Few things are more satisfying than waking up warm and dry and exiting your camping tent into a crisp fall morning. Fall campouts are just the best, and I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly looking forward to getting back out there.
To help you prepare for fall camping, we’ve put together this shopping guide for some items that you won’t want to camp without. We’ve got everything from beanies to beds, boots to bear spray. In choosing which ones to include, we looked for durable products with high customer ratings to ensure that you have the highest quality to rely on when out in nature.
What Camping Gear do You Need for Fall? Here are your Fall Camping Gear Essentials
1. Arc’Teryx Aerios FL Mid GTX Hiking Shoe
With a tough Cordura mesh upper, TPU high-abrasion protection film, and GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, the Arc’teryx Aerios FL Mid GTX trail hiking shoe is everything you need to stay dry, agile, and sure-footed on shifting terrain. This boot isightweight and breathable, with optimized mid-height ankle support and an integrated lacing system. It comes in 3 color options.
Buy it here:
Arc’teryx Aerios FL Mid GTX Hiking Shoe
2. Arc’teryx Cormac Long-Sleeve Zip Neck Shirt
Just what you need for fall layering! Made of 100% polyester with a classic stand collar and half-zip closure, this shirt is a go-to piece for high-output activities like running and hiking, where comfort and climate control are essential. It allows for a broad freedom of movement and wicks away moisture. You can pick from 4 different colors.
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Arc’teryx Cormac Long-Sleeve Zip Neck Shirt
3. BioLite Campstove 2
BioLite offers a number of unique camping gadgets. Grill, boil, cook, and charge with this fully integrated camp stove system that generates electricity and creates smokeless flames at the same time. The award-winning design can cook meals and boil water in mere minutes while generating 3W of power to charge your phone. The built-in grill top fits up to four burgers and can boil a liter of water in under 5 minutes. Note that this burns wood only, such as twigs and sticks.
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BioLite Campstove 2
4. Camp Chef Explorer 2-Burner Camp Stove
For people who need more cooking space, the Camp Chef Explorer 2-burner camp stove provides 30,000 BTU in each of two cast-aluminum burners to boil water and cook food. This is perfect whether you’re out in the woods or doing some fall tailgating. With removable legs and a three-sided windscreen, portability is no problem. This stove features appliance-style temperature controls for ease of cooking. Plus, we love its compact size: 32” wide, 14” deep, and 29” high. You also have the option for a reversible cast iron griddle with a 16” x 24” cooking surface. You’ll need to purchase propane fuel separately to use this camp stove.
Buy it here:
Camp Chef Explorer 2-Burner Camp Stove
Camp Chef Reversible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle
5. Coleman Self-Inflating Camping Pad with Pillow
The highlight of this camping pad is that no air pump is required. This self-inflating sleeping pad provides plenty of cushioning with a soft, tufted design. When rolled out, a valve inflates the pad automatically. And when your camping trip is done and you’re ready to pack up, deflation is a piece of cake. All you have ot do is use the compression straps that work to force the air out. This thing was built to last – the durable polyester shell can withstand many nights of adventure. It measures 76” x 25” x 2.5” when inflated.
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Coleman Self-Inflating Camping Pad with Pillow
6. Counter Assault Bear Spray
That thing you don’t think you’ll ever need – until you do. It’s always better to prepared when you’re in bear country. And a great way to prepare is by getting some Counter Assault bear spear that works to deter all bear species from attacking. It’s the only brand with a 40-foot spray distance and optimal 8-second spray duration. With this you get maximum strength 2% capsaicin and related capsaicinoids. And for those potential night situations, the spray’s glow-in-the-dark safety wedge helps you find the canister fast when you need it.
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Counter Assault Bear Spray
7. Darn Tough Merino Wool Hiking Socks
Fine-gauge merino wool, nylon and Lycra spandex combine for unprecedented durability, breathability, and comfort in any weather. These hiking socks have a true seamless, performance fit with fast-action moisture wicking. They were made in Vermont with love and are unconditionally guaranteed for life – yes, we said life! Choose from 6 different colors.
