Fall Travel Essentials

Our dream fall trips include crunching through leaves on cobblestoned streets in charming small towns, hiking trails to take in sweeping foliage views, and sipping apple cider at cozy farmstands. The only catch? We don’t want to pack more than one pair of shoes. That’s where the Danner Mountain Pass Sherling boots come in. These trail-to-town boots combine rugged performance with a stylish design, making them perfect for every stop on the itinerary. Lined with plush shearling, wrapped in a waterproof Gore-Tex outer, and insulated with 200G of Thinsulate, they’ll keep you warm, dry, and comfortable well into winter.

When we wore them, what surprised us most was how comfortable they felt right away—no stiff break-in period, just plenty of support. Even after a full day of sightseeing and hiking, our feet felt supported and blister-free, proving these boots really are built for all-day adventures.

Cashmere and fall go hand in hand, and Quince’s Mongolian Cashmere Polo is the ultimate travel sweater. Soft, lightweight, and breathable, it works as a polished layer for everything from plane rides to dinners out. The polo neckline adds a tailored touch that elevates jeans or joggers, making it versatile enough to wear multiple times on a trip without looking repetitive.

Made from Quince’s 100% Grade A Mongolian cashmere, the fabric pills less than regular cashmere, so it will still look good after numerous wears.

Fall travel means cozy cabins and boutique inns—but it can also mean thin walls or remote destinations that feel a little too quiet. That’s why we pack the Manta White Noise Machine . Small enough to slip into a carry-on, this rechargeable gadget masks outside noises (or lack thereof) with a range of 15 soothing sounds. Whether it’s city traffic or creaky floorboards, it helps ensure restful sleep, which is essential when you’re up early for foliage hikes.

Our favorite feature? The tactile, one-click button to start the sounds—no more fumbling to pair it with your phone in the middle of the night or to download an app.

We’ve lost track of how many times a chilly fall morning hike turned into an overheated slog by midday. That’s why smart layering starts with the right base—and Ibex’s GOAT Short Sleeve Crew is the one we trust to keep us comfortable from sunrise to summit.

Living up to its “greatest of all time” name, this Merino wool t-shirt keeps you warm when temps dip but wicks away moisture if the sun comes out. Bonus: It’s naturally odor-resistant and moisture-wicking, so you can wear it more than once before needing to do laundry.

The classic crew silhouette looks great on its own, and the ultrafine wool has none of the itchiness people often associate with wool layers. It’s one of those pieces you’ll forget you’re even wearing.

The temperatures may be dropping and the days getting shorter, but we’re not ready to head inside yet. That’s why we’re packing the Yellow Leaf Cotton Rope Hammock on our fall camping trips—it’s the perfect way to unwind outdoors, anytime and anywhere.

Handwoven from t-shirt-soft cotton and signed by the artisan who made it, this hammock packs down into a small and portable package. Despite the compact size, these hammocks can hold up to 400 pounds, making them perfect for a trip for two. Best of all, it sets up in under a minute—whether you’re stringing it between trees in a mountain meadow or hanging it on the deck of a cozy vacation rental.

A scarf is the ultimate fall travel essential, and the Dudley Stephens Five Mile River Scarf is our favorite. Made from sustainable recycled yarn, it’s incredibly soft and oversized, doubling as a blanket on chilly flights or train rides. Plus, it instantly elevates any outfit with a scalloped edge detail.

Long travel days demand comfort, but we still want to look put-together when we land. Mott & Bow’s joggers are the sweet spot—sleek enough that you won’t feel like you’re wearing pajamas in the airport, but soft enough to be comfortable in a cramped economy seat.

The deep pockets are another perk, keeping your phone and passport secure when you’re on the move.

This long sleeve by Artilect is built for adventure. Lightweight yet warm, it’s made from Nuyarn merino, a unique material that’s faster-drying, more elastic, and more durable than traditional wool. It layers effortlessly under jackets without adding bulk.

The flatlock seams prevent chafing, making it comfortable for everything from backpacking to long-haul flights. It’s one of those “buy once, wear forever” technical layers.

We’re normally not a big fan of wearing jeans on the plane, but Judy Blue’s Stacy Vintage Vibes Slim Jeans are so stretchy and comfortable that we’ll make an exception. The slim fit and vintage-inspired wash pair well with everything, and can be easily dressed up or down depending on your occasion.

Comfortable enough for lounging but performance-ready for hikes, Ibex’s Enduro Tights are a versatile travel staple we reach for at home and on the road.

Made with a Merino-nylon blend, they’re durable yet stretchy, and the wide waistband ensures they stay in place whether you’re sitting on a plane or climbing switchbacks. As a bonus, the waistband has a secret stash pocket that perfectly fits a hotel room keycard.

Rainy fall days are inevitable, which is why we never travel without a waterproof layer. Gorewear’s Concurve Gore-Tex Jacket uses Gore-Tex’s new ePE membrane tokeep you dry while remaining breathable, so you don’t overheat (even on a rainy run)

The minimalist design looks nice enough for city wear, but it's fully technical, featuring taped seams and storm flaps. It packs down small and weighs just 7.1 oz, making it an easy decision to throw it into your day bag. You’ll be glad you packed it the first time the skies open up.

A silk dress for fall? Hear us out. Quince’s Washable Stretch Silk Tank Midi Dress is a layering hero. Worn under a cardigan or paired with boots and tights, it transitions seamlessly from day sightseeing to evening dining. The fact that it’s machine-washable makes it infinitely more travel-friendly than traditional silk.

The added spandex makes it forgiving and easy to move in, while the midi length offers just the right amount of coverage for chilly breezes. It’s a “pack once, wear multiple ways” piece that earns its spot in a suitcase.