What to wear when hiking in the fall. Autumn hikes

What to take on a hike? What should I wear?

This is the first thing you need to decide before going on a hike, because you need to take a lot, but what exactly remains a mystery.

The art of hiking is to use unnecessary things to replace forgotten ones.

Well, think about it in your head in advance, if this is one overnight stay in nature, then departure-arrival-preparation for the overnight stay-food-rest-sleep-food-gathering... Like a barbecue with an overnight stay.
It all depends on the weather conditions and the location of the route...

Shoes

Shoes are the most important part of any hike. Because you can travel with a bad backpack, a leaky tent, put everything on yourself, spend the night in a cold sleeping bag, but if you have uncomfortable shoes, the path to Calvary is guaranteed for you (dropsy or bloody blisters will be your companions). Shoes should support the ankle, have a sole with good grip and be comfortable. Leather trekking boots are perfect for this purpose (an exception may be the summer Crimea). Read about how to choose hiking shoes and how to try on hiking boots when purchasing. Trekking sandals or ordinary solid rubber slippers are suitable as additional footwear. After a day's trek, it is very pleasant to change your shoes in the parking lot; your feet will rest all evening.

Socks

Just as important as shoes. Trekking socks have nothing in common with regular socks except their shape. These socks include a special material that wicks moisture away from the feet, keeping the feet dry and not chafed. They also have a so-called “extended loop” inside, which softens the interaction between the shoe and the foot. Cotton socks should only be worn as a last resort.

Trousers

Walking pants should be light, durable, not restrict movement and, if possible, not blown away by the wind (for spring-autumn hikes) and at the same time “breathe” well. I’ll say right away that this is not a space development, but completely affordable clothing.

Thermal underwear

Just like socks, thermal underwear (thermal T-shirt) allows you to feel much more comfortable during the day. Having a special The fabric of such clothing wicks sweat away from the body and dries quickly during the rest. While a cotton T-shirt will stick unpleasantly to the body.

Fleece

At any moment the temperature can drop significantly. In this case, you need to have warm clothes with you. Fleece jackets (Polartec) do this well. Fleece is a very light, synthetic fabric consisting of hollow fibers. Thanks to this feature, the fleece jacket warms even when wet. One sweatshirt is enough for you.

Jacket (windbreaker)

A very necessary thing. Protects from both wind and rain. Moreover, it is desirable that there is no insulation in it. In general, I recommend dressing in layers, like cabbage. For what? It's easier to show with an example. When you go on a hike, you actually go straight up the mountain. Behind your back is a brand new, freshly packed backpack, about 13-25 kilograms... You are wearing thermal underwear, not very thick fleece and a jacket with insulation. Thermal underwear actively puffs, removing moisture, but so much moisture is released that thermal underwear with micropumps has not yet been invented. And then a brilliant thought comes: “Should I take off my jacket?!” Yes, take off your jacket, but the breeze gets through your fleece and thermal underwear. Let's take off the fleece then. But a jacket with insulation still promotes the active release of moisture, and after removing the fleece, the picture practically did not change from the original...

Panama (cap, bandana, buff)

These hats are designed to protect your head from the sun's rays. A cap protects your face better than a Panama hat, but be prepared for your ears to get burned. The most suitable option for a hike is with wide-brimmed hats, however, in the event of wind, the hats now and then try to fly away from their owner. The buff is a very convenient and practical thing; you can do a lot of interesting things with it, from a bandage around your neck to a light hat on your head. What to take on a hike is up to you. The main thing is not to forget to wear a hat in sunny weather.

Backpack
I stick to the following: for a 2-3 day hike, the volume of the backpack should be 40-60 liters. This volume allows you to fit all your things inside, thanks to which the center of gravity of the backpack is as close as possible to the back. To lighten the backpack and reduce its volume, only very necessary things are used, the more compact the better.

Tent, awning

There are many different modifications of tents with different purposes, so it is unrealistic to consider everything here. I will only write that one of the key parameters of a tent is weight. The lighter the tent, the better! Traditionally, the weight calculation is as follows: 1-1.2 kg per person, i.e. A 3-person tent should weigh approximately 3-3.7 kg. And of course it is best to choose a two-layer one. If we consider an awning, its use is most convenient during the period when there is no air flow and you just need to protect yourself from precipitation.

