Packing For Shoulder Season

Gear | 2 weeks ago

Packing For The Unexpected

Shoulder season can be tricky to navigate: mornings cold enough to see your breath, afternoons warm enough that you’re down to a t-shirt, baking in the sun. This is one of our favorite times to hike, as the foliage turns and the crisp air feels refreshing. But it brings its own challenges: you’re packing for two seasons without knowing which one you’ll actually get on a given day. Here’s our guide to making sure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.

In shoulder season, layering is key. While your instinct might be to pack heavy, warm items, what’s more important is the ability to add or remove a layer quickly, without having to stop and dig through your pack. Temperatures can change dramatically from morning to afternoon, and afternoon to evening, so being able to adjust your outerwear easily is ideal. A moisture-wicking base layer, a packable insulating mid-layer or light vest that compresses down small, and a shell that handles both wind and a passing shower can all be added, removed, tied around your waist, or stored back in your pack as you move through the day. We love merino wool as a base layer. It regulates temperature in both directions, mitigates odor, and keeps you warm even if damp. That said, it isn’t the only option, and it isn’t always the most affordable one. A quality synthetic base layer wicks moisture and dries quickly for a fraction of the cost, though it tends to hold onto odor more than natural fibers do. Bamboo and lyocell fabrics (sometimes sold under names like Tencel) are worth a look too, both soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking, and generally gentler on your budget than merino. Secondhand is can also be a great option.

A windbreaker or shell like the Patagonia Houdini Jacket is high on our list as well. They pack down to nothing and add a decent amount of warmth for how light they are. If you’ve ever been hiking on a through trail to larger trail systems, like the PCT or Appalachian Trail, you’ve seen hikers finishing month-long treks with a pair of Converse and a radio, so at the end of the day, hike in what makes you comfortable, keeps you warm, and helps you stay dry regardless of brands and fibers. If we had to pick two things to spend our money on, it would be boots and rain gear; the rest we can cobble together if we need to.

While you might not need gloves and a hat, they earn their weight if the temperature drops. We’d rather pack them and hope they sit unused at the bottom of our bags than wish we had them with us. At altitude, mornings can drop to near freezing, and a lightweight pair of gloves you can hike in, along with a moisture-wicking hat, can save you from an uncomfortable first hour on the trail.

Similarly, a buff or scarf is a great multi-use item that packs down to next to nothing but makes a big impact. It works as a scarf, a hat, an ear cover, or a face shield against wind, dust, drizzle, and cold air.

Wool socks are a must. They manage moisture and hold warmth even if damp, which cotton or synthetic socks generally don’t. We recommend several pairs for hiking and one pair dedicated to evenings in a rifugio, where a pair of clean socks can feel more luxurious than a five-star hotel.

While it’s easy to remember your sunglasses in July, they’re easy to forget in October. But autumn light sits at a different angle than the summer sun, especially along open ridgelines, and can cause more glare than people expect. Pack a pair, along with a hat, to protect your eyes and keep your visibility from being impaired.

Huts and rifugios are very comfortable, but a slightly warmer sleeping layer than you’d bring in summer goes a long way. A light sweatshirt or a thick long-sleeve shirt dedicated to cozy nights inside is a smart choice.

Most of these items are lightweight and small, so they won’t add much bulk to your pack. They’re built for a shifting climate, keeping you warm in the mornings and evenings without weighing you down on hot afternoons, so you can fully enjoy one of our favorite seasons to hike.

If you’re unsure how a specific trip’s shoulder-season conditions tend to run, ask us. Conditions vary by route and by region, and we’re always happy to look back at past trips and provide guidance.

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