Fall camping is a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, enjoy the beauty of nature, and take a break from the bustle of the city.
Even though most people plan their trips most often in the summer, fall camping has its own special charm, as well as can offer a unique experience that is truly worth having.
Unlike winter camping, the weather in fall is milder and more comfortable. This means that in order to plan your trip, you do not need to prepare so carefully and stock up on special equipment and many necessary items. For fall camping, the process is easier.
Here, the main thing for you is to choose a suitable tent, take enough warm clothes and find a beautiful and interesting location you would like to visit with your friends, family members or even solo.
At the same time, to make camping comfortable during the fall season, you need to consider some factors. That’s why we’ve prepared a list of helpful tips to make your camping trip successful and risk-free.
1. Get a reliable tent
The first thing you should pay attention to is the tent. It is essential that your shelter is made from high-quality materials and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Today, you can easily find a large selection of all-season or winter tents that are a great option for fall camping.
Also, try to choose more spacious tents. Not only does this allow you to carry more stuff and feel comfortable inside, but you can also use portable wood stoves for tents. In case of cold fall nights, heating the tent and maintaining a comfortable temperature is extremely important. That’s why you should choose a tent that can be customized to suit your needs, season, and type of camping.
2. Get ready for the rain
Fall is usually the rainy season. Additionally, the weather may change dramatically during this season, so it is essential to always be prepared for this.
Check the weather forecast in advance before you go on your trip. Even if there is no rain in the forecast, still be sure to take your raincoat, as this will give you extra protection from the wind.
It is also a good idea to pack a tarp or footprint for your tent, which will help protect your shelter from rain and water, as in case of poor materials or heavy rains, the walls of your tent may become wet.
3. Plan your activities
When you’re outdoors in the fall, it’s important to stay active, as lower temperatures can make you feel cold faster. In addition, the quality of your camping largely depends on the activities you engage in.
When searching for a location where you would like to go, consider what activities are available there. Some places are best for hiking, nature viewing, and stunning landscapes, while others may offer fishing, water sports, festivals, etc. Therefore, pay attention to the types of entertainment available before choosing a location. Also, talk to your friends about what they like to do to ensure that your camping will become a great experience for everyone.
4. Bring an extra pair of shoes
On any trip to nature, it is important to have a spare pair of shoes, especially in the fall. First, your feet should always remain dry to keep you from getting cold and make you feel comfortable. Secondly, your main pair of shoes may accidentally tear or become uncomfortable, which, in the case of hiking, can completely ruin your camping experience.
Having a spare pair of shoes is essential, as rain and high humidity are common in the fall, so it is recommended that you always have a dry pair of shoes that you can put on if necessary.
5. Get a sleeping bag & pad
If for summer camping basic sleeping bags and pads are enough in most cases, then for overnight stays outdoors in the fall, you need to buy more specialized items.
When choosing a sleeping bag, be sure to pay attention to the temperatures for which it is suitable. In this case, you may also want to buy a winter sleeping bag since fall nights can sometimes feel even colder mainly due to the humidity, especially if you’re camping near a body of water or high in the mountains.
When choosing a sleeping pad, make sure it is well-insulated. Pay attention to pads with the labels R and (3.5+). They are best for keeping you warm while camping during the fall season.
6. Dress in layers
To stay comfortable and warm during fall camping, always dress in layers, especially at night and early in the morning.
Your outfit should consist of two layers:
- the first layer protects against water and moisture
- the second layer retains heat and keeps you warm
Therefore, use materials with excellent waterproof properties for your outer layer to keep you dry. For the inner layer, warm clothes made of synthetic materials are best since cotton and other natural fabrics lose heat faster and will make you feel cold.
7. Put a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag
This is one of the most effective ways to stay warm at night while camping in the fall. A hot water bottle in your sleeping bag takes longer to cool down, while at the same time, it warms up the bag further, so you’ll feel warm and comfortable right from the start.
Also, in case of frost at night, you can place your gadgets around the bottle to protect them since electronics and batteries may be susceptible to damage due to low temperatures.
If you have a good sleeping bag, use a stove inside the tent, and additionally put a heating pad or hot water bottle in the bag you will 100% feel warm and not experience any discomfort even on a cold and rainy fall night.
Enjoy your camping in the fall!
