What to take on an autumn hike. How to go hiking in autumn. What is late autumn in the Caucasus

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Timofeev Nikolai
friend of the City Escape club

Summer, as always, flew by very quickly, and now autumn is on the threshold - September has come. The days are still warm, but the nights are noticeably longer and cooler. It is raining more and more often, the trees are already covered with gold, and preparations for winter are in full swing in the forests: the field mouse stuffs its pantry with grain, the squirrel hangs mushrooms on the trees, the beavers harvest aspen and willow, the hedgehog equips a nest for hibernation, and geese and ducks gather in flocks and make test flights - they are preparing for the final flight.

I have always loved autumn. I like to wander through the autumn fields and forests, immerse myself in this riot of colors of fading nature. At such moments, a kind of inspiration also descends on me, I want to take a pen or a brush ... but usually I limit myself to a camera.

On long autumn walks, you often encounter a sharp change in the weather - the sun has just been shining, and five minutes later you are already walking to the accompaniment of wind and rain. Forest roads in autumn are sometimes so dirty and wet that it's time to get on an all-terrain vehicle. Unfortunately, such factors can scare away a lot of people and make them abandon the idea of ​​going out of town, but I sincerely believe that there is no such thing as bad weather. There are only bad clothes and improperly selected equipment.

So how do you dress for a hike in the cold season?

Going on a simple hike in the summer, it is enough to take with you a few changeable T-shirts, a hat, a jacket for the evening, comfortable sneakers and a raincoat. We consider in more detail the basic set of equipment for a hike in our other - be sure to read. The choice of clothes for the autumn, and, especially, the winter trip, should be approached very carefully. So, in order:

1. There should always be two pairs of shoes. I wet one on the way, put on dry ones in the camp in the evening, and dry the first pair by the fire. Walking in rubber boots is dry, but uncomfortable for long distances. It is ideal to go in trekking boots, but as a second pair, take light sneakers. All footwear should be broken in before hiking. In the first aid kit, there must be a band-aid in case of scuffs and corns. You can dry your shoes by the fire, or by stuffing dry grass (newspapers) inside, but it is worth remembering that such a system only works at positive temperatures (for example, inside a tent), and modern boots often fall apart near a fire. Therefore, it is best to dry the shoes without any sudden heat (in the sun or with dry grass/newspaper).

2. You can wear ordinary cotton socks or buy special trekking socks with a reinforced heel and toe, made of modern synthetic materials. It is always a good idea to have one pair of woolen socks with you, but in late autumn and winter it is better to take two or three pairs. The material is only natural wool. Nothing warmer and more reliable has yet been invented. Wool will keep you warm even when wet. You can dry your socks by the fire or on yourself - go to bed in wet socks (just put them in a sleeping bag), and overnight they will dry like on a battery.

3. Bottom layer. This thermal underwear is pants and a jacket. Their main purpose is to remove moisture from the body into the upper layers of clothing. One of the options for classifying thermal underwear is according to the degree of expected activity: you will be skiing, climbing or going ice fishing in it - thermal underwear will be different. Synthetics wick away moisture better.

4. The middle layer is a fleece jacket and pants. The main purpose of the middle layer is thermoregulation. Instead of a fleece jacket, you can wear a wool sweater or sweatshirt.

5 . Upper layer. This is a storm jacket and pants, the main purpose of which is wind and moisture protection. Modern storm jackets are often made of Gore-Tex membrane fabric, the hallmark of which is absolute moisture protection without loss of breathability. Such jackets are quite expensive and you feel somehow uncomfortable in it, sitting by a sparkling fire. Therefore, for a classic forest hike, you can get a simpler jacket.

6. In winter, it is sometimes worth wearing a down jacket over the windscreen. On a ski trip, this is necessary at a halt - in order not to cool down, or in the evening in the camp. It will almost certainly be too hot to move in a puff, but even very cold weather is not terrible with such a kit.

7. A fleece hat is almost always comfortable on the head. It's good to have a spare. In severe frost or during a snowstorm, in addition to a hat, a special mask is used - a balaclava, which completely covers the face from wind and other bad weather.

8. Fleece gloves are very comfortable on the hands - both in autumn and in winter. If it gets cold in winter, then you can change into thicker gloves with insulation, but mittens are better. The warmest are downy.

