Autumn, with its crisp mornings and sunshine-on-your-shoulder afternoons, brings a special kind of magic—particularly when the maples, dogwoods and aspens burst into hues of yellow, orange and red. Ready to go leaf-peeping? Gather up this collection of cozy apparel and essential accoutrements and head out for a long hike or Sunday drive. After all, ’tis the season.
REI Co-op Wallace Lake Flannel Shirt (Women’s & Men’s)
Soft and rugged at the same time, the REI Co-op Wallace Lake Flannel Shirt is just the thing for taking the chill out of an early-morning walk or soaking in the view while sipping a warm bevvy. It’s made with organic cotton that stands up to washings and wear and has two roomy chest pockets. If plaid’s not your thing, the Wallace Lake comes in solid, heathered colors. $69.95-$74.95
Hit the trail in a pair of Blundstone Chelsea boots—perfect autumn adventure companions thanks to smooth leather uppers and a just-right dose of traction and stability. Though these kicks play well in town, an ergonomically engineered toe spring and cushioned foam in the midsole help keep the dogs from barking when your leisurely stroll turns into a heart-pumping hike. $219.95-$229.95
A hard-wearing outer layer is essential when temps dip. Fjallraven’s Kiruna and Skosgo feature the brand’s trademark wind- and water-resistant G-1000 Original fabric plus synthetic insulation to put the kibosh on autumn’s chill. The Kiruna comes in a parka style for extra warmth, while the Skosgo falls to the hip with an articulated cut for easy movement on the go. Add Greenland Wax to either option for even more durability. $350-$365
With eight times the magnification power and a 25mm objective lens, the Standard Issue Binoculars from Nocs Provisions offer high-end optics in a lightweight, go-anywhere package. Plus, they’re fully waterproof and have fog-preventing technology, allowing you to leaf peep even amid fall drizzle. Space in your backpack at a premium? Opt for the smaller monocular, which is just a bit bigger than a Twinkie and a whole lot better for your arteries. $95
Blustery fall days call for cozy blankets. Enter Rumpl, which brings a touch of style and recycled materials to your snuggly covering. Channel your inner superhero (or more easily hold your coffee mug) with the Cape Clip™ feature. Planning a peeping picnic? Bring along a few tent stakes to slide through the corner loops, securing your feast when the wind picks up. $99
Whether you’re getting an alpine start or enjoying an afternoon adventure, the Hydro Flask Coffee with Flex Sip Lid mug will keep your morning java warm or your craft kombucha cold for hours. The leakproof sipping lid, flexible strap for easy transport and cup holder-ready size will make this your go-to container for on-the-go color hunting. $32.95
You’ll likely have to head out past the trailhead for the best peeping vantage points—and that’s part of the fun. Bring along the Osprey Daylite Plus, which has a 20-liter capacity and a “shove-it pocket” for no-longer-needed layers. Made with bluesign®-approved recycled fabrics and a PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) coating, this pack is less environmentally impactful and light on your back. $75
Kick back and enjoy the vibrant hues of autumn with this lightweight camp chair from REI Co-op. This scoop-style ripstop seat features an aluminum frame and four-leg design for added stability. Weighing just one pound and 11 ounces, the Flexlite Camp Chair packs into the included stuff sack for easy carrying. $69.95
Fido might not fully appreciate the fall splendor (damn black-and-white vision), but he’ll certainly jump at the chance to join you for a walk in the woods. Keep him warm with the Overcoat Fuse doggie jacket from Ruffwear. The weather-resistant shell fabric can withstand snags and scratches, and two zippered pockets can hold small essentials. Available in XS-XL doggo sizing. $89.95
Interested in more staff picks and kits? Find more collections here.
Editor’s Note: This piece was originally published on Sept. 1, 2022, and has been updated.