A New England or Rocky Mountain road trip may be the traditional way to see fall’s colors, but there’s a lot to be said for getting out of the car and out on the trail: escaping jammed roads, breathing crisp autumn air and seeing those flame-hued leaves up close and personal. Here, the travel editors of Wirecutter share the gear they bring along to make the most of this all-too-brief season.
Sturdy and waterproof, these no-break-in-needed boots offer good grip and decent protection, and are more than capable of handling a five-mile day hike.
Trekking poles aren’t just for backpacking trips; they’re great for day hikes, too. These packable poles collapse into a bundle about 13 inches long.
Equipped with two water bottle holders, this weather-resistant backpack feels comfortable and packs down well — handy if you have to fly to foliage country.
For those moments when you want to stop and soak up the forest quiet, bring this featherweight chair — it fits easily in a backpack.
Its 24-megapixel sensor creates images with colors that are more pleasing than those produced by point-and-shoots, and its battery lasts far longer. Plus, it’s light enough to carry for miles.
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