{"id":20161,"date":"2017-09-21T08:00:51","date_gmt":"2017-09-21T15:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=20161"},"modified":"2023-06-14T11:51:14","modified_gmt":"2023-06-14T18:51:14","slug":"how-to-pack-for-fall-backpacking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/camp\/how-to-pack-for-fall-backpacking","title":{"rendered":"How to Pack for Fall Backpacking"},"content":{"rendered":"

What to bring, wear, eat, drink and where to go.
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Fall is one of our favorite times to backpack. There are fewer crowds, fewer bugs and fewer blazing-hot climbs. Plus, there is nothing better than hunkering down in your sleeping bag, worn out from a long hike, in cooler temperatures, surrounded by turning leaves.<\/p>\n

Before you hit the trail, there are some considerations to take into account that are specific to fall backpacking. We talked to three experts from around the co-op to bring you everything you need to know.<\/p>\n

What Gear to Bring<\/strong><\/h4>\n

1. A good tent. <\/strong>We\u2019re obsessed with the NEMO Hornet<\/a>, because it\u2019s just two pounds while still offering much-needed weather protection. \u201cPrepare for freezing weather and winter-like conditions, especially at night: cold-weather sleeping bag, insulated pad, winter hat and gloves, and maybe even a 4-season tent if you\u2019re going up to higher altitudes,\u201d says Logan Jenott, REI employee and backpacking expert who wanders most often in the North Cascades.<\/p>\n

2. All of your <\/strong>tent stakes<\/strong><\/a>. <\/strong>With the winds and weather in the fall, you want them all. Be sure to properly stake your tent and fly\u2014this helps ensure the wind doesn\u2019t drive you crazy. Way more importantly, it will keep you dry. Tip: In fall it\u2019s even more important to pitch your tent as soon as you get to camp (i.e., before dark) and make sure you dry it out first thing when you get home (as you definitely don’t want to let a wet tent sit and mildew for the rest of the winter).<\/p>\n

3. A good headlamp. <\/strong>Customers rank the Petzl Tikka<\/a> as their favorite. Pick a headlamp with an adjustable beam, regulated output (so it doesn’t dim as batteries drain) and a red-light mode for in-camp, nighttime use. While you’re contemplating options, be sure to consider rechargeable headlamps. And don\u2019t forget that days are getting shorter. Check when the sun sets and give yourself plenty of time to get camp ready before the sun goes down.<\/p>\n

4. Extra batteries.<\/strong> The longer nights mean longer hours with your headlamp on. Also, \u201cThe cold drains batteries quickly so it\u2019s good to have some backups,\u201d says Ashley Brown, REI employee, Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker and self-professed gear nerd. We like the Goal Zero AAA<\/a>\u2019s because they\u2019re rechargeable.<\/p>\n

5. A warm sleeping pad. <\/strong>Don\u2019t let the cold ground suck away your body heat. Check the R-value of your pad<\/a> before you go. We pick the NEMO Tensor<\/a>, which merges ultralight fabrics and warm insulation. The higher the number on a scale of 1.0 to 9.5, the better you can expect it to insulate you from cold surfaces (R3 and above is best for the fall). Bringing an additional sleeping pad, like the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol<\/a>, will keep you even more insulated against the ground. Plus, it can double as a sit pad.<\/p>\n

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