The Perfect Kit for Leaf-Peeping

Flannel is a classic fall layer, both for its iconic lumberjack aesthetic and its functional warmth, durability and comfortable softness. This season, wrap yourself up in the cozy organic cotton of the classic Fjord line from Patagonia. Both the men’s and women’s Fjord Flannel shirt have a loose silhouette, drop-in chest pockets and shirttail hems that drape to the hips. We love the plaid colorways’ rugged aesthetic, but both versions also come in neutral solids. Best of all: The Fjord will be in your closet for the long haul. “It’s built for the outdoors,” says Mark Little, Patagonia product director. “It doesn't need to stay clean to look good. In many ways, it gets better with use.” 

"Fall" earned its name not only from the leaves but also the temps, which is why carrying an extra layer (or two) on a shoulder-season hike is part of the Ten Essentials. We couldn’t help but swoon for this mid layer, new this season from colorful, Certified B Corporation Cotopaxi. Its color-blocked panels allow wearers to choose a mild or wild look, while an oh-so-soft texture and elastic binding at the cuffs keeps the chill at bay. Tug on the lower hem’s drawcord if you prefer the styling or warmth benefits of a cinched waist. This little number is also made from 100% recycled polyester in a sustainability-prioritizing factory with rigorous codes of conduct.

When it’s too frosty for your go-to flannel yet too toasty to bust out the puffy, find a Goldilocks-approved, just-right layer in the Relentr Shirt-Jac from KUHL. This dapper fall-weather heavyweight boasts double-knit construction, ample stretch and a buttoned-up look. “The Relentr really blends city style with outdoor performance,” says Sarah Scott, KUHL marketing manager. “It has the warmth and comfort you want from a layering piece, but the textured fabric and clean silhouette make it feel much more polished.” Pop the collar against the cold (or if you’re peeping on the East Coast) or lock it down with the discreet dual buttons.  

As daylight hours shorten and evenings get cooler, layers get even more essential, and you’ll never regret stuffing one that’s highly packable and lightweight into your bag. Whether you’re kicking up leaves in the neighborhood or taking in autumnal gold on a backpacking trip, the co-op’s lightest and most technical down hoodie is your ticket to staying cozy. The REI Co-op Magma 850 delivers high-quality insulation (850-fill-power goose down) at just 11.3 ounces for the women’s version and 13.1 ounces for the men’s. That makes it easy to compress and take on any excursion. Layer it under a shell jacket or wear it alone. Co-op designers tucked extra insulation into the chest pocket, added baffled construction and redesigned the hood to keep in more warmth. Other versions: Shop the full Magma collection.

A hard-wearing outer layer is essential when temps dip. The Fjallraven Kiruna and Skosgo insulated, padded overcoats feature the brand’s trademark wind- and water-resistant G-1000 Original fabric. Fully recycled synthetic insulation that’s made using an emissions-reducing manufacturing process locks in warmth. The Kiruna comes in a parka style for even colder temps, 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 wind and water resistance, and to boost durability.

It’s always lovely when you can focus on the foliage rather than what’s on your feet. And since fall weather creates unpredictable ground conditions (wet or dry leaves, caked dirt or sludgy mud), you’ll want a pair of shoes that can tackle just about anything with ease. That’s why we love the confidence-inspiring custom Vibram® outsoles and secure trekking laces on the Flower Mountain Iwano sneakers. Their no-nonsense technical suede-and-fabric uppers are trail-ready—and can be as brightly colored as the leaves above if you choose a multicolor pair. No worries if it’s raining on autumn’s parade. A waterproof inner membrane will keep your feet dry, while antibacterial natural cork insoles deter any funky fragrances from surfacing.

Is there any point in peeping if you can’t see the nuance between the reddish orange of a maple and the orangish red of a black gum? The changing sunlight can be beautiful, but also distorting: Make sure those colors burst with ChromaPop lenses from Smith, which are designed to filter two specific wavelengths of light to offer the viewer greater definition, enhanced clarity and (most importantly) more natural color. The result is crisp, bright visuals.

