What should I look for in a waterproof jacket for autumn walking in the UK?

For October storms, you need a proper hardshell with three-layer construction, fully taped seams, and a helmet-compatible wired hood that stays put in wind. Pit zips are worth having for ventilation on steep climbs — without them, even a breathable jacket can feel like a sauna when you're working hard.

When do the clocks go back in the UK and how does it affect walkers?

The clocks go back on the last Sunday of October, which means a walk that previously ended at 6pm in fading light will now finish in near-darkness. Adjust your planned finish times accordingly, always carry a headtorch, and build in more time margin than you would in summer.

Do I need waterproof trousers for October walking?

October rain is sustained, heavy, and often wind-driven — a significant step up from summer showers. If you've been managing without waterproof trousers through the summer, October is the month they become genuinely necessary. Look for full-length side zips so you can pull them on over your boots without stopping.

What food and drink should I take on an October hill walk?

Carry a flask of hot soup or coffee and high-calorie solid snacks such as flapjacks, cheese, chocolate, and nuts. Cold weather increases your calorie burn, and a hot drink at the summit makes a real difference to both warmth and morale. Pack more food than you think you need — the cold makes you hungry.

Are waterproof gloves worth it for autumn walking?

Waterproof gloves with a fleece lining are a genuine quality-of-life upgrade from October onwards — wet, cold hands deteriorate dexterity quickly and make tasks like map reading and adjusting kit difficult. Look for touchscreen-compatible models so you can use your phone without removing them in the rain.

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October Gear Picks — Best UK Outdoor Kit to Buy This Month

Survivals editorialUpdated 2026-02-115 min read

Quick Summary

October marks the start of storm season — make sure your waterproofs are up to it
The clocks go back at the end of October — headtorches become mandatory
Autumn colours make this one of the most rewarding months for walking

October: Properly Autumn

The clocks go back, the leaves turn, and the weather gets serious. October walking is magnificent — fiery autumn colours, crisp air, and that low golden light that makes everything look like a painting. But it comes with shorter days, colder temperatures, and increasingly wild weather.

1. Hardshell Waterproof Jacket — Around £150-300

If your lightweight summer waterproof isn't up to October storms, it's time to bring out (or buy) a proper hardshell. Three-layer construction with fully taped seams, a helmet-compatible hood, and pit zips for ventilation. Rab Downpour Plus 2.0, Montane Phase XT, and Mountain Equipment Shivling are all excellent UK-weather jackets.

2. Warm Hat and Gloves — Around £15-30

The temperature drop in October is real, especially on summits and exposed ridges. A merino or fleece beanie and a pair of windproof gloves are small, light, and make a huge difference to comfort. Carry them even on mild October days — mountain summits are always colder than valleys.

3. High-Visibility Vest or Pack Cover — Around £5-15

With shorter days and more driving rain, visibility matters. A high-vis vest or reflective pack cover helps drivers see you when you're walking on or near roads — particularly important on early-morning and late-afternoon approaches. Cheap, light, and potentially life-saving.

4. Waterproof Trousers — Around £50-100

October rain isn't the light drizzle of summer. It's sustained, heavy, and driven by wind. If you've been getting away without waterproof trousers, October is when they become essential. Full-length side zips make them easy to put on over boots. Rab Downpour Eco, Berghaus Paclite, and Montane Pac Plus are all solid choices.

5. Hot Flask and Warm Snacks

October summit lunches are cold. A flask of hot soup or coffee and high-calorie snacks (flapjacks, cheese, chocolate, nuts) keep your energy up and your morale high. Pack more food than you think you need — cold weather burns calories faster than you expect.

The clocks go back on the last Sunday of October. A walk that ends at 6pm suddenly ends in near-darkness. Adjust your plans, carry a headtorch, and leave time margins for shorter days.

October Essentials

Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 Waterproof Jacket

Amazon UK

£160Mid-Range

Waterproof

Pertex Shield+ (3-layer)

Weight

390g

Hood

Helmet-compatible, wired peak

Features

Pit zips, YKK AquaGuard zips

Pros

+Proper 3-layer waterproofing for serious autumn storms
+Pit zips prevent overheating on steep climbs
+Helmet-compatible hood stays put in wind

Cons

−Mid-range price — not the cheapest option

October storms demand a proper hardshell, not a summer packable. This handles sustained heavy rain, high wind, and still breathes well enough for active walking.

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Sealskinz Waterproof All-Weather Gloves

Amazon UK

£35Mid-Range

Waterproof

Yes — membrane construction

Touchscreen

Compatible

Lining

Fleece

Cuff

Knitted for seal

Pros

+Genuinely waterproof — not just water-resistant
+Touchscreen compatible for phone use
+Warm fleece lining

Cons

−Dexterity is reduced compared to bare hands

Wet, cold hands ruin autumn walks faster than almost anything. Waterproof gloves that let you use your phone without removing them are a genuine quality-of-life upgrade.

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Storm Ready

If you haven't done your autumn storm preparation yet, do it now. October is when the first named storms typically arrive. Check our November gear picks for the next month's essentials.