Sleeping bag

I’ll say right away that it’s better to play it safe here. All sleeping bags have a so-called comfort temperature. It is always indicated on the sleeping bag and means that at a given “overboard” temperature, the average person will sleep comfortably. However, all people are different and tolerate temperature differently. Therefore, the sleeping bag should be warm enough for spring-autumn hikes - T comfort should be in the region of “minus”2 - “minus”6, because as you know: “steam doesn’t ache your bones.” But this does not mean that in the summer you should take a sleeping bag with you at -15 Celsius. Here, too, weight plays a big role - a summer sleeping bag weighs one kilogram less than a winter one.

Rug

The simplest one is cheap and cheerful. There are also self-inflating, super-light ones, with the effect of a thermos... If you like hiking, then you will figure it out yourself and choose the thickness/width/length you need.

Raincoat, backpack cover, trash bag

It is very advisable to have a cover for your backpack with you, since all backpacks get wet sooner or later in the rain. An alternative is a poncho raincoat, which covers a person along with a backpack. In general, things should be in plastic bags (garbage bags are great for this).

KLMN (Mug+Spoon+Bowl+Knife)

On any hike you need to eat. Of course, you can eat with your hands like China and India. In fact, you can save on a bowl by taking a large mug with you. But this saving is not for the lazy, because the mug will have to be washed after porridge before tea.

Headlamp, manual

The most necessary thing. The scope of application is wherever light is needed: from cooking to signaling. Modern diode lights are very different from their “grandmothers” and “grandfathers”. Equipped with high-power diodes in combination with optical focusing amplifiers give strong light, and due to their efficiency they allow VERY long time- 100 hours of continuous glow. During a hike, the daily need for a flashlight is 1.5-3 hours.

Matches, lighter

Matches are a strategic item on a hike. Each participant must have it in a sealed package. Because without a fire it becomes very sad, both literally and figuratively. You won't last long on bread and canned food. A more extravagant alternative to matches is flint. Making a fire is not as convenient for them as it is with matches, but it is a fail-safe method. Flint is not afraid of water, does not get damp, does not break, and practically never runs out. Well, this is a fun way to start a fire.

Bowler

You will need to brew the same aromatic tea somewhere, prepare fish soup if you are fishing, buckwheat, pasta, dumplings. An army kit is best suited for such purposes.
A pot plus a frying pan lid.

Spices

Salt, pepper, seasoning, vegetable oil, tea leaves, sugar along the way you can pick berries, mint...

First aid kit

To avoid taking extra medications or forgetting something, pack your first aid kit according to to the following list basic medications that may be useful for first aid:
sterile and non-sterile bandages
elastic bandage
tourniquet
bactericidal plaster and in roll
hydrogen peroxide
iodine
potassium permanganate
Albucid or Sofradex
panthenol
validol
ammonia
analgin or baralgin
citramon
fenkarol or suprastin
no-shpa
bellalgin
activated carbon

Axe, saw, sapper shovel

With their help, you can quickly prepare firewood, cut comfortable logs for sitting by the fire, and perfectly equip and landscape your base camp. It is transported in a case made of dense material.

1. For overnight stay and rest

Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Poncho (rain cape)
- Rug (karemat)
- Mat - seat
- Inflatable pillow
- Light blanket
- Shelter with posts and guy ropes
- Hammock

2. For cooking and eating

Army or combined bowler hat
- Set of utensils: saucepan + lid-frying pan
- Metal bowl
- Mug
- Spoon
- Knife
- Gas-burner
- Gas cylinder
- Mini oven with dry fuel
- Fire hooks and rope
- Sponge for washing dishes
- Detergent (150-200 g)

3. Means of communication, signaling and orientation

Mobile phone
- Whistle
- Heliograph
- Flashlight
- GPS receiver
- Compass
- Map
- Photo-video equipment

Autumn and the onset of cold weather are not a reason to sit at home and deny yourself active recreation. People who are keen on tourism go hiking at any time of the year and know well: there is no bad weather for hiking, only bad equipment. At quality clothes, shoes, sleeping bag and tent, you can successfully go both in autumn and in winter mountains, and such a trip will become one of the most vivid memories for many years.

