Best Cold Weather Clothes for Autumn Adventures in 2025
Autumn can be chilly, but the right gear makes all the difference. Our 2025 guide covers the best cold weather clothing for camping and hiking, including merino wool base layers, insulated jackets, and everything between!
There’s nothing quite like autumn in the outdoors. The days are crisp, the air smells of pine and fallen leaves, and trails are often less crowded than in summer. But with shorter days and colder nights, staying warm becomes the number one priority. Nothing takes the joy out of a trip or hike faster than shivering through the night or trying to trek in damp, chilly clothes.
The good news? With the right gear, you can be perfectly comfortable. From merino wool base layers to cozy outer layers, this guide covers the best cold weather camping and hiking clothes for fall 2025.
Layer Up: Best Cold Weather Clothing for Fall Hiking
When it comes to staying warm outdoors, layering is everything. Autumn weather can be unpredictable; sunny one minute, windy and frosty the next. A solid layering system keeps you comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.
Merino Wool Tops
Merino is the MVP of autumn adventures. It’s naturally insulating, breathable, and odor-resistant, so you can wear it for multiple days without feeling gross. A lightweight or midweight merino top will trap heat close to your body while still wicking away sweat. A heavier merino layer will lock in heat while remaining breathable.
Shak 1/4 Zip by IBEX
IBEX's Shak 1/4 Zip is a super versatile top for any kind of cold weather adventure you can dream up. It's super breathable and the fit is flattering, while being super practical for layering up! This is a thick and cozy merino layer that can easily find a place in your adventure kit for autumn, winter and spring!
Woolies Pro Tech Crew by IBEX
We love Nuyarn here at Southwest Hikes, and that is what the Woolies Pro Tech Crew is made from. This wool blend is durable, stretchy and super soft. This baselayer top is one we think you'll wear constantly if you plan to hike in cold weather.
Midweight Turtleneck by Minus 33
Minus 33's merino wool turtleneck tops are a perfect layer for those extra cold autumn mornings. The high neck is like a built-in neck gaiter. It helps to keep drafts out! Pair this with a fleece or down jacket and you'll be comfy cozy!
Insulated Jackets
Once temps dip, you’ll want a puffy jacket. Down is ultralight and warm, while synthetic insulation performs better if it gets damp. Either way, an insulated jacket is essential for camp mornings and trail breaks.
Tincup Down Jacket by Katabatic Gear
The Tincup Down Jacket by Katabatic Gear is one of our very favorite down jackets for adventures. It's got a perfect cut for layering, is very quiet and is cozy warm. It packs down really small and is ultralight to boot!
Apu Lightweight Puffer by PAKA
This puffer from PAKA is a real game changer when it comes to insulation- it's able to stay extremely warm when wet, is lightweight and layers up or down well. If you haven't tried out much gear from PAKA, autumn is a perfect time to do so as they have many pieces that are perfect for shoulder seasons.
Torrid Jacket by Enlightened Equipment
If you're looking for a synthetic jacket, Enlightened Equipment's Torrid Jacket is a masterpiece. It's ultralight, durable and comfy cozy for cold weather adventures. You can also make a custom Torrid Jacket, if that's your thing. This is one of the most comfortable insulating jackets available when it comes to layering under a hardshell for prolonged periods of time.
Fleece & Midlayers
Fleece is that perfect in-between layer. It’s warm, quick-drying, and versatile. Half-zips, hoodies, and grid fleeces are especially good at managing heat while keeping weight low.
Pursuit Hybrid Fleece by Outdoor Vitals
New from Outdoor Vitals, the Pursuit Hybrid Fleece is perfect for autumn backpacking and hiking. It's unbelievably breathable and stays dry during high output pursuits. If your adventure calls for extra, extra type 2 fun, this is the fleece for you!
Grid Fleece Hoodie by Sambob
Sambob Grid Fleece Hoodies are available as made-to-order or ready-to-ship. If you want a fully custom fleece, they've got you! They've also got a handful of designs ready to ship out at any time. We like the fleece this company uses- it's not too fuzzy, has a nice stretch to it and it looks good.
R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody by Patagonia
We love the R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody for long days above treeline when the seasons are changing. It's lightweight and breathable, with a nice fit. Patagonia does this kind of piece really well. The R1 has a bit of a cult following and it's easy to know why!
