Essential Outdoor Gear for Fall Adventure
- By Erica Zazo -
As we say goodbye to the last weeks of Summer, it’s a bittersweet feeling to reflect on all the fun we’ve had the past few months at Sandhill Coffee.
We’ve been brewing coffee at local events in our mobile cafe, traveling around the Midwest to regional festivals, and of course, getting plenty of fishing in. Having the chance to meet locals near and far – who love supporting small businesses just as much as we do – is always so humbling. The Sandhill coffee community continues to grow every day.
But now, we’re excited to welcome Autumn – one of our favorite times of year for exploring the outdoors. The Midwest is full of Fall adventure, from visiting local apple orchards to hiking through a kaleidoscope of color to enjoying warm bonfires and layering up in fleece.
To help you get ready to hit the trail, jump on a hayride, or gear up for the Fall hunting or trout season, we’ve put together a roundup of our favorite gear for any Autumn adventure.
(old logo but still a cool pic!)
8 Pieces of Gear to Get this Fall
Everyone needs a go-to hoody. That’s why we recommended snagging a Sandhill Logo Hooded Sweatshirt just in time for the Fall weather. This super soft and thick fleece is perfect for wearing by the fire or relaxing with a coffee in hand in the morning. It’s one of the coziest ways to enjoy the crisp, cool weather.
Not into hooded sweatshirts? Check out the Unisex Sandhill Fleece Pullover.
Pick up an ultra-lightweight monocular just in time for the Fall Sandhill Crane migration. The Nocs Zoom Tube is a smaller version of binoculars that’s easy to carry, small enough to pack in any size daypack, and is rugged and water-resistant so you don’t have to worry about taking it into the backcountry or in unpredictable weather.
The Sandhill Cranes migrate from mid/late October to late November – and there are plenty of places to take your Nocs to watch Sandhill Cranes migrate throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest.
Just because Summer is over doesn’t mean sandal season has to be. Whether you’re lounging around the campground or hanging out in your living room, the Chaco Slides are the perfect slide-on sandal for fall. We, personally, like to throw on a pair of Smartwool socks to wear with them Chacos, in this case, “Sockos” as we call them.
Backyard bonfires just got better. Smokeless, made of stainless steel, and ultra-portable, the Solo Stove is designed to keep plumes of smoke from billowing into the air while you’re having a bonfire. It’s great for city living or bringing to a remote spot, like the banks of a local river for fishing or to the beach for sunset.
We’re big fans of the Bonfire 2.0 Solo Stove for use in the backyard or on the patio – but we also love the idea of bringing the Solo Stove Campfire on an adventure for post-hike, fishing, or biking smores.
When traveling, an on-the-go coffee mug is a must. We have to plug the 20oz Sandhill Logo Tumbler because it’s the perfect travel companion for bringing your hot drinks with you on any adventure. These tumblers were designed by Tempercraft, a fellow of 1% for the Planet member and an Oregon-based brand we really love.
No matter if you’re sitting around the campfire or heading out to a local cider mill for an afternoon on the farm, being prepared for the crisp Autumn weather is key. We love Rumple Original Puffy Blankets because they’re super packable, super warm, and super cool. Although they do make down-filled blankets, we recommend their synthetic-fill blankets because they’re better for the environment and more affordable.
Rumpl is also a Certified B Corporation, which means they make decisions and adhere to company processes that leave a positive impact on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.
Squeezing in some last-minute travel this Fall? Consider picking up a Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack for bringing on your adventures. We love this backpack because it’s lightweight but doesn't sacrifice space or accessories. This bag is also made from reused fabric left over from other companies’ larger production runs.
Cotopaxi is known for its super colorful designs, durable products that hold up to wear and tear, and sustainable business practices – which is why we can’t recommend the company enough.
Hiking in the fall is ideal for many reasons. For starters, the scenery is unbeatable. Hues of yellow, orange, red, and brown light up the trees in every direction in the midwest come mid-October. Pair that with the weather in the mid-50s and the fact you don’t have to worry about swarms of bugs – fall hiking reigns supreme.
To gear up for fall hikes, we recommend a new pair of boots. For both men and women, we love the Danner Trail 2650 because it’s great for low-elevation Midwest hiking. They’re also lightweight, and water resistant, and they make great in-town shoes too.
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