Now you can avoid many mistakes when choosing hiking clothes. Of course, this is not exhaustive information - you can write a separate article for each of the points, but I'm not sure that this makes much sense. Everything else will come with experience. I wish you interesting travels and trips!

Timofeev Nikolai
friend of the City Escape club

tourist memo

• Backpack: (volume 55-120l):

  If you do not have such a backpack, rent it. Other backpacks categorically do not fit !!! (Except if you have a really compact and light series of equipment). Remember that there should still fit a bag of provisions (a bag of about 3 kg, of medium size, which is given in supermarkets). Walking in the mountains with attached things on a backpack, as if it were a Christmas tree, is not at all comfortable.

• Shoes:

  Worn-in trekking waterproof boots, or boots that are well impregnated with a special water-repellent impregnation (Budget option Bertsa). And light athletic sneakers are replaced (the lighter and smaller the better, you carry them). The best option, and the most expensive one))) These are hiking sneakers with a membrane, synthetic or nubuck.) Since the grass is quite wet, you need the shoes to either not get wet or dry quickly.

• Water-repellent impregnation for shoes (optional!):

  It is good to have a small bottle of impregnation from a good manufacturer like Nikwax, Toko. It is possible and others, it does not matter, the main thing is that it works! :)

• Trousers:

  You can take trekking pants, self-skid pants or military tactical pants (The main principle is to dry quickly). + pants to change. Well, or a budget option, sweatpants, and instead of thermal underwear: leggings.

• T-shirt

  The best option is a thermal T-shirt made of special fabric. But a regular synthetic t-shirt, 2 pcs, is also suitable.

• A warm sweater:

  The ideal option is fleece, a sweatshirt made of Polartec fabric, 1-2 pcs.

• Jacket:

  It is best to use a special hiking trekking jacket, or a jacket from a ski suit, as a budget option, you can also use a sports jacket. The jacket must have a hood! for protection from rain, wind and sometimes snow.

• Headwear and gloves:

  A sports hat and a pair of gloves + (it is advisable to have one working gloves that you don’t mind). It's also good to have a Balaclava with you in case of strong winds...snow and frost (and this happens on the tops of the mountains).

• Linen:

  It is best to use thermal underwear for trekking, or synthetics, one bet is enough, if you have one thermal kit, then minus one T-shirt. Underwear must also be thermal or synthetic! (The main goal is to wick moisture away from the body, and dry quickly.)

• Socks:

  Best of all - special hiking or thermal socks, they have high thermoregulatory properties, they reduce the likelihood of corns. There are winter and summer versions of such socks, a budget option: woolen socks - 1 pair, 2 pairs of cotton ones.

• Shoe covers for legs:

  Shoe covers (flashlights) - this is optional, but it is better to have! (The main goal in spring and autumn is clean pants, but it also happens that you need to wander through the snow).

• Raincoat:

  You should have a reliable light raincoat made of waterproof fabric with you in case of heavy rain, snowfall, but if you have a special waterproof hiking jacket, then a raincoat is not necessary.

• Sunglasses:

  Glasses with good SPF.

• Flashlight required:

  The best LED headband is very convenient and economical, and don't forget spare batteries.

• Cape for backpack:

  It is better to have a separate waterproof cover for the backpack, it is convenient.

• Documents, money and things:

  Documents, money and things must be stored in a sealed waterproof bag. Strong bags are also suitable.

• Mug, deep bowl, spoon, knife:

  Dishes should be light. A fork and disposable utensils are useless on a hike! It is better when the dishes are made of titanium, light steel or aluminum, they are light, will not crack and you can heat food in it on fire.

• Towel, personal hygiene items, cream, toilet paper, large trash bags, matches (lighter):

  Personal hygiene items only without fanaticism, a small towel there are special quick-drying microfiber towels, a toothbrush, toothpaste (small tube), soap (small). You can put things in garbage bags so they don’t get wet, if necessary, a cream (small, without fanaticism))) will help with weathered skin.

Autumn and the onset of cold weather are no reason to stay at home and deny yourself active rest. People who are fond of tourism go hiking at any time of the year and know well: there is no bad weather for a hike, there is bad equipment. With high-quality clothes, shoes, a sleeping bag and a tent, you can successfully go to the autumn and winter mountains, and such a trip will become one of the most vivid memories for many years to come.

