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Fall Hiking Essentials for Women Beginners (Plus Post-Hike Recovery Must-Haves)
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items Your complete fall hiking guide for beginner women who want to explore autumn trails safely and comfortably. This list includes everything you need for beautiful fall foliage hikes - from layering essentials and comfortable hiking boots to safety gea...
Sections
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What to Wear for Fall Hiking (Layering & Footwear)
Day Hiking Essentials & What to Pack
Hiking Safety & Navigation Must-Haves
Best Trail Snacks & Hydration for Hiking
Post-Hike Recovery Essentials for Sore Muscles
What to Wear for Fall Hiking (Layering & Footwear)
Discover the best fall hiking clothes and footwear for women. Learn how to layer properly for changing autumn temperatures with moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and weather-resistant outer shells. Plus find comfortable hiking boot...
These are the exact hiking boots I have and while they are a little bit of an investment, they are waterproof, they have great traction, and the ankle support SAVED me so many times just in my first day of wearing them. Trust me, if you are new to hi...
Oboz Women's Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof Boot
If you don't want the ankle support and want something that will be a little bit lighter on your feet, these hiking shoes still give your the comfort of being waterproof with great traction and will be less of a weight on your legs over the miles!
Oboz Cottonwood Low B-DRY Hiking Shoes - Women's | REI Co-op
Don't underestimate how quickly the weather can change, especially at higher altitudes. I love packing this jacket in case the wind picks up or if rain moves in. The hood can be cinched so you don't have your hood flying around, and when you don't ne...
33,000ft Women's Waterproof Lightweight Rain Jacket
Having a solid long sleeve shirt that is moisture wicking is a must have for hiking in the fall. While it might be chilly out, once you start hiking up a mountain the heat will build and you want something that will keep your core warm and dry!
REI Co-op Swiftland High-Low-Hem Long-Sleeve Running T-Shirt - Women's | REI Co-op
If you want a pair of leggings that you can wear on the trail or when your lounging, this is the pair. With 4 way stretch, these are super comfortable, but they are also moisture wicking, anti order, and of course… have pockets!
Free Country Trail 2 Town Tights - Women's | REI Co-op
If you want a pair of pants that can take you from fall to summer, these are the ones! They are water repellant, offer sun protection, and the lower portion can be zipped off to make them in to shorts!
REI Co-op Sahara Stretch Convertible Pants - Women's | REI Co-op
If you are hiking, Darn Tough are the socks I will always recommend. These socks are made with minero wool so they will keep your feet warm and dry (which is a must when hiking), but they also have reinforced toes and heels so they will last you a lo...
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks - Women's | REI Co-op
You loose a lot of heat through your head, so if you're getting chilly on a hike, throwing a beanie on will help keep you so much warmer. I love these beanies from Carhartt because they are nice and soft and stretchy, but they have also lasted me for...
Knit Cuffed Beanie
Having a pair of gloves in your pack is sucha. good idea when fall weather can turn from chilly to cold very quickly. These gloves will work with your smart phone and keep your hands nice and warm without being bulky.
HEATTECH Lined Gloves | Stretch | UNIQLO US
This vest has been one of my favorite pieces for everything, but I love bringing it hiking with me. It is lightweight, water resistant down, but it provides the perfect amount of warmth for a chilly autumn day, and if you get too hot it rolls up and ...
PUFFTECH Vest | UNIQLO US
Day Hiking Essentials & What to Pack
Never forget important gear again with this day hiking packing list. These hiking backpack essentials include the perfect daypack size, water bottles or hydration packs, sunscreen, bug spray, trekking poles, and trail maps. Everything you need for a ...
If you are serious about hiking regularly, you know that a good day pack can make a huge difference in your hike! This 21L bag can fit everything you need for the day, has breathable straps, has a hip and sternum strap, and even comes with an emergen...
Deuter Speed Lite 21 Pack | REI Co-op
Just like you need to stay dry on the trail, you're going to want to keep your pack dry too. This cheap cover will keep your pack and anything in it nice in dry if a rain storm pops up.
Frelaxy Hi-Vis Waterproof Backpack Cover
There's nothing worse than running out of clean water on a hike. This hydration pack will keep you hydrated during a long hike, but I still always bring an extra bottle of water just in case!
Hydration Bladder 1.5-3L for Hiking Backpack
While you may not always have cell service on a hike, most. modern cell phones can still get GPS so you can see where you are on the trail. This charger can be charged regularly or through solar and also doubles as a small flashlight.
Power-Bank-Solar-Charger 42800mAh Fast
Having a first aid kit with you at all times is a good idea, but even more important when you can be miles away from civilization. This small first aid kit is perfect for a day hike because it doesn't weigh a lot or take up a ton or room but still ho...
