Fall Hiking Gear Essentials
As summer temperatures cool down, you can increase your time exploring America’s best hiking trails. Gear up for fall with our top hiking accessory picks for men and women. From lightweight rain jackets, to headlamps, hands-free cameras and even a backpack for your dog, this must-have hiking gear will keep you comfortable, safe and smiling out on the hiking trails this fall.
Related: The Ultimate Cold Weather Camping Hacks
1. Petzl Reactik + Headlamp
While fall’s moderate temperatures are great for hiking, the season’s limited morning and evening daylight can bring additional challenges. When you want to extend your trail time, this headlamp provides excellent coverage with wide and focused beams for long-range vision. The light sensor also adjusts brightness and beam pattern automatically to optimize the battery, which will last two and a half hours on max power and up to 10 hours on the automatic setting. Petzl Reactik can also be paired via Bluetooth to a phone app to customize and control your settings without the need for removal when you’re on the go.
Price: $109
Purchase: moosejaw.com
2. Swiss Army SwissTool BS
A toolbox for your pocket, this multi-tool from Swiss Army has everything you could possibly need when you’re away from home. In addition to the basics, like screwdrivers and pliers, this compact tool features a metal saw and file, chisel, lanyard hole and a reamer among 27 other handy features. The burnished steel is sleek, and it provides better protection against corrosion than traditional designs, ensuring durability season after season.
Price: $184
Purchase: swissknifeshop.com
3. Marmot Tool Box 26 Liter Day Pack
Whether you’re looking for a pack you can use for commuting or an upcoming outdoor adventure this fall season, the Marmot Tool Box is as versatile of an option as you’ll find. The padded laptop sleeve doubles as a hydration reservoir when you decide to head out on the hiking trail, and the cushioned shoulder harness and sternum strap provide even distribution and minimize shifting no matter how heavy your load is. In addition to the large main compartment, there are also two external water bottle compartments for easy access, along with an external stash pocket for a pair of sunglasses or your smartphone.
Price: $109
Purchase: marmot.com
4. GoPro Hero 6
The latest Hero camera from GoPro is waterproof, durable and compact just like previous generations. Where this new model differs is the two-inch touchscreen and the voice command feature, the latter of which allows for hands-free control out on the hiking trails. The Quik Stories feature is also handy and works with the GoPro app to transform footage into videos you can share with friends without any additional work on your part. And as far as action cameras go, this one is about as reasonably priced as you’re going to find.
Price: $199
Purchase: shop.gopro.com
5. Yeti Rambler Bottle
All bottles are not created equal. The Yeti Rambler will keep all of your fluids the perfect temperature, whether it’s hot coffee or cold water, so you can enjoy tasty beverages no matter where you’re headed this fall. Double-wall insulation, stainless steel construction for durability and the Triple-Haul leak-proof cap are other features that make this one of the best bottles on the market for outdoor adventurers.
Price: $29
Purchase: basspro.com
6. Kurgo Baxter Dog Bagpack
Bringing your dog on the hiking trails during the cooler fall weather can be a great way to bond and enjoy nature together. If you don’t have room in your pack for food bowls, doggie bags and first aid supplies, this wearable lightweight pack will allow your dog to help with the load. It features a large handle for when you need to assist your dog over large rocks, a leash hook to aid in water extraction and a harness for those times when extra control is needed. Eight adjustment points allow for a custom fit for most dogs, and the two different size options are suitable for pets in the 30- to 110-pound range.
Price: $49
Purchase: petco.com
7. Adventure Medical Kits Pocket Survival Pak
When you’re headed towards a mountain peak, anything can happen. We recommend hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. This compact survival kit is a must-have addition for your backpack, to keep you safe on any trail this season. A rescue howler whistle, signal mirror, fire starting kit, compass and basic fishing equipment are a few of the items included.
Price: $39
Purchase: usoutdoor.com
8. Patagonia Torrentshell Pant
When temperatures start to drop and the trail gets wet, you might need a little extra protection to keep you warm and comfortable. For those days when shorts won’t cut it, these pants will do the trick. The H2No Performance shell provides a light layer that can easily be worn over another layer without overheating, and the taped seams, articulated knees and side zips allow for superior freedom of movement. If things do heat up later on, the pants can be packed down small enough to place in a pocket when they aren’t needed.
Price: $99
Purchase: backcountry.com
9. Columbia Women’s Crest to Creek Hybrid Shell
When it’s not quite cold enough for a winter jacket, this lightweight rain shell from Columbia will keep you dry and comfortable out on the trail. The Omni-Tech Plain Weave shell is designed to move and stretch with you, while the contoured sleeve cuffs, sealed seams and a drawcord adjustable hem add little details you’ll appreciate on longer hikes.
Price: $114
Purchase: columbia.com
10. Merrell Moab FST Hiking Shoes
A light hiking shoe with the sole of a boot, the Merrell Moab is a terrific option for changing weather conditions. Flexible, breathable mesh uppers with a TPU overlay will keep your feet cool in rising temperatures, while the Select DRY outer membrane is completely waterproof to keep you dry in a sudden downpour. Grippy Vibram rubber outsoles and Air Cushion in the heel will allow you to tackle any type terrain with confidence.
Price: $69
Purchase: sierratradingpost.com