In addition, autumn is the most photogenic time of the year, and many of us go to nature to capture the bright, amazingly beautiful landscapes that you don’t always see even in summer. It is still warm and sunny during the day, and this farewell burst of heat can warm the soul a hundred times more than a hot July afternoon.

Of course, we can’t always afford a long trip, but it’s quite possible to get out of the city for the weekend with an overnight stay. The so-called PVD (weekend hike) is an excellent compromise for those who cannot be away from home for more than 2 days. Well, this may be quite enough: a weekend in nature will help overcome the accumulated stress and energize you for the whole week.

So, what is the most important thing in preparing for the autumn campaign? We will consider relatively easy trekking, without taking into account difficult mountain hikes at fairly high altitudes, which require special training and equipment.

When packing, it is necessary to take into account when and in what region the hike is held, what temperature is expected at night (affects the choice of a sleeping bag and the amount of warm clothes). Of course, it is recommended to look at the weather forecast 1-2 days before departure, but there is an important clarification here: no matter how favorable it may be, warm and waterproof clothing is a must! The off-season is characterized by a sharp temperature drop, and even if it is sunny and warm during the day, it will be much colder at night.

This is especially true for trekking in the mountains, where the weather changes very quickly and it often snows in September-October. Even quite experienced tourists fall for lack of foresight in a situation when they expect the same favorable weather as on the plain during an autumn hike in the middle mountains (up to 2500-3000 meters). This is a mistake: even in the case of light autumn trekking in the mountains at low altitudes, it is better to be prepared for real winter weather and be able to warm up accordingly.

Of course, this does not mean that you need to fill your backpack with all the puffs, fleece jackets and all kinds of sweaters available at home, but in your arsenal there should be one really warm thing for each part of the body, including brushes that should be protected from cold and wind hands, head and face.

So what equipment to choose for the autumn hike? Let's start with the most important thing.

Shoes

If in the summer you can go for a walk in the forest in ordinary sneakers or trekking sandals (which, however, is unacceptable for routes on difficult terrain), then in the off-season, boots and only boots! Why is this trekking shoe so good?

Holds the ankle well, preventing sprains and more serious foot injuries;
- a dense sole made of special materials cushions the foot;
- well protects from moisture thanks to water-repellent impregnation;
- protection of the fingers and the entire foot from mechanical damage;
- and of course, no matter how trite, but the boots are warmer.

Recall the golden rule: shoes should be worn and a little big for you in size (one and a half sizes). This is important, because when descending in shoes of exactly the right size, your fingers will hit the hard toe of the shoe, and this, believe me, is very painful and unpleasant. A typical story: a friend bought wonderful shoes from the famous brand Asolo, which were bought exactly the right size and provided him with knocked down fingers on the first trip - he could not wear them afterwards. In addition, the size margin will not be superfluous at all if you decide to wear warm, thick socks.

However, not only quality is important, but also competent care of trekking shoes. So, you can use it, which protects tourist and sports shoes from water and dirt, and also extends its service life. This is important, since reliable hiking shoes are one of its main components, the importance of which is difficult to overestimate.

You can also enhance the special qualities of trekking boots with special ones that additionally fix the foot, enhance the shock-absorbing effect and absorb moisture. There are even - for maximum comfort.

Shoe covers

Cloth

As practice shows, in the cold season, the optimal set of clothes looks like a multi-layered onion peel - each layer performs a specific function:

• The outer layer (storm jacket, jacket) - protects from wind, rain.
• The middle layer (fleece jacket, polar coat) - warms.
• The bottom layer (t-shirt) - provides comfort and dryness.

outer layer- this is a windbreaker or storm suit (jacket with trousers). This layer should protect against wind and moisture (jackets made of membrane fabrics such as Gore-Tex more or less protect against rain). A windbreaker does not have to be warm - a second layer of clothing is intended for warmth. This means that the size of the windbreaker should be such that you can pry a sweater or a warm jacket under it.

Twenty years ago, windbreakers were made from a thin tarpaulin. Now synthetic materials have appeared (kapron, lavsan, cordura, windstopper), which are lighter than tarpaulin, and better resist abrasion, that is, they last longer. Plus, they dry quickly when wet.

