Fall is the best hiking season of the year: cooler temps, golden trees, fewer crowds. But fall weather can swing from sunny to sleet in a single afternoon, and wildlife is extra active. This checklist covers everything we pack for a fall day hike, from layers to the one safety item you cannot bring on a plane.
Hiking in Bear Country This Fall? Start Here
Fall is when bears are most active as they bulk up for winter. If you are hiking in Yellowstone, Glacier, the Tetons, the Smokies or the Rockies, bear spray is the first thing on this list. We like SABRE FRONTIERSMAN MAX with a belt holster, EPA-registered for 9 species, including bears and mountain lions.
Safety Essentials
- Bear spray. SABRE FRONTIERSMAN MAX Bear and Mountain Lion Spray sprays up to 40 feet (9.2 oz size). Flying to your trailhead? You cannot bring it on the plane. Read Can You Fly With Bear Spray? for tips on how to get it there.
- A holster for that spray. Bear spray only works if you can reach it fast. The 7.9 oz with belt holster is a lighter option.
- Bear spray for two. Hiking as a pair? Each person should carry their own. Grab the 9.2 oz 2-pack with 2 holsters or the 7.9 oz 2-pack. Already own a holster? Get the 9.2 oz or 7.9 oz canister on its own.
- A first aid kit. This compact backpacking first aid kit covers blisters, scrapes and the basics.
- A headlamp. Fall days are shorter than you think. Pack a rechargeable headlamp even on a day hike.
- Something bright. Fall is also hunting season in many areas. A blaze orange vest or hat makes you easy to spot.
Layers for Fall Weather
- A packable puffer. This Outdoor Ventures packable puffer squishes into your pack for chilly summits.
- A softshell vest. The Outdoor Ventures fleece-lined softshell vest blocks wind without overheating on the climb.
- A real rain jacket. The Columbia Lillian Ridge II waterproof rain jacket is a solid pick for fall storms.
- Backup ponchos. Toss a couple of these disposable rain ponchos in for the kids or a surprise downpour.
- Merino wool socks. These merino wool hiking socks stay warm even when damp.
- Touchscreen glove liners. These lightweight touchscreen gloves keep fingers warm and still work for trail photos.
Pack and Carry
- A small daypack or sling. The Osprey Daylite sling is just right for short hikes.
- An insulated bottle. This RTIC 20 oz bottle keeps cocoa hot or water cold.
- A portable charger. Cold drains phone batteries fast. The Anker 20,000mAh power bank keeps your map and camera going.
- A dry bag. This waterproof dry bag protects your phone and layers from rain and creek crossings.
- Trekking poles. Wet leaves make descents slippery. Collapsible trekking poles save your knees.
Little Extras That Make the Day
- SPF lip balm. Fall sun and wind are tough on lips. Grab an SPF lip balm.
- Binoculars. Fall is prime time for wildlife watching, from a safe distance. These compact binoculars fit in a pocket.
- Hand warmers. A few air-activated hand warmers for early starts and summit breaks.
- Trail snacks. Pack more than you think you need, and pack out every wrapper. Food smells attract wildlife.
Where to Hike This Fall
Need a destination? These guides are packed with fall hikes, and many are in bear country.
- The Ultimate Fall Bucket List for Cody, Wyoming, the gateway to Yellowstone
- Best Things to Do in Kalispell, Montana, near Glacier National Park
- Exploring the Teton Mountain Range in Autumn
- The Ultimate Tennessee Family Fall Break Guide
- 15 Epic One Day Hikes in the USA
- Ultimate Solo Guide to Juneau
SheBuysTravel writers have been where you’re going. We share our ground-truth experience to save you time, money and energy, making your trips easier. Been There. Bought That. Since 2006.
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