Ultimate Guide to Autumn Backpacking Gear

Planning an autumn backpacking trip?

Here’s your complete gear guide for staying safe and comfortable as temperatures drop and conditions change.

Here’s what you need:

• Layered clothing: Base layer, insulating mid-layer, waterproof outer layer
• Warm sleeping bag: Rated 10°-20°F colder than expected temperatures
• Insulated sleeping pad: Higher R-value for better ground insulation
• 3-season tent with good rainfly
• Waterproof, breathable rain jacket
• Sturdy, waterproof boots
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• First aid kit and emergency supplies
• Map and compass (don’t rely solely on electronics)

Key tips:

• Check weather forecasts before your trip
• Start early due to shorter daylight hours
• Pack extra layers and emergency gear
• Wear bright colors during hunting season
• Use trekking poles for slippery trails

What to Expect in Fall Weather

Fall backpacking is a mix of beautiful colors and tricky weather. Let’s break down what you might face on the trail.

Daily Temperature Changes

Fall weather?

It’s a rollercoaster. You could start your hike shivering and end up sweating buckets by lunch.

Here’s the deal:

• Mornings can be freezing, afternoons might hit 60s or 70s Fahrenheit
• Climb 1,000 feet? Temperature drops 3° to 4°F
• Weather can flip on a dime, especially in the mountains

So, what’s the fix?

Layers.

Start with something that wicks sweat, add insulation, and top it with a waterproof shell. Boom. You’re ready for whatever fall throws at you.

Common Autumn Backpacking Trail Problems

Fall trails aren’t all pretty leaves and crisp air. They’ve got their own headaches:

1. Slippery Leaves

Those colorful leaves? They’re nature’s slip ‘n slide when wet. Watch your step and maybe grab some trekking poles.

2. Hidden Hazards

Fallen leaves are sneaky. They hide trail markers, roots, rocks – you name it. Keep your eyes peeled.

3. Early Sunsets

Days get shorter fast in fall. Start early and always pack a headlamp. You don’t want to be caught in the dark.

4. Wildlife

Animals are busy prepping for winter. Make some noise while you hike so you don’t startle them.

5. Hunting Season

Fall often means hunting season. Wear bright colors (think blaze orange) to stay safe.

6. Unpredictable Storms

Fall’s the prime time for nasty weather. East Coast? Watch for slow Nor’easters. West Coast? Brace for drenching Pineapple Express storms.

Before you hit the trail, always check the weather. The National Weather Service has your back with detailed reports. And remember – fall weather can turn on a dime. Pack extra layers, rain gear, and emergency supplies. Better safe than sorry, right?

Essential Fall Backpacking Gear

Must-Have Gear for Fall

Fall backpacking means dealing with changing weather.

Let’s look at the gear you need to stay comfy and safe.

Sleeping Equipment

Getting good sleep is key when it’s cold out. Here’s what you need:

Sleeping Bag: Go for a bag that’s rated 10°-20°F colder than you expect at night. A 20°F bag works well for most fall trips. Check for EN or ISO ratings to compare bags accurately.

“Temperature ratings are estimates, not gospel.” – REI Expert

Down vs. synthetic insulation:

• Down: Lighter and packs smaller, but doesn’t work well when wet
• Synthetic: Heavier, but keeps you warm even if it gets damp

Sleeping Pad: Don’t skip this! It keeps you warm by insulating you from the cold ground. Higher R-value means better insulation. The Therm-a-rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Mat is super light at 410g and has an R-value of 2.6.

Tent: Make sure your tent has a good rainfly for those surprise showers. A 3-season tent usually does the job for fall camping.

What to Wear

Layers are your best friend in fall. Here’s how to layer up:

1. Base Layer

This layer moves sweat away from your skin. Go for synthetic materials or merino wool. The Helly Hansen LIFA® Merino Midweight Base Layers do a great job at this.

2. Mid Layer

This layer keeps you warm. Fleece or synthetic jackets work well. For fall, synthetic is often better because it keeps insulating even if it gets a bit wet.

3. Outer Layer

This protects you from wind and rain. Always pack a waterproof, breathable rain jacket, even if the weather looks good.

“The key to hiking in colder weather is to layer!” – The Wandering Queen, Author

Don’t forget:

• A warm hat or beanie (merino wool is great)
• Gloves (Black Diamond Mercury Mitts for really cold days)
• Thick hiking socks (Smartwool makes good ones)

Backpack Choice

Your backpack needs to fit extra layers and emergency gear. Check out:

• Osprey Tempest 30 L (for women)
• Osprey Talon 33 L (unisex)

These packs give you plenty of room for fall gear and feel good on the trail.

