Fall is in full swing across the nation and that means for a few more weeks, most will be treated to warm days and cool nights. The outdoors is the best way to experience all that nature has to offer, and our new outdoor 2024 Fall Gift Guide features a variety of items that should come in handy when needed.
If you speak to anyone who knows me well, they will tell you that fall and winter are my favorite times of year. I love camping, hiking, sightseeing, and exploring during the cooler months, and I appreciate the vibe of the mid-Atlantic when it comes to the weather, foliage, and ample opportunity to dive into nature in all its splendor.
This year, we’ll be splitting up the Fall Gift Guide into two sections: outdoors and indoors. I thought it’d be best to split the two because when I think of all indoors, I’m imagining ways to get cozy, comfy, or closer to my family and friends. That doesn’t mean these moments can’t happen outdoors but it’s a different vibe under the skies.
In this year’s Fall Gift Guide, I’m featuring a few brands we’ve put a spotlight on in times past, along with some new entries. In all, we’re hoping that something in the guide calls to you and that it enhances your journeys into the wild.
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Photo: Getty
1. Beau Lake
Wide open waters don’t immediately come to mind when we’re thinking about the fall season here in the States, but it isn’t cool everywhere across the lower 48 this time of year. Beau Lake specializes in sleekly designed paddleboards, accompanying accessories, and apparel but it isn’t your everyday wares you’d find in a sporting goods store. These premium-quality paddleboards are designed with luxury in mind.
With so much to explore in the outdoors, even in the cooler months, explorers both inexperienced and experts alike need to have accessories that make sense. Dometic provides coolers, tents, portable water faucets, power banks, and more to assist those who wander widely but sensibly.
Simply put, camping can’t be done in the dark but neither can deck grilling, or kicking on the balcony. The Duracell 2000 Lumen Tri-Power Lantern is a portable lighting option that’s good for the tent, the late backyard gathering, or any time you need to light up the scene.
One of the necessities of enjoying nature on the go is having a proper meal, but sometimes you want something more efficient and cooler than your usual storage containers and utensils. FULL WiNDSOR has it covered with its stackable Magware magnetic bowls, cutlery, and plates. Made with rugged stainless steel, FULL WiNDSOR’s line of products can stand up to anything you throw at them. And did we mention how cool their products look?
Helinox, founded in 2009, offers a selection of lightweight yet durable camping furniture, perfect for those who don’t want to lug a lot of heavy gear. The brand’s new Home Deco Beach collection features chairs and tables in eye-pleasing colors that will work well with the cool nights and warm days ahead.
I didn’t even get a pitch this year from any of my PR pro friends about High Camp Flasks, but I didn’t need one. I love High Camp Flasks so much that anytime I get to bring them up, I’m going to do so. They specialize in wine flasks, tumblers, accessories, and even cocktail bitters. This is for the cocktail enthusiast who wants to mix it up while in the woods, or for the wine connoisseurs glamping in the wild.
Hippy Feet is one of my favorite brands but not because of their amazing sock designs, fresh cardigans, pullover shirts, or sweatshirts. It’s the fact that the brand gives half of its sales to organizations to aid homeless youth in California, Illinois, and Minnesota. Not only does their stuff look good but you can feel good about wearing Hippy Feet.
Just because the weather is getting cooler is no excuse to put your bike away. However, with the days getting shorter. getting sideswiped by a car or hitting a pedestrian due to low visibility is also out of the question. Enter the KNOG brand’s Blinder lights that can provide up to 900 lumens (trust, that’s a lot) of brightness so not only can you see ahead, but everyone will see you coming, too. KNOG has a range of affordable front and right light options that will come in clutch on or off road. —Alvin aqua Blanco
9. Nocs Provisions
One of the key activities in taking in the outdoors is sightseeing, but our eyes can only capture so much of the vast expanse of nature. Nocs Provision, created in the Outer Sunset neighborhood in San Francisco, carries an array of waterproof binoculars, monoculars, and accessories. For the birders or the beachgoers, Nocs Provision will help you reach sights unseen.
PATH has appeared in our past gift guide roundups and the brand’s mission to eliminate by way of its reusable and recyclable aluminum water bottles is a noble mission. Beyond bottles that come pre-branded or with an option to make your own, they also have a sparkling and alkaline offering in their lineup.
Fall is an odd time of year because sometimes, it can get really warm on sunny, clear days and chilly at night so there is a tendency to misfire on the attire choice. Puffer Hug is a handy, versatile scarf situation and their new Cashmitt scarf, complete with pockets, will not only enhance your outfit but provide adjustable warmth.
Fall is most definitely fire pit season but ask anyone who owns one how difficult it can be to start the flames. Pull Start Fire, which was born out of ingenuity, helps get fires going whether with wet, dry, or frozen wood.
The SIDEKICK U-Lock from the OTTOLOCK brand is perfect for bike riders who are on the go, with many stops in between. Think of it as the little brother to the well-regarded SIDEKICK XL U-Lock, but a lot more compact with much better aesthetics, respectfully. It weighs just over a pound and a half and its silicone-coated body won’t scratch your ride. We prefer the bright orange color that will surely keep any potential thieves that still want to try it to fall back because someone will take notice of any potential scheming. —Alvin aqua Blanco
