor: snacks
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