4 Fall Camping Essentials

Fall is officially here, and that means cooler weather and falling leaves are just around the corner. Depending on where you live, maybe you’ve already been able to enjoy some autumnal weather!

No matter where you are, fall is really the perfect time to camp. It’s not too hot, the scenery is beautiful, and the campgrounds tend to be less crowded.

But, it’s distinctively different from summer camping.

Before you hit the road and head to your favorite site this season, make sure you’ve got some foolproof essentials that will make every day of your camping trip enjoyable and less stressful. Let’s cover a few of them.

1. A Cold-Weather Sleeping Bag

In many parts of the country, fall has a knack for warm temperatures during the day and close to freezing temperatures at night.

So, don’t let the daily forecast trick you. You might be able to enjoy bright, sunny afternoons. But once that sun goes down and you’re not parked right next to the fire, it can get incredibly cold. A regular sleeping bag might not cut it. To make sure you’re fully prepared for a good night’s rest, pack your cold-weather sleeping bag.

2. A Good Tent

Now is the time to invest in a good tent. If you’ve been using the same one for several years, make sure it can still stand up to the elements. Fall weather can be unpredictable, and the last thing you want to experience is a leaky “roof” or wind whipping through the tent while you’re trying to sleep. If your old tent isn’t up to par anymore, take the time to get a new one that you can enjoy for years to come.

3. A “Grab Bag” of Clothing

A good rule of thumb for fall camping is to bring more clothes than you’ll probably end up using.

Even if you stay on top of the forecast, it’s not uncommon for the weather to change throughout the day. You don’t want to be too hot, but you also don’t want to be too cold! Pack clothes that you can layer together quickly, so you can add or remove pieces throughout the day – including socks!

4. Waterproof Boots

Any avid camper knows that one of the most important rules is to keep your feet warm and dry. Again, fall weather can be unpredictable. So, one of the best things you can do is to keep an extra pair of boots on hand. Or, make sure your hiking boots are lined and waterproof. If you happen to come across some muddy terrain or it starts to rain during your trip, you’ll be happy your feet are dry!

If you’re sensing a theme with these fall essentials, that’s a good thing. When you go camping in the autumn, the most important thing to keep in mind is the weather. Almost everything “extra” that you pack should be to prepare yourself for anything from sunny skies to stormy nights.

Keep these essentials in mind before you head to the campground, and you’ll keep yourself safer and more comfortable throughout your trip.

Oct 11th 2021 Stacey Koziel