Storm jackets and storm pants that are used on a hike must have zippered pockets. The jacket must also have a hood. Windbreaker sleeves should have tight cuffs - it will be warmer. Pleasant moments are the presence of ventilation and reflective elements.

You can choose the right model of trousers for the off-season, including those with good water resistance, in, we recommend the model - one of the most versatile waterproof and windproof models in the range. Also a good thing are self-shedding pants that can be put on or taken off while remaining shod (thanks to special zippers on the sides).

As for jackets, there are both, and a variety of colors and sizes. In late autumn, we strongly recommend taking a puff or a warm jacket with you: if it is quite warm in a windbreaker and fleece while walking, then this will not be enough in the parking lot.

The outer layer also includes a headdress: in the autumn campaign, it is imperative to take a warm hat made of wool or fleece, as well as warm gloves (two pairs are better, so that when one gets wet, there is a supply of dry ones).

Another super thing for an autumn hike, which compares favorably with its functionality, is the so-called. This is a bandana, and a headdress, and a scarf, and face protection. The design of the Buff bandana is unique - this item can be worn on the head in 12 different ways. In the cold, piercing wind or snow, this transformer is simply irreplaceable, the picture below shows the main ways to use it.

middle layer of clothing- provides thermal comfort. It is always necessary to take warm clothes on a hike - a sweater, a jacket, warm pants that can be worn under a windbreaker or storm pants. Previously, almost the only material for the manufacture of warm clothes was natural wool. Wool has a very important property - it warms even when wet. At present, synthetic materials (polar, fleece) have appeared that warm no worse than wool, but at the same time are devoid of the disadvantages of wool - they are lighter, better resist wear and do not shrink when washed.

Today, fleece jackets are a must-have for basic hiking gear and are available to everyone who loves and goes hiking. You can pick up a fleece jacket in ours.

bottom layer clothes- moisture wicking. This layer includes underwear - a T-shirt, shorts, socks, as well as special thermal underwear (in the common people termuha), which is made from synthetic (or semi-synthetic) materials, and it is not necessarily warm underwear. Its main purpose is to absorb the moisture released by the human body and take it outside, preventing heat loss and leaving the skin dry. Thermal underwear should fit snugly to the body.

Thermal underwear is sometimes referred to as thermal underwear. These are the same T-shirts, shorts, socks, which are made from modern synthetic wool substitutes (although natural wool may also be included in their composition). It makes sense to use them in the cold season. How to distinguish warm underwear from moisture-wicking? In appearance, moisture-wicking underwear should fit the body tightly, and warm underwear should be loose.

Travel mat and seat

For an autumn trip, an ordinary Izhevsk rug (two-layer) may not be enough, so you can purchase and use: such models are much better insulated from the cold. Don't forget to also take: she allows you to sit on any, even the coldest and wetst surface - on damp earth, stones, etc. It is fastened on a belt or on a backpack using a special elastic band and a buckle.

So, we have described the main, basic recommendations for choosing hiking equipment for an autumn hike. The article does not include such universal things as a backpack, a flashlight, dishes, trekking poles, hygiene items, a first aid kit: all this is implied by default and depends little on the seasonality of trekking. The most important thing in the off-season is a good sleeping bag, rug, shoes, clothes (warm enough, protecting from wind and moisture).

With the right selection of equipment, the autumn hike will not cause you tangible discomfort and will bring only joy. If you are in doubt about the choice - come to our store and we will definitely advise you.

Good equipment for an autumn hike is not cheap, but it is a fully justified investment, as quality items will not let you down and will last a very long time. However, if you want to go on a hike, and at the same time there is no way to purchase equipment, you can always take it on the most favorable terms.

Unforgettable hikes in all seasons!

If during summer travels no one really thinks about the cold, then in the spring-autumn period hikes take place in a wider range of temperatures, especially when it comes to mountainous terrain. These seasons are known for their changeable and completely unpredictable weather, and when it also rains on the route, sometimes dragging on for several days, no one wants to be distracted from rest by thoughts of chilled limbs. For beginners, the question naturally arises: what to wear on a hike in autumn or spring so as not to freeze?

