25 Gear Items You Need This Fall and Winter

Looking for bike shorts with a 3D-printed seat pad? How about a hiking shoe you’ll never want to take off? Whether you’re shopping for new gear or just browsing, the following 25 pieces of gear – arranged by category – offer ideas to inspire your next outdoor experience.

 

HIKING

Bombas Hiking Quarter Socks

Meet your new favorite hiking socks. Ultra-thick and ultra-soft, they offer breathability and moisture-wicking thanks to their “Hex Tec” design to keep your feet dry and comfortable on the trail. A reinforced heel and toe mean these socks will hold up for miles, and temperature-regulating vents allow cool air to flow in to prevent overheating. Plus, for every pair you buy, Bombas donates a pair to someone in need.

$18. bombas.com

Gnara Go There Pants

These hiking bottoms for women are comfy, multi-functional, and good for all seasons, courtesy of four-way stretch fabric and a water-repellent coating. But the standout feature is the patented GoFly zipper: a second zipper that extends to the back of the pants, allowing you to unzip and pee comfortably and safely outdoors without removing clothing, thereby maximizing privacy when nature calls.

$168. gnara.com

Mammut Alto Light Hooded Jacket

Let’s start with the obvious: It’s gorgeous. But this lightweight hardshell is more than just a pretty jacket. It’s also surprisingly rugged, boasting uncompromised protection from the elements in a minimalist design. Made with recycled polyester, it’s windproof, waterproof, and highly packable (you can stow it in its own pocket), making it a favorite for your fall and winter hikes…or anytime you think it might rain.

$219. mammut.com

Saucony Ultra Ridge GTX

Here’s the thing: For a lot of hiking, you don’t actually need a hiking boot. You just need a shoe like this. The Ultra Ridge GTX uses a waterproof, mid-cut GORE-TEX upper that keeps your feet dry and protected from mud, water, and debris. The super-grippy PWRTRAC outsole ensures you stay sure-footed on those switchbacks. And the foam cushioning provides an extra spring, making all-day outings no problem.

$135. saucony.com

Pingora Lucid 25

Consider this your year-round, bring-everywhere-you-go pack. Designed for full days off the grid, the Lucid 25 is loaded with functional features, like a running pack-style harness for comfort and control, a large front pocket for easy access to essentials, and zippered pockets on the shoulder harness and waist belt for your phone, snacks, and keys. It even has a clever top pocket with internal sleeve for rain cover and valuables.

$140. pingora-gear.com

 

BIKING

Finish Line Halo Wet Lubricant

Shake vigorously and hold the bottle’s applicator to a clean, dry chain while slowly turning the pedal. The Smart Luber ensures no link is missed, no mess is made, and no lubricant is wasted. Halo Wet provides water resistance, protection from wear, and reduced friction, extending the life of your drivetrain. It’s also petroleum-free and contains no fluorinated or PFAS chemicals, making it non-toxic to humans and plant life.

$30. finishlineusa.com

1UP Super Duty Hitch Rack

E-bike owners, take note: The updated Super Duty can carry bikes up to 100 pounds per tray, as well as tires up to 5 inches wide. Spacing has been added between the trays to allow more clearance between bikes, and new adjustable trays adapt to fit four different wheelbases for more versatility when mounting multiple bikes and longer rigs. Available as a single or double base rack with the option of two additional trays.

$600-$950. 1up-usa.com

Pirelli P Zero Race TLR RS

For competitors who care, this race-ready tire is ultra-efficient and also eco-conscious. It’s the first bike tire in the industry to use FSC-certified natural rubber that comes from “plantations managed to preserve biodiversity and benefit the lives of local communities and workers.” As for performance, the focus is on providing grip in any weather condition, excellent road handling when braking, accelerating, and turning, and very low rolling resistance.

$99. pirelli.com

BMC Roadmachine 01 AMP X One

Go the extra mile with an e-bike that provides 300 watts of boost from its light yet powerful drive system. While it’s called the Roadmachine, this bike can tackle various terrains thanks to its ability to fit gravel-smoothing 40-millimeter tires — plus internal cable routing, a carbon seatpost, generous tire clearance, and ICS MTT x Redshift Suspension stem. It comes stock with the SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS 12-speed groupset.

$8,999. us.bmc-switzerland.com

Gorewear Ultimate Bib Shorts+

Why do you need a 3D-printed seat pad in your next bike short? The multi-layered pad delivers advanced compression, support, and breathability, resulting in reduced chafing and pressure points. And more comfort means more happy miles. Beyond the seat pad, these bibs have wide, single-piece shoulder straps for even weight distribution and woven compression fabric that promotes blood flow while offering fast drying times.

$300. gorewear.com

 

RUNNING

Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra

Your trail runs may never be the same after you slide your feet into a pair of these. Featuring a dynamic rocker design for smooth and efficient forefoot running, integrated energy rods for lightweight stiffness, and next-level cushioning for a responsive feel, this is Terrex’s fastest trail running shoe yet. Our favorite feature? The rubber outsole from tire company Continental, which creates reliable traction whether the trail is wet or dry.

$220. adidas.com

Coros Pace 3

This has everything you want in a sport watch: dual-frequency GPS that’s accurate even if you’re deep within a forest; extensive activity modes like indoor run, trail run, and track run; heart rate, pace, distance, and sleep-tracking data; 38 hours of full use on a single charge; a touchscreen that enhances visibility in bright sunlight; and the ability to download and play music directly from your watch. Oh, and it also tells the time.

$229. coros.com

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Ultralight Jacket

Outdoor Research isn’t kidding when it calls this thing “ultralight.” At just 7.05 ounces, this jacket offers durable weather protection when the forecast calls for on-and-off-again sun, rain, clouds, and cool breezes. (In other words, it’s ideal for fall weather in the Midwest.) The reflective chest logo and forearm overlays increase visibility when you’re jogging at night, and the jacket stuffs into its chest pocket for easy stowage in a pack.

