There’s no such thing as bad weather—only bad gear. So when fall creeps in and we see our breath again for the first time since spring, we don’t run inside screaming and huddle by the heat vent. Nosireebob, we hardy outdoorsy folks gear up and get out there, reveling in the tourist-free trails, mosquito-free campsites, and golden aspen groves whispering in the crisp breeze.
While good gear is important in every season, it’s especially so in fickle fall, when temperatures swing 50 degrees from day to night and one dark cloud could mean taking mandatory shelter with your tent or RV mate for hours on end. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the fall camping gear we feel is essential for your autumnal outdoor empowerment. From life-saving to comfort-adding, this gear satisfies at least one thing on each level of the hierarchy of human needs.
So this fall, gear up and prepare to fear nothing. These camping essentials will help you get out and stay out—and never be sidelined by shoulder season again.
XTRATUF, Legacy Altitude Low
Image Source: XTRAtuf
XTRATUF has been our go-to for fishing boots for years, but the new Legacy Altitude Low has made them our go-to for camp boots, too. They took their iconic Legacy boot, which has been around for more than 60 years, and shortened the cuff, making it the perfect slip-on, slip-off boot for trudging around camp. With multi-traction lugs that keep you from slipping on wet rocks, grass or mud, they’ll tromp anywhere and everywhere securely and safely. They’re also designed to shed water and muck as you walk, so they stay lightweight and clean no matter how dirty the terrain. Made with triple-dipped latex neoprene rubber, they’ll keep your feet dry, which is, in our minds, the key to happy camping in the fall.
Buy Now — $165
Scarpa, Moraine Mid WP
Image Source: Scarpa
We know, you could fashion yourselves a pair of hiking boots with tree bark and fishing line, but why would you when the Scarpa Moraine Mid WP could be at your doorstep in days? These are the holy grail of hiking boots: sturdy enough to summit peaks and light enough to dance around the campfire afterward. With a waterproof breathable upper, they’ll keep you nice and dry whether you’re slogging through wet leaves or sweating up a rocky trail. They’re comfortable out of the box, they transition from trail to town, and have a RECCO reflector for additional safety. Oh, and they look cute with jeans, too. Win, win!
Buy Now — $179
Hybrid Light, Atlas 600 Camping Lantern
Image Source: Hybrid Light
Let there be light—with the Hybrid Light Atlas 600 Camping Lantern. This little 13-ounce, 600-lumen lantern is an incredibly bright light, making camp cooking a pleasure not a chore. And because ambiance is important, especially when it’s time to retire to the tent, it has a dimmer that goes all the way down to 25 lumens. It lasts for 100 hours on full light with only one charge, and it has plenty of juice to charge your phone and other mobile devices when they run low. It also boasts a built-in solar panel for daytime charging. Worried about the weather? Don’t be—the Atlas 600 is waterproof, and it even floats, too.
Buy Now — $59.95
Kelty Loveseat
Image Source: Kelty
They don’t call it a loveseat for nothing… This cozy number will hold you and your loved one close—and your beverages, too. With a quilted backrest, sturdy steel frame, adjustable arms, and insulated adjustable drink holders, it’s the comfiest camp couch we’ve ever tried. It sets up and breaks down in seconds, and it comes in a padded tote roll-up carrier that doubles as a dog bed. Its durable materials are built to last—so you can really let the sparks (proverbial or literal) fly.
Buy Now — $129.95
Airblaster, Merino Ninja Suit
The Dyrt Founder Sarah Smith rocking her ninja suit at camp. Image Source: Sarah Smith
Image Source: Airblaster
OK, we admit, we totally want to be ninjas. (Who doesn’t?) But we also want to stay warm when we’re outside. Enter the Airblaster Merino Ninja Suit, which, um, “nunchucks” both boxes. This suit acts like a second skin, regulating your temperature all day and all night. Merino is excellent at wicking moisture away from your skin when you sweat and then keeping you warm and dry when you’re cold. You can wear it all day under your fishing waders, kayaking skirt, hunting camo, or hiking gear, and then as pajamas at night as you slip into your sleeping bag. It’s naturally antimicrobial, too, which means it won’t stink. What about when nature calls? Functional zippers on the hips make for easy trouser drops.
Buy Now — $259.95
Enlightened Equipment, Accomplice Two-Person Sleeping Quilt (MSRP: $445)
Image Source: Enlightened Equipment
Whether you’re bunking down for the night in your trusty tent or cozying up in your premium trailer, chilly nights require a couple more layers. An extra cushy quilt is always appreciated and the Accomplice Two-Person Sleeping Quilt has room for you and your lucky camp mate. The quilt comes in either 850- or 950-fill down,has an excellent weight to warmth ratio, and it straps onto two sleeping pads (or a two-person pad) to make a seamless bed for two, or the perfect item to snag to throw over your lap while stargazing late into the night.
Buy Now — $445
The Dyrt, Dyrt PRO (MSRP: $35.99)
We saved the best for last. A subscription to The Dyrt this season will open up your world to find free dispersed camping, with more than 5,000 drive-in locations at your fingertips. You’ll also get access to more than 50,000 campground locations and downloadable offline maps, so you’ll never be lost again. You can find overnight parking spots, dump stations, and water stations, get reservations at sold-out campgrounds, and get up to 40% off at participating campgrounds. You’ll also get discounts on gear, too. It costs just $30 for a yearly PRO membership—a tiny price to pay for endless adventure.
Buy Now — $35.99