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Darn Tough Merino Wool Hiking Socks
8. Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock
The DoubleNest Hammock by Eagles Nest Outfitters is your ticket to amazing relaxation while enjoying the great outdoors. Although big enough for two people (at 9’4” x 6’2” when open) the DoubleNest Hammock stores compactly in the attached compression sack and barely even weighs a pound. Though this is a favorite for camping, chances are good you’ll find yourself enjoying this hammock on a relaxing afternoon at home, too. Consider pairing the hammock with the Atlas Hammock Straps (sold separately).
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ENO DoubleNest Hammock
ENO Atlas Hammock Straps
9. Esbit Folding Titanium Utensils
Swap out those plastic utensils for environmentally-friendly resuable ones. This pack from Esbit comes with an ultra-lightweight fork, spoon, and knife crafted from durable, heat-resistant, highly biocompatible titanium. These pieces are also non-corrosive, non-magnetic, and hypoallergenic. Some features include:
- Serrated edge on the the knife blade
- Deep bowl on the spoon
- Silicone sleeve for storage
Buy it here:
Esbit Folding Titanium Utensils
10. Glerups Unisex Wool Boot with Rubber Outsole
Keep your feet completely comfortable and toasty warm in your tent or in the car, and then walk outdoors without having to change thanks to these wool boots. Glerups absorb moisture while keeping your feet dry with a 100% pure natural wool upper, lining, and insole and a protective, waterproof synthetic rubber outsole. The boots’ attractive unisex design means they’ll go with everything. And if you have a favorite color, chances are good you can get your boots to match – these are available in 18 wool/sole color combinations.
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Glerups Unisex Wool Boot with Rubber Outsole
11. Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station
Charge phones, tablets, laptops, cameras – up to seven devices simultaneously – with this lead acid battery portable power station. It features a continuous 300W, 600W wave inverter, 2.1A USB ports, and 120W 12V ports. Once the power station runs out, you can recharge it from AC, 12V or optional solar panels (sold separately). We love that this is gas-free with no noise, fumes, or maintenance and also that it’s chainable with other 33Ah lead acid batteries for longer runtimes.
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Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station
Goal Zero Nomad 50 Foldable 50 Watt Solar Panel
12. JBL Clip 4 Bluetooth Speaker Bundle with Carbon Fiber Case
Offering surprisingly rich audio and punchy bass in a compact size, the JBL Clip 4 Bluetooth Speaker is waterproof and dustproof, making it perfect for outdoor entertainment. Stream music wirelessly from your phone, tablet, or another Bluetooth device. The integrated carabiner clip and 10-hour battery life make it perfect for on-the-go and easy to clip onto your day pack. Plus, you get extra durability thanks to the speaker’s protective gSport carbon fiber case. Choose from 6 different colors to bring some light and life to your camping adventures.
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JBL Clip 4 Bluetooth Speaker Bundle with Carbon Fiber Case
13. Kuju Coffee Premium Single-Serve Pour Over Coffee
Instant coffee is one of the few things that’s less-than-perfect about backwoods camping in the fall. But thanks to this pour-over coffee situation, you won’t have to choke down instant coffee or cowboy coffee (with the grounds). Kuju’s single-serve packs let you enjoy a real cup of coffee wherever you are. All you have to do it open the package, secure it to the sides of your mug, and add boiling water as you would when making pour-over coffee at home. This is available in 6 different roasts and either 6-packs, 10-packs, or 24-packs.
Buy it here:
Basecamp Blend, Medium Roast (6-Pack)
14. Leatherman Signal Camping Multi-Tool
Designed for the outdoors, the Leatherman Signal comes to the rescue in unexpected situations with a fire-starting Ferro rod, 420HC combo blade, and emergency whistle in addition to 19 other essential tools in a complete 4.5-inch set: several types of pliers, wire cutters, knife, saw, hammer, bottle opener, can opener, a diamond-coated sharpener, and more. It features a built-in pocket clip and carabiner that make it easy to carry with you wherever you go. Pick from 4 different colors combinations and enjoy the tool’s whopping 25-year warranty as well as its light 9-ounce weight.