The range of things now allows you to feel comfortable even in the most uncomfortable weather conditions, and modern fabrics allow you to wear fewer things on a hike, but warmer and more comfortable.

The most common among tourists in our time is three-layer concept when choosing clothes, which is worn on hikes in autumn and spring. Its implementation is possible at any financial level, from the most budgetary to the most expensive. The beauty of the three-layer concept is that in different weather conditions, they can be combined at your discretion.

The first layer of clothes for the autumn hike

If you go hiking often and stay in nature not for a couple of days, but longer, it makes sense to purchase thermal underwear. Its composition, as a rule, includes synthetic (polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, polyacryl, elastane, etc.) and natural (wool, silk, cotton, etc.) fibers, which, due to the special weaving structure and composition, not only retain heat, but and effectively wick away moisture.

Such underwear, tightly fitting the body and at the same time not causing discomfort, will perfectly warm and prevent you from overheating and sweating during prolonged physical activity. You can wear a set of synthetics on a hike in autumn or spring, and for sleep, purchase models with the addition of natural fabrics. Such an investment will pay off in full, because thermal underwear is wear-resistant and durable with proper care, you can find models even for a small budget.

If it is not possible to wear such underwear on hikes, then choose underwear for a multi-day trip that removes moisture from the body and dries quickly to prevent you from freezing. Immediately exclude cotton or its additions, it quickly absorbs moisture and dries for a very long time, but additions of wool are possible.

For hiking you will need a long-sleeve top and bottom, although the bottom for not too cold weather may be superfluous, but it will definitely come in handy for sleeping. If you choose thermal underwear, then choose the right size, sleeves and legs should not be too short. Do not forget to bring 3-4 pairs of warm socks with you, choosing the warmest pair for sleeping.

The second warming layer of clothing for the autumn hike

Knitted sweaters, woolen sweaters, etc., if you really want to, you can wear hiking, but on the first day you will be convinced of their worthlessness. Such clothes are heavy, voluminous, get wet from sweat very quickly, stop warming and eventually lead to the fact that you will freeze even more. It is extremely difficult to dry such clothes in autumn or spring hiking conditions, it simply becomes damp. That's why experienced tourists are so fond of fleece- knitted synthetic fabric made of polyester.

It is fleece that will serve as the perfect middle layer for your travel attire. It can be a trowel, jacket, sweatshirt, vest, turtleneck and more. This material is lightweight, elastic, durable, quick-drying and breathable, hypoallergenic, non-biodegradable. To make the fleece wet, you need to soak it in water on purpose, and even when wet, it warms well.

It is better to wear a set of tops and bottoms in the autumn hike, while the pants can be sheathed with fleece on the inside, and on the outside have a synthetic layer that protects against wind and, ideally, is waterproof. Regular fleece-lined sweatpants will also work. It is better to take a couple of tops, one is denser, and the second is lighter.

The third protective layer of clothing for the autumn hike

Ideally, they put on an autumn campaign windproof jackets, it is better with hydrophobic impregnation (which does not allow raindrops to seep into the fabric), and with good financial opportunities - with the so-called membrane fabric, which passes body evaporation through itself and at the same time better protects against wind and heavier rain. On hikes, as a rule, jackets are worn a little larger, so that a pair of fleece jackets can fit under them in case of extreme cold.

For an autumn-spring hike, additional pants with hydrophobic impregnation or membrane fabric are unlikely to be needed, unless you are going on a serious mountain hike with a large temperature difference. Pants insulated with fleece, complete with thermal pants or underpants / tights, but not made of cotton, are quite enough. Don't forget about hat and gloves. It is better that they are fleece, but this is not critical, choose from what is available.

Summer is over, but is this a reason to close the outdoor recreation season? The most amazing landscapes can be seen just at this time of the year. Dress warmly and catch the last sunny days: go camping with an overnight stay or have a picnic with the whole family. And these tips will help you spend the weekend without unpleasant moments.

Find out about promotions and discounts in nature reserves

At the end of the summer season, many reserves, reserves and national parks can provide visitors with discounts on tourist services. Carefully study the sites so as not to miss a profitable promotion. For example, you may be offered a discount on accommodation in a guest house when booking a certain excursion.

