It’s safe to say that autumn is in full swing. Temperatures are falling, leaves are turning colors, and some of the best camping of the year has finally arrived. We’re talking crisp morning air, cool nights around the bonfire, and splashes of red, yellow, and orange like only fall can provide. Of course, with this change in weather comes a change in camping gear, so we’ve decided to give you a look at a few of our personal favorites for the fall season, from flannels and coats to blankets and boots.
Fjällräven Sten Jacket
For the ever-changing autumn weather, the Sten has been one of my go-to jackets. It’s light enough to be worn throughout the day, but warm enough for cold spells when paired with an underlayer like a flannel or henley. The brand’s famous G1000 material has easily stood up to repeated abuses throughout my travels and cleaned up nicely after being doused in mud during vehicle recoveries. It features pre-shaped sleeves that match the curve of your arms with an athletic fit that appears stylish instead of frumpy. Zippered pockets with leather pulls provide storage and a nice accent to the coat, while a hood helps protect your head from the elements in foul weather. Add a layer of Greenland wax and button the sleeve cuffs and you’re prepared for whatever surprises Mother Nature can throw at you.
Off the Grid Surplus Stampede Flannel
What can I say, I’m a sucker for a good flannel, and as luck would have it, few things are better suited for fall attire. The most recent addition to my growing collection comes from Off the Grid Surplus, and like their Trailblazer pant, it combines a stylish look and solid construction with a price that’s hard to beat. The buttoned shirt is made from an ultra-soft brushed fabric with a fit that is loose enough to be comfortable but stylish enough to wear out to your favorite bar or restaurant. Extended arms and long total length gives the average person plenty of room to move without the sleeves riding up, but also allows folks of a taller persuasion to get in on the action. I’m 6’4”, and the sleeves are just right for me. The fabric weight hits the ideal spread between the warmer daytime temperatures and cooler nights we often encounter during fall and can be paired with their new Torch jacket when the winter lows roll in.
Several colors are available, and early-bird pricing is set at $43. To learn more, visit the Off the Grid surplus site here.
Primus Micron Lantern
To me, fall is all about offsetting cool weather with cozy atmospheres, and few things set that mood like a warm fireplace. Of course, for those of us who don’t have room for a fireplace in our trucks, a glowing lantern will certainly get the job done, which is exactly why I picked up a Primus Micron. This compact little lantern weighs just 4 ounces but will pump out 360 heart-warming lumens once you strike the integrated EasyTrigger ignition. It’s equipped to run on standard butane canisters, but can be adapted to run on other fuels like propane as well. Would a battery-powered lantern be easier? Absolutely, but there’s just something magical about a real flame burning late into the evening.
Retail price is $55, however, you can often pick it up in the $45 range online. To learn more visit the Primus website here.
Rumpl Sherpa Blanket
I’ve been using Rumpl blankets for a few years now, and have repeatedly raved about how they make camping feel more like sleeping at home, but I must admit that the ripstop polyester fabric leaves something to be desired. It’s not the softest material on the planet, and it tends to slip off of you or your bed too easily in most situations. The Sherpa blanket changed all of that though with a ridiculously soft fleece bottom and a spill and stain resistant top. The combination is perfect for hanging around the campfire, watching a movie at the house, or keeping warm in your tent. Several colors and fabric combinations are available including a flannel, woven, or traditional puffy style top with fleece bottoms.
Omnia Oven
Can it really be fall without some delicious baked goods? I don’t think so, which is why one of my top picks for the season has to be the Omnia oven. It’s light, compact, and turns any camp stove into an easy to clean oven. We bake everything from chicken wings and quiches to cinnamon rolls and pumpkin bread in ours, and all you have to do is throw the ingredients in and leave it be. You can read my full review here, but suffice it to say that the Omnia is one of my favorite camp kitchen products and is perfect for preparing warm meals in fall weather.
Danner Crag Rat Boots
I love four-wheel-drive vehicles for the places they can take us, but there’s something even more liberating about parking where the road runs out and continuing the journey on your own two feet. In the summer I often find myself setting out in hiking sandals or running shoes, but when the trail gets serious or the temperatures begin to drop, a more suitable boot is in order, and my most recent selection has been the Danner Crag Rat.
The Crag Rat is a more aggressive boot designed for the path less traveled but aesthetically falls somewhere between form and function. The leather finish and dark metal accents keep you safely out of the frumpy zone, but the thick sole and black lower accents aren’t exactly going to blend in at the bar. The Vibram Tsavo outsole boasts a rubber compound and tread pattern purpose-built for traction in tough terrain. And Danner’s Dynamic Response System acts as a suspension for the boot, giving it a springboard return and superior shock absorption capabilities even in cold environments. A 100 percent waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex liner prevents water and snow from getting into the boot while allowing internal moisture to vent out. And an Ortholite footbed with three layers of different density materials cushions your feet. Open-cell polyurethane construction improves the heat dissipation and air circulation of the insole, keeping the boot comfortable in all environments.
Fifteen52 Field Study Beanie
The Fifteen52 beanie probably seems a little out of place on this list. Not only does it not boast any fancy features or technical fabrics to set it apart, but it’s sold by a wheel company. So why would I recommend it? The answer is simple. It’s affordable, works, and is my personal favorite beanie. I love that the rust color pops yet still manages to go with most outfits. The waffle knit is warm, but also allows enough airflow so you don’t get sweaty. The one-size-fits-all design really does fit all and manages to do so without looking odd on larger heads. While it may not be the “best” choice on the market, sometimes a good old-fashioned beanie is the right choice.
The Fifteen52 Beanie retails for $30. Check it out on their website here.