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

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

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

When packing, you need to take into account when and in what region the hike is taking place, what the expected temperature at night is (affects the choice of sleeping bag and the amount of warm clothing). Of course, it is recommended to check the weather forecast 1-2 days before departure, but here there is an important clarification: no matter how favorable it may be, warm and waterproof clothing is a must! The off-season is characterized by a sharp change in temperature, 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 mountainous areas, where the weather changes very quickly and often snow falls in September-October. Even quite experienced tourists are caught with insufficient foresight in a situation where, on an autumn hike in the middle mountains (up to 2500-3000 meters), they expect the same favorable weather as on the plain. This is a mistake: even in the case of simple autumn trekking in mountainous areas 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 down jackets, fleece jackets and all kinds of sweaters available at home, but in your arsenal there should be one truly warm thing for every part of the body, including your hands should be protected from the cold and wind hands, head and face.

So what equipment should you choose for an autumn hike? Let's start, perhaps, 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! What's so great about these trekking shoes?

Holds the ankle well, preventing sprains and more serious foot injuries;
- a dense sole made of special materials cushions the foot;
- protects well from moisture thanks to water-repellent impregnation;
- protection of fingers and the entire foot from mechanical damage;
- and of course, as banal as it may be, it’s warmer in boots.

Let us remind you Golden Rule: the boots should be worn in and a little too big for you (about a size and a half). This is important, because when descending in boots that are exactly the right size, your toes will hit the hard toe of the shoe, and this, believe me, is very painful and unpleasant. Typical story: a friend bought wonderful boots from the famous brand Asolo, which were purchased exactly in size and provided him with broken toes on his first hike - he subsequently could not wear them. In addition, a spare size will not be superfluous if you decide to wear warm, thick socks.

However, not only quality is important, but also proper care of trekking shoes. So, you can use, which protects hiking and sports shoes from water and dirt, and also extends their service life. This is important, since reliable shoes on a hike 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 ones 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 and rain.
• The middle layer (fleece jacket, polar jacket) - warms.
• The bottom layer (T-shirt) provides comfort and dryness.

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

Even twenty years ago, storm boots were made of thin tarpaulin. Now synthetic materials have appeared (nylon, lavsan, cordura, windstopper), which are lighter than tarpaulin and better resist abrasion, that is, they last longer. In addition, they dry quickly when wet.

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

You can choose a suitable trouser model for the off-season, including one with good waterproof performance, in, we recommend the model - One of the most versatile waterproof and windproof models in the range. Also a good thing are self-release pants, which 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 down jacket or a warm jacket with you: if it is quite warm in a windbreaker and fleece while walking, then in the parking lot this will not be enough.

The outer layer also includes a hat: on an autumn hike, you must take a warm hat made of wool or fleece, as well as warm gloves (it’s better to have two pairs, so that when one gets wet, you have a supply of dry ones).

Another super thing for an autumn hike, distinguished by its functionality, is the so-called. This includes a bandana, a headdress, a scarf, and face protection. The design of the Buff bandana is unique - this thing can be worn on the head 12 different ways. In cold weather, piercing wind or snow, this transformer is simply irreplaceable; the picture below shows the main ways of using it.

Middle layer of clothing- provides thermal comfort. When going on a hike, you should always take warm clothes - a sweater, a jacket, warm pants, which can be worn under a windbreaker or storm trousers. Previously, almost the only material for manufacturing warm clothes It was natural wool. Wool has a very important property - it warms, even when wet. Currently, synthetic materials have appeared (polar, fleece) that warm as well as wool, but at the same time do not have the disadvantages of wool - they are lighter, better resistant to wear and do not shrink when washed.

Today, fleece jackets are a must-have attribute of basic hiking equipment and are owned by everyone who loves and goes hiking. You can choose 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 common parlance, termukha), which is made from synthetic (or semi-synthetic) materials, and it is not necessarily warm underwear. Its main purpose is to absorb moisture released human body, and take it outside, preventing heat loss and leaving the skin dry. Thermal underwear should fit snugly to the body.

Sometimes thermal underwear is called warm underwear. These are the same T-shirts, panties, and socks that are made from modern synthetic wool substitutes (although they may also contain natural wool). It makes sense to use them in the cold season. How to distinguish warm underwear from moisture-wicking underwear? By appearance- moisture-wicking underwear should fit tightly to the body, and warm underwear should be loose.

Travel mat and seat

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

So, we have described the main, basic recommendations for choosing camping equipment for an autumn hike. The article does not indicate such universal things as a backpack, a flashlight, dishes, trekking poles, hygiene items, a first aid kit: all this is assumed 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 to protect from wind and moisture).

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

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

Unforgettable hikes for everyone in all seasons!

1) Backpack.

