Hiking And Camping
2022 Comfort Guide
For Chilly Weather

By Diane Spicer

You need this hiking and camping comfort guide for one simple reason:

• Because it's very sad to hang up your boots and pack away your tent as soon as the calendar hits the autumnal equinox.
• Or while you wait through a cold, wet spring for those sunny summer days.
  

Why not take advantage of empty trails and uncrowded campgrounds?

Granted, shorter days mean less daylight hours on the trail, but the upside is that you can spend more dusk and evening time enjoying your car camping site and all that it has to offer.

• Hot drinks
• Comforting, warm layers
• A cozy, welcoming nest at the end of the day

The tips in this hiking and camping comfort guide will keep you cozy (not clammy or chilled) even when the temperatures dip below 50F.

What's covered
in this hiking and camping
Comfort Guide?

This guide takes you through reliable choices for all of these components of cozy camping and comfortable hiking:

• Hiking clothes layering choices
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Waterproofing your backpack
• Weatherproof camping tents
• Tent accessories for comfort and coziness
• Camp kitchen necessities
• Hygiene solutions for fall trails
  

Our theme:

Let's get comfy (the opposite of suffering).

We're using REI Co-op as home base
to build this
hiking and camping comfort guide

Why click around the Internet searching for the right stuff to make you comfortable on a fall hike or camping trip?

Everything in this hiking and camping comfort guide awaits you at REI Co-op.

Why choose REI?

REI Co-op rewards you as a member.

They take care of you by offering excellent customer service, classes and events, and quality outdoor products and clothing from trusted outdoor brands - including their own.

Their website is easy to navigate so you quickly find exactly what matters most to you: women's hiking and camping gear and outdoor clothing.

• That's why this guide gives you quick links to their comfort choices for your autumn outdoor adventures.

Hiking For Her has been an REI affiliate for years, and a member of the Co-op for decades, because of the trust and confidence I have in their product picks.

When you purchase through the links on this website, you're allowing HFH to receive a small commission without costing you extra. It's one of the ways this website stays afloat.

And here's the fun part about reading this guide: the prices you see may have dropped, thanks to sales and end of season clearance events. 

• The REI Co-op Outlet is a great place to shop for bargains!

Now let's get started exploring all of the ways you don't have to suffer as you enjoy cool weather hiking and camping, beginning with trapping your body heat.

First up in our hiking and camping
comfort guide:
Layer your clothing for comfort

For summer hiking, your clothing had to be UV protective, fast drying and breathable to keep you comfortable.

Now that days are shorter - and much cooler-  turn your attention to versatile pieces of clothing which play well together, designed to be:

• moisture wicking (base layer)
• insulating & heat trapping (base and midlayer)
• waterproof (outer layer)
• windproof (outer layer)

Why so many layers??

In fall weather you never can tell what the day will bring on the trail, or while relaxing at your campsite. 

So it's up to you to be prepared for anything, without sacrificing comfort or style in your outdoor clothing.

Layering sounds like too much work?

Think it's hard to choose versatile pieces of clothing which play well together AND achieve all of these objectives for fall hiking and camping?

All the work is done for you in this guide.

Keep reading!

And here's a sizing note:

• While many of the recommendations in this guide are available in plus sizes, go here for the definitive guide for fall trails:

Base layers
to control moisture & odors

You want to trap heat with an insulating layer, but also want to wick away perspiration so you don't feel clammy or soggy.

And you want to be wearing the right weight for your activity level:

• too heavy and you'll sweat up a storm inside your other layers
• too light and body heat will dissipate

There's another consideration in choosing base layers: the material is right up against your skin, so it should feel great.

• Do you prefer synthetics (polyester and nylon), or do you like natural fibers (merino wool, silk)?

And you also have to ask yourself an even more basic question:

"What about hiking underwear and sports bras?"

Use those links for recommendations on the basic answers.

Now that we've got the base layer problem outlined, let's look at your best choices for lightweight base layer tops and bottoms.

Lightweight wool options

Tip:

Choose a long sleeve base layer shirt in a longer length than you might normally wear, for tucking into your pants or bottom layer.

It's a smart move that traps body heat when you bend over or sit down.

Lightweight synthetic base layers
in our hiking and camping comfort guide

Same idea here for moisture and odor control, but a blend of 925 polyester/8% spandex, rather than wool.