Buy it here:
Leatherman Signal Camping Multi-Tool
15. Marmot Ironwood Mummy Sleeping Bag
This lightweight, mummy-style sleeping bag provides extra room to stretch your feet so that you can get more comfortable while camping. Made with 650-fill power down, this bag has been tested to provide continuous warmth at temperatures as low as 30 degrees fahrenheit, making it the perfect sleeping bag for fall camping. You’ll also enjoy the fact that it has a snagless, water-resistant, insulated draft tube as well as a full-length, locking zipper. Oh yeah, and the lifetime warranty isn’t too bad, either.
Buy it here:
Marmot Ironwood Mummy Sleeping Bag
16. Midland X-Talker Long-Range Two-Way Radio
With a whopping 40-mile range in open areas with little obstruction, the Midland T290VP4 X-Talker includes 36 channels, 121 privacy codes, NOAA weather scan and alert functions. It also gives you the option for hands-free operation. This radio features a channel scan that checks for activity. It comes in a set of two radios with two belt clips, two headsets, two 700mAh NiMH rechargeable battery packs, desktop charger, wall adapter, and charging cable so you can share with the other party in your camping trip.
Buy it here:
Midland X-Talker Long-Range Two-Way Radio
17. Osprey Atmos 65 AG Backpack
Osprey’s revolutionary AG backpack system seamlessly extends the tensioned back panel into the hip belt for more support on those long days of adventuring. This pack includes an internal hydration 3L sleeve (reservoir sold separately), zippered sleeping bag compartment, removable sleeping pad straps, and waterproof rain cover for that sometimes-unpredictable fall weather. The fit-on-the-fly harness and hip belt make for a fine-tuned fit. With this bag, you get curved zip access on each side, a floating top lid, and a front “shove it” pocket create easy-access storage.
Buy it here:
Osprey Atmos 65 AG Backpack
18. Revel Gear Trail Hound 30 Ft. USB Camping Light
Illuminate your basecamp with 100 high-efficiency LED lights in a 30-foot strand. This light provides 350 lumens of adjustable light with 8 different brightness settings. It also features 6 modes including:
- Solid
- Fade in/out
- Strobe
- Flash
- Fire-crackle
And did we mention it weighs less than 2 ounces? And that it fits into your pocket?
When this light runs out of power, all you have to do is plug it into any 5V USB outlet or battery (power source not included).
Buy it here:
Revel Gear Trail Hound 30 Ft. USB Camping Light
19. Rumpl “The Original Puffy” Camping Blanket
At a roomy 52” x 75”, The Original Puffy Camping Blanket is the only outdoor blanket you may ever need. Packable (compresses to 7” x 16”), portable, and super cozy, the Original Puffy has a ripstop shell and insulation created with 100% recycled material. On top of that, it’s also water and odor resistant. And if you need to keep your hands free to do other things while staying warm, you’ll love the blanket’s Cape Clip that allows you to wear it hands-free.
And when the blanket gets covered in dirt and campfire smell, all you have to do is pop it in the washing machine and will be like new. Take your pick from 16 different designs.
Buy it here:
Rumpl “The Original Puffy” Camping Blanket
20. Smittybilt Overlander Rooftop Tent
If you’re over the concept of pitching tents in the ground, we have the perfect solution for you: Smittybilt’s Overlander Rooftop Tent. This heavy-duty, all-season Overlander tent attaches to the top of your vehicle via the roof rack, keeping you high, dry, and safe from curious wildlife.
The standard Overlander comes with a high-density foam 92” x 55” mattress and can support 2-3 people with a combined weight of up to 661 lbs. Available options include an XL-sized tent with a mattress that sleeps 3-4 and an attachable Annex with windows and mosquito netting for cooking, changing clothes, and more.