For long-distance hiking, a good backpack volume is 55-65 liters. I use the Red Fox Voyadger 55 backpack. Its advantages are its compactness and spaciousness. Everything I need on a hike easily fits into it. The backpack is suitable for any type of tourism. Thanks to the Active suspension system, it is comfortable to carry even with a heavy load. Plus there are very convenient compartments for small items at the top and excellent pockets on the waist belt. In general, I took the backpack under myself and I recommend that you do the same. Just take into account the basic criteria when choosing a backpack for hiking.
-Volume (55-65 liters). Try to compare the number of things you need and the volume of your backpack.
-Convenience and reliability of the suspension system. The backpack should fit like a glove, support your back, the straps should not loosen from more weight backpack
-Presence of handy pockets for small items. Ultimately, they always help out when water, a compass, a telephone, a navigator, and so on are at hand.
-Resistance of materials to damage and external influences.
A waterproof cape/case for your backpack would also be useful. It will protect your things from moisture and dirt. And in the future, your backpack will last longer and look better.

2) Sleeping bag.

My advice is the warmer the better, but without fanaticism. If it gets hot, you can unzip the sleeping bag and ventilate it. I use a 2009 Freetime Condor 250 XL sleeping bag. Extreme temperatures up to -7. This model has a hood, the presence of which can be said to be necessary. Although this sleeping bag does not quite suit me. It is better to focus on the criteria listed below:
— Temperature: comfort -5(-10), extreme -15(-20).
- Weight. An important factor: up to 2 kg.
— Size: this is individual, depending on your build.
It is advisable to pack your sleeping bag in a waterproof cover or plastic bag (a trash bag will do). Otherwise, it will absorb moisture and lose its heat-protective properties. Also helpful information There are also sleeping bags.

3) Tent.

The important criterion here is weight. If you are going on a hike with 2-3 people, then the weight of the tent should preferably not exceed 3.5 kg, ideally 2.5 kg. The three of us go and every other time we take a tent. I described in detail all its pros and cons. When purchasing a tent, I suggest relying on the following criteria:
-Weight: it can be distributed at the rate of 1 kg per hiker.
-Water resistance of the awning: I advise from 4000 mm, but not less than 3000 mm for sure.
-Assembled size: usually 45x15 cm.
Also pay attention to the size of the floor, there should be enough space for everyone. The tent must be well ventilated. This is possible when the tent has 2 entrances and ventilation windows.

4) Karemat.

Tourist rug. You lose a lot of heat through the ground, and to avoid this good people they came up with a karemat. The main criterion is the thickness and weight of the mat. It is optimal to take a mat 14-16 mm thick, weighing 0.6-0.8 kg. You also need to buy a seat as part of the kit for the seat mat (a piece of the seat mat to which an elastic band is attached. It is with the help of this that the seat seat is attached to your belt. You can make it yourself, or you can buy it in a store, they are not expensive.

5) Shoes.

Trekking boots. Good review you can read. You need to take the choice of shoes very seriously. Shoes are an expense item on which I would not skimp. Boots should be sufficiently waterproof and be as comfortable as possible when walking. The inner surface of the boot must be treated in a special way to breathe and absorb sweat well. This is achieved by using special moisture-absorbing insoles and breathable inner coverings. Of the natural materials used for interior finishing of shoes, linen is optimal. In new models, the inner liner is made of synthetic material such as Gore-Tex. These shoes will keep you warm and dry in almost any circumstances. Such materials are “breathable”, remove sweat outward, thereby preventing the foot from sweating and, at the same time, thanks to the membrane structure, they prevent rain or other water from the street from getting into the boot. Hiking shoes should match the size of the foot as much as possible. The fact is that tight or excessively loose shoes disrupt the normal functioning of the foot and lead to the formation of abrasions, calluses, diaper rash, and bent toes. It is acceptable to purchase shoes 1 - 2 sizes larger than your foot size. This is done so that if you use an additional insole or several socks, the shoes do not sting.

6) Clothes.

