As the weather turns cooler, darker and wetter in autumn, be prepared with layered clothing and gear that will keep you moving through the fall weather.
1. Patagonia Houdini Jacket
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As summer turns into fall, you need a windproof, water-resistant jacket to wear as you warm up or as the weather takes a quick turn. The Houdini jacket is magic - it practically disappears as it compacts down to the size of an energy bar. I can wear it as I warm up and easily stow it in my pocket or pack. I can take it along "just in case" without adding any cumbersome baggage. Yet it is an excellent windbreaker and water-resistant jacket with hood to provide just enough protection from the elements for fitness walking. It comes in unisex sizes.
2. Sporthill Nomad II Pants
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As the days turn cooler, it's time to switch to walking pants. These are my all-time favorite walking pants. They are made from DryLite fabric that will move with you and help manage moisture. I have walked in these in many a downpour and they wick away the water and dry fast. I love the two side seam zippered pockets that keep your stuff secure and prevent hooking your thumbs by accident. They now feature a lower waistline. They have side zippers on the legs with reflective trim. They come in both men's version (Compare Prices) and women's versions.
3. New Balance Long Sleeve Tempo Top
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I wear a long-sleeved top made of sweat-wicking fabric whenever the temperatures dip below 60F. This relaxed fit long sleeve peformance crew neck tee has Lightning Dry™ fabric to keep moisture away from your skin. Available in sizes XS - 2XL.
4. Sub4 Drylyte Hat
Wendy Bumgardner © 2005
This hat protects you from any change in weather. It wicks away sweat and rain. It is almost impossible to have blow off your head in wind. It has a bill to shield your eyes and complexion from the sun. A subtle earband can be rolled up and down to keep your ears warm on cold mornings. I own at least four of these. All of my walking vacation photos from the past 10 years show me wearing one, and I get constant comments of, "Where can I get one of those hats?"
5. New Balance 1520 Waterproof Trail Running Shoes
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Don't let rain slow you down. The New Balance 1520 is a multi-sport outdoor shoe designed to be both waterproof and stable. It gets good reviews, but does run narrow. Luckily, New Balance sells wider widths.
6. Wildskins Armwarmers
Wendy Bumgardner © 2011
Autumn temperatures can be hard to predict. Wearing these wild armwarmers lets you keep your hands and arms warm until you warm up, or the day heats up. I like this design of armwarmers because they cover the backs of your hands as well. One sleeve has a pocket for small essentials such as money, ID or a key. You can roll them down below the elbow if your upper arms are fine. Once you are ready for bare arms and hands, just take them off and they take up almost no room in a pocket or pack.
7. Glo Glov
Wendy Bumgardner
As the days get shorter and you find your morning or late afternoon walk getting darker and darker, you need to think about visibility gear. I call these my "Magic Hands of Power!" These open-finger gloves won't make your hands hot, but they will help traffic see you. As I cross an intersection, I flash the reflective palm triangle at the stopped cars. The back of the hands are outlined in reflective strips. As the weather gets colder, you can layer them over liner gloves.
8. Smartwool Socks
© Wendy Bumgardner
SmartWool socks are machine washable and itch-free. Wool has natural properties that can help manage moisture as well as insulate as the days grow colder. SmartWool makes athletic socks in different lengths and weights to pair well with your walking shoes. I like the low cut versions for athletic walking, moving up to the crew length when temps finally drop.
9. Omron HJ-720ITC Pedometer
© Wendy Bumgardner
You will need motivation to get you through the fall and winter months. A full-featured pedometer that uploads your data and shows you graphs and progress is a great motivator. This Omron pedometer is highly accurate and can be carried in your pocket or clipped to your waistband.
10. Sole F80 Treadmill
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Although I've shown you great gear to keep walking outdoors, you may decide it's time to take your walking indoors. A home treadmill is a great solution, so long as you use it for walking and not for hanging up clothes. This budget treadmill has a powerful 2.5 horsepower continuous duty motor. It has heart-rate control as well as speed and incline controls.
11. REI Ultralight Jacket
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When autumn showers come, you need a waterproof jacket to keep walking outdoors. This jacket is is waterproof and it comes in several pretty colors, men's, women's and plus sizes. It packs inside its own bag for stowing if the day warms up. It has pit zips to open up if you need more air. It has front pockets and a chest pocket for your music player. The only drawback is that it only has a one-way zipper rather than a 2-way zipper.
