Fall Gear Guide: The Best Adventure Items for Autumn 2025
Ready for crisp fall days, uncrowded hiking trails and cozy evenings around the flickering campfire? We’ve got the gear you need for a fun, outdoorsy autumn—tested, reviewed and recommended by explore magazine’s outdoor-loving staff. Trek through falling leaves, witness the colourful seasons changing and breathe in the fresh air with our favourite 13 gear items for fall.
Campfire Puffy Jacket
I’m genuinely impressed with the Campfire Puffy Jacket 2.0. I’ve always been hesitant to wear puffies around a campfire, constantly worrying about stray sparks, but this jacket eliminates that anxiety. The Lenzing FR & Aramid exterior is a game changer—no more patching holes! Beyond the durability, which is truly exceptional, the jacket is surprisingly comfortable and warm. The 100gsm PrimaLoft Gold insulation keeps me toasty without feeling bulky, and the micro-fleece lined pockets are a nice touch. I recently wore it on a drizzly hike, and the waterproof membrane held up perfectly. The breathability is also on point; I didn’t feel like I was overheating even during moderate activity. The six pockets offer ample storage, and the overall design is clean and classic. If you’re looking for a durable, warm and stylish puffy that can handle anything you throw at it, the Campfire Puffy is definitely worth the investment. —Weston Liski, Client Relations Specialist
Buy it here: terendesigns.com
Price: $564
Helly Hansen Versalite Hooded Jacket
It’s a wonderful feeling when you discover an item of apparel that just works—in almost any conditions. One that fits like a glove, looks great and is as comfortable as an old pair of pajamas… while offering technical chops that are up for any adventure. For me, the Helly Hansen Versalite Hooded Jacket is that piece. Crafted of grid-fleece (94 per cent recycled), with flat-locked seams, a snag-free YKK zipper, thumb holes, three pockets and a snug fit that won’t bunch when layered—this jacket makes an ideal mid-layer when the weather gets cold. But in the cool and misty autumn, it’s water- and wind-resistance and thermal-retention properties also make it a great outer layer. The Versalite is warm enough for single-digit-temperature hiking and will even deflect a light shower when you’re running back to the car. It’s available in seven colours for both men’s and women’s fits—I like the Patrol Orange, because bright is in. —David Webb, President & Publisher
Buy it here: hellyhansen.com
Price: $130
Woolove Merino Wool Base Layer Bundles
At its heart, Woolove makes premium merino wool simple and accessible. Merino wool is non-itchy, lightweight and breathable. These base layers will keep you warm when it’s cold, cool when it’s hot and comfortable all day long. Get unbeatable value with Woolove’s Merino wool bundles—curated sets of premium 100 per cent Merino base layer essentials that deliver warmth, lightweight comfort, odour resistance and moisture-wicking performance. Perfect for layering, active adventures or gifting—these bundles simplify smart layering at a fraction of the cost. Woolove is trusted by first responders across Canada, including Winnipeg Police Service, Waterloo Police, Search and Rescue teams, fire halls and First Nations police departments.
Buy it here: wool.love
Price: $249.96
Fjallraven Keb Eco-Shell Trouser
Few hikers would argue against the necessity of a waterproof jacket when hitting autumn trails—yet seemingly fewer still pair their shells with a matching pair of waterproof-breathable pants. Simply put, proper rain pants will open up fall hikes like few items can—creating a truly impregnable barrier between you and the wet stuff. Fjallraven’s PFAS-free, three-layer Keb Eco-Shell Trousers are a top-tier choice. With a 30,000-millimetre water column rating and weighing only 660 grams, these pants are certified water- and wind-proof but won’t weigh you down. Thoughtful touches like articulated knees, full-length side-zips, Velcro hip adjustments and an included belt enhance the fit. Cordura-reinforced inner calves mean you can pair them with crampons without fear of shredding your investment. Designed to be worn over your favourite hiking pants—with a three-way-stretch—they’re a must-have for when the sky turns gloomy, whether you’re planning a day hike or a multi-day trek. Available in men’s and women’s. —David Webb, President & Publisher
Buy it here: fjallraven.com
Price: $525
MEC Anywhere Pants
These easy, breezy pants will take you from long days on the trail to comfy hammock lounging campground this autumn. Say goodbye to confining skin-tight leggings and go on an adventure in loose pants instead. Made from polyester, featuring four (yes, four) pockets (including a zippered pocket) and a stretchy waistband, these lightweight, versatile, breathable pants are your new bestie. I wore them on a 20-kilometre day hike in 17-degree weather, and they were not too hot, not too cool—but fit and felt just right. —Alison Karlene Hodgins, Managing Editor
Buy it here: mec.ca
Price: $79.95
Adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5
There’s nothing better than lacing up a new pair of shoes and heading straight for the trail. No break-in, no sore feet, just go. That’s how it felt with the Adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5 GTX. I wore these on a few moderate hikes and loved how the Continental outsole gripped wet roots and rocks, keeping me sure-footed every step of the way. To really push them, I took on the ultimate Vancouver challenge: the Grouse Grind—that relentless stair-master of a trail—to see if they could keep up. The supportive yet lightweight build made the climb surprisingly comfortable, and they didn’t feel heavy even near the top. The GORE-TEX lining kept my feet dry, and the cushioning stayed responsive through a full day outdoors. To top it off, the clean, modern design means you can skip packing a separate post-hike shoe. They’re perfect for hitting the trails and heading straight for coffee afterward. This shoe really does it all. —Devin Cox, Finance Manager
Buy it here: adidas.com
Price: $150
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot
I bought my new favourite hiking boots on Amazon. Seriously. When I saw these on sale for $79, I knew I had to try them, and I was pleasantly surprised. Seam-sealed construction, an impact-absorbing and cushioned TECHLITE lightweight midsole, reinforced toe and heel barriers and an Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber outsole make these boots excellent contenders, along with the sturdy ankle support on scree and slippery rocks. While style isn’t my first priority when it comes to boots, my size 11 women’s feet rarely look like what I’d call “cute” in high-performance hiking boots. These are the exception. With red laces, a red interior and a distinct dusty leather beige on the outside, these three-season boots are perfectly colour coordinated with autumn. —Alison Karlene Hodgins, Managing Editor
Buy it here: amazon.ca
Price: From $56.77
DocWalks Ortho-Insoles
DocWalks Ortho-Insoles are made, tested and approved by a team of highly trained professionals, including Medical Doctors, Orthopaedic Surgeons, Sports-Medicine Specialists, Ergonomists and Podiatrists. Their combined knowledge and expertise are what makes DocWalks so effective and is the difference maker behind their success. They are the perfect balance between too rigid and too soft, providing medically proven orthopaedic arch support with luxurious comfort and cushioning. They are guaranteed to relieve your pain or your money back. With over 20 years of experience, and over 100,000 satisfied customers, one thing is certain—DocWalks Work! They are also proud to say that their company is not only owned and operated entirely within Canada, but every single pair of DocWalks is made, packaged and shipped locally in Ontario.
