Hitting the Trails? Get These 16 Fall Camping Essentials
Upgrade your busted-up whatever with something new, useful, and friend-impressing, then get out there and enjoy your weekend (and all the compliments).
Forsake Trail Men’s Hiking Boots
I once hiked three days straight in a pair of tennis shoes, destroying three pairs of socks, both feet and the tennis shoes. But who buys boots for one trip? If you’re aren’t a frequent hiker, [Foresake’s Trail boots](http://forsake.com/collections/men/products/mens-trail) ($150) may be your solution. These waterproof, leather boots are stylish enough to wear around town, and they’ll take care of your feet on the mountain.
Chris Reeve Nyala Insingo Blade
Whether you need to cut rope, open a stubborn package of freeze-dried stew, or perform an emergency appendectomy, your knife is your best friend. Meticulously designed by Chris Reeve, the [Nyala Insingo](http://www.knifeart.com/nyalainsingo.html) ($230) sports a beautiful Micarta handle that works with multiple grip styles, and an uber-sharp 3.75-inch stainless steel blade.
Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Cooler
Coolers leak. They’re bulky. They don’t close properly. But they don't have to be such a drag. The [Hopper Flip 12 Cooler from Yeti](http://yeti.com/hopper-flip-12-cooler) ($280) is compact and has a hardcore zipper that doesn't leak. More importantly, it boasts a soft-but-firm shell that keeps your food and drinks cool and tidy whether you’re at the campsite, in a canoe, or picnicking up the mountain.
Barebones Beacon Light
This [$60 camp lamp](http://www.backcountry.com/barebones-beacon-light) has a retro design similar to old-school gas lanters. Able to dim from 220 to one lumen on its 5 Watt LED, its rechargeable battery lasts from three hours to 200, depending on how much bright you need. Comes with a carabiner to hang it inside your tent. Fully recharges in a few hours with the included power cord.
September is the best time to go camping. Sure, Labor Day weekend is crowded. But after that, the crowds thin out, the weather's still nice, and it's much easier to get reservations and permits. Chances are at least one item in your go-to camping gear is in desperate need of replacement. Upgrade it with style.
So celebrate this 100th anniversary of the US National Parks system by doing what Americans do best—buying stuff. Upgrade your busted-up whatever with something new, useful, and friend-impressing, then get out there and enjoy your weekend (and all the compliments).
ForesakeForsake Trail Men’s Hiking Boots
I once hiked three days straight in a pair of tennis shoes, destroying three pairs of socks, both feet and the tennis shoes. But who buys boots for one trip? If you’re aren’t a frequent hiker, [Foresake’s Trail boots](http://forsake.com/collections/men/products/mens-trail) ($150) may be your solution. These waterproof, leather boots are stylish enough to wear around town, and they’ll take care of your feet on the mountain.
Chris Reeve KnivesChris Reeve Nyala Insingo Blade
Whether you need to cut rope, open a stubborn package of freeze-dried stew, or perform an emergency appendectomy, your knife is your best friend. Meticulously designed by Chris Reeve, the [Nyala Insingo](http://www.knifeart.com/nyalainsingo.html) ($230) sports a beautiful Micarta handle that works with multiple grip styles, and an uber-sharp 3.75-inch stainless steel blade.
YetiYeti Hopper Flip 12 Cooler
Coolers leak. They’re bulky. They don’t close properly. But they don't have to be such a drag. The [Hopper Flip 12 Cooler from Yeti](http://yeti.com/hopper-flip-12-cooler) ($280) is compact and has a hardcore zipper that doesn't leak. More importantly, it boasts a soft-but-firm shell that keeps your food and drinks cool and tidy whether you’re at the campsite, in a canoe, or picnicking up the mountain.
BarebonesBarebones Beacon Light
This [$60 camp lamp](http://www.backcountry.com/barebones-beacon-light) has a retro design similar to old-school gas lanters. Able to dim from 220 to one lumen on its 5 Watt LED, its rechargeable battery lasts from three hours to 200, depending on how much bright you need. Comes with a carabiner to hang it inside your tent. Fully recharges in a few hours with the included power cord.
HoyleHoyle Clear Playing Cards
You stopped taking playing cards on your camping trips because some goofball inevitably spills their wine cooler, ruining the cards. These [clear plastic playing cards](http://www.bicyclecards.com/product/hoyle-clear-playing-cards/) ($6) will protect your poker game from your drunken friends so you can take their money all night long.
Guyot DesignsSnow Peak Hybrid Trail Silicone Bowl
Cooking while camping -- that’s fun! Cleaning up after cooking while camping? Torture. This [silicone bowl](https://snowpeak.com/collections/accessories-parts/products/hybrid-trail-silicone-bowl?variant=671171137) ($12) provides quick clean-ups due to its smooth surface. The bowl holds twelve fluid ounces, plenty enough for your Cap’n Crunch, and packs snugly into Snow Peak’s three piece titanium cookset.
