For us summer lovers, these next few months can be incredibly hard as the weather cools down. That doesn’t mean you have to be cooped up for the entire fall and winter seasons, though. You can continue to enjoy many summer activities well into the cooler months, as long as you have the right gear.
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Good for Most Activities
We talk about base layers a lot, and they are super important when it comes to keeping warm during the fall and winter months. Invest in some good thermal underwear, and if you’re going somewhere really cold, you may even want to invest in some heated base layers. Also, make sure your cool-weather clothing still fits and that you have ample wool socks and gloves.
Camping and Hiking
When it comes to fall camping and hiking, make sure you’re layered up. When you’re getting ready to settle in for the night, make sure your tent is as insulated as possible. When packing your car ahead of a hiking or camping trip, bring extra blankets and clothes in case you end up needing them. A good pair of waterproof hiking boots will go a long way in keeping your feet warm and dry.
Water Sports
You may think that you have to lock up your water sports gear for next summer, but all you really need is some preparation and some gear. Depending on the temperature outside, you may just need your base layers, but if it’s really cold out, invest in a wetsuit or dry suit to stay comfortable. You’ll also want to pack an extra set of clothing in a dry bag, in case you do get wet, to prevent hypothermia. Invest in a pair of neoprene socks, as they’re great for keeping your feet warm.
Climbing
Winter climbing—usually ice climbing—is a great way to get outdoors during the winter. If you’re new to climbing, there’s a lot of gear that you may not have in your closet yet. You’ll need shoes, a harness, a helmet, ropes, and webbing. And you’ll also need to be bundled up with your base layers, mid-layers, and a hard shell. Be sure you have carabiners, rappels, chalk, ice axes and other tools for ice climbing, too.