Day Hike First-Aid Kit
I use this stick for hiking but also for any other situation where chafing might cause irritation. Its basically like putting deodorant on, but it helps things glide across your skin so there's no rubbing or irritation that can make your hike less th...
For Her Anti-Chafing Skin Protectant - 0.8 oz
Not the most fun thing to think about, but this handy device can save you from squatting and getting some oddly placed bug bites or rashes from poisonous plants. I love that it easily folds up and has a case so you can keep it separate from everythin...
TRIPTIPS Foldable Female Urinal with Tube Case
When the weather starts to get cooler, it makes hiking so much more enjoyable, but when you go up in elevation sometimes the difference in the temperature can be more than you expect. This variety pack of warmers means you can keep your hands, toes, ...
HotHands Toe, Hand, & Body Warmer Variety Pack - Long Lasting Safe Natural Odorless Air Activated Warmers
When the weather starts to get cooler, it makes hiking so much more enjoyable, but when you go up in elevation sometimes the difference in the temperature can be more than you expect. This variety pack of warmers means you can keep your hands, toes, ...
HotHands Toe, Hand & Body Warmer Variety Pack
Not a fun topic, but these little pack out kits make SUCH a difference if nature calls while you're on a hike. Each pack comes with a hand sanitizer, a compact towel that expands with just a squirt of water, an odor eliminator, and a sealable double ...
Pack Out Kit - Package of 6
Blisters SUCK. These moleskin pads are SO important to prevent blisters BEFORE they happen. If you have an area that is prone to blisters, stick one of these bad boys on and it will help give you some extra cushion to keep those blisters from forming...
Welnove Moleskin Adhesive Blister Pads
A good multitool is always a good thing to have because you never know when you'll need one, but this one is also adorable, pink, and super affordable.
Multitool Hammer for Daily Life
Trekking poles can make a world of difference when it comes to a day hike. Weather it is uneven terrain, a step incline, or just a little support so your core, knees, and ankles don't have to take so much impact, I definitely recommend throwing grabb...
Covacure Trekking Poles Collapsible Hiking Poles
Even if you're popping in and out of the trees, sunscreen is still important. This stick is perfect to carry in your pack because its sunscreen and korean skincare in one.
Abib Airy Sunstick SPF50+ Broad Spectrum
Even though the weather will be cooling off and the bugs won't be as bad as they are in the summer time, its always a good idea to have some bug spray with you and on you! I love this DEET free version that still repels mosquitos and ticks and last u...
Ranger Ready Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray
Hiking Safety & Navigation Must-Haves
Stay safe on the trails with these essential hiking safety products for beginners. From bear spray and emergency whistles to GPS apps, portable phone chargers, headlamps, and basic first aid supplies - these items prepare you for unexpected situation...
It might sound silly, but sometimes you think you can hike faster than you actually can and the last thing you want is to be stuck on the trail in the dark. With a good, basic headlamp you can see the wilderness around you while still having your han...
Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp | REI Co-op
This tiny flashlight is always in my pack as a just in case. I love that it is small, light, and rechargable so I don't have to worry about carrying extra batteries with me.
G22R Flashlight
You never know when an emergency situation is going to happen and when you are out in the wilderness, you want to be prepared. This emergency blanket can help keep you warm and visible and can also be used as an emergency shelter if needed.
Emergency Blanket
Having an emergency whistle is very important when you're out hiking. If you get injured or separated from the group, you need a way to be able to call for help that is loud enough to travel a long distance. This whistle can clip on your pack or on t...
Whistles for LIFE Tri-Power Whistle | REI Co-op
I love using All Trails to explore the hikes in my area and plan out which ones I want to do, BUT I also love that I can see exactly where I am on the trail just by glancing at my phone. Even if I don't have cell service, the GPS is still picked up s...
AllTrails
You never know when you will need to be able to make your own fire and if you are like me and was not a girl scout, you're gonna need some kind of fire starter. These matches are water and wind resistant which means, when you need them most, you'll b...
Titan Stormproof Match Kit
Make sure you look up to see if you are hiking in bear territory before you head out especially before they go into hibernation for the winter. As someone who got spotted by a Mamma Bear and her cubs on the trail WITHOUT my bear spray canister, you w...
Counter Assault 8.1oz Bear Spray - 32ft
Best Trail Snacks & Hydration for Hiking
Fuel your fall hikes with these energy-boosting trail snacks and hydration essentials. These portable, non-perishable hiking snacks provide lasting energy without weighing down your pack. From protein bars and trail mix to electrolyte drinks - discov...
