‘I’d never head out without one’: 10 autumn hiking essentials

From waterproof trousers to a compass, flasks to spare socks, here’s all the kit you need to keep you dry, safe and hydrated

• The best men’s walking boots for every type of hiking adventure

To paraphrase Alfred Wainwright, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong kit. And he of all people should know. Wainwright spent his life charting every nook and cranny of the notoriously wet and windy Lake District. But he never let a bit of bad weather get between himself and the great outdoors. And nor should you.

Autumn is a surprisingly pleasant time to venture outside. Yes, it can be damp and cold. But let’s focus on the positives: there are fewer people to share the trails with, and the golden-brown leaves create stunning scenery to be enjoyed exclusively by those bold enough to brave the elements. Besides, that crisp autumn air is far more pleasant to hike in than the suffocating summer heat.