Crisp air, colorful leaves, and sunny afternoons make Fall one of the best times of the year. The season never seems to last long enough. Snow builds on the mountain peaks, a stark reminder of passing season and the quickly approaching winter. Marked by large temperature fluctuations and spontaneous weather events, you can expect morning snow followed by sweaty 75°F afternoons. And after years of experience throwing random items into a bag 10 minutes before I have to leave (and subsequently suffering), I have compiled a list of must-dos when it comes to Fall trip planning that we'll go over today.
Layers, Layers, Layers
Adequate layering may be the most integral component of a comfortable Fall adventure. With such large variability in temperature, it is important to have matching flexibility in clothing options. For a base layer, I choose a lightweight Merino wool top and bottom. This fabric is breathable enough to keep me comfortable during the warmer days and quickly dries, allowing me to stay warm at night. Nothing is worse than soggy cotton when the sun starts to set! As a midlayer I like to bring a fleece jacket or pullover, always packing extra in case it gets colder than expected. Fleece pants are my favorite to sleep in. They are soft, warm, cozy, and don’t absorb moisture. I also tend to bring a down puffy jacket as it is both compact and ultra-insulating. For my outer layer, I never go anywhere without my rain jacket. Even if the weather forecast is sunny, I would rather carry an extra few ounces than get caught unprepared in a surprise rainstorm. It also makes a great windbreaker/extra layer in a bind. To finish off my setup, I always pack a beanie and extra wool socks. When it comes to high-quality clothing I’ve found you ultimately get what you pay for. If you’re on a tight budget like me, Geartrade has a huge selection of premium clothing for more than 50% off MSRP! Upgrade your layers, and outdoor experience, while keeping like-new clothing out of landfills.
Location
Especially here in Utah, location and elevation drastically impact weather conditions. Within 30 minutes, you can drive through a blinding blizzard pass directly down into a 75-degree desert. Generally, the higher the elevation, the colder the weather. Not only do I check the forecast for my upcoming trip, but I also look at weather conditions throughout prior weeks to see if an unplanned snow spell is a possibility. It’s always a good idea to have a backup location (or two) just in case your top choice doesn’t work out. Expect that you won’t have phone service, and plan accordingly. With just a little bit of research, you can change the entire trajectory of your trip.
Sleep Setup
To spend your night sleeping instead of shivering, make sure your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and tent are up to par. Although sleeping bags have temperature ratings, I’ve found they will only keep you alive at their listed temperature, but not necessarily warm enough to sleep. When lows are around 30 degrees, I find my 15-degree bag to be perfectly adequate. If you want to add some warmth to your sleeping bag without buying a new one, take a look at investing in a sleeping bag liner. Sleeping pads aren’t just for softening the ground; they also provide invaluable insulation and can be the difference between a night of tossing and turning versus a comfortable . Not all pads are created equal, so take a look at your pad's R-value to determine its insulation power. Experts recommend an R-value from 3-5 for fall/winter, but my 2.0 Thermalite is more than adequate with a heavier sleeping bag and a few extra layers. Last but not least, your tent. On a cold and dewy winter morning the last thing you need is water drowning you, your gear, and your fun, so make sure your rainfly is properly staked and leak-free. A footprint or tarp can also help protect the bottom of your tent from water and abrasions. The key to a great day is a good nights sleep!The BasicsFood, water, first aid kit, firewood, and a camp chair if you’re classy; you know the drill. Personally, nothing makes me happier than a warm (caffeinated) drink on a cold morning. Make sure to research if you need to pack out any trash / human waste and keep your 'smellys' safe from wildlife.
Stoke
Above all, a good attitude is imperative to a great trip. Unexpected hurdles are a part of any adventure, especially if it's your first time running logistics. Keeping a cool head not only improves your and your friends' time, but it allows you to think clearly and course-correct quickly. Stay safe, leave no trace, and most importantly have fun!