Note that this choice will keep you the driest of all, for the least amount of money, but will hold onto odors a bit.

Pick your poison comfort level!

Lightweight silk base layer choices
in our hiking and camping
comfort guide

Because this is a hiking and camping comfort guide, you really need to know about silk base layers.

They have an incredibly soft, luxurious feel, and the price point isn't all that outrageous.

You must also know about one downside to silk: it won't wick your perspiration as fully as the other choices above.

So choose it for low activity days, or for sitting around at your campsite. 

• For feeling "barely there", it does a great job keeping you warm!

Okay, here's one more thing to note: you will need to wash it frequently, as it is not odor repellent like wool or synthetic blends. 

But it feels divine! And that comfort may be exactly what you're going for on a fall hiking and camping trip.

Here's a great silk top and bottom base layer combo:

Tip:

If you want a bit more heft in your base layer, move up to midweight fabrics.

I don't recommend them for easy fall hikes or short term car camping, as they add bulk and may keep you too warm.

But if you want to start building a winter hiking or snowshoeing base layer system - or if you always feel cold - you should take a look at these REI options.

---

Now let's meet your secret weapon
in this hiking and camping
comfort guide:
a midlayer to trap body heat

Sounds like a great idea, right?

Capture all of the heat you're generating as you hike, cook a meal, set up camp, or carry water back to your camp kitchen.

An insulating layer doesn't have to be bulky to do its work, either.

A down vest is an ideal midlayer for fall weather.

A vest can also take you into winter hiking and snowshoeing when you'll be working vigorously in truly cold conditions.

Tip:

Be sure you can fit your outer layer (see below) over your base and midlayers. Don't even wonder how I discovered this tip :/

Trail worthy vest options

I'm a firm believer in a hiking vest.

It's a versatile piece of clothing that can double as a pillow, or be used as an outer layer in dry weather.

I have also put my vest on a shivering hiking companion (my dog).

Not a raving fan of vests?

You have another mid layer option for your layering system.

Go ahead, fleece yourself!

Always be thinking about versatility in your layering system.

Never let it be said that Hiking For Her skimps on options!

Here's Choice #3 for a midlayer.

Consider the merit of wearing an insulated jacket to combine the coziness of a vest with the full coverage of a pullover to trap body heat, all in one smooth zip up motion.

Now let's complete your layering system by addressing the most important layer of all.

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Waterproof, windproof
outer layers
keep you warm and dry

When you're wet, you're cold.

When you're windblown, you're also cold.

And sometimes you're cold even as you hike on a calm, dry day.

It's all part of the hiking fun!

But you can prevent body heat from leaking away with a smart choice for an outer layer.

Seriously! Choose wisely

As usual, you've got some choices to make for your comfort:

• Waterproof, or water resistant
• Breathability, or not so much
• Hard shell, or soft

Here's the truth: to get waterproof plus breathable, it's going to cost you more than if you're going for waterproof but don't care it is breathes.

Now face this fact: if the water you're generating from your perspiration can't get out, guess what happens inside the jacket?

And more importantly, what happens to the other layers you're wearing beneath the jacket?

Yup, you're right:

• A self generated rain storm that will chill you and set you up for dis-comfort. That violates our prime directive, right?

So I'll show you the very best outer layer choice first, then back off to less expensive but also less reliable (water resistant) choices.

Hard outer shell:
waterproof and breathable

Waterproof outer shells are my recommendation, but full disclosure:

• Downsides: price, and some are noisy when you move
• Upsides: your comfort and safety!

My best advice to you:

Slide by with less than perfect base and mid layers, but don't skimp on the layer that stands between you and a cold, wet wind. 

• This is important not only to keep your comfort level high, but also to avoid hypothermia.

I'll say it again:

Your outer layer protects the rest of your layering system, and your body heat, from rapidly plunging temperatures and chilly precipitation.

On a fall trail, that could be anything from a light drizzle to hours of ice pellets.

Give your outer layer the attention, and investment, it deserves.

And I know what I'm talking about:

Hard outer shells:
waterproof & quiet

Water resistant synthetic down jacket

Tips:

Consider buying up one size in your outer layer to accommodate your layering strategy. You'll defeat the purpose of a weatherproof shell if you can't zip it up.

An outer layer with a hood expands the versatility of the jacket.

• But a high collar, paired with the right neck gaiter and hat (see below) works well to block wind and rain, too.

