Camping in Autumn: Tips and Checklist

Finally: the heat of summer is disappearing, and the nights are fresher again. Mother nature also shows splendid colors, the trees color their leaves in noble gold. Camping in autumn is therefore a great idea. If you take a few things to heart And this…

Autumn is a great time of year because the heat of summer is over. The nights are much cooler again. The foliage turns golden. The wildlife is more active.

There is another reason for campers and hikers to go camping in autumn: the primary camping season is over. Accordingly, the campsite is cheaper. Of course, autumn makes completely different demands on you. Or your equipment. Going only in shirts and shorts is not a good idea.

In this article, I’m going to share tips and tricks and equipment for camping in autumn, so that you are well-prepared for camping in autumn.

10 Pro Tips for Camping in the Fall

Let’s see the 10 tips for camping in autumn that should also be worthwhile:

1. Onion principle

The Onion principle is crucial for autumn camping due to rapidly changing weather conditions. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer that regulates perspiration to keep you dry and warm. Instead of a fat sweater, several thin layers of clothing are better for camping in the autumn. Thermal underwear helps at night, and a softshell when it rains.

2. Sleeping well

The multilayer principle also applies to sleep. If you wake up shivering all the time, the night won’t bring you any rest.

• Pimp your sleeping bag with an inlet. This warms and also keeps your sleeping bag clean.
• Pimp your sleeping mat. With an insulating blanket, a layer of leaves, or a simple bath towel underneath.
• Put on a hat while sleeping. You lose 30 percent of your body heat through your head.

3. Wear booties

Booties – quasi-tent slippers keep your feet warm. They provide an extra layer of insulation for your feet, which are susceptible to cold in lower temperatures. This helps maintain temperature and prevent discomfort and potential cold-related injuries like frostbite. Also, weighs only a few grams.

4. Rain & wind protection

Speaking of which: rain and wind protection are the be-all and end-all. You know that autumn can be moody. So pay attention to it. For example, on taped seams on the tent. Seam sealer helps with touching up. Saving here takes revenge.

5. Find the right parking space

Half of the middle is made up of parking space. So find a sheltered place for your camp. It ensures proximity to your campsite and reduces the effort and time required to transport gear and supplies. Additionally, choosing a suitable parking spot allows for easy access to your vehicle in case of emergencies or sudden changes in weather conditions.

6. Fire starter or lighter

It is not welcomed, but the fire is extremely warm. Especially since you can sizzle or brew something hot on it. Accessories like a fire starter or lighter are definitely worth it.

7. Burner

A burner is a must in any case. And a good one. In the mountains, there can be frost and snow as early as October. Your burner must perform accordingly.

8. Eat well

Eat decent and healthy food, especially in the cold, because you need energy. Pamper yourself. Take care of yourself on the go that saves weight. You can find good outdoor cooking recipes online.

9. Movement

Physical activity generates body heat, which is essential for staying warm in cooler temperatures. So don’t be lazy, move. This also promotes sleep and hunger. Engaging in activities like hiking, gathering firewood, or setting up camp helps regulate body temperature and prevents hypothermia. I think this is not a problem for trekkers.

10. Schnapps

Despite scientific evidence that alcohol doesn’t raise body temperature, a modest sip by the evening campfire holds a profound significance, especially in autumn camping. The dancing flames and earthy scent create a primal sense of comfort and contrast with the cool air. This sensory interplay intensifies the pleasure of that sip, offering a moment of solace and immersion in nature’s embrace.

Autumn Camping: Basic Equipment

For camping in autumn, the most important thing is of course your equipment. This must match the season or the weather:

Tent

In the tent, you need not be so much aware. A windbreak (apse) is good this season, as autumn can be quite windy. Your preferred tent should also be big enough for extra luggage, especially when camping for several days.

The water column must also be correspondingly high. In other words: at least 3,000 mm for the tent or 5,000 mm for the floor. Also important: an outer tent that extends to the ground, well-taped seams and reinforced tent poles, so you are well protected against wind and rain.

Note that you need a 3-season tent for camping in autumn.

Sleeping bag

With the wrong sleeping bag, the best tent won’t do you any good. Because the nights can be damn fresh in autumn. Therefore, your sleeping bag should have a comfortable temperature of 10 to 0 ° Celsius. Above ten degrees you could freeze quickly (because too cold) and sweat below zero (because too warm).

Sleeping mat

No less important: a good sleeping mat. An inflatable sleeping mat offers the most protection but is often too heavy for trekkers. Here you have to decide what is more important to you. Comfort or (little) weight?

However, a UL sleeping mat does not have to be expensive and also lightweight. For example, the TETON Camping Sleeping Mat weighs just around 6 pounds. And cost around 80 dollars. The mat measures 80 x 30 inches with a thickness of 2 inches.

Clothing

You have to adjust your clothes in autumn of course properly. A down or synthetic fiber jacket and a fleece jacket are good ideas to wear. This is less important when hiking or trekking, but useful mainly during breaks or in the evening and at night.

• Also helpful: wear functional underwear that dries quickly. Thermal underwear can also be worthwhile for the night.

Your Fall Camping Checklist

Finally, I have made a small checklist that you can (and should) expand to include your own needs. You already have the basics together with the checklist “Camping in Autumn”.

Why You Should Definitely Camp in the Fall

By the way, there are damn good reasons to camp in autumn of all places.

Ideal temperature

In autumn, the summer heat has disappeared. On the one hand, it is fresher. Your comfort increases accordingly. Because you no longer sweat like a pig, especially when hiking. At 30 degrees or more, some tents are just an oven. Autumn is much more pleasant there.

Sleep comfort

Your sleep comfort also increases during camping in the fall. According to studies, anything above 24 degrees makes you sleep poorly. On the other hand,16 to 18 degrees are ideal for a good night’s sleep. Autumn is practically perfect there. Finally, autumn can also bring quite warm days.

Insects

Cooler weather also drives away typical pests such as mosquitoes. Nevertheless, it is particularly worthwhile on the water if you pack a mosquito repellent spray.

Quiet

The campsites are much quieter in autumn than in the primary camping season. Because there are simply fewer people there. It is quieter, which once again promotes your sleep and your recovery.

Cheap prices

After that, the prices are cheaper in the off-season, so you can save money.

Splendor of colors

Nevertheless, Mother Nature offers you a great spectacle, especially autumn is known for its splendor of colors. A yellowed canopy of leaves, which appears almost golden because of the soft autumn sun, is pure madness.

Fun for children

By the way, fun with children also appreciate this splendor. Great colors, starry nights, rustling leaves under your feet, and a warm campfire that makes children happy.

Animals

Especially since the chances of meeting animals are greater than in summer, camping in the autumn is a good idea. Many animals now eat the necessary winter fat, so they are more active. However, calm behavior is a must for such an animal encounter.

So, have fun camping in autumn …

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