A Stylish Fall Hiking Kit for Women, Layer By Layer

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Graphic: Shep McAllister

I’m not sure if you heard the news, but pumpkin spice lattes have made their annual return. That can only mean one thing: fall is in the air. With it comes the yellow-tinged leaves, snowcapped peaks, and chillier nights that signify the changing of the seasonal guard.

The mercury dipping lower doesn’t mean you need to stay indoors though. We’ve rounded up an entire fall kit for women that will keep you toasty and protected from head to toe. Bonus: it looks good, too.

Kari Traa Floke Longsleeve

The Kari Traa Floke is warm, sweat wicking, and looks awesome.
The Kari Traa Floke is warm, sweat wicking, and looks awesome.
Graphic: Shep McAllister
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Your first order of business is swapping out those hiking tanks for a cozy baselayer that wicks sweat away from your body while maintaining warmth. The Kari Traa Floke is just that. Made from a wool-Lenzing Modal blend (a type of beechwood), this medium-weight top offers natural odor resistance and breathability while on trail. But, it’s not restrictive thanks to four-way stretch and underarm panels that keep you mobile. Bonus: that pattern.

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Smartwool Smartloft 60 Hoodie Vest 

The Smartwool Smartloft 60 Hoodie Vest is great for cardio, and the hood gives you some extra protection in the wind or rain.
The Smartwool Smartloft 60 Hoodie Vest is great for cardio, and the hood gives you some extra protection in the wind or rain.
Graphic: Shep McAllister

Next on the list is insulation. This goes over top your baselayer for warmth on chilly days. My current favorite: the Smartloft 60 Hoodie vest. Constructed from 50% recycled insulation, it also boasts wind protection and a DWR coating to shed light precip. Vests are a great bet for high-cardio activities since it is easy to dump heat, but the Smartloft 60 still packs up relatively small for storage.

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Salomon Agile Hoodie

A good shell like the Salomon Agile Hoodie can protect you from the autumn breeze, but well-placed vents keep you from getting too hot inside.
A good shell like the Salomon Agile Hoodie can protect you from the autumn breeze, but well-placed vents keep you from getting too hot inside.
Graphic: Shep McAllister
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Your last line of defense on your upper body is an exterior layer, or shell. The Salomon Agile jacket is water-resistant yet breathable thanks to core vents that dump heat in a hurry. Reflective features provide visibility during the darker hours, and a longer hem provides back coverage to keep your tail end protected. At a mere four ounces, the Agile is ultralight and easily packable too, making it a no brainer on trail days.

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Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights

Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights are flexible like yoga tights, but reinforced for use out on the trail.
Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights are flexible like yoga tights, but reinforced for use out on the trail.
Graphic: Shep McAllister

Shorts are great for summer but once the weather turns, you’ll want a pair pants to keep your legs warm and concealed from Mother Nature’s wrath. The Abisko Trekking Tights are a perfect blend of yoga tights and hiking pants. Four-way stretch fabric hugs your legs just like a standard workout tight, but the butt and knees are reinforced with a polyamide-blend that is uber durable. Unlike regular tights, you can sit on rocks or crawl around on your knees without fear of snagging anything. How’s that for a win?

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Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock Cushion

Darn Tough’s merino wool socks are some of the best that money can buy, and they even include an unconditional lifetime warranty.
Darn Tough’s merino wool socks are some of the best that money can buy, and they even include an unconditional lifetime warranty.
Graphic: Shep McAllister
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Every hiker needs a good pair of socks and Darn Tough’s are tough to beat. This merino wool pair fits snugly without any slippage while wicking sweat away. Mid-level cushioning underfoot offers protection without feeling bulky inside your shoe. Bonus: Darn Tough products come with an unconditional lifetime guarantee. If you’re not psyched, take ‘em back and find another.

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Lem’s Boulder Boot

Lems’  Boulder Boot is designed for women, and looks great while providing plenty of support and protection from the elements.
Lems’ Boulder Boot is designed for women, and looks great while providing plenty of support and protection from the elements.
Graphic: Shep McAllister
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Fall trekking calls for a burlier boot, but you won’t need the full-on protection of a winter hiker (at least, not yet!) The Boulder Boot seamlessly blends style with function for the majority of adventures. It’s naturally shaped for a women’s foot with a wider toe box for plenty of wiggle room. A rubber outsole sticks to mellow trails and works great on travel days, too. Note: These are zero drop, so ease into the mileage if you are not yet accustomed to a larger heel-toe drop.