So go with personal preference to make the decision of hood/no hood.

Hiking and camping comfort guide:
don't forget to cover your
head, neck and hands

Always have a few extra pieces of clothing to pull out of your backpack and don quickly to trap your body heat.

Tip: Don't wait until you feel cold. Stay warm with a few additional items of clothing that don't cost much but deliver big benefits!

Fleece is always a cozy choice for extra warmth in cool weather, and will stand up to a bit of moisture.

These are three of my favorite fleece ways to keep my head and ears warm:

Neck gaiters are cozy and practical this time of year. And such a perfect way to express your unique trail style!

Don't ever neglect your hands on the trail, because as they become colder, you lose the ability to use them properly.

This impacts your comfort level, navigation, safe use of trekking poles, and so much more.

So here's the stern but heartfelt warning: Cover up your hands before they get cold.

These gloves will help. Don't you feel warmer just looking at them?

The North Face TKA 100 Glacier Fleece Gloves $24.00

---

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A few more easy hacks
to enhance your warmth
in this hiking and camping
comfort guide

Now it's time to get down to business with smart choices for your feet in this hiking and camping comfort guide!

---

Choosing the right
waterproof trail footwear:
hiking and camping comfort guide

Wet feet are cold feet in the fall hiking and camping world.

It's better to keep them dry than to try to warm them up after they get soaked.

Here are two footwear choices for soggy autumn hiking trails:.

This midcut boot keeps your ankles dry.

KEEN Terradora II Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots $149.95

This boot features reliable traction, something you'll need if your hike takes you onto slippery rocky slopes.

Salomon Pathfinder Mid CS WP Boots $120.00

As with any footwear for the trail, read the reviews carefully.

Consider your type of foot (arch, width) and preference for how closely the fit follows your contours.

• More tips on hiking footwear selection
• Lots of details on waterproof hiking boots

And read about hiking insoles to customize your fit if your boots need a few tweaks to feel comfortable.

Choose technical hiking socks that will work well inside your footwear to keep your feet cushioned and dry.

Okay, you're all suited up in a weatherproof layering system, head to toe.

Now let's look at your hiking and camping gear for fickle fall weather.

---

Keep water & mud
out of your backpack
with the tips in our
hiking and camping comfort guide

Weatherproof your backpack with a little technology.

Lowest cost but least reliable is to line it with a garbage bag that won't fall apart easily.

Then put your electronics, i.d., and extra food and clothing in separate disposable plastic bags.

But that's a lot of plastic, isn't it!

Instead, use waterproof gear bags of various sizes that are durable, tightly sealable, and built to last a long time.

An even better idea than bags is to buy a backpack with a weatherproof rain cover sized for it, which can be stowed away in a zippered pocket somewhere on the backpack until you need it.

Get more ideas for waterproof backpacks here.

---

Weatherproof tents
and other camping comforts

Summer nights are short and warm, but now you're in a different weather pattern that demands a bit more comfort in your sleeping spot.

You'll need these features to keep yourself warm, dry and cozy in your tent:

• tent footprint
• rain fly
• ventilation options
• easy pitch and take down

Because you're car camping, no need to worry about weight.

But you do want to pay attention to durability.

• Are you investing for long term shelter, or just dabbling in camping? The price point will vary!

Tents for car camping in the fall

Let's look at the lowest price point for a reliable three season tent which accommodates two people, or your and your canine companion.

Tip:

Tents don't usually come with a footprint (additional piece of fabric to place between the ground and the tent), but you can purchase them separately.

• That's a recommended move to extend the durability of the tent floor.

It's easy to make a footprint yourself from thick plastic to save some cash.

Need more tips for how to choose the best tents? Here they are.

Hiking and camping comfort guide
tent accessories

You'll need a comfortable, insulating sleeping bag and a pad to lie on so your body heat doesn't leak away in the middle of the night.

Here's a good combo in weather that won't dip below freezing temperatures:

Lots more tips for comfortable sleeping here:

• best sleeping bags
• sleeping bags versus quilts
• best sleeping pads
• sleeping bag liners

Tip:

I resisted the idea of a camping pillow for a long, long time. But I finally wised up and got a complete night's sleep by supporting my head.

Now that you've gotten a good night's sleep, let's get cookin'!

---

Set up your camp kitchen
for comfort

Cold rain dripping down your neck?

