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The Ultimate Packing List for Your Fall Foliage Road Trip
Fall is on fabulous display across the country and many travelers are eagerly plan their fall foliage road trips. Whether you’re cruising through the Adirondacks to check out the best fall foliage in New York or you’re exploring the picturesque fall foliage in New England towns, having the right gear will enhance your experience.
Here’s a comprehensive packing list to ensure you’re prepared for your leaf-peeping adventure.
1. Clothing Essentials
Layered Outfits
Fall weather can be unpredictable, so packing layers is crucial, especially if you’ll be in destinations with varying elevations (say, mountainous regions like Colorado or Wyoming). Include:
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Lightweight Base Layers: Start with moisture-wicking shirts to keep you dry. This SmartWool long-sleeve shirt is my favorite.
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Warm Mid-Layers: Fleece jackets or sweaters provide warmth without bulk. This REI fleece jacket is a warm, affordable option.
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Waterproof Outer Layer: A waterproof jacket protects against sudden rain showers. This Arc’Teryx waterproof jacket is ultralight and fully waterproof. It’s expensive but totally worth it and some colors are currently on sale.
REI
My favorite base layer top for fall adventures
REI
REI
Comfortable Bottoms
Choose comfortable pants for long drives and hikes. Consider:
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Stretchy Leggings or Pants: Ideal for flexibility during activities. I wear these stretchy Lululemon leggings with pockets for lounging, hiking, and pretty much everything. These men’s hiking pants are also a great option for travel and hiking.
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Warm, Breathable Fabrics: Fleece-lined or thermal pants keep you cozy.
Lululemon
REI
Turn them into shorts should chilly fall mornings turn to warm afternoons
Footwear
Good shoes are essential for exploring. Pack:
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Hiking Boots or Shoes: Sturdy, comfortable footwear for trails. These Vasque hiking boots are fully waterproof and have kept me warm and dry through hundreds of miles of hiking.
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Casual Sneakers: Perfect for walking around towns or casual outings. If you want comfy shoes that you can also hike in, these Altra Lone Peak hikers are perfect.
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Warm Socks: Wool socks help keep your feet warm and dry.
REI
REI
Crazy comfy hiking shoes that are also great for casual wear
2. Accessories for Comfort
Warm Accessories
Don’t forget to pack:
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Scarves: A stylish scarf adds warmth and flair.
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Beanies or Hats: Keep your head warm while enjoying the crisp air.
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Gloves: Lightweight gloves are handy for chilly mornings and evenings.
Sunglasses
Even in fall, the sun can be bright. Protect your eyes with a good pair of sunglasses. These Goodr sunglasses are crazy cheap and really effective.
REI
Really affordable, effective sunglasses
3. Outdoor Gear
Backpack
A durable, comfortable backpack is essential for day trips. Look for one with enough space for your gear, snacks, and water. If you’re doing a multi-day hike, you’ll need something larger, but for day hikes, this Osprey Daylite Backpack is a rugged, affordable option.
REI
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the stunning scenery by bringing:
Tripod
If you enjoy photography, a lightweight tripod is great for capturing landscapes and fall colors, especially in low light.
Binoculars
For wildlife viewing and getting a closer look at distant scenery, binoculars are a fantastic addition to your packing list.
4. Food and Drinks
Snacks
Keep your energy up while on the road. Pack:
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Trail Mix: A mix of nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate for a quick snack.
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Granola Bars: Easy to pack and a great source of energy.
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Fresh Fruit: Apples and bananas are nutritious and portable.
Cooler with Beverages
Bring a small cooler (like this Yeti Soft Cooler) to keep drinks cool:
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Water Bottles: Staying hydrated is key, especially during hikes.
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Coffee or Tea: A thermos filled with your favorite warm beverage can make early mornings more enjoyable. This insulated HydroFlask thermos keeps your water cold or your coffee and tea hot.
REI
This smaller cooler keeps your drinks and food cool all day
REI
Extremely sturdy, insulated bottle for hot or cold drinks
5. Navigation and Planning Tools
GPS or Maps
While smartphones are convenient, having a physical map as a backup is wise, especially in remote areas.
Itinerary and Reservations
Print out or save digital copies of your itinerary, including:
6. Health and Safety Items
First Aid Kit
Accidents can happen, so pack a small first aid kit with essentials like:
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Band-aids and Antiseptic Wipes: For minor cuts and scrapes.
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Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications for headaches or discomfort.
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Allergy Medication: If you suffer from seasonal allergies, bring antihistamines.
Hand Sanitizer and Masks
With ongoing health considerations, pack hand sanitizer and a few masks for crowded areas.
REI
All the essentials in a tiny, portable pouch
7. Entertainment and Comfort for the Drive
Road Trip Playlist
Create a playlist or download audiobooks to keep you entertained on long stretches of road.
Comfort Items
To make your journey more enjoyable:
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Travel Pillow: For added comfort during long drives. This Rumpl Stuffable Travel Pillow lets you stuff the pillow with your jacket or sweatshirt so you save space in the car (or plane).
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Blanket: A lightweight throw can keep you cozy during chilly evenings. This Rumpl Blanket is made from recycled fabrics and is on sale now.
REI
Handy pillow you can stuff with your jacket or sweatshirt
REI
Recycled, warm travel blanket on sale now.
Games and Activities
Bring along road trip games, puzzles, or coloring books for passengers, especially if traveling with kids.
A fall foliage road trip offers the perfect blend of adventure, beauty, and relaxation, and by packing wisely, you can avoid some of the stress that often accompanies hastily planned trips. From layers for changing weather to snacks for the road, this packing list will help you prepare for an unforgettable autumn experience. So, grab your camera, hit the road, and soak in the stunning colors of fall!
I’m Cassandra, a freelance writer, guidebook author, and photographer who loves all things outdoors. I’ve written for The New York Times, National Geographic, Wall Street Journal, Lonely Planet, Travel + Leisure, and dozens more. My work tends to focus on sustainability, accessibility, and the outdoors and I have a special love for hiking, biking, and kayaking. I started as a solo traveler, now do a lot of family travel, and also multi-gen and accessible travel.
