Camping in the fall can be a great experience, but you need to be ready for it. Weather in the fall can be unpredictable, with temperatures in the 80s one day and the 60s or 50s the next. Being ready for a fall camping trip means knowing what clothing and supplies to pack. While it is ultimately up to you to decide how light you want to be traveling, but here are some things that you should always pack for a fall camping trip.

Clothing

As a rule, you should always be prepared to dress in layers whenever you’re spending time outdoors, especially when it could get cold. Start with a base layer of breathable, moisture-wicking clothing that will keep your core insulated. Some suitable materials for this include polyester, wool, nylon, and silk.

Your second layer can be a fleece, a sweater, or a light jacket. It should be easy to remove if it gets too hot, but it should keep you warm when it gets colder. Pack a few of these belongings to be prepared for any possibility with the weather. Your outer layer should be waterproof to protect yourself from inclement weather. It should also be lightweight enough that you can remove it when necessary.

Finally, invest in a few pairs of hiking boots. This heavy footwear will keep your feet safe and comfortable if you want to take a walk. It should also be waterproof since you’ll never know when it could rain or if you might step in a puddle.

Shelter

You should at the very least pack a tent with a rain fly if you’re going to be sleeping outdoors, but you should also pack a tarp that you can put on the ground to keep moisture from seeping into your tent. You’ll also need an insulated sleeping bag to keep yourself warm when you sleep at night. If your sleeping bag doesn’t have sufficient padding, you can pack a sleeping pad to act as a cushion. Hot water bottles can also be useful if your sleeping bag isn’t warm enough in your tent at night. Some heavy wool blankets will also be necessary, even if you have a great sleeping bag.

Food Items

Pack some non-perishable foods that you can eat in an emergency, even if you’ve brought enough perishables and cooking utensils to make a big meal. Speaking of cooking utensils, those should come in a portable meal kit that you can buy at any sporting goods store. They include a canteen, a small cooking pan, and some stainless steel plates and eating utensils.

Other Considerations

Other things that you can take on your camping trip include a first aid kit, matches for starting a campfire, bug spray, and a flashlight. Don’t forget to pack a tarp or something to keep you dry as it could be damp or rainy while you’re out. As long as you can still travel lightly and comfortably with all of your belongings, you should have a safe and enjoyable vacation outdoors.