Here in order:
—thermal underwear, two sets are possible. Although I make do with one.
—fleece jacket. Fleece is a soft and comfortable material. Breathes well, weighs little, dries quickly, retains heat well.
—trousers, preferably a jumpsuit. Trousers must have sufficient wind and moisture protection. Be durable and comfortable to walk on. It is desirable that they be made of high-tech materials. Breathable and waterproof. They can also be treated with special waterproof impregnations.
—jacket. The main criteria are wind and moisture protection. It should also be warm enough for autumn hikes. The jacket, like the trousers, should preferably be made of modern, breathable materials. And it can be treated with impregnations that protect it from getting wet.
—headdress/hat. A person loses a lot of heat through his head. So a hat is a must-have item in your outfit.
—gloves. Ideally, they should be light and quick-drying.
—socks. At least two pairs of good trekking socks that dry quickly and retain heat well. I take another pair of wool socks and wear them at night.
This is the minimum for clothing. I get by with them easily. You shouldn’t take too much on a hike, especially if you plan to travel long distances. If the night temperature according to the forecast drops to -5 (-10) I have a woolen sweater with me. Just in case.

7) Headlamp.

Before going on a hike, it’s better to play it safe and change/charge the batteries.

8) First aid kit.

You must take basic medical supplies with you.
-Sterile bandage – 1 pc.
-Elastic bandage – 1 pc.
-Bactericidal patch - 10-20 pcs.
-Iodine or brilliant green – 1 bottle.
-Activated carbon – 1-2 packs.
-Remedy for colds, runny nose and headaches.
-Cure for your personal illnesses.

9) Individual repair kit.

Having an individual repair kit is not necessary, but still desirable. In case of a small emergency, for example, a broken/lost backpack buckle, he will help you deal with the problem.

10) Matches.

Everyone must take matches on a hike; they must be hermetically sealed. After all, wet matches on a hike are an extremely undesirable occurrence. You can wrap a box of matches in plastic and wrap it with tape. The second option is to put as many matches and a grater as possible into a box of photographic film or vitamins; such packaging will not get wet, even if it falls into water.

11) Ax (machete) or camp saw.

To quickly chop wood and arrange a camp site.

12) Knife.

A small knife with a small set of functions is enough.

13) Dishes.

Consider weight. It could be plastic, but somehow steel is more practical, although it loses in weight. Key points:
-mug
-Bowl
-spoon fork

14) Water flask or thermos.

At sub-zero temperatures, make sure that the water in the flask does not freeze.

15) Camera.

When choosing a camera, you need to consider the weight of the camera. A good DSLR camera with a powerful lens can and will take good pictures, but the weight of a camera over 400 grams is unacceptable. Also, don’t forget additional batteries and waterproof covers for your equipment.

16) Map and compass.

Things without which navigation will be extremely difficult. Even in cases where you follow a familiar route.

17) Notepad and pencil.

Making notes, writing any observations, comments on photos is always entertaining and usually useful.

18) Food.

I will devote a separate article to this point in the future. In the meantime, I’ll orient you according to the main criteria. The appetite in nature never ceases to amaze. Eating outdoors is a nice thing to do. But don't forget about the basic nutritional points. Don’t fill your stomach to capacity with just anything. It is advisable not to mix proteins and carbohydrates. Try not to overeat at night. When hiking, the weight of supplies is important. Try to reduce it as much as possible. It’s good to take cereals, buckwheat, and rolled oats with you. They cook well and have a high energy value. Dried fruits and nuts are also indispensable on a hike. Tea, there is nothing better than a mug of tea by the fire. We try to take peas, corn, and beans from canned food. They are energetically valuable, well absorbed and digested better than meat. Don't forget bread and salt.
Finally, I would like to add that the weight of a backpack for a hiking trip should not exceed 10 kg. To enjoy the hike, you need to move easily. Today there is a lot of excellent and varied equipment on the travel goods market. So go for it. Just don't forget any important things at home. Travel more often. Visit to keep up to date with travel news.

Kirillov Konstantin

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Timofeev Nikolay
friend of the City Escape club

Summer, as always, flew by very quickly, and now autumn is on the doorstep - September has arrived. The days are still warm, but the nights have become 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: a vole mouse is filling its pantry with grain, a squirrel is hanging mushrooms on the trees, beavers are harvesting aspen and willow, a hedgehog is arranging a nest for hibernation, and geese and ducks are gathering into flocks and make test flights - preparing for the final flight.

I've always loved autumn. I like to wander through autumn fields and forests, immerse myself in this riot of colors of fading nature. At such moments, a kind of inspiration also comes to 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 sudden 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 the fall are sometimes so dirty and wet that it’s time to get on an all-terrain vehicle. Unfortunately, such factors can scare off many 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 incorrectly selected equipment.

So how to dress for a hike in the cold season?

