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27 Useful Products To Buy If You Love Running And Hiking In The Fall
Stay comfortable while you stay outside.
1. A Bluetooth headband so you can listen to your tunes without the inconvenience of wires *and* warm up your ears while you’re at it.
amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: “I bought this headband for running and boy, does it work well! The quality is amazing and not cheap, and it fits so snuggly on my head! It was so easy to connect to my phone, and I can’t go a day without it!” —Maria Jose Fonseca Castro
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 17 colors).
2. An anti-chafe balm to ensure your exercise isn’t sullied by the red, painful enemy known around here as Big Chafe. *Shakes fist at sky* — curse you, Big Chafe!!!!!
Amazon
Promising reviews: “Perfect for a half marathon!!! You MUST use this product for long runs.” —Ja
“A true nipple saver for distance runners. Especially if it’s raining or humid. I had many long runs that became agony after five or six miles due to my shirt chafing the nips, so I did some research and found that Body Glide was frequently recommended for this issue. I tried it for myself and, to my great relief, no longer experienced any discomfort. Just apply right before a run. Every runner should keep a stick of this in their toolbox.” —C. Cook
Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in three sizes and multipacks).
3. A 32-ounce lightweight Nalgene because having an ultra-durable reusable bottle on hand that doesn’t weigh a million pounds or make tons of noise in your day pack is always a good idea.
Amazon
Promising review: “Basic wide-mouth water bottle I take along on backpack hikes in the Sierras. Nothing fancy to it, so it will last longer than others. It can take a beating and does not leak. What more do you need in a water bottle?” —Teamleader100
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
4. A pair of therapy wraps you can use cold in the summer, but for fall hiking and running purposes can be gloriously warmed up for a nice bit of foot TLC at the end of your adventure.
5. A Garmin inReach Mini 2 to help you stay in touch with loved ones or in case of emergency when you’re out in the backwoods with no cellphone service. A huge relief to have for hikers of all kinds, especially if you love nothing more than a good solo hike or run.
To use the Garmin on your trip, the device requires a monthly service fee of $14.95+ (or $11.95+ if you opt for an annual contract). But don’t worry, if you’re just planning on one trip, the monthly plan only requires a 30-day commitment so you can bail after your hike and reactivate the next time you go on an adventure.
Promising review: “The device is fabulous. I use it on solo treks in remote places in Argentina where it is impossible to communicate in any other way, and it works perfectly. I have managed to send and receive messages inside a tent, under a dense canopy of trees, deep in a valley without a problem. Understanding which subscription plan is right for you and using the device efficiently requires a bit of research, but it quickly becomes easy, and the results are great. This device completely changed the safety factor in my expeditions.” —Jerónimo
Get it from Amazon for $350+ (available in two colors).
6. A pair of Smartwool Mountaineer Maximum Cushion crew socks so you have the perfect cushy, warm pair for stomping around all the live-long day.
Promising review: “My feet get really cold in the winter and these socks, worn with my great Keen boots, keep them pretty warm. If you need extra winter warmth, these are for you. Not cheap, but well worth it to keep your feet comfy.” —D. R. M.
Get them from Amazon in women’s sizes for $27 (available in sizes S–L and two colors) and in men’s sizes for $27 (available in sizes S–XXL and two colors).
7. A full-zip Cotopaxi fleece jacket that’s the perfect weight for autumn hikes where the air is crisp, the leaves are falling, and you want to stay cozy without sweating your booty off. The five gorgeous colorways aren’t too shabby, either.
REI
Promising review: “Love my new fleece Cotopaxi hoodie. It fits me more like a jacket. I am going to Alaska, and I wanted a new hoodie. I bought a 1X and it is roomy enough for a layer underneath. 1X is usually too big for me, but with this brand, it’s about an XXL. I love the color, and I feel it’s a little more stylish than a regular hoodie. I got mine on sale, but it’s worth the full price. I am going to get a lot of use out of it. It’s very well made.” —Rose
Get it from REI for $97.93+ (available in sizes XS–3X and five colors).
8. A Garmin GPS running watch to keep track of your stats as you jog across the landscape. Your distance, speed, route, and heart rate are all present and accounted for. Super useful if you’re actively training for a race or to hit a specific goal.
