What Men Should Wear Hiking in Arizona in Fall: Start Cold, Finish Cool
Arizona fall hiking, men
Start cold.
Finish cool.
Illustrative fall morning. Temperatures vary by trail and elevation.
Wear a long sleeve base, 5 inch shorts, a brim, and carry a vest. Fall trails around Phoenix and Scottsdale start in the 50s and finish near 75, so you dress for mile three, not the parking lot. If you feel perfect at the trailhead, you will be hot in ten minutes.
This is the kit we wear on Camelback, Pinnacle Peak and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Everything below ships free over $75, and you can buy a complete kit in one click.
Mile 0Start a little cold
Stand at the car and shiver for one minute. That is the right amount of clothing. Your body adds heat fast on an uphill start, and a base layer you can push up beats a jacket you have to tie around your waist.
Go with a fitted long sleeve. It blocks sun on your forearms, which matter more than you think by October and November, and it holds a little warmth until the first switchback. See our guide on what to wear in 50 degree weather for the full temperature logic.
Base layer
Tim Longsleeve, Night Grey
$56
Covers your arms from the sun and the cold, and it pushes up your forearms when you warm up.
Mile 1Shorts, not pants
Five inch shorts are the answer for most fall hikes here. They clear your knee on big steps and dry fast if you sweat. Pick stretch fabric. A stiff waistband that digs in by mile two will ruin the rest of the day.
Joggers have a place too. If you start before sunrise or hike a windy ridge, a tapered jogger keeps your legs warm without flapping. Here is how to wear them beyond the trail.
Bottoms
Drew Short 5", Black
$55
Five inches clears your knee on steps and scrambles. Stretch fabric moves with you.
Cold start
James Jogger, Tan
$89
For the pre sunrise start or a ridge in wind. Tapered, so nothing catches on a rock.
Mile 2The vest is the layer that earns pack space
A vest keeps your core warm and leaves your arms free to move. It also packs smaller than any jacket. Wear it for the first mile, stuff it in a pocket, and put it back on for the summit wind. If you want more warmth, our hoodie and quarter zip guide covers the next step up.
The layer
Kevin Vest, Black
$78
Warms your core, leaves your arms free, and rolls small enough for a hip pocket pack.
Warm hours
Tim Tee, Aqua Blue
$46
The short sleeve option once the sun is up. Light color, fast drying.
Mile 3Hat on, sunscreen on
Fall sun is still strong. A brim keeps glare out of your eyes on the climb and shades your neck on the way down. Bring water, more than you think. Dry desert air hides how much you sweat.
Layer by temperature
| At the trailhead | What to wear |
|---|---|
| Under 50 | Long sleeve, joggers or shorts, vest, hat |
| 50 to 65 | Long sleeve, shorts, vest in the pack |
| 65 to 80 | Tee, shorts, hat |
| Over 80 | Light tee, shorts, hat, extra water |
Mile 4Leave this in the car
Skip the heavy cotton hoodie. It soaks through, stays wet and gets cold. Skip jeans, brand new shoes and anything with a stiff seam. Your best trail clothes are the ones you have already worn on a long walk.
FinishBuy the whole kit
Pick your size and the full outfit lands in your cart.
The dawn kit
Tim Longsleeve Night Grey, Drew Short 5 inch Black, Brooks Rope Hat Black
Total $149. Free shipping over $75.
The cold ridge kit
Tim Longsleeve Night Grey, Kevin Vest Black, James Jogger Tan
Total $223. Free shipping over $75.
Hiking with a partner? Read what women should wear hiking in Arizona in fall, and our Scottsdale trail guide for desert heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a man wear hiking in Arizona in the fall?
Wear a fitted long sleeve or tee, 5 inch shorts, a brimmed hat, and carry a light vest. Mornings start in the 50s and afternoons reach the 70s, so layers you can remove matter more than one heavy jacket.
Are shorts or pants better for fall hiking in Arizona?
Shorts work for most trails because the day warms quickly. Choose tapered joggers only for pre sunrise starts or windy ridges where your legs would get cold.
Should I wear a long sleeve shirt hiking in the desert?
Yes. A light long sleeve protects your arms from sun and holds warmth at the start. You can push the sleeves up once you warm up.
What fabric is best for hiking clothes?
Choose stretch, moisture wicking fabric that dries fast. Avoid heavy cotton, which stays wet and gets cold when you stop.
How many layers do I need for a morning hike in Phoenix?
Two is enough for most fall mornings: a base layer plus a vest or light layer you can stow in a small pack once the sun is up.
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