Fall is one of the best times to be outdoors, there’s simply no doubt about that! With cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, it’s the perfect season for hiking, camping, or just spending time exploring nature. Cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and fewer bugs make fall one of the best times of year to get outside. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend camping trip, spending the afternoon on a hiking trail, or getting ready for hunting season, having the right fall outdoor gear can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are once the temperature starts to drop.
Fall weather can also be unpredictable. A sunny afternoon can turn chilly once the sun goes down, rain can show up unexpectedly, and an easy trail can feel completely different when you’re dealing with wet leaves or muddy ground. The best fall outdoor gear helps you prepare for those changes without packing your entire closet or garage.
We’ve rounded up fall outdoor gear that’s actually useful for the season, including clothing, footwear, camping essentials, and practical accessories worth bringing along. Some picks will help keep you warm, while others can make your time outside safer, easier, or simply more enjoyable. If fall is your favorite excuse to get outdoors, these are the essentials worth checking before your next adventure!
10 Best Fall Gear Picks for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Fall has a way of making every outdoor plan sound better, whether you’re heading out for a cool morning hike, setting up camp for the weekend, fishing until sunset, or simply spending more time outside once the summer heat finally breaks. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s make it easy to get ready in one place, with clothing, footwear, camping equipment, fishing essentials, outdoor accessories, and plenty more for the season ahead. Browse Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s while you’re narrowing down the best fall gear picks for outdoor enthusiasts, then choose the pieces that make sense for how you spend your time outside.
1. Rain Jacket
Fall weather can change quickly, which means a waterproof or water-resistant rain jacket is one of the most important items you can have. After all, nothing can put a damper on your adventure faster than getting caught in a sudden storm or heavy downpour. Since temperatures can still be warm, look for one that is lightweight and breathable. This way, you’ll stay dry without having to carry or wear a bulky jacket.
Related: Here Are the Best Labor Day Deals on Outdoor Gear + Camping Essentials
2. Lightweight Fleece
Layering is key when packing for an autumn excursion. We love a lightweight fleece as a mid-layer, since it adds just the right amount of warmth without making you overheat.
Fleece also happens to be quick-drying, so you won’t have to worry about being damp if you sweat or get caught in the rain. Look for ones made with synthetic polyester, like a Microfleece or a Polartec fleece.
3. Waterproof Hiking Boots
To tackle rainy weather and muddy trails, you’ll be glad you’re wearing waterproof hiking boots over sneakers. It’s especially important to choose boots with good traction, as water can make things extra slick and slippery. While synthetic materials tend to be more lightweight, ones with a leather upper offer greater durability and protection against the elements. So if you have any extreme hikes or rugged ventures planned, they may be worth the extra weight.
Related: Best Hiking Boots for Kids That Will Survive More than One Season
4. Comfortable Daypack
Unlike summer, fall adventures often require packing more fall outdoor gear. That means you’ll need a sturdy daypack with space for everything you need, like extra layers, snacks, and other hiking essentials. Besides interior storage, your bag should also have padded straps and breathable back support. It’s also a good idea to look for one made from water-resistant materials or one that comes with a built-in rain cover for protection.
5. Headlamp
Since there are shorter days and earlier sunsets in fall, it can be extremely beneficial to have a headlamp with you. Even if you don’t plan to be out when it’s dark, it’s still a smart piece of fall outdoor gear to have in case you encounter any unexpected delays. The headlamp should be comfortable to wear and long-lasting (like this one, which can go for 100 hours on a single charge). Bonus points if it has an SOS light for extra safety!
6. Portable Power Bank
When you’re out and about all day, your phone can quickly run low on battery, especially if you’re using GPS, taking photos, or checking weather conditions. Packing a portable power bank isn’t just practical, it’s also an important safety precaution. The last thing you want to have happen is to lose phone connection or access to navigation!
Thankfully, power banks are small enough these days to easily fit in your daypack or even back pocket. Some of them even have wireless charging, so you won’t have to mess around with cables or cords.
7. Insulated Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is an important aspect of any outdoor adventure. Even if the weather is cooler in fall than it is in summer, you’ll still need a water bottle to take with you on your trip.
Insulated water bottles are great because they keep things cool for hours at a time. However, they can also be used to keep warm drinks hot, which is useful during cooler mornings or evenings. Fill it up with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or even soup for a comforting treat while you’re exploring Mother Nature!
Related: Best Budget Outdoor Gear for Families (Under $50, $100, $150)
8. Warm Accessories
Cold-weather accessories are essential for keeping comfortable during chilly fall adventures. A warm hat, softshell gloves, and cozy socks can help protect you from dropping temperatures, especially on early-morning hikes or cool evenings.
If you’re hiking or camping somewhere particularly cold or freezing, you may need specific cold weather camping gear. Having things like neck gaiters, self-activating hand warmers, or rechargeable heated shoe insoles can make all the difference!
9. Sunscreen
Despite what you may think, sunscreen isn’t just for hot summer days, making it a must-have when it comes to fall outdoor gear. UV rays can penetrate clouds and hit your skin even in cooler temperatures. This is especially true if you’re hiking in the mountains or somewhere with higher elevations, where UV exposure is stronger. For that reason, you’ll want to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before going outside. Opt for a mineral-based and reef-friendly sunscreen with a high SPF. It’s gentler on skin and better for the environment!
10. First Aid Kit
Emergencies are rare, but they can happen at any time, so it’s essential to keep a first aid kit on your fall outdoor gear list! Make sure you’re prepared for minor injuries like cuts, scrapes, blisters, and insect bites by carrying a small first aid kit in your daypack. It should carry the essentials, like bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, medical tape, and blister treatments. And if you happen to use anything during your trip, make sure to restock before your next outing.
Stock Up On the Best Fall Outdoor Gear for the Season
Don’t wait until you’re halfway down the trail or setting up camp after sunset to realize you left important fall outdoor gear at home! Fall conditions can change pretty rapidly, and having the right fall outdoor gear packed before you leave can mean more time enjoying the trip and less time worrying about cold temperatures, wet weather, or uncomfortable equipment.
You don’t need to replace everything you already own, either, when it comes to fall outdoor gear. Making sure you’ve got a warmer layer, dependable pair of boots, better backpack, or a few thoughtfully chosen camping essentials might be all your setup needs this season. We recommend that when it comes to fall outdoor gear, you start with the gear that solves the biggest problems you usually encounter outdoors, then build from there.
Fall only lasts so long, and some of the best weekends of the year are waiting outside! Get your fall outdoor gear together, check the forecast, make your plans, and go enjoy them. Before you head on your next adventure, make sure you have the right fall outdoor gear to keep you warm and protected. If you’re planning on taking the family, then keep in mind you may need a more detailed checklist of things to bring with you.
Along with packing kid-friendly fall outdoor gear, here are several tips on how to have a successful family hiking trip. While taking your kids backpacking requires more planning, it’s a rewarding experience that we know everyone will enjoy and remember for years to come!
Read Next: Fall Bucket List for Families: 25 Things to Do Before It Gets Cold