Promising review: “I have been using this watch for a few weeks now and am very pleased with it. I wanted this watch primarily for the GPS function while running, and I have been pleasantly surprised by the consistency with which it reports my mileage. I walked the same route on three consecutive days to see if the watch reported the same distance, and the watch indicated I had reached the one-mile mark within 10 or so yards each day. When I finish a run or a walk and sync my watch with my phone, I’m able to view my route on my phone, along with my pace and a color-coded indicator of the faster and slower portions of my run.” —katethegreat
Get it from Amazon for $189.99+ (available in three styles).
9. A tube of Foot Glide Anti-Blister Balm to avoid any dreaded foot pain caused by friction. Even with trail runners that really work for me, I always swipe some of this on to make doubly sure my feet stay A-OK.
Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed
I love this stuff! Even though it’s less economical, I recommend getting the teeny-tiny stick because it’s lighter and easier to bring along on trips. I just swipe some of this all over my heel before throwing my boots on in the morning. It has no weird smell, goes on clear, and doesn’t leave a film on my beloved socks or sock liners. While using this balm, I never had any heel blisters, which, for me, is a small miracle. I have no idea just how it works so well, but I’m immensely glad I tried it.
Promising review: “I went backpacking and hiked 6.5 miles one day, 7 miles the next, and 8 on the last day. No blisters. Even in my usual spot on the side of my toe. I will wear it again and recommend it.” —M. Palasik
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
10. A Biolite 325 headlamp to have on hand for evening runs just in case you end up going later than you expect and the sun goes down. This one is super slim and unobtrusive and even tilts downward so you can have a flawless view of the steps ahead.
REI
This headlamp is USB rechargeable and only weighs 1.8 ounces, making it super comfortable to wear and easy to pack. I have an older generation of a Biolite headlamp, but mine is still serving me incredibly well after having it for about three years. All of their products are so well-designed and high-quality. Highly recommend!
Promising review: “In the short time I have owned this headlamp, I have been impressed by its performance. I have used it running through town after work, backpacking in the Snake River Range, late-night biking in the Utah Desert, and hunting in the Gros Ventre Range. It also has the great red light feature for late nights at camp during bonfires, so we can still enjoy the stars, camp tea time, and reading before bed in the woods. Comfortable, light, and functional, would highly recommend.” —jimjam.jr
Get it from Backcountry for $49.95 (available in three colors).
11. A set of collapsible trekking poles with cork handles because I don’t think I could ever fully express to you just how helpful they are when it comes to long, vertical hikes. You’ll love these for the assistance going up and perhaps even more for the relief on your joints going down. Even on flat hikes, they help with rhythm, pacing, and all-around getting in the ~groove.~
REI
They’re usually a little more expensive, but I *highly* recommend getting trekking poles with cork handles. They’re quick-drying and absorbent (v important when it comes to sweaty hands), help keep blisters at bay, and are overall easier to grip than plastic.
Promising review: “After years of being anti-hiking poles (aren’t those just for old people?) I got a pair for a long backpacking trip and haven’t looked back. I take these everywhere now! The cork grips are really comfortable, they’re lightweight yet sturdy, and I appreciate that they come with snow baskets.” —Madeline
Get them from REI for $119 (available in two sizes).
12. A pair of collapsible dog bowls with carabiners to keep your favorite hiking and running bud as hydrated as you.
Promising review: “These lightweight, collapsible bowls are a lifesaver for my pup in the extreme desert heat. They’re easy to hook onto a leash, dishwasher safe, and super convenient while taking your pup on walks, hikes, out to eat, or over to another home for pet sitting or playdates. I use one for food and one for water, which has really come in handy in the past.” —Carly L.
Get a pair from Amazon for $5.99 (available in three colors and two sizes).
13. A Black Diamond sun hoodie that is a personal fave for sunny hikes and backpacking trips no matter the season. I’ve started to take sun protection super seriously, so a long-sleeve UPF 50+ option is a must. And in the shoulder seasons, the extra warmth from the sleeves doesn’t hurt, either.
14. A Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer down hoodie because a high-quality jacket that accompanies you on any and all adventures is one of the best gear investments you can make. Having a packable insulated layer is a smart move, especially as we wade into fall. This jacket is basically my most prized possession.
Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed, Amazon
I lusted after the Ghost Whisperer for years before finally getting my hands on one, and boy oh boy, did it exceed my expectations. It’s SO warm but SO breathable. That’s the beauty of down, baby. It weighs less than 8 ounces, which is perfect for backpackers who pay close attention to weight (guilty), but it’s also perfect for day hikes, errands, and anything in between.
