Fall picks
Longer nights, colder mornings, and the best hiking weather of the year. These are our top three picks in each category for fall backpacking, chosen from our product spotlights.
Water & Filtration
Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Filter BottleA soft flask that's easy to stuff in a jacket pocket on frosty nights, since freezing can damage hollow-fiber filters.Sawyer Squeeze (SP129)A proven, field-cleanable filter for low fall streams. Keep it out of the cold overnight.LifeStraw Peak Series Personal StrawA tiny budget backup if your main filter freezes or cracks.
Bags & Pads
Klymit Insulated Static V LiteAn insulated inflatable pad that keeps cold fall ground from stealing your warmth.Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXTA high R-value pad that blocks cold ground once the frost starts.TETON Sports 20F / 5F Mummy Sleeping BagA budget synthetic mummy bag with a hood and draft tube for chilly nights.
Cooking
GasOne Isobutane Fuel 100g (4-Pack)Isobutane-propane fuel that keeps pressure better than straight butane as temperatures drop.SOTO Amicus Stove & Pot ComboA budget stove with a wind-resistant burner design, plus a pot in the box.MSR Titan KettleA light titanium kettle with a pour spout for hot drinks and soups.
Trail Food & Hydration
Mountain House Biscuits & Gravy (6-Pack)A hot, hearty breakfast that's easy to make on a cold morning.Mountain House Beef Stroganoff Pro-PakA classic warm, filling dinner after a long, cold day.Starbucks VIA Instant Pike Place Roast (50)Instant coffee for frosty camp mornings that only needs hot water.
Shelter
Naturehike Mongar 2A budget double-wall freestanding tent with two doors for shoulder-season weather.NEMO Hornet OSMO 2PA premium ultralight tent for crisp, mostly dry fall trips.Naturehike Cloud Up 2 Ultralight Backpacking TentA light, affordable double-wall tent for cool fall nights.
Packs
Osprey Rook 50 (Men's)A value pack with a built-in rain cover for fall storms.Osprey Ultralight Raincover (Medium)A light cover for packs that don't come with one.Osprey Exos 58 (Men's)Enough room for bulkier fall layers and a warmer sleeping bag.
Lighting
Black Diamond Spot 400A runs-on-AAA headlamp for long fall nights. Carry spares and swap them in.BioLite HeadLamp 425A comfortable USB-C rechargeable lamp with a rear red light.Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2 Power BankA slim power bank to top up your lights and phone as the nights get longer.