Fall Hiking Tips

With fall fast approaching, here are some outdoor tips and essentials to stay safe and comfortable from one of our experienced guides and serious outdoorsman, Lucas.

10 Essentials: These go without saying, but they're something you should always carry in your pack. Here are the 10 from the official wildlifenh website:

Map
Compass
Warm Clothing: Sweater or Pile Jacket, Long Pants (wool or synthetic), Hat (wool)
Extra Food and Water
Flashlight or Headlamp
Matches/Firestarters
First Aid Kit/Repair Kit
Whistle
Rain/Wind Jacket and Pants
Pocket Knife

Use discretion when leaving some of these out. I don't carry everything, but I know my systems and comfort and adjust for the route.

One tip, and something I ask myself when I'm packing, is "if I turn an ankle out here and am stuck waiting for rescue, can I survive the night?". Don't worry about comfort, but at a minimum, you should be able to stay warm, especially as the nights get colder. I'll add a small sleeping pad (cut so that you can sit, like the Chipper from Nemo we sell at the shop) to my kit. Works for a warmer/dry spot to sit as well as a splint if need be.

Speaking of splinting, let's talk first aid. The kit you bring into the backcountry does not need to be fully fleshed out. I carry some basic wound care stuff (bandaids, a few 2x2/4x4 gauze pads, small tape) and extra contacts. I also usually bring along some moleskin and small scissors or a knife, as blisters suck and your feet are your transportation, so they need to be taken care of. Lastly, I carry that sit pad and some cord or voile straps to make a hasty splint if I need it.

Layer-wise, I carry something to keep out the wind/rain, and one or two insulating layers depending on the weather. Anything touching your skin should NOT be made of cotton, as it dries slowly and wicks heat away from your body when wet. I use wool or synthetic, though wool is warmer and retains good heat when wet. I like to bring a baselayer shirt and a slightly thicker one in the fall, as they pack light and help you manage sweat.

Carry a paper map, compass, and extra headlamp batteries. You'll only find yourself in spots where you need these when you don't have them (ask me how I know).

Know your route and plan ahead. You should have an idea of where you're going, what the exposure is like, and where your other options are if you need to bail or change plans. The WMNF has some valuable resources weather-wise, with the observatory on Mt. Washington providing daily forecasts and current weather conditions.

Above all else, know when to turn around. The mountains will always be there. It's on us to make sure we can come back. Turning around before there's an issue prevents issues.

Lastly, and the one thing I always preach when guiding, don't forget to look around and enjoy it. The goals, summits, and objectives are all cool, and why we do the things we do outside, but take the time to look back and see how far you've gone,