Go to the forest in the peak of golden autumn

To get the most magical memories (and photos too!), plan a trip for that short period of time when all nature is transformed and puts on a luxurious golden outfit. Unfortunately, it doesn't last long.

Check the weather forecast ahead of your trip

When planning a family outing in the woods a few weeks in advance, of course, you have checked the long-range weather forecast. But remember that the weather is an unpredictable thing, so keep an eye on weather sites.

Make a trip plan

Write down all the things that you need to do the day before (for example, rent a tent or sleeping bag, call the reserve, etc.), take it with you. Estimate a rough plan for the weekend to make it easier to navigate the place.

Check all equipment before you go

Make sure that all the pegs for installation are included with the tent, the zipper in the sleeping bag does not diverge, the tourist chairs are intact, etc.

Bring warm clothes

It is clear that you are unlikely to go to the autumn forest without a sweater and warm jeans or pants. However, this is not enough to keep you warm at night.

Take with you:
- Thermal underwear
- Fleece jacket
-Pullover
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm hat
-Gloves or mittens (plus one spare pair if the first one gets wet)
- Powderpuffs (even if the weather forecast is favorable)
- Boots with water-repellent coating
-Spare boots
-Many (!) pairs of socks
-Raincoat
- Several changes of clothes (depending on the duration of the trip).

Bring skin protection

Take with you a jar of protective face and body cream that will save your skin from chapping in nature.

Take firewood and coal with a margin

This is something you should never skimp on! It is better to take a smaller amount of food, but it is imperative to keep the camp warm all the time.

Get ready for the rain

Even if the weather forecast promises clear skies with no rain, prepare for rain. Stock up on trash bags to pack food, personal items, firewood, etc. Take awnings with you, which, if necessary, can be installed on a fire pit, a table and the entrance to the tent. Put rubber boots or galoshes in the trunk.

Set up camp in a protected area

Do not set up tents in open spaces. It is desirable that the camp be protected from the wind by a forest. Also choose a place so that it warms up with the sun.

Install awnings

An awning can be set up over a picnic area and attached to the trees behind the tent for added wind protection.

Eat fats and carbohydrates

Given that your body will freeze faster in the fresh air, eat fatty and carbohydrate foods with peace of mind, because these are fast sources of energy. Yes to kebabs and bars!

Drink hot drinks

Coffee in the morning, tea and cocoa during the day, and a little mulled wine before bed will help keep you warm. It is advisable to take a high-quality tourist thermos with you and keep it with you.

Think about active activities on the trip

The more you move, the warmer your body is - it's just like two and two. Organize time in nature so that you are constantly physically busy. Organize a hiking trip, a football game, and so on.

Make a simple menu

Simplify the camping menu as much as possible and thank yourself for your prudence while cooking. No one wants to freeze their hands, carefully cutting the ingredients for a stew of 10 types of vegetables, when it is much easier to cook pasta with stew.

Set up camp before dark

When hiking in autumn, keep in mind that it gets dark early at this time of the year, and you should set up camp before sunset.

Grab a headlamp

He will save you more than once.

Protect the environment

Respect the environment: do not leave trash, do not destroy bird nests, do not camp in prohibited places, and so on. Make sure you leave a clean parking lot after.

Take a supply of food

Count on the fact that you can unexpectedly get lost or lost, so have an untouchable supply of snacks that will help you out in unforeseen circumstances.

Pack untouchable stock

For emergencies, have the following untouchable supplies with you:
- waterproof matches
-Pocket and headlamp
- Bright bandana (suitable as a respiratory mask; a flag with which you can signal to rescuers; a bandage)
- Rescue blankets made of foil (will help not to freeze)
-Insulating tape
-Toilet paper (can be used to mark the trail)
- Cotton balls soaked in Vaseline or oil (will help start a fire)
- Disinfectant (for wounds, scratches, etc.)
- A small cosmetic bag (to carry it all with you in your pocket)

Also take with you:
-First Aid Tools
-Water supply
-Penknife
-Paper map of the area
-GPS or compass - if possible

Let your loved ones know about your trip

Make sure that relatives or friends can find you in case of unforeseen situations. Leave them a detailed itinerary and let them know when you plan to return.

Following these simple rules, you will spend an autumn trip to the forest comfortably and safely.