15 Hiking Pants, Tops, and Jackets for Fake Fall Weather

We’ve all experienced the dreaded “fake fall,” those days or week-long stretches when beautiful late-summer or early-fall temperatures unexpectedly plunge. As a lifelong lover of the outdoors and professional gear outfitter, I like to think that I’m prepared for anything, but I’d be lying if I said I don’t still get caught off guard by the unpredictable temperature fluctuations while hiking and camping during this time of year.

Packing for an outdoor trip with highs in the 50s one day and 80s the next presents a challenge, but I’ve discovered plenty of clever ways to stay comfortable without lugging a separate suitcase for each season. From lightweight hiking pants to stylish fleeces, these outdoor clothes will keep you in that Goldilocks zone throughout the entire shoulder season—not too cold, not too hot, but just right. Based on my years of experience testing gear, these are my favorite picks to wear this time of year, from top brands like Patagonia, Smartwool, and The North Face. Take on fake fall with ease thanks to these essentials—and prices start at $24. 

Best Lightweight Layers for Fall Hiking

Icebreaker Women’s Merino 125 Cool-Lite Sphere III Long-sleeve

REI

Layering is key to staying comfortable during this time of year, and I love this lightweight Merino wool top from Icebreaker for doing just that. The brand’s special “cool-lite” Merino wool blend will prevent sweating thanks to its heat-shedding properties (similar to that of a thin athletic shirt), but it’ll remain surprisingly warm when layered under a jacket. And, with additional touches like offset shoulder seams to prevent rubbing under a backpack, splits at the sides for ease of movement, and a one-year warranty, this is a long-lasting, versatile top you’ll pack for every outdoor trip.

Amazon Essentials Women’s Classic-fit Polar Soft Fleece Vest

Amazon

When you need a little bit of extra warmth but not an entire jacket, a vest is the perfect solution. This Amazon Essentials fleece vest is a great pick if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to round out your wardrobe before the real chill hits. A mid-weight layer of soft fleece offers warmth and comfort in just the right spots, and it’s light enough to tuck into a bag just in case. Wearing this vest open offers a great little bump to the internal thermostat, while zipping it up all the way pops up the collar for extra warmth around your neck.

The North Face Women’s Aphrodite 2.0 Pant

Amazon

One of the comfiest pairs of outdoor pants I’ve tried is this The North Face pair that is perfect when the day’s temperature is anyone’s guess. With a wide waistband and stretchy fabric, the Aphrodite 2.0 pants will feel comfortable on the trail, and on warmer days, I can attest that the moisture-wicking fabric feels light and breathable. (Plus, the UPF 40+ sun protection is a great bonus.) On the other side of the coin, this pair’s tight herringbone knit holds up admirably under strong wind guests, sheds light precipitation with ease, and stays surprisingly warm. Even once I’m back inside and finished braving the elements, I usually don’t want to take this pair off.

REI Co-Op Men’s Sahara Convertible Pants

REI

Convertible pants are an outdoor classic because they are so versatile. For years, though, I didn’t know what to do with that versatility and would end up just using my zip-offs as plain old pants. Lately, I learned that I love packing these Sahara Convertible Pants as roomy, breathable shorts in the late summer and stashing the pant legs in my bag as backup. When temperatures dip, zipping them back on feels like a magic trick, instantly creating a pair of water-resistant pants with UPF 50+ sun protection.

Buff Lightweight Merino Wool Neck Gaiter

Amazon

Another favorite from my bag of tricks, this Merino wool neck gaiter from Buff can transform, too. On warmer days, I wear it as a bandana, a sweatband around my wrist, or around my neck to block the sun. If my summer hike suddenly begins to feel like fall, however, I pull the gaiter over my nose or double it up on itself and wear it like a thin, warm beanie. But, this isn’t just a highly-functional addition to your pre-fall wardrobe—with dozens of color options to choose from, it’s also a great way to add a pop of personality.

Patagonia Men’s R1 Jacket

REI

For space-conscious travelers, it’s frustrating to devote so much bag real estate to a bulky coat that’ll spend more time packed than worn. Enter the Patagonia R1, a jacket designed for all-day wear throughout the shoulder seasons. A thin layer of high-quality Polartec fleece wraps around the body of the jacket to keep your core just the right amount of warm. Meanwhile, the sleeves are made of a gridded capilene material that stretches as you move and vents excess heat. This jacket thrives on days when it’s chilly to stand around but warm moving on the trail, and if it’s even warmer than expected, the lightweight fabric makes it so packable it takes up hardly any luggage space.

Columbia Women’s Switchback IV Jacket

Amazon

Even when the forecast suggests summery temperatures, wind chill makes a huge difference in how things actually feel. Sometimes, an insulated layer isn’t the solution to a breezy late summer day—a windbreaker will do the trick while taking up less space in your bag. I like this particularly packable Columbia jacket, which folds up into its own pocket for easy storage. Even better, the Switchback IV doubles as a light rain jacket if you’re surprised by a downpour, and the hood rolls into the collar to stay out of your way once the sun starts shining again.

