Temperatures are falling fast up here in Seattle. Snow has started to blanket the higher elevations, and nearly all the trees in my neighborhood have some fall color. It's a beautiful sight but a sad reminder that our dark days are ahead. 4:30 sunsets are coming, and everyone in the PNW and I detest them.

In the spirit of changing leaves and cooling temperatures, I wanted to highlight some ways to stay warm while you adventure and camp over the next few months.

Sunset view from the North Cascades on Tuesday evening.

Staying Warm While Camping and Hiking in the Fall

Proper Layering

Proper layering can make a huge difference when hiking in fall and winter. You want to stay warm, but if you're out long enough, you'll probably start to sweat. Having the correct layer technique will significantly benefit you and allow you to have a more enjoyable time outside!

Baselayer: Moisture-wicking but warm. Something like wool or a polyester blend
Mid Layer: Warm and comfy, like a fleece jacket or vest
Warmth Layer: This is the ultimate warmth layer while outside - Down Jacket or Synthetic Jacket
Outer Shell: If it's windy or raining, you'll want a layer that repels the cold/rain. Rain Jacket Options

Opt for sleeping bags

As the temperatures drop, using a sleeping bag is far more efficient - both in space and warmth - versus relying solely on blankets. I suggest a 20-30-degree bag. For most campers, this will be plenty warm and allow you a great night's sleep!

20-degree car camping sleeping bag

Reinforce with Blankets

If you are camping somewhere colder or you're worried about how cold you'll be, bringing a few other blankets to reinforce or place under you will increase your warmth and coziness.

Check out down blankets.

If backpacking, use a foam mat under your sleeping pad

If yo're backpacking, you'll want to combine a foam pad with your normal sleeping pad. Using a foam pad dramatically reduces how much cold air can seep up from the ground, keeping you much warmer as you sleep. Adding on, you'll want a sleeping pad with an R-Value of at least 3.5, but getting into the four to five range will increase your warmth substantially.

Foam backpacking mat

Higher R-Value Sleeping Pads

Gear Corner

Gear you can count on while camping in colder conditions

Camp Booties - These North Face ones are amazing. We got them for Iceland, and they come on all of our trips. I even wore mine shooting the northern lights in -25F degrees, and it wasn't terrible, haha. Men's | Women's

Jackery Power Station - In case you need to connect to power, having a small power station is really nice.

Inflatable Sleeping Pads - EXPED DUO | NEMO Roamer Duo | HEST foam Single or Double Sleeping Pad

2025 Scenic Calendar is Available

For those who wish to purchase their 2025 calendar, click here. This is a great way to support my photography and plan your travels. This calendar is unique because it features images only taken this calendar year. Thanks for the constant support!