**Embrace Fall with These Must-Have Gear for Leaf-Peeping Adventures**
Halloween candy now lines the shelves of supermarkets, and Starbucks has brought back the Pumpkin Spice Latte. It’s officially fall, y’all. And that means it’s time to step into your boots, pull on your flannels, and head outdoors to admire the changing colors. Whether you’re planning to take in the foliage on a long, scenic drive, a rigorous hike, or just a casual stroll, the right gear will ensure your outing isn’t spoiled by bugs, fluctuating temperatures, or a phone that’s running on empty. Here are seven not-too-expensive things that’ll make your leaf-peeping experience one to remember.
**A Thermos for Warm Drinks**
Warm apple cider, hot chocolate, pumpkin-flavored coffee—whichever delightfully cozy drink you sip on while tromping through the leaves, a thermos can keep it warm for hours. The Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle is the best of the best for beverage insulation. This thermos keeps hot drinks hot, and its cap doubles as a cup. Also, when this vessel’s handle is not in use, it folds and lays flat to save space.
**Bug Repellent to Keep the Critters Away**
Few things are as spine-tingling as finding a tick burrowed in your skin after a walk in the woods. To avoid bites (and the damper they can put on an otherwise good day), spray on a layer of reliable bug repellent before heading out. Sawyer Products’ insect repellent, made with a 20% picaridin formula, is effective against mosquitoes and ticks for up to 12 hours. And unlike traditional, DEET-based repellents, Sawyer Products’ picaridin repellant has minimal odor and doesn’t leave behind an oily, sticky sheen.
**Portable Power**
If you plan to take plenty of photos and videos during your excursion—or if you just want to make sure Google Maps is always at the ready—a dying phone battery is a hard no. The slim, affordable TravelCard Charger might not be the fastest or the longest-lasting portable power bank on the market, but it’s very convenient to use: It’s thin enough to tuck into a wallet, and it comes with built-in charging cables, too.
**Camp Chairs and a Snuggly Blanket**
If you’ll simply be sitting and admiring the autumnal views, a portable camp chair and a puffy blanket to drape across your lap will definitely enhance the experience. The Coleman camping chair is wide and comfy to sit in, and its carrying case makes it easy to schlep around. Pair it with the lightweight Kelty Bestie Blanket and a warm mug of your favorite fall beverage to achieve cozy nirvana.
**A Place to Stash Road-Trip Trash**
For many folks, appreciating the seasonal colors first means driving to the nearest leaf-peeping hot spot. Spending long stints in the car, especially with kids, can be a messy endeavor filled with crumpled tissues, crushed Cheerios, and candy-bar wrappers. A car garbage can helps keep trash contained and your floors clear of road-trip debris.
**Tripod for Better Photos**
While we can’t all be autumnal influencers, there are a few things you can do to up your photo game before heading out to get that perfect fall foliage pic. The Yoozon selfie stick doubles as a tripod and selfie stick, and it works well horizontally or vertically with a wide range of phone sizes. It also comes with a small Bluetooth remote that lets you snap pictures, so you can skip doing that awkward sprint before your phone’s self-timer goes off.
**Sunglasses to Battle Glare**
Fun fact: Sun glare is often worse when people are driving in the fall and the winter because the sun is at a lower angle. If you’re headed out for an early morning or early evening leaf-peeping adventure, be sure to pack a pair of sunnies—like the stylish, polarized Sungait Vintage Round Sunglasses—to reduce glare while driving.
Embrace the beauty of fall with these must-have gear for your leaf-peeping adventures. Whether you’re sipping on a warm drink, keeping the bugs at bay, or capturing the perfect photo, these items will enhance your experience and make it one to remember. So grab your flannels, lace up your boots, and head outdoors to enjoy the changing colors of the season.