$119 and up. outdoorresearch.com

Under Armour Women’s HeatGear Leggings

These lightweight leggings were made to handle movement, whether you’re running a 10K or crushing a high-intensity workout at the gym. They feature chafe-free, four-way stretch material that wicks sweat and dries quickly, plus a high-rise, no-slip waistband for optimal coverage that stays put no matter how fast you finish that set of burpees. And your phone fits easily in the side drop-in pocket.

$50. underarmour.com

Brooks Fusion Midweight Glove 2.0

Nobody likes running with cold fingers, so these new Brooks gloves will come in handy (pun intended). Their lightweight, thermal design cuts the chill yet still allows for dexterity. Special fabric on the index finger and thumb lets you operate your phone, and a soft panel on the back of the thumb is designed for you to wipe your nose on cold days. Of course, another option is always the farmer’s blow.

$44. brooksrunning.com

 

CAMPING

White Duck 13’ Regatta 360 Tent

When “roughing it” isn’t on your itinerary, this weatherproof canvas tent makes a cozy home away from home. It allows sleeping accommodations for up to six, plus space for bags and a table, and it goes up in just 15 minutes. Four roof vents, mesh doors, and mesh side panels provide clear views and air circulation. Put it in the backyard as a guest room for the in-laws. They’ll love the privacy, and you’ll love the peace and quiet.

$930. whiteduckoutdoors.com

EXPED LuxeMat

Besides promising plush comfort and support when sleeping, the inflatable LuxeMat has some useful features: a wool-insulated cover that is machine washable, grab handles for easy moving, side pockets for storing small items, and zippers that allow it to be attached to another LuxeMat. (Use it as a double-wide bed or a couch.) For portability, the LuxeMat packs down to the size of a 2-liter bottle.

$350. expedusa.com

Sea to Summit Base Camp

Car camping has its advantages, like being able to bring the biggest, most comfortable gear possible. This 15-degree sleeping bag has a boxy construction that lets you really spread out. A large hood accommodates your favorite pillow from home, and the Free-Flow Zip system opens on either side, or in the footbox, for ventilation. The recycled nylon shell has a non-PFAS water-resistant finish to protect against wind and moisture.

$399. seatosummit.com

JetBoil Flash

Now available in seven limited-edition colors like Mountain Stripes (shown), the Flash has a heat indicator that tells you when the water is ready. And it’s ready fast. Fix coffee, soup, or dehydrated meals in no time and keep them warm in the 1-liter insulated cooking cup. Includes a fuel canister stabilizer, a bottom that doubles as a measuring cup and bowl, and a push-button igniter. Easy to pack and carry at only 13.1 ounces.

$130. jetboil.johnsonoutdoors.com

GSI Bugaboo Ceramic Base Camper, Camp Cookset

This non-stick ceramic cookware nests together like Russian dolls to conserve space. Every set includes two pots, a frypan, two nylon lids, a cutting board, a folding pot handle, and a stuff sack to keep everything organized. The lids double as water strainers; the stuff sack doubles as a sink for washing. That’s smart design. Available in large, medium, and small sizes.

$125 (large). gsioutdoors.com

 

LIFESTYLE

NEMO Double Haul Convertible Duffel & Tote

Whether your next adventure involves a plane, car, or feet, this combo bag is up to the challenge. Use it as a duffel for air travel, overnight trips, and daily errands. When you need to haul more stuff, deploy the tucked-away handles to make it a tote, increasing the bag’s carrying capacity by 33 percent. Don’t worry about it falling apart either: Its recycled nylon exterior is water-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and easy to wipe clean after use.

$170 and up. nemoequipment.com

Dark Energy Poseidon Pro

You can never have enough power, making this long-lasting battery a lifesaver when you’re on the go. Its patented tech allows for an extremely low idle drain, which means it can hold a charge for over eight years. Use it to power up your computer, smartphone, camera, and other electronics. Nearly indestructible, it can survive extreme temps, 45 minutes in water, a 50-foot drop, a shotgun blast, and 1.5 pounds of explosives. Now that’s tough.

$120. darkenergy.com

Ridgemont Scape

This new offering from Ridgemont seems designed in a lab to pair perfectly with denim. Made with lightweight ripstop nylon and oiled suede, it wouldn’t be out of place on the trail, but you’ll probably wear it more often when knocking around town. Available in four colorways, this high-top exemplifies why Ridgemont was started in the first place: They couldn’t find a decent-looking outdoor shoe, so they began making one.

$129. ridgemontoutfitters.com

Cotopaxi Wharf Beanie

It’s not the flashiest piece of clothing you’ll ever see, but this humble beanie from Cotopaxi will keep your head warm and toasty all winter long, whether you’re hiking, biking, or screaming at a football game. Its stretchy fabric is made with 100-percent recycled polyester, and its versatile design looks good whether folded over or relaxed. As one customer says, “This is the softest, best-fitting beanie I’ve used.”

$29. cotopaxi.com

Patagonia R1 Thermal Pullover Hoody

Sure, this is Patagonia’s warmest technical fleece, designed for nonstop days in the coldest alpine conditions. But there’s no law that says you can’t wear it for more leisurely activities, like taking the dog for a walk or playing a friendly game of pickleball. No matter how you use it (and we’re guessing you’ll use it often), know that its breathable, ultra-stretchy polyester will give you unrestricted movement, and its microgrid interior will feel soft on your skin.

$179 (full-zip available for men). patagonia.com

 

Authors: Shawn Donnelly is the managing editor of Terrain, and Brad Kovach is the publisher.

Top image: Courtesy of Pingora.