When going on a simple hike in the summer, all you need to do is take with you a few spare T-shirts, a hat, a jacket for the evening, comfortable sneakers and a raincoat. We look at the basic set of equipment for a hike in more detail in our other article - be sure to read it. You should be very careful when choosing clothes for an autumn, and even more so, a winter hike. So, in order:

1. There should always be two pairs of shoes. I got one wet on the way, put on dry ones in the evening at camp, and dried the first pair by the fire. It's dry to walk in rubber boots, but it's uncomfortable for long distances. It is ideal to go in trekking boots, and take light sneakers as a second pair. Any shoes should be broken in before the hike. The first aid kit must have a band-aid in case of abrasions and calluses. You can dry your shoes by a fire, or by stuffing dry grass (newspapers) inside, but it is worth remembering that such a system only works at above-zero temperatures (for example, inside a tent), and modern shoes often fall apart near a fire. Therefore, it is best to dry shoes without harsh heat (in the sun or using dry grass/newspaper).

2. You can wear regular cotton socks or buy special trekking ones - with reinforced heels and toes, made of modern synthetic materials. It's always a good idea to have one pair of wool socks with you, and late autumn and in winter it is better to take two or three pairs. Material: 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 your sleeping bag), and overnight they will dry like a radiator.

3. Bottom layer. This is thermal underwear - pants and a jacket. Their main purpose is to remove moisture from the body into the outer layers of clothing. One of the options for classifying thermal underwear is by the degree of expected activity: you will be wearing it skiing, mountaineering, or going ice fishing - the 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 from Gore-Tex membrane fabric, distinctive feature which is absolute moisture protection without loss of breathability. Such jackets are quite expensive and you feel somehow uncomfortable in them, 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 windbreak. On a ski trip, this may be necessary at a rest stop to stay warm, or in the evening at camp. It will almost certainly be too hot to move around in a down jacket, but with such a set you won’t be afraid of even very severe frost.

7. A fleece hat is almost always comfortable on your head. It's useful 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 the wind and other bad weather.

8. Fleece gloves are very comfortable on your hands - both in autumn and winter. If it gets cold in winter, you can change into thicker gloves with insulation, but it’s better to wear mittens. The warmest ones are down ones.

Now you can avoid many mistakes when choosing hiking clothes. Of course, this is not exhaustive information - you could 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 hikes!

Timofeev Nikolay
friend of the City Escape club

Food on a hike in autumn

If you are going on a one-day hike, do not neglect this point. Any human activity is accompanied by a loss of strength, calories and an increase in appetite. In addition, a well-timed snack helps keep you warm. Do not neglect small lunches, your body will be grateful to you and respond to this with new strength and good mood.

So, on a one-day trip, a tourist will need a thermos of hot tea and any favorite food products. Sandwiches, buns, fruits, vegetables, anything are suitable for a snack - nothing will have time to spoil in half a day, and even more so in cool weather.

On a two-day hike, it is important to have hot food for breakfast and dinner, and leave lunch for a snack with hot tea. However, it is better to avoid any quickly brewed foods (noodles, purees, soups instant cooking). It is worth taking with you normal food, with vegetables and fruits, so that the nutrition is complete. It is advisable to avoid glass containers; it is better to replace them with reusable ones plastic containers, and pour the liquids into PET bottles.

On multi-day hikes, meals should be regular, satisfying and complete (as far as possible in independent travel). Instantly brewed products are excluded; there is no benefit from them. To save weight, freeze-dried foods are sometimes used. But try to save weight not on food, but on other things in your backpack. If it’s porridge, then let it be with butter and powdered milk, with the addition of dried fruits or candied fruits. If it’s soup, then with potatoes, stewed meat and dried vegetables (you can buy them or dry them yourself in the oven). If there is tea, then with sugar, cookies and sweets (and it is better that tourists have a choice of what to drink - tea, coffee or cocoa). Dinner should be denser than other meals. Don’t forget, good nutrition on a hike is not only a replenishment of expended energy, but also a guarantee of a good psychological environment in the group.

What else do you need on a hike?

For one day, a backpack of up to 30 liters is enough, even a school bag will do. Before longer hikes, choose your backpack very carefully. This is your future companion who will sit on your shoulders and will not leave them until the end of the journey. The choice of backpack volume primarily depends on the size of the equipment that will be placed there. You shouldn't take a backpack with extra. The larger the backpack, the more it weighs. Do not try on the backpack unloaded; ask the sellers to put something weighty in the backpack. This will make it clear whether this model is convenient for you or not. For PVD (weekend hikes) backpacks from 45 to 65 liters are suitable, for longer hikes - from 60 to 100 liters. Buy a cover for your backpack right away; it will protect the contents from getting wet.