Baleaf Men’s Light Running Hiking Rain Jacket

Amazon

If you’re looking for a windbreaker at a wallet-friendly price, look no further than this jacket from Baleaf that packs all the performance you could need into a tiny, lightweight package, perfect for stashing in a bag in case the wind picks up. Beyond its packable form factor and excellent value, this windbreaker’s pockets set it apart. A huge anorak-style pocket in the front already provides plenty of storage, and an additional 7-inch zippered pocket in the back is the cherry on top. Because this layer is so minimalist, it’s perfect for the first glimpses of chilly weather, and it pairs perfectly with a fleece underneath once fake fall starts to turn into the real deal. 

Fjallraven Women’s Abisko Trail Fleece Jacket

REI

In the world of outdoor gear, sacrificing looks for performance is practically the norm, but Fjallraven’s trail jacket features fleece that’s both deeply practical—and very cute. On the technical side of things, this jacket places warm fleece in just the right spots to keep you warm, substituting in lighter material on the sides, sleeves, and lower torso to allow room to breathe. On the fashion front, the Abisko fleece comes in five practical colorways for everyday wear and includes thoughtful touches like leather zipper pulls, deep pockets, and one of my favorite features, a ponytail cutout in the hood.

Darn Tough Men’s Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks

REI

I’d be remiss to create a list of shoulder season essentials without Darn Tough’s micro crew socks, one of my all-time favorite pieces of clothing. I’m such a fan that I wear these all year long, but for the more clearheaded shopper, they’re an ideal pick for the tail end of the summer. Bulky old-school wool socks left a bad taste in some folks’ mouths, but this pair sports a medium-weight wool layer and a comfortable cushion at the bottom, so it pairs with any footwear. Plus, Merino wool naturally regulates temperature, so these mid-weight socks feel warm and comfortable on chilly mornings, and they don’t hold on to that heat once the sun comes out. 

Kuhl Men’s Burr Vest

REI

A stylish and functional pick, this Kuhl vest has that perfect fall look without being too heavy for warmer days. Microfleece lining on the interior creates a light but appreciably warm layer, while rugged cotton canvas on the exterior cuts the wind chill, protects from abrasions, and looks stylish to boot. A high collar provides extra shielding from blustery days while also giving the vest a classic flair, and zippered hand, chest, and interior security pockets make this vest all the more useful. If you’re looking to work this into your layering system as the seasons change, consider sizing up so you’ll have plenty of room to fit a sweater underneath. 

Merino.tech Men’s Merino Wool Half Zip Base Layer

Amazon

By now, you should have realized that my own fake fall wardrobe involves a lot of Merino wool. Adding to that list, I love this half-zip top for many of the same reasons: it’s thin, light, and comfortable against my skin. With all the thermoregulating benefits of Merino wool, this base layer is just as happy to serve as a top on warmer days as it is to layer under a jacket during a cold snap. This time of year, I always recommend half-zip baselayers—it might not seem like much, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to dial in your temperature with just a slight nudge of the zipper. 

Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Cuffed Beanie

REI

Even for those of us who like to think we’ve perfected our layering systems, fake fall still has a way of throwing a wrench into our plans. I can’t count the number of times I’ve confidently hit the road with a stellar combination of warm, lightweight clothes, only to wind up shivering once the sun goes down. You can never be too prepared, and this thermal Merino beanie from Smartwool is a great just-in-case addition for even the most prepared fake fall veterans. Weighing in at just over two ounces and rolling up to a fraction of the size of a typical beanie, you’ll hardly notice it stowed in your pack until you’re scrambling for a little extra warmth. 

Kuhl Women’s Freeflex Roll-up Pants

REI

Zip-off pants aren’t for everybody—I think they’re incredibly useful, but for those of us who are more forgetful or in need of a less outdoorsy look, managing an extra piece of fabric isn’t worth the trouble. If that’s you, or even if you’re a fan of zip-offs and looking to branch out, these Kuhl roll-up pants are a fantastic compromise. Convenient snaps allow the cuffs of these pants to fold up with ease, converting them from full-length hiking pants to breathable 21-inch inseam capris. The brand’s stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric already stays cool, even in warm weather, but the extra legroom makes a big difference when fake fall suddenly turns into a summer redux.

Eddie Bauer Men’s Rainier Pants 

Amazon

These outdoor pants from Eddie Bauer shine in their simplicity. If you need bottoms that keep the elements out, are light enough for warm weather wear, and aren’t weighed down by bells and whistles, you’re in the right place. Articulated knees and stretchy nylon make them perfect for active pursuits, while their sleek, flattering fit means they’re equally suited to wear while walking around town. With five classy colorways, you might want to stock up on a few pairs of these pants, especially while they’re on sale at Amazon right now.

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