The greatest thing about this tent? It goes up and comes down in only minutes – and everything fits into a convenient rooftop carrier.
Buy it here:
Overlander Standard tent
21. Stanley Adventure Camp-Pro Cook Set
The right cook set is key to your camping experience, and we’ve found a great one for you. This Stanley nesting cook set is made from even-heating 18/8 stainless steel that won’t rust or break and has everything you need to create a hearty meal over any camp stove or wood fire. The 11-piece set includes a 4.75-quart stock pot, 8.5” frying pan, 9-quart saucepan, vented lids, spatula, spoon, collapsible cutting board, two trivets, and a locking bungee cord to keep it all together. Plus, you get the legendary Stanley quality with a lifetime warranty.
Buy it here:
Stanley Adventure Camp-Pro Cook Set
22. The North Face Insulated E-Tip Glove
A good pair of gloves is a necessity when camping in the fall. You never know when the weather might turn to winter quick, and you don’t want to be unprepared. These E-tip gloves from The North Face are versatile and lightly insulated. They have a touchscreen-compatible, UR powered palm for optimum performance at elevation as well as a softshell backing, silicone gripper palm, and the ability to repel water.
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The North Face Insulated E-Tip Glove
23. Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL Camping/Backpacking Pad
All it takes is camping one time without a pad to realize how much you want that extra layer between you and the hard ground. We’ve got just the things. Therm-a-Rest’s Z Lite SOL closed-cell foam camping mattress is lightweight, dependable, durable, and economical. Trusted for generations by backpackers and mountaineers, the water-resistant pad features an easily-packable accordion-style design. Its reflective coating and heat-trapping dimples capture radiant heat, thus increasing overall warmth by 20 percent. The pad measures 20” x 72” and weighs less than 15 ounces.
Buy it here:
Therma-a-Rest Z Lite SOL Camping/Backpacking Pad
24. Urban Native Era Ribbed Beanie
Layers are key when packing for fall camping, and that includes layers for your head. Stay cozy in this winter-weight acrylic ribbed beanie that subtly educates and sparks conversation among non-Indigenous communities. Features the “You Are on Native Land” embroidered statement label. Not only will this beanie help to keep you warm, it also features UPF 50 fabric to shield your noggin from harmful UV rays.
Buy it here:
Urban Native Era Ribbed Beanie
25. YETI Rambler 10-Ounce Wine-Style Tumbler
Keeping your warm drinks warm and your cold drinks cold is an underrated nicety of camping. And that’s just what you’ll get with this tumbler. Made of 18/8 stainless steel, the YETI Rambler tumbler features a double-wall vacuum insulation that keeps your drinks the temperature you want them to be for hours. We love that this tumbler is BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and has a No Sweat design to keep your hands dry. Plus, the durable outside coating doesn’t crack, peel, or fade. Lock the temperature in with YETI’s clear MagSlider lid that comes with the tumbler, and choose from your favorite of 14 different colors.
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YETI Rambler 10-Ounce Wine-Style Tumbler with Lid
26. Zippo Matte Windproof Pocket Lighter
There’s no more recognizable global icon of durability and reliability than Zippo windproof lighters. For over 85 years, no one has spent a cent repairing a Zippo pocket lighter, regardless of age or condition, due to the brand’s lifetime guarantee. This lighter is just what you need when away from civilization and find yourself in need of a good ol’ campfire to roast some s’mores in. Choose from 20 different matte colors and designs.
Buy it here:
Zippo Matte Windproof Pocket Lighter
Leslie is a freelance travel and health/wellness writer who gets butterflies from telling stories and sharing information with readers across the globe. Her voice comes from a place filled with passion and dreams.
With over 10 years of experience in crafting words and years of embarking on travels that have taken this Montana girl to some incredible places, Leslie loves the adventures of both body and mind her writing takes her on.
To see what Leslie’s up to in the writing and design world, visit her website here.
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