How to pack for a safe fall camping trip

While most people consider camping a summertime activity, fall can be the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. Fewer bugs, cooler weather, and beautiful fall colours can be the ideal landscape for an end-of-the-year camping trip, but you must be ready for changing weather conditions. Follow this packing checklist to make sure you’re properly prepared for your next fall camping trip:

1. Layer up for rapidly changing weather conditions. Fall weather can be unpredictable. Cool mornings, frigid evenings, strong winds, and sunny afternoons can all occur within one day, so pack a wide variety of clothing made of breathable wool, fleece, and synthetic materials to keep you comfortable — no matter what temperature it is. Here’s a quick packing list of some layering essentials:
   • Long, thermal underwear
   • Fleece jacket
   • Wool shirt or sweater
   • Wind-resistant jacket and pants
   • Winter hat
   • Mittens and gloves
   • Sturdy boots and running shoes  
2. Expect rainy days. Venturing into the great outdoors during the fall usually means some rain will be in the forecast, so come prepared with lots of gear to keep you dry and warm:
   • Water-resistant jacket and pants
   • Multiple pairs of undergarments and socks
   • Tarp and mat for the entrance of your tent
   • Plastic bags to protect backpacks and electronic gear
3. Get ready for cooler nights. If you plan to tent camp during the fall, make sure you’re prepared for a potentially chilly night’s sleep. Here are a few things to bring to keep you snug and warm all night long:
   • Three-season tent
   • Ground cloth and sleeping pad
   • Three-season sleeping bag
   • Hot water bottle to place in your sleeping bag overnight
   • Tarp to cover your tent against wind
   • Axe for chopping up lots of wood for fires

   Fall tent camping can be a great way to see the changing leaves and enjoy cooler weather. But it can also mean a chilly night’s sleep. Make sure you pack a three-season tent, thick sleeping bag, and sleeping pad to stay warm through the night.

4. Make sure you have enough light for the shorter days. Gone are the seemingly endless days of summer. Pack lots of lighting options to keep you safe as you navigate around your campsite at night and in the early hours of dawn:
   • Multiple short and long-range flashlights and lots of batteries
   • Headlamp
   • Solar or propane-powered lamp
     • If you plan to use a small propane lamp in the tent as a source of heat and light, double-check it has a safety shut-off and is labeled for indoor use. Always read and follow all safety precautions carefully to reduce the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
5. Prepare lots of comfort food. When thinking about what food to bring for your fall camping trip, choose recipes with plenty of carbs and good fats. These will keep your body fueled as it works extra hard to stay warm. Prepare some of these simple meals ahead of time to reheat on the fire and enjoy:
   • Foil-wrapped bean and cheese burritos
   • Campfire chili or soup
   • Loaded baked potatoes
   • Hearty oatmeal bowls
6. Stock up your first aid kit. Bumps, bruises, and bug bites are possible during any camping trip, so make sure you pack a fully loaded first aid kit, complete with:
   • A variety of cloth and waterproof bandages
   • Sterile gauze pads and adhesive tape
   • Antiseptic wipes
   • Antibacterial ointment
   • Bug spray and anti-itch medication
   • Pain relief medication
   • Antihistamine medication to treat potential allergic reactions

Before you leave on your next autumn wilderness adventure, keep these essentials in your car for a safe and enjoyable road trip. Now you’re ready to enjoy the great outdoors before winter arrives!

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