Whether you’re hitting the campgrounds on the way to view fall’s fairytale foliage or you’re taking the path less traveled for some quality time with your loved ones, you’re going to need to stock up on gear along the way. Chances are you have a few of the essential items like a water bottle or backpack, but even if you don’t (or you need a new one of each), we have you covered in our gear guide for fall camping.
Camping Tent
Let’s start with the big one and, arguably, the most important one – a tent. Having a plan in place before you hit the campsite goes a long way in setting your trip up for success. The best way to do that? Decide what you’ll be sleeping in before the sun goes down. A solid shelter is ideal for protecting you from the elements while you’re sleeping. No one wants to be cold and uncomfortable, so avoid those complaints by investing in a quality tent.
The Coleman Skydome 8-Person Camping Tent checks all those boxes, plus it comes with a screen room. Designed to provide two separate living spaces within one tent, the Skydome features a weatherproof screen room that quickly and easily converts into an additional sleeping area for two people. Don’t need it to sleep, extra people? No worries. Use it for extra storage or lounge space. The entire tent sets up in under five minutes because of pre-attached poles. Speaking of the frame, it can withstand up to 35 mph winds. Nice, right? The WeatherTec system uses a tub-like floor, welded corners, and inverted seams to keep water out. A wider door design makes it easier to move gear like sleeping bags or airbeds in and out without issue. In other words, it’s the perfect choice for your next fall camping adventure.
Sleeping Bag, Cot, or Air Bed
Now that you have nailed down what you’re sleeping under, it’s time to choose what you’ll be sleeping in. Some prefer an air bed or cot, while others are perfectly fine with a sleeping bag. There’s no wrong answer here. As long as you aren’t sleeping directly on the ground, any of the above options should suffice.
If going with a sleeping bag, the Coleman OneSource Heated Sleeping Bag is a solid choice. Perfect for late-season camping, the mummy-shaped bag can keep you warm in temperatures as low as 32-degrees, thanks to its two heating pads. There’s one at the core and one at the foot box, and together they work to distribute heat throughout the sleeping bag. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, one charge ranges from 2 hours on high to 4 hours on low. With a ZipPlow zipper, you never have to worry about snagging when opening and closing. Bonus points for being machine-washable once you remove the heating pads, wires, and battery. A convenient stuff sack is also included!
Cots are always a valid option when camping. If you’re already stocked up on blankets and looking for something quick and easy to sleep on, then a cot is the obvious solution. The Easy Cot is easy to set up and easy to store, thus its name. At 31″ in width and 78″ in length, this cot sets up in seconds. Constructed from welded steel legs and 600-denier polyester, the fabric reinforcements ensure this cot is solid and sturdy – 330-pound capacity sturdy.
When camping with luxury in mind, you naturally think of the bedrooms inside RVs. You can achieve that same level of luxury in your tent, especially if you choose an air mattress to sleep on. The Coleman AeroBed is from their Luxury Collection and provides mattress-style comfort but in air mattress form. It is antimicrobial treated to resist odor, mold, mildew, and fungus, making it an excellent choice for camping conditions. Inflates with the quick flick of a switch and the Smart Pump simply shuts off automatically once the bed is full. A storage bag is included for easy transport and storage. Go to bed, sleep comfortably, and wake up refreshed for the adventurous day ahead.
Illumination
Once the sun gives up for the day, you lose the light. Don’t leave everyone in the dark. Bringing along a few options to light up the night, or at least your tent and immediate surroundings. Lighting can go a long way in making your campsite feel like home.
The Coleman Rechargeable 400-Lumen LED Lantern uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery to eliminate the stress and worry of bringing along spare batteries. This lantern can run for 5 hours on high or 20 hours on low and sheds up to 40′ of light on a full charge.
Running out for a quick trip to the bathroom… or designated tree? The SplashFlash LED Headlamp is a hands-free option to help light the path there and back. Made of high-impact ABS plastic with a molded-rubber lens protector, the adjustable strap ensures comfort while the ratcheting head allows quick light direction.
If you’re looking for a light to pull its weight on your next fall camping trip, then look no further. The iJoy Lumina Light-Up Bluetooth Lantern is both a light source and a speaker all in one. Everyone at the campsite will flock to your area, like moths to a flame or dancers to the dance floor, once you start playing the tunes. Featuring a flame-like LED light, this lantern has 6-8 hours of play time. With this one, you’re sure to be the light of the party! See what we did there?
Camping Tools
We would never advise going camping without a camping tool of some sort. You never know when you’ll need to cut, chop, or defend something while on the trail.
Perfect for kitchen prep among other uses, is the GSI Outdoors Santoku Paring Knife. Designed with an ergonomic rubber handle for a safe, comfortable grip, this 4″ blade is sturdy and reliable. For a multi-purpose tool in your pocket, the LED150 Pro Pocket Pliers are always a great choice. With two built-in LED lights, you’ll see exactly which device to spring forward in a time of need. It includes scissors, Phillips and flathead screwdriver tips, cap lifter, wire stripper, and a can opener. You’ll feel like MacGyver.
Last but not least, grab a first aid kit. While the other items on this list are ideal, a first aid kit is a must-have. Cuts, stings, or scrapes are inevitable when camping, but the fun doesn’t have to come to a halt. Be prepared and address them as soon as they happen, so the adventure continues.
Tell us, what gear do you stock up on before heading out on a fall camping trip?