Find ChromaPop lenses in dozens of Smith silhouettes, though our favorites are the classic, wayfarer-style Lowdown 2 ChromaPop Sunglasses—available in standard, slim and XL frame sizes—and the elegantly angular, new-this-season Truss.

A generously sized daypack is a must for all between-seasons outings, since you’ll need more room for extra layers, food and safety gear (cough Ten Essentials cough). The 24-liter Arrio pack has been a standout since Gregory introduced it in 2021. “The Arrio is a great example of simplicity at its finest,” says Matt Connors, director of product creation at Gregory Mountain Products. “It’s refined, performance-oriented and versatile.” And it just got even better. The updated Arrio 24 has cool(ing) new features like a Vaporspan back panel that optimizes airflow and a more breathable shoulder harness. Streamlined main compartment access with a large, zippered opening makes it easy to grab the binocs for primo leaf peeping, while the soft and stable hipbelt supports dynamic movement if you need to wiggle or twist to get the best view. Other versions: Available in 20-liter and 28-liter capacity.

All that gandering can make a person thirsty, and depending on when and where you’re leaf-looking, you may want cold water or hot coffee to whet your whistle. There’s no better guzzling vessel than the tried-and-true, 26-fluid-ounce Rambler Vacuum Bottle with Chug Cap from YETI. Made from burly stainless steel and covered in peelproof, crack-resistant, colorful DuraCoat Colors, this double-wall-insulated container ensures cold drinks stay chilly and their hot counterparts stay toasty. To fill, just unscrew the two-part lid. Put the inner “chug cap” on if you’re parched and need a quick but controlled gulp (no more dribbling down your shirt on the trail). The whole kit and caboodle is dishwasher safe. Bonus: Our hiking editor confirms, “It’s the perfect canvas for stickers.” Other versions: Shop the full Rambler collection.

The leaves aren’t the only things to peep in the fall trees: Autumn is also prime birding time, as many species begin the second long migration journey. Experts recommend an 8-power magnifying “bin” for its wider field of view, perfect for scoping small birds in vibrant environs.

That’s why the Standard Issue Binoculars from Nocs Provisions is our go-to for avian adventure: They offer high-end optics in a lightweight (to the tune of 11.8 ounces), go-anywhere package. Durable rubber coating makes them sturdy enough to withstand drops and dings, and Nocs offers a “No-Matter-What” lifetime warranty in case the unthinkable happens. Plus, they’re fully waterproof and have fog-preventing technology, allowing you to leaf peep or bird-watch even amid fall drizzle. Space in your backpack at a premium? Opt for the smaller Zero Tube Monocular, available in 8 x 25 and 10 x 25 versions. Both are just a bit bigger than a Twinkie and a whole lot better for your arteries.

If you peep too hard you might get a stiff neck, so having somewhere to sit (within full view of the trees, of course) can help you maximize your experience with the reason for the season. Kick back and enjoy the vibrant hues of autumn with this lightweight camp chair from REI Co-op. The simple scoop-style, ripstop nylon seat features an aluminum frame and four-leg design for added stability. Weighing just one pound, yet capable of holding up to 250 pounds, the Flexlite Air Chair packs into its included stuff sack for easy carrying. Other versions: Shop the full Flexlite collection.

Don’t let frozen fingers stop your day o’ peeping early: A bit of a fall breeze and earlier sunset can put an unexpectedly strong chill in the air, and a lightweight pair of gloves can be a boost to your fall color-viewing kit. The Flash Power Stretch Gloves from REI Co-op are made with breathable and 4-way stretchy fleece, so they fit like a… well, you know. These hand warmers are tough and abrasion-resistant on the outside, soft and snuggly on the inside and stretchy throughout. Amateur shutterbugs snapping (and tapping) away on their smartphone camera will appreciate the gloves’ touch-screen compatibility, not to mention the drop-preventing rubberized pattern on the palm. Other versions: REI Co-op Flash Power Wool Gloves