One of Autumn’s more endearing qualities is the shifting temperature. Crisp, cool mornings transition to warm, sunny afternoons. T-shirts and flip flops are still in the rotation, but sweatshirts and wool caps also reappear. However, if you’re on the water all day you don’t exactly have the luxury of an entire wardrobe at your disposal. You have to carry an obscene amount of clothing, stay close to your car, or – the most reasonable option – pick and choose.

It isn’t about obsessing, being fussy, or demanding the best/newest/priciest gear. It is about comfort while fly fishing in the fall. You don’t even need to only shop in the fly fishing or outdoor departments. Some of the best cold weather fishing clothing is simply well made cold-weather clothing.

Here are four quick reminders… or maybe new insights on what to wear and carry as you head out for fall fly fishing.

Hat

While the oft-quoted “percentage of  heat that escapes from your head” figure is debatable, having a warm hat on when it is cool out is a no-brainer. Additionally, carrying a beanie in your pack or pocket is hardly cumbersome. A breathable fleece cap is very versatile. On many chilly mornings, the hat stays on even as the temperature rises. If I get too hot, I just switch it out for the ballcap in my sling.

Baselayer

People that use quality wool or polypropylene long underwear get it. From many conversations I’ve had over decades, the uninitiated don’t. These “technical” baselayers provide a whole lot more than warmth. The sweat-wicking nature of these garments alone make them essential as you move throughout a day that sees a moving thermometer. That alone will keep you warmer, or cooler, exactly when you need it. Great sets cost  a few bucks, but even the economy level gear is better than nothing. And extreme circumstances notwithstanding, you can keep the tops and bottoms on all day long.

Jacket

Some jackets do a good job keeping you warm. Others keep you dry. Others still handle moisture very well, breathing and drying quickly. There are shells that will do all three of those things, but they carry a price tag. If you are going to be out a lot, particularly in the fall and spring, you’ll probably enjoy and get a lot of use out of a nice jacket. If shelling out a couple of hundred dollars isn’t in the cards, you can make do with a good fleece and a packable waterproof layer. Being cold isn’t fun, but being cold and wet is dangerous.

Socks

Socks have long been the punchline of jokes about gifts. Socks don’t deserve that, especially high-end outdoor socks. A good pair of socks does so much more than keep your feet warm and toasty in your wading boots. Legitimate socks will provide support, some compression, and moisture management. More than anything on this list, good socks can be used across  all seasons. And a pair that does all of that well can be had for around $20. If you have just fished in whatever socks you grab, do yourself a favor and buy a nicer pair… or put them on your Christmas list.