Written by: Anastasia (@anastasia.ventures)
Last October, I was stubbornly clinging to the idea of summer. I managed to convince a group of friends to go on a "glamping" backcountry hut trip, confident that autumn weather couldn't touch us. Day one was a success: a mild 15°C with a gentle breeze. Day two was a different story.
We headed out on a simple 8 km hike, feeling the temperatures plummet and the clouds drop with every step. Reaching the summit, we found ourselves swallowed whole by a freezing white cloud. There were no views, I was shivering, and then… tiny, cold drops tickled the tip of my nose.
I looked up into the fog as soft white flakes began to fall. It was then that I realized summer was long gone and I should have re-proofed my raincoat!
As the summer heat fades, fall brings some of the absolute best hiking of the year! Crisp air, gorgeous leaves, and sunrise times that aren’t terrifying. But shoulder season is also notoriously unpredictable. A sudden temperature drop, a relentless drizzle, or a muddy trail can quickly turn an idyllic autumn day into a sufferfest if your gear isn't ready.
Before you head out on the trails this season, take thirty minutes to perform a "Fall Gear Tune-Up." Here is how to clean, re-waterproof, and dial in your pack so you stay warm and dry all season long.
Step 1: Revive Your Rain Shell & Outerwear
At some point, we have all felt betrayed by a raincoat. We’ve thrown it on just to end up cold and wet, as if we hadn’t worn it at all. Contrary to popular belief, your jacket likely hasn't lost its waterproof membrane… it just needs a refresh!
Why does Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating fail?
Outerwear relies on a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating that causes water to bead up and roll off the fabric. Over time, dirt, sweat, body oils, and friction wear this coating down. When DWR fails, the outer fabric becomes saturated, a process called "wetting out." While moisture might not penetrate the inner membrane, the fabric can no longer breathe, trapping your sweat inside and leaving you feeling soaked.
The Water Droplet Test
Before washing, test your jacket: splash a few drops of water onto the shoulders and hood.
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Beads up and rolls off? You're good to go.
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Soaks in and darkens the fabric? It’s time for a wash and re-proof.
How to Restore Your Waterproof Shell
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Clean It First: Never use standard laundry detergent; it leaves behind chemical residues that attract water. Wash your shell with a technical cleaner (Nikwax Tech Wash or Storm Care Eco Proofer Wash). Make sure to follow the instructions on the container.
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Re-Apply DWR: If water still doesn't bead after washing, apply a spray-on or wash-in waterproofing treatment (like Nikwax TX.Direct). Spray-on treatments work best for lined garments so you don't coat the breathable interior.
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Activate with Heat: Check the garment’s care label first. If allowed, tumble dry on low/medium heat for 20 minutes to set the fresh DWR coating.
Step-by-Step Boot Restoration
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Clean the Mud and Grit: Pull out the laces and insoles. Use a soft brush and warm water (or a dedicated footwear gel cleaner) to scrub away dry dirt. Dirt acts like sand, abrading the fibers and leather every time you take a step.
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Condition & Waterproof:
Leather Boots: Apply a cream or wax-based leather conditioner to restore oils and seal seams (Grangers has a great package)
Synthetic/Suede Boots: Spray a dedicated footwear waterproofing spray onto damp boots so the treatment penetrates the upper materials.
*Add Gaiters to Your Setup: Waterproofing your boots won't help if water and mud splash in over the ankle. Pair your boots with a set of low or mid-height gaiters to seal out debris, slush, and wet grass.
Step 3: Swap Out Your Summer Pack Essentials
A summer daypack setup and an autumn setup are not the same. Swap these items out before you hit the trails.
What You Can Remove
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Bug spray
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Light mesh sun hats
What to Add
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Warm layers: A beanie, gloves (and/or hand warmers), and a mid-layer are a must. You may be sweating at the base and during the hike, but summit temperatures can feel freezing, especially if you're sweaty!
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Raincover or a dry bag: Rain is unpredictable. Even if you have a raincover for your bag, always pack your mid-layers, spare thermal socks, and warm gloves inside a lightweight dry bag (or heavy-duty Ziploc) inside your pack. Backpack fabric is rarely 100% waterproof, and you don’t want the gear that's supposed to keep you warm getting soaked.
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Insulated Water Bottles: Ditch the hydration bladders and switch to wide-mouth bottles or vacuum-insulated flasks filled with warm tea or hot water. In cold weather, water lines and bite valves can freeze or become uncomfortable to use.
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Microspikes: You may not need to use them on every hike, especially near sea level, but they are great to keep in your car at all times and pack on hikes with significant elevation.
Personally, I always keep extra gear in my car, such as nonperishable snacks/food, extra water, comfy dry shoes/Crocs, and an extra mid-layer. I also make sure to always pack a small blanket and a sleeping bag. This is my rule of thumb year-round, but I think it is especially important as we enter fall. If anything happens and you get stranded in your car, it is good to have a warm backup plan. Thankfully, I have never had to use my sleeping bag in an emergency, but I have definitely used it for impromptu outdoor hangouts like bonfires and sunset lookouts!
Step 4: Manage Cold-Weather Electronics & Daylight
With days getting rapidly shorter, late-afternoon hikes can turn dark faster than expected. Additionally, colder temperatures cause lithium-ion batteries in phones, headlamps, and GPS units to discharge at a much higher rate.
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Keep Devices Warm: Store your phone, camera batteries, and headlamp in an interior jacket pocket close to your body heat rather than in an exterior backpack pocket.
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Inspect Your Headlamp: Check your headlamp’s charge level, test the bulb brightness, and pack a small power bank or extra batteries.
Now you are fall-ready, and it is time to hit the trails!
Pat yourself on the back for taking 30 minutes to clean, re-waterproof, and reorganize your gear. Future you will be thankful!
Happy Fall Hiking!
