Outdoorsy Gear Guide for Fall 2024
Compiled by Explore’s staff, here are the 12 best new gear items for autumn adventures.
1. MEC Rad Overalls
I never want to take off these overalls. Stylish, comfortable, practical, soft, made of rugged, quick-drying nylon with a bit of stretchy spandex material and bursting with six pockets for treats and tools—what more could an outdoorsy girl dream of? Part of the new re-mix collection from the MEC label, this is made for MEC Classics fans or anyone who isn’t afraid to look slightly like a ski instructor in the backcountry. Their motto for this collection is easy to get behind: “You don’t put yourself in a box, your gear shouldn’t either.”
Price: $149
Buy it here: mec.ca.
2. MEC Kleversack
The MEC Kleversack Bag is as versatile as it gets. Whether you are hiking golden larch-filled trails or cycling beneath crimson autumn foliage, this eye-catching hip pack is not only stylish but extremely functional. Thanks to its high-quality adjustable straps, it can be worn comfortably as a hip pack or as a crossbody bag for a more casual look—and two Velcro loops allow you to attach it to your bike’s handlebars. The Kleversack is slightly oversized compared to your typical hip pack, offering two zippered pockets to keep valuables like your wallet and keys safe and a large pouch with a magnetic roll top for stowing your snacks and a small water bottle.
Price: $39.95
Buy it here: mec.ca.
3. Alder Open Air Pants
I’m in love with the Alder Take a Hike Shorts, but autumn calls for longer pant legs, so I was delighted to test out the Open Air Pants. Comfortable, roomy and flexible, these pants are perfect for a weekend camping trip in the fall. The forest green colour blends in with evergreen trees and the breathable, wicking fabric from Lenzing Modal—made of wood pulp from sustainable forests around Austria—transitions easily from campsite to hiking trail to rock climbing route. The elastic waistband is stretchy yet supportive; there are no buttons or zippers, save for the one super-safe pocket. I do find the inseam a touch short at 28 inches, but I am also six feet tall.
Price: From $198.95
Buy it here: mec.ca.
4. MEC X AQUANATOR Rain Jacket
Autumn showers are inevitable. And while in a few months, they will turn to snow, we can still get outside and embrace the precipitation this fall. All you need is a good jacket. MEC’s new-and-improved AQUANATOR is an updated classic. This versatile, everyday rain jacket is made from PFA-free, Japanese-milled ripstop fabric. It’s a lightweight material that sheds grams and raindrops; a packable layer with fully taped seams and weather-blocking tech, so you can still get outside and adventure on those drizzly days.
Price: $139
Buy it here: mec.ca.
5. Forrest Tool Co. Max Tool Kit
Having every tool on an adventure doesn’t always work when space is a premium. The MAX® is the answer with an axe, sledge, shovel, mattock, two picks, rake and hoe in a compact, lightweight package. Perfect for camping, road-tripping, off-roading or a day-in-the-woods. Bring everything you’d need from the garden shed with you in this ideal all-in-one adventure tool package. The MAX® is sturdy, handy, practical and invaluable in situations where an ax, shovel or everything out of the tool shed could be the difference between a terrific and an unsafe adventure. Although both would be memorable, I know which one I’d rather participate in.
Price: $407
Buy it here: forresttool.com.
6. MEC Quilted Barber Fleece
This pullover combines style and functionality, making it perfect for chilly adventures. The quilted design adds a touch of sophistication, while the Berber fleece ensures warmth and comfort. The excellent insulation keeps you cozy without feeling bulky. Lightweight at only 675g, it’s still durable, making it ideal for layering during colder months. The front pouch provides enough room for several essential gear while providing a place to warm your hands in the separate front sleeve. Additionally, the pullover’s breathability ensures you stay comfortable during autumn activities, from hiking to lounging by the campfire.
Link to come—product launching October 10.
7. MEC Quilted Vest U
MEC’s Classic Quilted Vest U is a great addition to your adventure wardrobe for the fall. It’s one of the top versatile vests out there. The stylish look of it makes it easy to wear it on a hike, camping trip or gentle sunset paddle. The vest has four pockets, including two zipper pockets, one button pocket and a buckle pocket. The buckle pocket allows you to easily hang an item from it such as keys or a small towel. The ribbed collar adds extra comfort around your neck. This vest is a well-rounded high-quality item and can fit into anyone’s active, outdoorsy and adventure lifestyle. Our tester said, “It is highly applauded.”
Link to come—product launching October 10.
8. Defiant 1000-Lumen Lantern
As days get shorter and nights get longer, bring a lantern on your adventures. Perfect for setting up the campsite when you arrive long after the sun has set, this waterproof lantern—available at Home Depot—has six lighting modes so you can adjust the brightness to avoid blinding your neighbours in the nearby canvas tent as they slumber. Bigfoot, sasquatches, monsters and scary things in the night won’t dare appear out of the dark woods as long as you have this in hand (or on the picnic table). Nocturnal outdoor adventurers, rejoice!
Price: $29.93
Buy it here: homedepot.ca.
9. Napier Sportz Truck Tent
If you’re looking for a fantastic, reliable, comfortable and convenient truck tent, the Napier Sportz Truck Tent is an excellent choice. Its combination of ease of use, comfort and durability make it a standout option for outdoor enthusiasts. The tent assembles fairly easily, making it ideal for spontaneous camping trips. It is very spacious, providing ample room for two people and their gear. The rain protector fabric is very durable for sudden rain and windstorms. The tent is versatile for various truck bed sizes, making it suitable for different vehicles. We tested it with a Ford F150.
Price: $339
Buy it here: napieroutdoors.com.
10. MEC Scrully Dry Duffel
When you need an all-in-one bag that can do everything—and I mean everything—look no further than this rugged expedition dry bag. Pack all your camp kitchen needs without worrying about anything leaking. Stuff in your towels and extra clothes for a gentle autumn paddle. Or stow all your gear for a blissful fall day at the beach. However you use it, you’ll be impressed by the multitude of applications, thanks to its many standout features, from the easy backpack conversion to the purge valve for air evacuation and the wide roll top closure that seals water out. I told you: everything.
Price: $179
Buy it here: mec.ca.
11. MEC Duffel
Stuff everything you need for a long-weekend getaway to a cabin in the woods, a camping trip on the beach or a yurt in a provincial park. With a special limited-edition colour refresh, this classic duffel has exactly what you need: a cavernous main opening, an interior mesh side pocket and an exterior side pocket for easy-access items. Made from durable 1680-denier recycled polyester fabric with heavy-duty stitching and a PU coating, it’s prepared to pack your needs for any outdoor excursion. Oh, and did I mention it folds right down and can be stored within the internal side pocket? I’m partial to the 60 L size since it grants ample room for the fleece layers and toques you’ll need in the fall, but the bag also comes in 35 L and 90 L sizes.
Price: From $69.95
Buy it here: mec.ca.
12. Camping Fluxx Card Game
Bring some extra fun on your next camping trip with this easy-to-learn, silly-to-play card game. There are many variations of Fluxx—I probably have five of them—but the new camping theme has got to be the best one. Known as the “card game of ever-changing rules,” every round is different. The game requires little strategy and plenty of acceptance when you inevitably are forced to play a hand that will make another player win. You can play with two or more players, and you can teach almost anyone how to play very quickly—even if they aren’t board game nerds like us.
Price: $20
Buy it here: looneylabs.com.
