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After a long summer of humidity, extreme weather and chaotic travel, I’m looking forward to going outside on a relaxing hike without feeling too suffocated by the summer heat. There’s nothing better than hitting the trails on a cool, 60-degree fall day right as the leaves begin to change.

It was only a few years ago that I really began hiking, and just last year that I did my first overnight hike. However, even in my short hiking career, I’ve quickly learned the items that every hiker should have—whether it’s for a short loop trail or a multi-day hike.

If you’re looking to gear up for your next hiking adventure this fall, you’ll want to add these items to your cart ASAP. From trail shoes to first aid kits, get adventure-ready and grab these hiker-approved outdoor essentials before they sell out—or the temperatures drop:

15 best fall hiking and outdoor recreation products to shop now

Hiking boots or trail shoes

1. Salomon Genesis Mid Gore-Tex Hiking boots

Hikers who are planning on conquering rough terrain and looking for a boot with maximum support should definitely buy the Salomon Genesis Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots.

The boots come in several colors and sizes for both men and women.

Shop Salomon boots at REI

2. Merrell Agility Peak 6

The Merrell Agility Peak 6 shoes are great for those ISO reliable trail running shoes.

The shoes are made with FloatPro foam midsole which adds lightweight cushioning and has Vibram Megagrip outsole for a more reliable grip on wet and dry terrain.

Find new Merrell boots at DICK’S Sporting Goods

Packable hiking clothes

3. The North Face Antora Rain Jacket

Every hiker has at least one experience where the weather unexpectedly changed and they were left wishing they brought some sort of rain jacket with them.

The North Face Antora Rain Jacket is the perfect lightweight shell jacket that can easily be packed into any trail backpack.

Buy now at The North Face

4. Fjallraven Kaitum Hoodie

For hikers who plan on camping, you’re going to want a comfy hoodie for the colder nights.

Fjallraven’s Kaitum Hoodie is the best option for hikers sitting around the campfire.

The hoodie is made of a wool blend that combines the temperature-regulating properties of wool with the durability of synthetic fibers.

Shop Fjallraven hoodies

5. Forme Posture bra

There’s a certain point of every hike, no matter how long or difficult it is, that I begin to notice my arms slump forward and back hunched over.

The Forme Posture Bra helps keep my arms in line, and makes it more uncomfortable for my back to slouch.

The bra is great for less intense hikes as it provides medium support compared to other sports bras.

Get the Forme bra at Macy’s

6. Woolx Remi Long Sleeve T-Shirt

If you’re in the market for a new base layer, the Woolx Remi Long Sleeve T-shirt is a versatile option for year-round adventures.

Designed to help regulate body temperature and wick away moisture, this comfortable merino wool layer can keep you feeling fresh whether you’re hiking on cool mornings, warm afternoons or anything in between.

Refresh your fall wardrobe at Woolx

7. Bombas Hiking Socks

The key to staying comfortable all hike long isn’t just your shoes, it’s also your socks.

These Bombas Hiking Socks help keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable throughout the day.

Designed for changing terrain and long miles on the trail, they provide cushioning and moisture-wicking performance to help reduce discomfort and prevent blisters.

Shop Bombas Hiking Socks today

Outdoor gear that’s trail-ready

8. Bose QuietComfort Wireless Earbuds

One thing that gets me through any long hike is a good playlist.

The Bose QuietComfort Wireless Earbuds are my favorite earbuds to wear while hiking or running as they rarely fall out of my ears and can be controlled easily on the Bose Connect app.

Buy Bose earbuds at Target

9. JBL Clip 5

There’s nothing more powerful than being the person with the speaker during a camping trip.

If you’re hiking to your camp spot, you’re not going to want to carry a heavy speaker, which is why the JBL Clip 5 is the perfect speaker for hiking.

The small clip speaker is under $100 and has powerful sound quality that’s great for any small campfire or get together.

Find the JBL Clip 5 at Amazon

10. Stanley The Wellspring Bottle

I’m a huge fan of the Stanley Quencher Water Bottle, but for hiking, the Stanley Well Spring Bottle takes the cake.

The water bottle is compact and can easily slip into any backpack pocket while still holding enough water to sustain you throughout the hike.

Upgrade your Stanley drinkware

11. Hiking First Aid Kit

Stay safe on the trails with a Hiking First Aid Kit, an essential item for any outdoor adventure.

A well-stocked kit should include Band-Aids, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and other basic supplies to help treat minor cuts, scrapes, blisters and other common trail injuries.

Buy this first aid kit at Amazon

12. L.L. Bean Trailblazer Hiking Headlamp

Those hiking overnight or in the early morning should buy a hiking headlamp before setting out on the trail.

When I hiked the Acatenango volcano in Guatemala at sunrise, owning a headlamp—like this L.L. Bean Trailblazer Headlamp—was a lifesaver (literally) as I didn’t have to hold my phone flashlight or worry about tripping over hard-to-see terrain.

Get this headlamp at L.L. Bean

13. Yeti Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler

When you’re camping, a great cooler is an essential.

I’m a fan of all of Yeti’s coolers, but the Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler is by far one of the best coolers for a quick overnight camping trip.

The cooler is lightweight and has enough packing space for storing food and drinks.

Shop the Hopper M20 at Yeti

14. Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket

Staying warm outdoors can be hard to do, but the Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket is a portable and foldable blanket that’s essential for all hikers.

Even better? It’s packable, so it can easily fit into your backpack without taking up too much space.

Get the Rumpl Puffy Blanket at REI

15. REI Flash Carbon Trekking Poles

You won’t need trekking poles for every hike, but they’ll save your life in the moments you do need them (trust me).

I used trekking poles for the first time last year while ascending 13,000 feet and they were the only reason I managed to complete the hike without getting injured.

REI’s Flash Carbon Trekking Poles are a great compact option for beginner and intermediate hikers.

Shop trekking poles at REI

Retailers to prioritize for fall hiking and outdoor recreation

There are hundreds of retailers selling top-of-the-line hiking gear, but of course we have our favorites. For general hiking gear that you need fast, Amazon is a great place to shop. I usually go to Amazon when I don’t care too much about the brand, or I need simple items like first aid kits or tech to be delivered fast.

REI is the go-to spot for all specialized hiking gear. The outdoors retailer sells the biggest name brands like Yeti, L.L. Bean, Salomon, Merrell, and more.

Should I buy hiking boots or trail sneakers?

One of the biggest lessons I learned when I first began doing more intense hikes is that there is a huge difference between hiking boots and trail sneakers. Hiking boots offer better ankle support, are made of more durable materials, and are designed for rough terrain.

Trail sneakers, on the other hand, are best suited for day hikes and well-maintained trails. Trail sneakers tend to be lighter, more breathable, and less tiring for longer distances. Hikers who plan on hiking longer distances on less rough terrain should definitely opt for trail sneakers.

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