Tent.

For the autumn period, it is better to choose a two-layer tent, since condensation accumulates more in a single-layer tent, and it is better ventilated. Pay attention to the bottom of the tent and its awning. The bottom indicators must be at least 6000 mm of water column, and the awning - at least 4000 mm. The frame must be frost-resistant, so I advise you to opt for aluminum arches.

Travel mat (foam). The main concern of a tourist is not to freeze at night. The earth cools quickly in the fall, and the cold comes mainly from it. Thicker mats will help, I recommend choosing a mat that is at least 12mm thick.

Sleeping bag. It should be two or three layers, with a comfort temperature corresponding to the nighttime forecast temperature.

Personal utensils. The best dishes are plastic, but the kind that can withstand high temperature. The metal gets very hot and burns.

Flashlight. IN day trips You can do without it, unless you have to go to a cave.

Personal first aid kit with essentials. The risk of injury or injury is always and everywhere, but when traveling this risk is greater than when Everyday life. Be especially careful on ridges and rocks; wet stones are very slippery.

Matchbox. In sealed packaging to ensure it doesn't get wet.

Charged mobile phone. Even if you are going on a one-day hike, the communication device should be in good working order and ready to be used instantly to call for help.

Compass and map of the hiking area. It's better to be safe, especially if you're new to hiking.

Personal hygiene items.

Camera - optional. Autumn is a very beautiful time of year, which will give you a rich variety of picturesque landscapes.

How to avoid freezing in a tent

Many people are put off by spending the night in a tent on autumn hikes. But if you prepare well, you can make an overnight stay in the cold season quite comfortable.

Don’t go into your sleeping bag already cold - warm up thoroughly by the fire or run, jump, and squat around the tent. Physical activity will get your blood flowing and keep you warm. Before going to bed, be sure to go to the toilet. This will save you from having to get up in the middle of the night. And the body also spends a lot of energy on “patience,” let the body spend these forces to warm you. Don't forget to wear a hat at night, most of the heat loss occurs on your head. If you start to freeze at night, place an empty backpack under your sleeping bag, and cover yourself with your jacket on top.

Some tourists pour water into a PET bottle and take it with them in their sleeping bag at night as a heating pad. However, this method is only suitable for a while to keep warm in the sleeping bag yourself. It is better to remove the bottle immediately before going to bed, since after one and a half to two hours it will cool down, and the effect of its presence will be the opposite.

Compact gas heaters and gas lamps help heat the tent. The former usually operate from a simple collet cylinder, the latter from threaded cylinders. The efficiency from the heater is not even discussed, but from the lamp it is acceptable (at zero degrees outside, the lamp can heat the temperature in a three-person tent to +10 degrees). These useful things are sold in tourist equipment stores. But! Never heat a tent with a torch! This is very dangerous, modern tents are made of synthetic materials that burn in a matter of seconds!

If you foresee in advance the possibility of combining two sleeping bags into one large one, then sleeping with a friend may be warmer. Use each other as living hot water bottles, don't be shy! Lay down in the tent correctly - the colder areas on the edges of the tent are usually occupied by young people, and the girls are placed in the middle. On particularly cold nights, go to bed alternately: boy-girl, boy-girl (men’s body temperature is slightly higher during exercise than girls, so sleeping next to them is much warmer).

I would like to debunk the myth about keeping warm with alcoholic drinks. Our body is designed in such a way that the vital organs are located in the logical center of the body - chest and abdominal area. This helps maintain optimal temperature body. When a person drinks alcohol, a sharp dilation of blood vessels occurs. Blood from the organs through the vessels quickly spreads throughout the body, it seems that we are warm, sometimes even hot. But at the same time, the body begins to remove alcohol from the blood, the blood vessels narrow, and serious heat loss occurs. The person begins to freeze. However, under the influence of alcohol, he may not feel this hypothermia, which has a detrimental effect on the entire body in the future. So warming yourself with alcohol is useless and even dangerous. Take care of yourself!

For anyone going hiking soon, don’t pay attention to the vagaries of autumn. Get a lot of impressions and positive emotions.