When you pack:

• Keep rain gear where you can grab it fast
• Use a waterproof cover for your pack
• Put your stuff in waterproof sacks inside your pack

Special Gear for Fall Hiking

Fall hiking can be tricky, but the right gear makes all the difference.

Here’s what you need to tackle autumn trails like a pro.

Rain and Wind Gear

Staying dry is key. A good rain jacket is your best friend on fall hikes.

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is a top pick. It’s light (12.4 ounces) but tough. Its 3-layer design and 20,000mm waterproof rating keep you dry in heavy rain.

“The Torrentshell performed flawlessly in our tests, keeping the tissue paper and the base layer dry as dust.” – Alice Jones Webb, Author

Want to splurge? Check out the Arc’teryx Beta LT. It’s great for rainy hikes and snowy ski trips.

Don’t forget wind protection. Look for jackets with adjustable hoods and cuffs. The Outdoor Research Foray II has extra-long pit zips to help you cool down without getting wet.

Lights and Maps

Fall means shorter days, so good lighting is a must. Pick a headlamp with long battery life.

Cold weather can drain batteries fast. The Moonlight Team says:

“We have compiled some of our best tips and practices for using, storing and maintaining your headlamp.”

Pro tip: Keep batteries warm by storing them close to your body when not in use.

Always bring a physical map and compass. Your phone’s GPS might die in the cold, so old-school navigation is key.

Staying Warm

Layering is crucial for fall hiking. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Base layer: Merino wool or synthetic fabric (NOT cotton)
2. Mid-layer: Fleece or synthetic insulating jacket
3. Outer layer: Waterproof, breathable jacket

Don’t skip the accessories: warm hat, gloves, and extra socks. Pack down booties for cozy feet at camp.

Here’s a clever trick: Use a Thermacare lower back heat wrap to warm up your sleeping bag on extra cold nights.

One hiker shared:

“On a very cold night when I realized the foot end of my sleeping bag got wet, I spent the night wearing every article of clothing and an emergency bivy. Sleeping in a vapor barrier was miserable and I didn’t sleep much, but that barrier was the difference between being cold and getting hypothermia.”

Last but not least, pack a thermos. Hot tea or cocoa can be a real mood-booster during chilly rest stops.

Safety Equipment

Fall backpacking requires the right safety gear. Here’s what you need to pack for those crisp autumn hikes:

First Aid and Emergency Tools

A solid first aid kit is a must. Pack these essentials:

• Band-Aids, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and medical tape
• Tourniquet and quick-clot patch for serious injuries
• Pain relievers, antihistamines, and personal prescriptions
• Multi-tool for various situations

“For true, ‘life saving first aid’, you’re mostly just looking for something to keep the person alive until a helicopter Search and Rescue team can arrive.” – Anonymous, Doctor in a Level 1 Trauma Center.

Knowing how to use these items is key. Consider taking a wilderness first aid course before your trip.

The Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5 Medical Kit from the goHUNT Gear Shop is a great compact option.

Don’t forget these emergency must-haves:

• Fire starter kit (check out Pyro Putty)
• Emergency blanket
• Extra clothing, including dry socks and layers

Safety Signals and Phones

Being able to call for help or signal your location can save your life. Pack these:

• Satellite phone (Iridium GO! is a top pick at $855)
• Personal locator beacon
• Emergency whistle (attach it to your backpack)
• Bright clothing (blaze orange vest or hat for hunting season)

“Bad things can happen in the backcountry, and when they do, you are almost never near a hospital or helping hand.” – Author Unknown

Cold weather drains batteries fast, so keep devices close to your body and bring backup power.

And don’t forget the basics:

• Map and compass (tech can fail)
• Headlamp with extra batteries (days get shorter in fall)

Conclusion

Fall backpacking is awesome, but you need to prep right. Here’s what you need to know:

For gear, get a warm sleeping bag (like the Thermarest Parsec), a solid three-season tent with a good rainfly, and a stove for hot meals. Forget cold-soaking when it’s chilly out.

Dress smart:

• Layer up: wicking base, insulating mid, waterproof outer
• Don’t skimp on warm extras: hat, gloves (Possum Down or Outdoor Research Waterproof Liner are good), and spare socks
• Wear blaze orange if it’s hunting season

Safety is key:

• Pack the Ten Essentials (navigation, first aid, emergency shelter, etc.)
• Grab a bright headlamp like the Black Diamond Icon
• Use trekking poles on slick trails

Plan ahead:

• Check weather and water sources
• Start early, hike less (shorter days, remember?)
• Make noise to avoid surprising bears

One seasoned hiker put it this way:

“Especially when you’re hiking in an area that’s high-altitude or dry… consider bringing a more modest midlayer, eating an early, high-calorie dinner, and getting into bed before the mercury nosedives.”

Smart advice. Now get out there and enjoy those fall colors!