Autumn essentials with Columbia Sportswear

At heart, hiking and camping are all about simplicity. It’s the simple joy of spending time in nature and the great outdoors.

Of course, how you do that is up to you. After all, there’s a whole spectrum of outdoor tribes out there – everybody from the weekend escapers and the holidaymakers to the year-long career breakers. Some outdoorsy types love nothing better than escaping in their camper van. Others like pitching a cosy tent or rigging a hammock and tarp. And some simply relish the breeze-on-your-face freedom of sleeping under the stars.

Yet however you like to enjoy the great outdoors, the right gear will help make sure you enjoy the experience fully. After all, why simply survive, when you can thrive? But luckily, when it comes to autumn, gear doesn’t have to get overly technical, but should be adaptable.

The key here is versatility. So, whether you’re packing a rucksack or loading up your camper van, it’s worth opting for versatile clothing that will do double duty in multiple scenarios.

Fleeces

The classic example is a cosy fleece. Soft, breathable and super comfortable, it’s the ultimate multi-purpose camp layer. A favourite fleece is the first thing most campers grab for chilly mornings at breakfast, as well as when they’re chilling at basecamp after the sun goes down.

For lightweight warmth with a welcome dash of retro style, the super-soft men’s Back Bowl Fleece is a top pick. The full-zip raised collar design with stretch-bound cuffs and hem ensures an optimal fit, while the classic cut delivers plenty of freedom to move, whether you’re chopping firewood or kicking back in camp.

If you need a heftier dose of warmth, then grab something like the women’s Helvetia fleece. Snugly cropped with a half snap closure, it delivers an on-trend silhouette without sacrificing casual, wear-anywhere comfort.

Tees

Fleeces work great layered over casual tees. Case in point? The Explorers Canyon Back Graphic T-Shirt. It’s made from soft, breathable cotton – the perfect fabric for casual summer wear – while the back graphic subtly shows off your camp credentials or your love for epic landscapes.

Windbreakers

Next up, it’s worth thinking about a windproof layer for breezy and blustery campsites. Our pick? The women’s Flash Challenger Cropped Windbreaker, which comes in a kaleidoscope of colourways to reflect your summer style, but has a wind and water-resistant shell, plus an adjustable hood, hem and stretch cuffs to keep out the chill.

Footwear

Then there’s the tricky question of footwear. Consider ditching your heavy hiking boots or trail shoes for lighter, quick-drying alternatives, like Columbia’s women’s sandals or men’s Summertide water shoes. They’re super packable and versatile too – ideal for wear around camp, but also for summer excursions to the beach as well as waterborne adventures by canoe, kayak or paddleboard.

Get half-price digital OS Maps! Trail and Country Walking magazine members get 50% off an annual subscription to OS Maps for 12 months! Find out more here.

Don't forget to subscribe to the Live For The Outdoors newsletter to get expert advice and outdoor inspiration delivered to you inbox!