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Every autumn I find myself looking at colours that would make an excellent seventies living room. Rust orange, chocolate brown, a slightly questionable green. Add lilac and I’m interested.
They work beautifully in clothes, too. Outdoor ranges have plenty of fleeces and jackets in those shades, which makes putting together autumn hiking outfits much more appealing if you like a bit of personality in your wardrobe.
There are practical decisions to make first, of course. A jacket needs to suit the weather. Shoes need to suit the ground and the feet wearing them. Once that’s sorted, you can enjoy choosing the colours.
What to Wear Hiking in Autumn
Start with the route. A short walk along a maintained path and a day on exposed hills need different clothing and preparation. Check the forecast, ground conditions and daylight, including what the weather is expected to do later.
Layers give you options as temperatures and activity levels change. For an active walk, a base layer designed to move moisture away from the skin can be more comfortable than cotton, which can stay damp. A fleece adds warmth, and an outer layer should provide protection appropriate to the conditions.
Check the details before buying a jacket. Water-resistant and waterproof aren’t interchangeable. Look at the hood, fastening and cuffs, and make sure there’s enough room for whatever you intend to wear underneath.
Pockets deserve attention as well. Tiny decorative pockets are annoying enough on everyday clothes; outdoor clothing should give you somewhere useful to put things.
For an easy local stroll, suitable layers may already be sitting in your wardrobe. More demanding routes call for more specific equipment, so let the plans guide what you need.
Then try the colours together. Raspberry and olive are lovely, as are cobalt and brown. A lilac fleece can lift a dark jacket, while a bright hat is an easy addition if you prefer to keep the larger pieces simple.
There’s no need to match everything. I like an outfit with something slightly unexpected about it.
Choosing Hiking Shoes That Fit the Plans
Footwear is worth researching properly, even when you’ve already spotted a pair in exactly the right colour.
When browsing adidas hiking shoes, read what each model is designed for. Look at the information on terrain, grip, fit and weather protection rather than assuming every pair offers the same features.
Try shoes with the socks you intend to wear. Your heel should feel secure and your toes should have room, without your foot sliding around. Pay attention to pressure points and follow the fitting and break-in guidance for the pair you choose. If you’re unsure about suitability, ask a specialist retailer.
A discount or a beautiful colourway won’t make an uncomfortable fit worth having.
And if the footwear you already own is comfortable, in good condition and suitable for the route, you may not need to replace it.
What to Pack for an Autumn Walk
The bag depends on where you’re going, how long you’ll be out and your individual needs. For a shorter walk, useful basics include water, food, an extra layer, a charged phone and a reliable way to follow the route.
Download maps beforehand if signal may be unreliable. Consider a torch and a small first-aid kit, and remember any medication or personal essentials. Longer or more remote routes need preparation beyond a short list, including navigation and emergency arrangements suited to the conditions.
Check sunset time and leave a generous margin to return before dark. It’s easy to underestimate how much earlier the light goes at this time of year.
There’s also a lot to be said for making the plans comfortable from the beginning. That could mean an accessible path, a shorter route, regular breaks or company. Choose what suits your circumstances.
A flask is a nice addition if there’s space. So is lunch you’re actually looking forward to.
A More Considered Approach to adidas Black Friday Deals
Before looking at a sale, I think it helps to open the wardrobe.
What gets worn constantly? What needs replacing? Is there something missing that would make the clothes you already own more useful?
Those questions give you a starting point before browsing adidas’ Black Friday deals. Make a short list, set a budget and, if you’re watching a particular item, note its price ahead of the sale so you can judge the saving.
Check which products are included and read the delivery and returns information. Take the same care over sizing and features that you would at any other time of year.
It’s easy to be drawn towards something because the reduction looks impressive. But a fleece you’ll wear regularly is a better choice than a heavily discounted jacket that never feels quite right.
Versatility is personal, too. It doesn’t have to mean black, grey or beige. If your wardrobe is full of pink, a pink layer might go with almost everything you own. You know which colours make getting dressed easier and which purchases tend to stay on the hanger.
I’d look for pieces with several uses: a fleece that fits under a waterproof and works with everyday clothes, or a jacket with room for different layers as the weather changes. Check how they work with what you have before deciding what to add.
There’s plenty of inspiration in autumn without needing a whole new wardrobe. A different combination of familiar clothes can be enough.
And I’m very much in favour of giving the questionable green a chance.