Buy it here: docwalks.com
Price: $99.99
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
This headlamp is a versatile, lightweight option for outdoor enthusiasts. It delivers up to 600 lumens with a mixed beam ideal for both trail visibility and close-up tasks. Its hybrid power system supports both the included rechargeable battery and AAA batteries, offering flexibility in the field. While its battery life in high mode is modest, the headlamp excels in comfort and reliability. Notably, its red-light mode is bright enough for night hiking, a rare feature. The adjustable swivel head allows precise beam positioning, enhancing usability during activities like climbing or trail running. Overall, the Actik Core balances performance and convenience, making it a solid choice for various adventures. — Ben Hopper, National Sales Manager
Buy it here: mec.ca
Price: $104.95
Geyser Clean Kit
Wish you had enough water for a proper shower? Tired of relying on baby wipes? On a recent camping trip, our family used the Geyser Clean Kit to solve this problem. It turns just one litre of water into a four-minute shower. Its compact, ultra-efficient design includes a sponge that disperses water as you wipe away grime—making every drop count. Setup is quick: just attach it to a water bottle or container and plug it into any USB-powered battery. Lightweight and portable, it’s perfect for rinsing off or washing dishes. The experience is far superior to wipes—and eliminates waste entirely. Each family member had their own sponge, so we could all shower directly from the included 1.5 litre water bladder. Geyser’s tutorial videos even showed us how to wash long hair. The Geyser Clean Kit has revolutionized how our family stays clean and refreshed outdoors. — Ben Hopper, National Sales Manager
Buy it here: geysersystems.com
Price: $99.99
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight First Aid Kit
A first-aid kit is an imperative item that everyone should carry, but no one wants to actually use. Lighten the load—but still have what you need in an emergency—with this nearly weightless medical kit. Inside, you’ll find bandages, gauze and tape to treat cuts and abrasions; moleskin to prevent blisters; tweezers for splinter, debris and tick removal; and safety pins for slings. Add your own medications and pain relievers as needed. Despite carrying it with me every day, I only had to use one item in this medical kit to lance a blister on my 10-day trek through England—more on that below—and I attempted to fix my broken hiking boot with the tape. Hopefully, I never have to use this for any hiking injuries, but it gives me peace of mind to have it with me on the trail. — Alison Karlene Hodgins, Managing Editor
Buy it here: mec.ca
Price: $15.95
Adventure Medical Kits Blister Medic Kit
Unfortunately, I have blister-prone feet, despite having found my Cinderella-fit of hiking boots. While trekking the 163-kilometre Cotswold Way this June, blisters formed on each of my pinky toes. Over multiple days on the trail, these little bubbles grew into annoying sores, until they finally became bigger than my actual toes. Yikes. Thankfully, I had this blister medic kit on-hand. This lightweight and affordable kit is packed with tools to help prevent and treat blisters, including alcohol swabs, antiseptic wipes, pre-cut moleskin patches and hydrogel dressing. Now, this will always live in the top of my pack, no matter the season. — Alison Karlene Hodgins, Managing Editor
Buy it here: mec.ca
Price: $15.95
Explore Magazine Subscription
I didn’t realize how much I craved a good outdoor adventure magazine until I took my first explore issue on a camping trip (coincidently a few months before I encountered an opportunity to work for explore). I couldn’t get enough. I’ve always been a bookworm, and while fantasy novels were my preferred form of literary entertainment at camp, there’s something about reading bite-sized, visual, timeless articles about the outdoors—while in the outdoors. Reading every issue feels like listening to stories around a campfire and each practical tip, gear hack and trip idea makes my bucket list grow. The stories remind me why I fell in love with the outdoors in the first place and the inspiring voices of outdoor enthusiasts make me feel like a part of a family. — Dania Rashid, Editorial Assistant
Buy it here: explore-mag.com
Price: $27
Note: some of the items in this gear guide have been sponsored or supplied for testing and review. Each team member’s opinion is their own.
