Out on the trail
What you really need for a hike
Autumn in Sweden can bring four seasons in a single day: sunshine at ten, drizzle by two, brilliant skies and a brisk breeze at the top to keep us awake. Still, we head out. Because the silence of the forest is worth it, because the trail always has more to give – and because hot chocolate tastes better outdoors. “Out on the trail – never in a bad mood” may sound like a Swedish cliché, but it’s true. It just helps to have the right layers next to your skin, a breathable shell jacket, and socks that don’t give up halfway.
This is your guide to what actually works – so you can spend your time enjoying the hike, not regretting your choice of sweater. Some people love technical specs, membranes, and grams. Others just don’t want to freeze. This guide is for both. We start with the essentials: what to wear closest to your body, how to adjust warmth along the way, and why a light backpack is worth more than two heavy ones.
It’s easy to overdress – but hard to regain the warmth you’ve lost.
Layering that really works
Wool next to your skin keeps you calm and evenly warm. A thin merino base layer maintains your body temperature even when damp, and stays fresh longer.
On top, a lightweight mid-layer – microfleece for hiking pace, or a cozy wool fleece for longer breaks – does the trick.
Your outer layer should handle wind and shifting rain without feeling clammy; look for an adjustable hood, sturdy zippers, and ventilation openings.
When the rain pours and the pace is slow, a classic rain set works fine, but for active autumn terrain, a breathable shell jacket and lightweight shell pants are far more comfortable.
Zippers are tools – use them.
Outdoor Clothing Materials: The Basics
Wool: Keeps you warm even when damp and naturally regulates temperature. Choose garments with comfortable seams and a bit of extra length in the back and sleeves. Fleece: Provides quick warmth and dries fast. Microfleece under a shell when climbing; “teddy”/high-pile for breaks, cabin life, and cool autumn evenings. Insulation: Saves the break. Down for cold and dry weather, synthetic for damp and shifting conditions. Shell (membrane clothing): Protects against wind and precipitation. Trousers: Match them to your plan – softshell breathes well in the forest, lightweight shell pants for wet trails.
Socks: Dictate your mood. Wool all the way! Thin liner + thicker outer sock for longer hikes – and always pack a dry pair. Change halfway – it feels like changing your mood.
Outdoor life is part of everyday life. Nature is close, and we share our love for being outdoors across generations and at every pace. For us, hiking is more than an activity – it’s an identity.
The material does matter
When nature does the work, your backpack can do less. For a day trip, 20–30 liters is plenty. Pack heavy items close to your back and keep frequently used things in the top or side pockets.
Autumn backpack favorites:
- Thermos (hot chocolate, coffee, or broth)
- Extra wool socks and a thin sweater
- Hat, gloves, buff, and a small sit pad
- Headlamp (dusk comes quickly), first aid kit, and power bank
- Small knife and waterproof bags for mushrooms or “forest gold”
A light backpack makes the trail feel longer.
Kids on the Trail – Warm Bodies, Short Distances, Many Breaks
Children set the pace – the trail will still be there. Hiking joy for kids is about warmth and experience, not kilometers. Dress them in wool closest to the skin and pack a dry sweater. Wind and rain protection should be easy to reach, not buried deep down. When the air is raw and the leaves are damp, small bodies cool quickly – plan short sections and plenty of “mini adventures.”
Three tips that work:
- Start slow, pause before they get cold.
- Warm drinks early – not as a “reward” at the end.
- Keep an extra dry layer close at hand (socks, sweater, mittens).
Age-based tips in practice:
- Toddlers (1–3 years): Carrier for hills, let them walk on flat ground. Thick wool socks, mittens on a string, buff covering neck and cheeks. Frequent breaks – lie down on a sit pad and watch the trees!
- Preschoolers (4–6 years): Nature bingo! Tick off pinecones, yellow leaves, anthills, mushrooms (just photograph them). Small goals: a shelter, a bridge, a viewpoint. Their own mini backpack with snacks and a hat = independence.
- School-age (7–12 years): “20 questions” uphill, “trail marker hunt” for focus. Let them navigate short stretches, read signs, and be in charge of the headlamp and break times.
Snacks are outdoor magic: split them into small milestones – a handful of raisins on the first climb, hot drink at the bench, clementine by the bog, chocolate square at the top. That way, warmth, mood, and motivation all hold steady.
Children’s pace is the only pace.
Swedish hiking joy – nearby is good
It’s easy to romanticize mountain ridges and wide plateaus, but much of Sweden’s outdoor life happens close to home – on the gravel road by the field, on the favorite path in the local forest, or on a small hill with just enough view for the sunset. Autumn holidays in Sweden don’t have to be complicated – two great day hikes from your doorstep and a calm Sunday with outdoor food in the garden can bring just as much joy as a weekend in the mountains – as long as you dress smart and pack light.
The best gear is the one you actually use.
Shopping guide – outdoor at Hede Fashion Outlet
At Hede Fashion Outlet, you’ll find well-known outdoor brands at outlet prices (at least 30% lower than regular retail – often more during campaigns). Think in systems when you shop: wool as your base, a flexible mid-layer you enjoy wearing, and a breathable shell. Ask in-store – our staff know their craft. They’ll help you find the right fit and performance level, and remind you that outdoor clothing should move with you – not just look good in the mirror.
Brands and tips:
- Kari Traa, Helly Hansen: Wool base layers (tops/long johns/socks), wool fleece, and timeless mid-layers.
- Norrøna, Haglöfs: Shell jackets/pants, technical mid-layers, robust autumn favorites, and backpacks.
- Johaug, Peak Performance: Lightweight, warm pieces for active hiking; mid-layers, hats, and gloves.
- Didriksons (kids): Functional outerwear and layer-on-layer systems that stand up to play and weather.
Fitting room test:
- Raise your arms, squat down, tighten/loosen zippers.
- Check that the hood moves with your head and doesn’t block your view.
- Think in systems: does your mid-layer fit comfortably under the shell?
Summary
Dress in layers with wool next to your skin, adjust warmth as you go, and choose breathable shells. Pack light and smart, and don’t forget the small essentials that make a big difference – hat, gloves, and dry socks. For families: easy pace, plenty of breaks, and warm extra layers.
The outdoor selection at Hede Fashion Outlet – Helly Hansen, Haglöfs, Kari Traa & Johaug, Peak Performance, Norrøna, and Didriksons – makes it easier to head out, and even better to stay out.
Well-known outdoor brands at outlet prices
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Outdoor Clothing up to 70% off
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Kari Traa
Sportswear with the mission to empower women everywhere to be confident and unapologetically themselves.
Peak Performance
For the active person who wants functional and fashionable clothes for outdoor activities such as exercise, skiing and golf.
Didriksons
We don't challenge the elements, we adapt to them. For all these years, we have stuck to our basic idea, to manufacture functional garments that keep you dry regardless of the weather.