Promising review: “I wanted a lightweight packable jacket for an Inca Trail hike later this year. It is surprisingly warm for the weight. It fits well. I ordered my usual size, and there is enough room to add a layer underneath. Even with my small head, the hood fits snugly, which is a critical factor for me. The color is beautiful. I get so many compliments on this jacket.” —marilyn j
Get it from Amazon for $181.42+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 10 colors).
15. A pair of lightweight Altra Lone Peak 8 trail runners whose wide toe box, quick dry time, and great grip and support make them perfect for everything from quick outdoor runs to long-distance hikes. The older model of these shoes totally changed my life — backpacking miles came easier, blisters and foot pain on the trail nearly disappeared, and my heavy boots went bye-bye.
Amazon
Promising review: “Altra Lone Peak 8 shoe offers exceptional comfort and performance for me, primarily as a hiker. Its roomy toe box and grippy outsole provide stability and confidence on diverse terrain. I got them for the Kalalau Trail in Hawaii. They were very stable. While others were slipping and sliding, I maintained traction. Also had a 60-pound pack on my back. My feet didn’t hurt the next day.” —Jeff House
Get them from Amazon for $95.99+ (available in sizes 4.5–14, including wide sizes, and 10 colors).
16. A 16-count variety pack of Clif Bars aka the OG outdoor snack for a quick refuel. They’re packed with protein and just taste damn good. They also hold up super well when getting jostled around in a pack.
Promising review: “Neat presentation in a beautiful box. I haven’t tried all of the flavors, but I really like the coconut chocolate chip. Big fan of Clif bars! Keeps me satiated. I like how versatile it is for pre-workout, during, post, or using it for a quick energy snack on a hike. I will use this as my post-workout snack since it has an adequate amount of protein (9 grams).” —Kellina S
Get a 16-pack from Amazon for $23.70.
17. A LifeStraw personal water filter over 95,000 5-star reviewers vouch for if you need a little peace of mind for a “just in case” water filtration situation. This little device allows you to drink from any water source and is small enough to tote along anywhere.
The straw’s microfiltration membrane eliminates bacteria and parasites, so you can drink from any available water source without worry.
Note: if you’re immunocompromised, be sure to read all the package instructions to make sure it’s safe for you.
Promising review: “The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. It’s perfect for hiking with its reliable 5-star performance, keeping me hydrated wherever I go. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry. While the flavor of water isn’t perfect (4 out of 5), its unparalleled filtration makes up for it. Overall, a lifesaver for camping, travel, and emergencies!” —Ana Cunha
Get it from Amazon for $17.47 (available in three colors).
18. A roll of moleskin tape so if your brand-new boots or runners are giving you blisters, you’re able to combat and protect your feet. There’s nothing worse than messing up your feet without the right first aid!
19. An REI Co-op Flash 22 pack so you have a simple, well-designed daypack ready to go. It’s on the budget-friendly side of high-quality gear, coming in at $60, and it’s money well spent. REI brand gear tends to really hold up, so get ready to reach for this bag for years and years to come.
20. An Osprey Daylite Waist Pack for keeping all of your essentials safe, sound, and easy to reach. While most bags in this style are a bit skimpy on cushioning, this one is well-padded for extra comfort, especially if you really pack it full.
Promising review: “I bought this pack for items I wanted to have easy access to instead of stopping and taking off my hiking pack. It’s perfect for that. It has two zipper compartments, an additional interior pocket, and a clasp to secure keys. It adequately holds my phone, keys, money, cards, lip balm, sunscreen, hanky, and sunglasses. I can even stash a small snack in there as well. I love this pack.” —Terri L. Powell
Get it from Amazon for $26.25+ (available in 14 colors).
21. A 24-count variety pack of Gu Energy Gels for those moments when you need a little extra juice to get up the next incline. They’re beloved by marathoners but trust me, they’re perfect while on long, steep hikes as well.
I love tucking these gels into my pack for when I’m low on energy. The sweet flavors are my fave. “Chocolate Outrage” straight-up tastes like frosting, in my humble opinion.