This isn't the most convienient electrolyte mix to bring on the trail, but it is my favorite one overall. I like to go ahead and mix this in my water bottle and leave the bag at home so I can have plain water in my hydration pack and then I have this...
Micro Ingredients Hydration Electrolyte Powder 2lb
I love throwing a tube of these electrolyte tablets in my day pack so that I can toss one in any water bottle and get the extra minerals that my body needs to actually absorb the water I am consuming on the trail. I also love that this bundle gives y...
Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets Hydration
A good beef stick is a great snack to have while hiking! I love that Chomps comes in different flavors and are individually wrapped so it easy to grab what you want for your snack and leave the rest wrapped.
Meat Sticks | No Sugar, Gluten-Free & High Protein Sticks
I love bringing these packs of shelled pistachios on the trail with me. They have salty, sweet, and spicy varieties that give you a good amount of protien and salt to help keep you full and able to abrose all of your hydration weather you have electr...
Wonderful Pistachios No Shells 3 Flavors 9 Pack
Honey is nature's energy and this variety pack is the hiker's version of runner's gel. You get energy, but this tastes good and is an easy way to boost your energy when you still have miles to go.
You Again Super Honey Packets Variety Energy Gel
Protein, caffeine, and chocolate in one convenient snack, yes please! Even if I don't need the energy, these sweet treats are some of my favorite.
WAKE UP! Chocolate Caffeinated Protein Bites
This is probably my longest running trail snack. Nothing makes you feel more like an outdoorsy person than snacking on a tuna or chicken salad on the trial and these packs are the most convienent.
BUMBLE BEE® Snack on the Run! Chicken Salad Kit with Crackers
This is not your typical trial snack, but it is incredibly delicious and natural way to get protein, salt, and sugar all in one treat!
Peanut Butter Dates | Snack Packs
Feel like an astronaut, have a sweet treat, and get a boost of sugar while you're on the trail, yes please! I love getting these freeze dried ice cream bites to making hiking or camping more fun!
Freeze Dried Ice Cream That Does Not Melt (Bits) Salted Caramel
Edamame is a delicious, high protein snack option, and these individual packs are perfect for bringing on the trail with you.
Crunchy Roasted Edamame Bean Snack - Variety Pack
Post-Hike Recovery Essentials for Sore Muscles
Recover faster after hiking with these post-hike muscle recovery products. Soothe tired legs and sore feet with Epsom salt baths, muscle relief creams, foam rollers, compression socks, and magnesium lotions. Essential recovery tools for beginner hike...
Even as the weather gets cooler, the more time you spend outdoors, the more likely you are to get an annoying bug bite. I always have some After Bite on hand because it takes away the pain and itching from bug bites so fast.
Outdoor Insect Bite Treatment
While I use this neck massager for a lot of other purposes, this thing is a life saver after a long hike. You can use this on your neck and shoulders, but I also use it on my middle back, lower back, thighs, and calves. I've had this one for two year...
Nekteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
If you didn't get your moleskin on in time and got some blisters, these blister bandages are a LIFE SAVER. They heal blisters so much faster and give the right kind of cushion to keep your blister from getting less irritated post-hike.
Dr. Frederick's Better Blister Bandages 12ct
You are most likely going to be sore after a long day hike until your body gets used to doing it regularly. I love this dual action Advil because it has both Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen that work REALLY well together to give you better pain relief fo...
Advil Dual Action Caplets 250mg Ibuprofen + 500mg Acetaminophen, 216 Count
If you have bad knees like I do, trekking poles and good hiking shoes will help, but your knees might still need some extra support and I love that these kinesiology tapes are already precut so I don't have to struggle with trying to cut the rolls to...
IEADEN Precut Kinesiology Tape for Knees, 10 Pcs
My ankles and feet always get swollen after long hikes so I love to throw these compression socks on after a shower and before I go to bed to help my circulation and reduce the swelling in pain in my feet from spending the day climbing a mountain!
NEENCA Copper Compression Ankle Socks
This magnesium lotion duo will seriously help with your post hik recovery! I put this all over my legs and feet (oil first, then lotion) once I take a nice hot shower and while I'm still a little sore the next day, but muscles feel more energized and...
ArtNaturals Magnesium Oil Spray 12oz + Lotion 8oz
I LOVE using this bio freeze lavender scented gel before I go to bed after a long hike. If I have any pain in my neck and back I slather this on before I get in bed and the cooling relief on my muscles always feels so good.
Biofreeze Overnight Gel Pain Relief 3 Fl Oz
I am so glad I learned about magnesium and all of its benefits especially as my body is getting older. I swapped my regular epsom salt for these magnesium bath flakes and I have seen such a difference in how my body feels and how well I sleep after t...
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes 1.65 lbs