Cold Weather Pants & Leggings
Standard hiking pants aren’t always enough in late fall. Consider warm hiking pants, or layer merino leggings underneath for extra warmth. For car camping, it’s worth packing something even cozier; insulated joggers or fleece pants for sitting around camp.
Keb Trousers by Fjallraven
If you want classic chilly weather adventure pants, the Keb Trousers from Fjallraven are probably exactly what you need. They're a staff favorite here at Southwest Hikes. Pockets, stretch, durability and comfort are what these pants are all about. They're super versatile and come in a great selection of color and size options.
Woolies Pro Tech Bottoms by IBEX
IBEX's Woolies Pro Tech Bottoms are a layering staple for autumn and winter. They're made from Nuyarn, which is one of the most versatile wool blends on the market. We are BIG fans of Nuyarn garments. These baselayer pants are durable and will keep you cozy for years.
FUTUREFLEECE Pants by The North Face
The FUTUREFLEECE Pants by The North Face are in the brand's Summit Series lineup. They're lightweight and quite warm, making them perfect for crisp mornings and shoulder-season weather. They have a good amount of stretch. We love them for autumn days in the alpine and high desert adventures once the temperatures drop.
Don’t Forget the Foundation: Socks, Underwear and More
It’s easy to focus on jackets, pants, and tops, but your most basic base layers- bras, socks and underwear -are just as important for cold-weather comfort. These pieces are the foundation of your gear system, and they make a huge difference in warmth, dryness, and overall trail happiness.
Hiking Socks for Cold Weather
Merino wool socks are a must-have for autumn hiking. They regulate temperature, wick moisture, and help prevent blisters. Thicker socks add warmth for frosty mornings, while midweight pairs strike a balance between breathability and insulation. Look for options with reinforced heels and toes for durability on long treks.
Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks by Darn Tough (men's/women's)
Mountaineering Socks by Darn Tough (men's/women's)
Merino Wool Expedition Hiking Crew Socks by REI
Underwear for Hiking
Performance underwear might not be the flashiest gear, but it’s essential. Merino wool or technical synthetic blends keep you dry, reduce odor, and add all-day comfort. In colder conditions, merino boxer briefs or mid-rise briefs provide warmth without bulk.
Men's Natural Long Boxer Brief by Ibex
Men's Active 6" Brief by PAKA
Women's Wool Bikini Briefs by Minus 33
Women's Essential Mid-Rise Brief by PAKA
Bras for Autumn Adventures
Lightweight, breathable fabrics make sure you stay dry, which is key to staying warm. This is as true for adventure bras as anything else!
Women's Essential Scoop Bralette by PAKA
Women's Send-It Seamless Merino Wool Sports Bra by Ridge Merino
Wool Beanies
A lightweight beanie made from merino wool is perfect for hiking and sleeping. They’re breathable, packable, and keep you warm without overheating.
Woolies Pro Tech Beanie by IBEX is a great all around chilly weather beanie.
Cuffed Beanie by PAKA is a solid mid-weight beanie that will keep you cozy.
Heavyweight Everyday Knit Beanie by Minus 33 kicks warmth up a notch!
Pro Tips to Stay Warm on Autumn Adventures
Beyond the gear, here are a few tried-and-true tricks for beating the chill:
- Eat before bed. A calorie-dense snack gives your body fuel to burn and keeps you warmer through the night.
- Change into dry clothes. Even if you don’t feel sweaty, damp base layers will chill you fast once you stop moving.
- Keep “sleep socks.” Dedicate a pair of warm, dry socks just for bedtime.
- Warm up before climbing in your bag. Do a few jumping jacks or sit-ups to get your blood flowing before tucking in.
- Don’t underestimate a hat. A beanie or hood keeps body heat from escaping.
Packing It Out
Autumn is an incredible season to be outdoors if you love colorful forests, quiet trails, and star-filled skies. The key is wearing layers that keeps you comfortable when the temps dip. With the right fall hiking clothes, you can stretch the season longer and enjoy everything autumn has to offer.
Whether you’re pulling on your favorite merino wool base layers, wrapping up in a down jacket by the fire, or sipping coffee during a snowy sunrise, the right gear helps you focus on what matters: the adventure!
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