Promising review: “I love Gu products. While I am not a runner, I’ve hiked many times as a solo hiker. Having something that replenishes my energy quickly, tastes great, and doesn’t add a bunch of weight to my pack is especially helpful. Easy to open and consume, and doesn’t create a lot of waste. I have these on subscription!” —Katherine H Cox
Get a 24-pack from Amazon for $38.40.
22. A FlipBelt so you don’t have to carry anything while on your run. It has four pockets, which are perfect for your phone, gel packs, cards, keys — anything you need to store. It pulls on so you won’t get chafing from snaps or zippers, and — most importantly — it’s machine-washable.
Amazon, amazon.com
The FlipBelt is machine-washable and dryable and is also reflective for safe use at night.
Promising review: “Love love love my FlipBelt. I cannot stand arm bands so for the past year, I have been running while holding my phone (I know, awful). I was running with my coworker and she suggested I get a running belt. Having run a couple of half marathons in the past, I have used running belts, but they tend to bounce around and just be an annoyance. I happened to stumble on the FlipBelt on Amazon and had to give it a try. It fits my iPhone, which has an OtterBox on it, and did not budge once during my six-mile run. At the four-mile mark, I even tried adjusting it because I thought there’s no way this thing is staying in place so well, and it was still in the exact same spot as when I started my run. I also noticed I was able to run faster than usual, and I think it’s because I was concentrating on holding my phone with its massive case on it. If you’re in between sizes, I suggest going a size down. Can’t wait to wear this for my upcoming half-marathons in the fall!” —kel07
Get it from Amazon $37 (available in S–XXL and 12 colors)
23. Or a slightly more outfitted running belt so you can have those small everyday carry items as well as a full water bottle on you all day. Hey, gotta get those precious ounces in somehow!
Promising review: “I struggled to find a belt that would hold my Samsung 9+ in a case plus snacks for my long runs, and this one has plenty of space. It holds my phone, key fob for my car, a sandwich, and energy gummies easily without feeling bulky.” —Courtney F.
Get it from Amazon for $17.95 (available in seven colors).
24. An illuminated reflective vest to make sure folks can easily spot you on early morning and late night runs. Especially if you have any road sections at the start or end of the trail, you’re gonna want to make sure you have some visibility.
25. A pair of Injinji sock liners that may look silly at first but will truly help keep your feet *so* much more comfortable on hikes of any length (or just in regular life, tbh!). They prevent blisters, wick moisture, and give your toes their full range of motion so you can rock scramble with the best of ’em.
Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed
I’m extraordinarily prone to blisters, and I literally don’t know what I would have done without these sock liners on my first backpacking trip. I thought I’d try them out for a day or two of my five-day trip just to see what they were like, but they soon became my favorite and then the *only* sock I wore.
That’s right, these were so comfortable and just the right thickness that I ended up wearing them as my only sock. They layered well under my hiking sock, as intended, no complaints, but with just the toe sock my feet felt so free, which, when also confined to a boot for 12 hours a day, was a feat. They’re sturdy in construction — even the fiddly bits around the toes — and they stayed remarkably fresh for being on my feet for literally five days.
Get them from Amazon for $12+ (available in sizes S–XL and two colors) or REI for $7.93+ (available in sizes S–XL and three colors).
26. A small medical kit, because if you have room in your pack, it’s a pretty good idea to have first aid supplies on hand when you’re out in the wilderness. This one has everything you need and is quite well organized, which is actually very important in a real emergency.
REI
This kit always comes with me on most longer hikes and definitely on all backpacking trips. It’s small, light, and completely unobtrusive! It has many different kinds of bandages, a splinter and tick remover, bug bite relief wipes, aspirin, and more!
Promising review: “It is exactly what I was looking for. It has everything expected. It is properly sized for backpacking or moto-camping with my dog.” —Josh L
Get it from REI for $29.95 (available in three styles).
27. A dog day pack with two large pockets because hiking with your pet is all the better — and honestly cuter — when they can carry their own snacks and poop bags. Aw, they’re gonna be so proud of what they accomplish.
REI
Promising review: “This product might have a higher price tag than some other popular dog packs, but this one is by far more durable and comfortable. At least that’s what my dog told me. I have a Queensland heeler who used to hide whenever I tried to put other packs on her. Now, if I so much as look in the direction of this pack, she starts running towards me and begging me to hurry up and put it on. Heeler approved.” —David C
Get it from REI for $69.95 (available in sizes XS–XL and two colors).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
