What to Pack for an Autumn Hike: The Essential UK Hiking Packing List

There’s something particularly good about hiking in autumn. Cooler air, quieter trails, changing leaves and the first excuse to pull out the fleeces. But British autumn weather also has a habit of giving you sunshine, wind and sideways rain within the same afternoon.

The trick is to pack light, layer well and carry a few essentials that will keep you comfortable when the weather inevitably changes.

Whether you’re heading into the Lake District, walking in the Peaks or just spending a Sunday on your local trails, here’s our autumn hiking packing list.

1. A lightweight waterproof jacket

Probably the one thing we wouldn’t leave behind on an autumn hike in the UK.

Look for a lightweight waterproof shell that you can roll or fold into your backpack when you don’t need it. You don’t necessarily want something heavily insulated — layering underneath gives you much more flexibility when the temperature changes.

A jacket with a hood and decent wind protection is particularly useful once you’re walking somewhere exposed.

2. A warm mid-layer

Fleece weather is one of the best things about autumn.

A lightweight fleece, quarter-zip or technical mid-layer will keep you warm without adding too much bulk. Wear it over your base layer in cooler weather, then throw your waterproof over the top when the rain comes in.

If the forecast is particularly cold, a lightweight insulated jacket can also be useful for stopping for lunch or reaching a windy summit.

3. Comfortable hiking trousers

You don't need the most technical pair of trousers on the mountain, but you do want something comfortable, breathable and quick-drying.

Autumn trails can be wet and muddy, so we'd avoid anything that becomes heavy when soaked. Hiking trousers, technical cargos or good outdoor leggings all work.

For particularly wet days, lightweight waterproof overtrousers are worth squeezing into your bag.

4. A snood or neck warmer

A small layer that makes a surprisingly big difference.

A lightweight snood takes up almost no room in your pack but gives you extra protection when the temperature drops or the wind picks up. Wear it around your neck, pull it over your face on exposed sections, use it as a headband or wear it under a hat.

Wild Goat snoods were designed for exactly this kind of multi-sport use — lightweight enough to carry everywhere and easy to throw on when conditions change.

Shop Wild Goat Performance Snoods →

5. Proper hiking socks

Good socks are arguably as important as good boots.

Choose hiking socks that wick moisture away from your feet and provide a little cushioning. Merino or technical blends are particularly useful in cooler weather.

And if you have room, pack a spare pair.

There are few luxuries greater than putting dry socks on after accidentally discovering that a puddle was significantly deeper than anticipated.

6. Hiking boots or trail shoes

For maintained trails and lighter walks, trail shoes can be comfortable and less cumbersome than traditional hiking boots.

For muddier terrain, longer hikes or routes where you need more ankle support, we'd opt for hiking boots with decent grip.

Whichever you choose, autumn probably isn't the time to discover whether your brand-new hiking boots give you blisters. Wear them in first.

7. A small daypack

For a day hike, you don't need an enormous backpack.

Something around 15–25 litres is usually plenty for your extra layers, water, food and essentials.

If the bag itself isn't waterproof, use a rain cover or put anything you really don't want getting wet — phone, spare clothes, keys — inside a dry bag.

8. Water

Cool weather can make it surprisingly easy to forget to drink.

Take enough water for the length and difficulty of your route, and don't rely on being able to refill along the way unless you've checked beforehand.

A reusable bottle works perfectly for shorter walks; a hydration bladder can be convenient for longer days.

9. Snacks

The best part.

Bring something easy to eat while you're walking: nuts, fruit, flapjack, chocolate, energy bars or sandwiches.

For longer routes, pack more food than you think you'll need. An emergency snack is never a bad addition to a hiking bag.

A flask of something hot also becomes increasingly appealing as autumn progresses.

10. A hat and lightweight gloves

Even when it feels mild in the valley, exposed ridges and summits can be considerably colder.

A beanie and lightweight pair of gloves take up very little space and can completely change how comfortable you feel when the wind gets up.

Pair them with a snood and you've got a surprisingly effective little cold-weather system without carrying bulky winter gear.

11. Sunglasses and SPF

Yes, even in autumn.

UV exposure doesn't disappear when summer ends, particularly at altitude. Pack sunglasses and a small SPF for your face.

Lip balm with SPF is another tiny addition worth carrying.

12. A headtorch

This is one of those things you hopefully won't need — but should still carry.

Autumn days get shorter quickly, and hikes can take longer than expected because of weather, navigation or an overly ambitious pub-lunch detour.

A small headtorch weighs almost nothing. Make sure it's charged before you leave.

Your phone torch is useful, but it's not something we'd want to rely on for navigating a dark trail.

13. Navigation

Even if you know roughly where you're going, have your route available offline.

Mobile signal can disappear surprisingly quickly in rural areas, so download your route or map before leaving.

For more remote routes, carrying a physical map and compass — and knowing how to use them — is sensible too.

14. A tiny emergency kit

You don't need to carry half your bathroom cabinet.

A small pouch containing blister plasters, normal plasters, any medication you need and a couple of basic first-aid essentials will cover most minor mishaps.

It's also worth carrying a fully charged phone and, on longer days, a small power bank.

Autumn Hiking Packing List: The Quick Version

Save this before your next hike:

Wear

• Base layer
• Fleece or mid-layer
• Hiking trousers or leggings
• Hiking socks
• Hiking boots or trail shoes
• Snood / neck warmer

Pack

• Waterproof jacket
• Spare warm layer
• Hat
• Gloves
• Water
• Food + emergency snack
• Sunglasses
• SPF + lip balm
• Headtorch
• Offline map / navigation
• Mini first-aid kit
• Power bank
• Spare socks
• Waterproof bag or rain cover

One final thing: check the weather

British mountain weather can change quickly, and conditions at elevation can be very different from those where you started.

Check the forecast for the actual area and elevation you're hiking in, not just the nearest town. If conditions don't look right, change your route or save it for another day.

The mountains aren't going anywhere.

Pack smart, take the layers, and go get some wild air.

Wild Goat

Multi-Sport Performance Snoods for days outside.