Layering for fall camping can feel a bit like a science. And in some ways, it is! Welcome to your official guide on all things layering for the season. It’s all about knowing the key ingredients of fall clothing. Then, you can create comfortable, functional fall camping outfits for all your adventures.
Table Of Contents
In this blog, we’re going to discuss all the right ways to layer, materials to look for, and organization hacks to ensure your outfits are as ready for the season as you are!
Factoring in the Weather
Because fall consists of such shifty weather, it’s important to know the forecast. Autumn weather can consist of a little bit of everything, so naturally, your packing will reflect that. Sure, you don’t want to overpack, but you most definitely don’t want to under-pack! Just be mindful of the forecast as you plan your trip so you can prepare with better intentionality.
A Note on Shopping for Fall Camping Clothes
Luckily, in the fall, many of your favorite outdoor retailers will have the items you’ll need in stock. But remember: you can always check second-hand shops. You may even be able to ask friends and family to lend you items that may be on the pricier side.
Base Layers
Fall is the time to start introducing base layers to your camping wardrobe. You don’t need to go all out with heavy full-length sleeves and high necks. But, it is good to have a lightweight tee shirt or long sleeve shirt as your base. Opt for breathable materials, since this is going to be the layer against your skin. You don’t want to catch a cold from a sweaty tee against you in the chilly, windy weather! Merino wool is breathable and insulating, and is the best option for base layers for that reason. We’ll talk about it even more later!
Mid-Weight Layers
The mid-weight layer is definitely an essential part of fall outdoor gear. This is totally the signifier of shifting into colder temps. On a chilly, dry day, a mid-weight layer is perfect for keeping you cozy. Fleece is an excellent choice for this! Something with a zipper or quarter zip helps make this piece even more functional, and allows you to adjust the breathability to your liking.
Outer Rain Shell
Having a sufficient outer shell for these colder months is an absolute essential! This is the layer that the elements are coming in contact with, like wind, rain, snow, hail– you name it. It should be the ultimate rain jacket: a fully waterproof zip jacket with a hood and pockets. It can also act as a windbreaker. Look for extra technical features that will help in harsher conditions. Things like rip-stop stitching, sealed seams, and waterproof zippers. These are those little details you don’t really think about, but end up making a huge difference. If it’s going to be particularly rainy, you could even look into getting some rain pants!
Socks and Shoes
Socks and shoes when camping deserve your attention! In this damp, chilly season, opt for tall socks– taller than your shoes. That way, you’re not chaffing against boots, and you’re fully insulating your foot.
Speaking of taller shoes, waterproof boots are the move! These are great for a more rugged terrain and higher activity levels. That higher ankle protects your feet from dirt, debris, water, and more. And because you’re wearing a fully waterproof shoe, it’s insulating. That means you may be at more risk for blisters as you sweat. Combat this by turning once again to merino wool. This allows your foot to breathe a little bit while you wear your shoes.
Fall Camping Clothing Tips
Now that you know what kind of layers are best for fall outdoor wear, it’s time to nail down the details! This is going to be about choosing the right materials and accessories.
Choosing Natural Materials
Natural materials will always serve you better during outdoor recreation. Or any physical activity, for that matter! For one thing, natural materials like cotton and wool are gentle on your skin. They do not contain microplastics or any other potentially harmful materials.
Merino wool, as you’ve guessed by now, is the real star of the show here. This material is breathable and insulating. That makes it perfect for temperature regulation when you’re hiking. It’s also odor-resistant and can stay fresher for much longer than synthetics. Merino wool is often lightweight and super packable. They are easy to pack and store!
Cotton canvas is super durable and long-lasting. Worn as clothing, like pants or jackets, will definitely be on the heavier side. But it does make for great, long-lasting outerwear.
Materials You Should Avoid
Avoid synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, or acrylic. These are not good fall camping clothes for a number of reasons. These are often not breathable and are heavily processed during production. The lack of breathability results in trapped bacteria, which lead to bad odor and toxins against your skin. Because the materials are synthetic, production is a much more involved process. So the carbon footprint of these materials is much bigger. These materials typically break down faster, too, and leave you with less bang for your buck.
Always check your tags, and if you can, do a little extra research on how your camping clothes are processed! After all, if we’re buying clothes to spend time in nature, we might as well be a little extra earth-conscious about it!
Hats, Gloves, and More
The little details are really important in colder weather. Things like hats, gloves, and more add layers of warmth and protection you may not usually worry about. A knit or fleece-lined beanie is super important for keeping your ears and head warm, especially with shorter days and longer, colder nights. Pop one of these on and you’ll warm up in no time!
Your fingers and hands are definitely much more at risk of getting too cold. Cold hands can actually be really bad. The harsh elements over time can affect your joints and crack your skin if you’re not careful! So having waterproof, fleece-lined, or wool gloves is also very important.
Feel free to throw a scarf or neck gator in your duffel bag, too!
Organizing Your Clothing Gear Inside the Tent
You may be thinking, “can’t I just keep everything in my duffel bag?” And sure, you totally could! But think about it. You’ve been out hiking in the damp, misty forest all day. You come back to your tent, but your rain jacket is dripping wet. Your boots are muddy. We’ve got a couple of hacks to help you keep your gear dry and in the best condition.
Dragging wet gear inside the tent poses the risk of mold and mildew growth, and honestly, just creates a big, damp mess. And sometimes you don’t have the option to leave boots and a jacket outside because of the weather. So, inside your tent, set up some organization to help things stay dry.
Vertical storage solutions like hooks are great for drip-drying gear. A clothesline works too! Place a boot brush outside the tent door to scrub off any dirt, debris, or mud you don’t want to track inside.
If you really want to optimize your tent space, think about installing an awning. You could even just extend your rainfly! These solutions on the tent work to extend your dry outdoor space. That way, you could potentially leave some wet gear outside, and it won’t get rained on as it dries. So you’re keeping the dampness outside and not bringing things in until they’re thoroughly dried.
Heating the interior of the tent is great for so many reasons. One of those is that it helps minimize moisture inside! Install a wood-burning tent stove and experience not only the coziest tent ever, but dry gear that you can easily pack away and save for tomorrow!
Final Thoughts
So you’re planning a fall camping trip, eh? Hopefully, you found this blog to be informative and helpful for your packing journey. Having the right pieces to layer at this time of year is key to having a cozy and successful outdoor adventure.
From natural materials to layering techniques, we’ve covered a lot of ground! Remember, check the weather beforehand, and then start to plan your layers. A base, mid-weight, and outer shell will serve you well. Waterproof boots and wool socks top it off. From there, you can layer hats and gloves to your heart’s content!
Remember, it’s not all about having the fanciest gear. But rather, it’s about having clothes that will keep you safe, healthy, and warm. So you can spend less time being cold and more time frolicking in the autumn leaves.
Happy camping!
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