Before the imminent wind chill becomes more demanding than the party season’s social calendar, take a moment to unplug amid autumn’s final victory lap with a weekend jaunt of camping. After all, if New York had a favorite season, it would undoubtedly be fall: the birds still singing, the crisp air practically tailored to cool down mountainside hikes. To say nothing of the therapeutic effects of waking up beneath a canopy of trees in undulating tones of sunny yellows, pumpkin oranges, and russets—a visual feast prepared with a bare-bones recipe of water, sun, and oxygen that should remind you just how little you need.
Admittedly, there are a few things you will want: first and foremost, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, and pop-up shelter. Snow Peak’s quilted sleeping bag will provide plenty of plush, padded protection from the nippy air, while Poler Stuff’s simple roll-up mat is a featherweight transformative buffer between your body and a rocky surface. Sleeping under the stars is a thing of beauty for those better acquainted with the great outdoors, but for the studied urbanite, Hilleberg’s lightweight all-weather tent emphasizes ease and comfort as much as it does utility, which is why it’s as trusted with first-time glampers as it is with genuine explorers. The forthcoming Kaitum 4 GT opens to a remarkably roomy golden den, but likely packs up smaller than a Céline Phantom tote. The real luxury comes at the hands of the two vestibules at the tent’s ends, the larger of which is primed for storing bags—a waxed canvas weekender makes a chic and weather-smart choice—and, for extra comfort, lined with a roll-up blanket to become a veritable walk-in closet. Pendleton’s striped wool throw doubles as an all-terrain picnic blanket and unbuttons from its base to serve as an additional source of warmth on especially chilly nights.
In terms of sustenance, there is no more serious or beautiful cooler on the market than the Yeti, which boasts the ability of keeping ice frozen reportedly for up to 14 days and is a boon for the minimalist’s eye. For over-the fire cooking, a sleek titanium set of nesting pans will remind you why the Japanese are world renowned for design. Serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner on classic Splatterware in (what else?) forest green, seated atop leather stools from Wood Faulk—they’re built to carry but look as handsome around the campfire as they will abutting your sofa.
Pocket knives and copper-tipped hammers may seem extreme if not dangerous to the city dweller, but they will reveal their easy utility when you chip off bark for fire kindling, whittle a twig for s’mores, and secure tent pegs. Headlamps may feel sartorially ridiculous until you roam and read hands-free at night. And a Filson log carrier may seem extraneous until you cut your trips from the car to the tent site in half—nary a splinter in sight. From a fetching pair of flannel pajamas and a map of the stars to boots that you will want to wear to the mountaintop and the farmers’ market, here is a look at the best camping gear that will draw you out of hibernation well into fall.
Best Made Company Sliding Match Safe, $28, bestmadeco.com
Best Made Company Brass Cat mercator, $82, bestmadeco.com
Best Made Company The Stellarscope, $38, bestmadeco.com
