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A "Shoulder Season" is the time when one season is transferring to the next and you never quite know what to expect. Sure, some weather stations try to predict it, but it is very seldom accurate. Shoulder Seasons are the hardest times of the year to make plans, and usually end up by over packing and a lot of extra weight to carry. So, in hopes of offering some help during this shoulder season, here are 10 tips for preparing for adventures during a shoulder season.
Fall is often said to be the best season for outdoor adventures. It’s not too hot and not too cold, and the vast array of colours makes hiking up a mountain or waking up to a sunrise all the more enjoyable. But as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, adventuring outdoors in the shoulder season presents new challenges for hikers, campers and backpackers. While you might be reluctant to give up your outdoor hobbies as snow threatens to cover the trails, it’s important to adapt to the changing weather. Here are 10 tips to keep you safe on the trail during the autumn shoulder season.
Leave a Detailed Trip Plan
Possibly one of the most important tips to follow, letting friends and family know where you’re going, when you’re leaving and when you’re coming back is vital to your own safety. Having a detailed trip plan also encourages you to keep to a schedule, reach your goals and not stray too far into dangerous, unknown territory or take unnecessary risks.
Pack Safety Gadgets
While this applies to all seasons, packing satellite devices and a first-aid kit is even more important in the fall when sporadic weather is more likely to hit at any moment. Having a satellite device at your disposal allows you to call for help even without service—it could be the device that saves your life.
Prepare for Wildlife Encounters
Fall is a very active season for bears, as they are foraging and storing up for hibernation in the coming winter months. Due to this, hikers are more likely to encounter wildlife throughout their adventure. Carry bear spray and bear bangers (where permitted) with you as you hike while keeping both within easy reach. Yelling, “Hey, Bear!” or singing and talking loudly (even if you’re alone) lets bears known you’re in the vicinity. If you’re still worried, do some research on what to do during a bear encounter.
Dress in Layers
As shoulder season is a time known for unpredictable weather, it’s important to pack clothing for all temperatures. The most effective way to do this is to follow a layering system by using base, mid and outer layers to create a barrier between the frigid temperatures of the night while also allowing you to accommodate warmer weather throughout the day. Adding warm toques and gloves to your layering system can save your hands and ears from frostbite as well.
Fall can also bring dreaded rainy weather, which can easily turn to snow the higher you climb, so packing rain shells with added warmth can save you from getting soaked on the trail.
Wear Appropriate Footwear
As you climb to higher elevations, you’re more likely to encounter snow and ice blocking your path. Getting your feet wet can increase the chances of frostbite, so to make trudging through the snow and ice safer and more bearable, invest in waterproof shoes and gaiters. Packing a pair of cleats for traversing across winter-like conditions can also save you from slipping on your adventure.
Do Your Research
It does not need to be restated that shoulder season offers unpredictable weather and trail conditions, but checking the weather before you go—ensuring to look at the satellite imagery to see if any storms are heading your way—could save you an unpleasant trip halfway up a mountain before having to turn back. Additionally, consulting apps like AllTrails for current trail conditions, or downloading the map onto your phone or printing out a physical copy, adds an extra layer of safety to your adventure.
Get the Right Gear
For those backpacking during shoulder season, ensuring your gear is rated for the cool temperatures that roll in throughout the night is vital for your own safety. Especially at higher elevations, it’s not unusual to see freezing temperatures in the fall, so investing in a sleeping pad, sleeping bag and waterproof tent rated to handle that weather can save you a lot of grief.
Don’t Skip the Sunscreen
While the weather may have dipped a few degrees and the peaks may be snow-capped, the sun is still strong enough to burn you. Slathering on sunscreen can protect you from an uncomfortable, red-tinged neck or painful burn.
Light Is Right
Shorter days means less daylight, so packing extra light sources and checking that all rechargeables are at full capacity before heading out will save you from tripping on roots and getting lost in the dark.
Be Prepared to Turn Back
It always stings the pride a bit to turn back before reaching the summit, but sometimes weather, wildlife, unstable trail conditions, personal limitations or mental health conditions make us halt in our tracks. Turning around and heading home early may be the one thing that keeps you alive—never be embarrassed to cut an adventure short.
Written by Olivia Wiens for Explore Magazine, published September 7, 2023N.A.C. News
(Sunday, November 12, 2023)
Good Morning,
I can't believe how fast the tail end of this year is going! It's already time to start our Christmas Shopping! With the completion of 2023 quickly approaching, I have began making arrangements to close out the 2023 NAC Season. As you will find below, events are planned right up until December 29th. We will have two more day hikes, four more climbing events, and to carry on tradition, we will complete the season with our annual Festival of Lights walk! This event is always a favorite and I hope you can all join me this year.
On December 1st, NAC will begin selling NAC Season Passes for the 2024 Season. Current Season Pass Holders will be able to renew their passes at a discounted price. New Season Pass Holders that pre-purchase their 2024 Season Pass in the month of December 2023 will have Season Pass Holder privileges for the month of December 2023, including free access to day hikes and discounted climbing passes at Climber's Rock Inc. Indoor Climbing Gym.
Make sure you check below and visit the Events Page for upcoming events. Don't miss out on the final events of 2023!
A MESSAGE FROM THE BRUCE TRAIL CONSERVANCY
That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy hiking!
Lenny Burch