Sport RopesKing Cobra Paracord Bracelet with Fire Starter
Do you like the security of having sixteen feet of paracord on you wherever you go? Do you like knowing you can start a fire at any given time? Do you like wearing unique bracelets that double as convenient conversation starters? Well then… The [King Cobra 550 Ultimate Survival Bracelet](https://www.amazon.com/King-Cobra-Paracord-Bracelet-Starter/dp/B017TMLDVG/) ($20) is exactly what you need.
Traeger GrillsTraeger Grills Tailgater
Camping food: hot dogs, hamburgers, burned eggs, maybe some chicken. It’s great, but we can still do better, can’t we? Weighing 62 pounds and able to collapse into your SUV, the [Tailgater](http://www.traegergrills.com/shop/grills/town-travel-portable-series/tailgater.html) ($450) can grill your burgers and dogs with the best of them, but can also smoke that brisket like you’re down in Texas Hill Country.
Eagle OpticsEagle Optics Ranger ED 8x42 Binoculars
Some people go camping for peace and quiet. Some to get back to nature. Some for exercise. And some for the birds. If you’re a birder, check out these [8x42 binoculars](https://www.eagleoptics.com/collections/binoculars/products/eagle-optics-ranger-ed-8x42-binocular) from Eagle Optics ($330). Their extra low dispersion glass and multi-coated lenses mean the image is always bright and sharp, whether it’s a speedy warbler or the hottie a couple of campsites over.
OspreyOsprey Stratus 34 Day Hiking Backpack
A good hiking pack is all about comfort. This $150 [Osprey bag’s](http://www.ospreypacks.com/us/en/product/stratos-34-STRATOS34A_636.html) suspension keeps your load stable and creates enough space between the bag and your back to allow the breeze to cool you down. Comes with an easily stowable rain cover in case you get stuck in some weather or an impromptu water balloon fight.
Counter AssaultCounter Assault Bear Spray
You’ve seen *The Revanant*, right? You haven’t? And you’re going camping this weekend!?! Don’t watch it! Please, we’re begging you. But definitely get this [bear repellant spray](http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/Products.asp?mi=51501) ($47). We can’t be more serious about this. Tomorrow. We’re not kidding. Just trust us, OK? Please!
BioliteBiolite Camp Stove
Have you ever thought to yourself, “I wish I could just charge my phone with my cooking fire!” Neither have we. But Biolite has. The [Camp Stove](http://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/biolite-campstove) ($130) is a wood-burning, smoke-abating stove that can boil your tea, fry your eggs, and charge your electronic devices. Comes with a little USB lamp that you can use to illuminate your cooking surfaces.
TC ElectronicsTC Electronic Polytune Clip
Everyone knows that even the worst guitar players sound like Django Reinhardt when fingerpicking around the campfire. But only if you’re in tune. [TC Electronics’s little gizmo](http://www.tcelectronic.com/polytune-clip/) ($35) clips to your headstock. It identifies which string is out of tune from a single strum, then helps you get that string where it needs to be. Rock on.
Big AgnesBig Agnes Tumble 3 MtnGlo Tent
If you rent an apartment or buy a new house, it’s almost certainly coming with ceiling lights. Why can’t your tent? Big Agnes’ [Tumble 3 mtnGLO tent](https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Tent/tumble3mtnglo) ($330) covers the basics: three season support, a lightweight design, and LED lights integrated into the tent’s seams for a fully lit interior achieved without endlessly bonking your head on that annoying hanging lamp.
Hydro FlaskHydro Flask 40-Ounce Wide Bottle
You want three things out of your water bottle: water, an easy way to drink it, and an exciting selection of colors. [Hydro Flask’s 40-ounce bottle](http://www.hydroflask.com/40-oz-wide-bottle-with-straw-lid#92=60) ($48) sports a straw lid that prevents leaking while making it easy to sip with one hand. And it comes in more than a dozen colors so you can be your authentic, color-coded self at the campsite.
The North FaceThe North Face Dolomite Double 20 Sleeping Bag
You wear matching outfits on the weekends. You cuddle on the sofa at your friends’ parties. You even bought a double-seated bicycle. At last, there’s a sleeping bag for you as well. The North Face's [Dolomite Double 20 Sleeping Bag](https://www.rei.com/product/895337/the-north-face-dolomite-double-20-sleeping-bag) ($160) is a 20° Fahrenheit-rated, two-person bag that keeps your co-dependent relationship strong through the night.