Gusts of chilly wind in your face?

Doesn't sound like a good time to me!

Use the gear in this hiking and camping comfort guide to make sure you're protected from the elements when it's time to cook breakfast.

Shelter from the storm

I've learned the hard way how important it is to have a shelter over the kitchen area.

It's de-motivating to stand in the rain and try to cook a meal.

Comfortable kitchen set-up 

Next, a comfortable place to put it when there is no picnic table available.

Or when the picnic table is gross (which happens all too frequently at wet fall campgrounds).

A hot meal actually generates heat as you digest it, making it a two-for-one smart move in chilly weather.

That's why I'm more willing to devote precious outdoor time to cooking up hearty camp meals in the fall.

Which means I need a stove with a flame I can control easily, and two burners: one for a bubbling pot of soup as an appetizer, and one to simmer the dinner entree. 

• After dinner, I use one burner for hot dish water and have another to brew a soothing hot beverage.

My choice of campstove for this hiking and camping comfort guide:

I always keep a kettle of hot water handy when I'm in camp, because a mug of hot chocolate or tea really hits the spot on a fall hiking and camping trip. 

Tip:

If you go to all that trouble to brew up a mug of deliciousness, keep it hot. A mug also makes the perfect hand warmer.

Take your hot beverage with you on a hike with this 20 oz. option.

Comfy seating:
an important ingredient in our
hiking and camping comfort guide

Keep yourself off the cold ground or wet picnic table bench as you're enjoying dinner or relaxing with that mug of hotness in a lightweight, comfortable camping chair like the Flexlite.

You can consider all of your Flexlite backpacking and camping chair options in this article.

But what if you're not a fan of camp chairs?

Counting on the availability of a dry picnic table or handy sitting rock?

Just in case, bring a versatile blanket to your campsite.

But not just any blanket. You want one that is waterproof on one side, padded & insulated on the other side. 

Like this one:

When daylight fades

You might be caught off guard with how early dusk falls, or how long it takes for the sun to come up in autumn.

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Hygiene solutions
in our hiking and camping
comfort guide

When the weather turns chilly, you want to be brisk and efficient when you're washing camp dishes (see above).

But you also don't want to dawdle when doing your business.

Also, here's a dose of reality:

• Fall campsites might not have water available for hand washing. 
• The bathrooms may be locked up tight in preparation for winter.

So you'll have to be prepared to supply your own bathroom.

No worries!

These camping items will help you stay on the right side of camping hygiene.

Hand washing station 

If you're going to be at the campsite for longer than one night, why not set up a hand washing station near the kitchen area?

• Make it a rule that everyone washes their hands after a bathroom visit, and again before cooking and eating.

You can put together a quick hygiene station with these inexpensive supplies.

Tip: 

Use this as a face and hands washing up station before you crawl into your warm, cozy sleeping nest.

And then again, in the morning, to start your day off right.

Portable toilet

Pooping in the woods behind your tent just isn't cool.

Plus, the whole squatting thing?

It violates our comfort guide Prime Directive: don't suffer.

Note: This bucket is kind of low to the ground, moreso than your toilet at home may be.

To make disposal of wastes easier, use a double bag system like this one: a sealable, leak proof outer bag encloses an inner bag containing waste gelatin powder to keep odors controlled.

Tip:

To keep everyone comfortable with the idea of using an outdoor privy, have at least one hand sanitizer available.

It's a low cost investment in good health during less than ideal outdoor conditions for food prep and bathroom hygiene.

Keep it in a sealable container with the toilet paper or premoistened wipes.

What about privacy??

Good point!

Worrying about being seen sitting on the potty sucks.

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Hiking and camping comfort guide
wrap up

You did it!

You made it to the end of this lengthy Hiking For Her comfort guide.

Your reward?

You now have solid options for clothing and gear to enjoy comfortable fall hikes and cool weather camping, regardless of the temperature or moisture level.

And that, my friend, is good news.

Believe me, there's nothing quite like the pungent smell of fall as you stride down the trail in your weatherproof clothing and footwear.

And sitting around a crackling, fragrant campfire on a cool autumn evening, knowing your tent and warm sleeping bag and pillow await?

• Priceless!

I'd be honored if you warmly toasted Hiking For Her's hiking and camping comfort guide with a mug of tea or a hot toddy on your next fall outing ;)

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Hiking And Camping Comfort Guide For 2022