Autumn Trail Essentials 2024
Make sure you are kitted up properly this Autumn
Autumn 2024 Trail Essentials
As the days draw in and the hard packed trails become a distant memory, here is the kit that has consistently over the years kept me dry and moving. Comfort, maintaining a good body temperature and keeping dry are key.
Top
My go to base layer / autumnal winter top is the Montane Dart Base Layer. Is it light and feels great next to the skin. The top has lasted multiple seasons and can be worn as a base or on its own.
Check out prices on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XwXKD
Rain Jacket
Jackets are key as you move out of the summer months. My go to jacket is the OMM Kamlite smock, it is extremely lightweight and durable as well as packing away into the size of a tennis ball - perfect to slip into a running belt (rather than needing to utilise a vest). It is hard wearing and also serves well for winter months. It has a lovely amount of stretch so whilst it is streamlined it never feels too tight. This is smock which is not to everybody’s taste but suits me personally very well. OMM test their kit in the most arduous of conditions so this will not let you down.
Check out prices on Amazon https://amzn.to/3B4LH8C
Next on the list would be the Montane Minimus jacket. Again lightweight and stretchy from a great outdoor brand. The zipped front can be more to people’s taste than a smock (smocks avoid having to mess around with zips in the coldest of conditions). Dependable and will stand the test of time.
Current price on Amazon https://amzn.to/4dbplQe
A jacket I have not tested but comes with rave reviews is the Harrier Exmoor jacket. Priced slight below OMM and Montane, Harrier have proved themselves to supply well priced, quality kit.
TIP: Waterpoof jackets are treated so only wear your waterproof jacket when it rains to ensure longevity. Otherwise wear a windproof jacket in the Autumn to break any nasty gusts!
Windproof Jacket
It is important to have windproof jacket in the locker to save wear on your waterproof jacket. The Ron Hill Tech Afterhours jacket is wind and water resistant plus had some great reflective technology to keep you safe.
Current price on Amazon https://amzn.to/3TAyNFJ
Shoes
Those who are regular readers of my blog will know that I have a softspot for Altra shoes. This is mainly for the posture, injury reduction and true comfort benefits (perfect!). I have worn the Lone Peak for years, on hard packed summer trails, gnarly winter coastal paths and dry to soggy mountainous terrain and they have never let me down. Unlike the famous cushioned Hoka Speedgoats, the Lone Peak is minimalist and I liken them to wearing my favourite pair of slippers – highly comfortable but no luxuriously cushioned. The wider toe box allows your feet to spread naturally encouraging a healthy running form. Autumn is a perfect time to get to know these runners!
Check the Lone Peak out https://amzn.to/47tjKU0
Not everyone is a fan of Altra shoes so my next best pick is the Saucony Peregrine with the latest version being the 14 . An autumnal shoe needs to be able to transition from mud to harder packed trails. Saucony have also priced their shoes reasonably and it is often possible to pick up last season’s version for a bargain.
Available on Amazon https://amzn.to/3Tz2YNL
Gore Tex? People are often confused about whether to go for Gore Tex. The idea is that water in the shoe will keep your feet warm. I have never got along with this and have found on colder days when you might go through streams etc a pair of merino trail socks keeps the feet pretty snug (I found this out by accident crossing an icy stream!).
Socks
My go to bullet proof sock is the CEP mid cut (mid cut being important to stop debris entering your socks…). They last amazingly well and as the old saying goes, ‘if you look after your feet they will look after you’ then this sock does the trick. The have a reinforces toe and heel which adds comfort and they can take anything you throw at it. If I could only choose one piece of kit from the list, these socks would be it!
Available on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XO51A2
My back up socks for colder weather are the inov8 merino socks. Awesome when you need to get your feet wet in the winter as they will provide some comforting warmth!
Belt
There is only one I have found that works and that is the Compresssport Free belt pro. Sits very snug on the waist and does not impede whether you just slip a mobile phone in or shove a jacket, soft flast and phone, gels etc. Amazingly longevity as the elasticity remains true year after year.
Check out prices on Amazon https://amzn.to/3B90rDu
Torch
The days are closing in. If you are looking for something to tuck in a pocket, the Biolite is lovely lightweight option. Stows away nicely and the 200 lumen HeadLamp 200 wont break the bank. It is also bright enough for camping trips and around the house if you have a powercut!
Available on Amazon https://amzn.to/3BhJczK
Fenix are at the more serious end for when you need your endurance qualities and serious lumens. The entry level HL18R-T is well priced and very reliable. For more serious ultra runners this is a great spare back up option. The headband has awesome reflective qualities and the 500 lumens and battery life will keep you going all night if required!
Check out prices https://amzn.to/3B7tUhf
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