We're in the sweet spot, folks; the fun-but-fleeting time of year where the air is crisp, the leaves are changing and we haven't been inundated with cruelly-cold temperatures or blankets of snow and ice. Now, if ever, is the time to get outside and enjoy the bounty of fall.
However, if you think your thin and breathable summer apparel and minimally-designed gear is going to carry you through this season, think again. Now is the time for warm and breathable insulating midlayers, for new-and-improved hiking boots and bike shoes and for long sleeves and snow goggles. If you'd like to upgrade your fall kit (or head straight into winter), here are our top picks for outdoor gear this October.
Wahoo 2022 Elemnt Roam Wireless GPS Cycle Computer
The latest iteration of Wahoo’s flagship bike computer boasts a number of upgrades over the previous edition. The most obvious one is a more vibrant display (64 colors rather than 16), but you also get dual-band GPS (enhancing accuracy in places with urban noise or lots of trees), more storage (32 gigs rather than 4), a USB-C charging port and two notable software adds: Supersapiens sensor support and syncing with SYSTM outdoor workouts.
Price: $399.99
Rapha Pro Team Long Sleeve Gore-Tex Infinium Jersey
If you dream of keeping your kit streamlined this fall, consider this lean, mean long-sleeved option. Thanks to Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper tech, it’s both breathable and windproof, with high-stretch fabric enabling a tight, aerodynamic fit. Other features include 360-degree reflective hits and three rear pockets for stashing essentials. Note: the pockets are slim, so a Clif Bar is probably a wiser snack than, say, a raspberry Danish.
Price: $290
Ibex Springbok Collection Sun Hoodie
Just because we're in the middle of fall —with winter hot on its heels — doesn't mean we don't still see the sun peek through on outdoor adventures. If you want to stay warm and protect your skin during your daily trail run, bike ride or whatever gets you moving, Ibex's new sun hoodie (available in both women's and men's styles) will do both. Part of Ibex's brand-new Springbok Collection, the Sun Hoodie is made from a blend of naturally antimicrobial and moisture-wicking merino wool and tencel, and features a forward shoulder seam to avoid backpack strap abrasion, an elasticated thumb catch for increased sun protection and a 3-panel hood, built to fit over a hat for even more shielding from the sun's rays.
Price: $145
100% Norg Snow Goggle
Well-known in the moto and bike spaces, this fall 100% is dipping its toes into snow sports with the launch of its first-ever snow goggle. Built with the brand's proprietary 3DPlane Molded Lens Technology, which 100% says maximizes the unique lens shape to provide structural integrity and comfort, the flagship Norg model combines function and forward-thinking design. 100% also developed two additional snow goggles, the more budget-friendly Okan and the premium performance Snowcraft/ Snowcraft XL.
Price: $250
Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Smart Heated Gloves
Looking for a futuristic upgrade to your winter kit? Try these AI-controlled gloves and mittens from Eddie Bauer on for size. The Guide Pro Smart Heated Gloves utilize artificial intelligence tech from Clim8 to monitor temps in real-time, analyze your user profile, environment, and activity and then regulate warmth for optimal comfort. The batteries last anywhere from 2-8 hours, depending on temperatures and output. EB's new high-tech hand warmers even make use of Bluetooth, so you can use them whether you have service or not.
The forward-thinking gloves/ mittens are available in three styles: the Guide Pro Heated Glove ($299), Guide Pro Heated Mitten ($299), and the Guide Pro Lite Heated Glove ($249)
Price: $299
Thirtytwo Hight MTB Boa Boot
The pandemic may have boosted interest in backcountry splitboarding, but pro riders like Jeremy Jones and Elena Hight were well ahead of that curve. Jones’s Thirtytwo MTB Boa boot for men gets better every year, and now so does Hight’s for women. The latest edition boasts a light but tough Vibram outsole with heel welts to accept crampons, a dual-Boa system that eases the transition from walk to ride mode and a weatherproof gaiter to keep your footsies warm and dry.
Price: $709.99
Biolite Headlamp Series
Biolite upgrade its beloved headlamps for FW22 to make them more functional, comfortable and easy to use. The USB-C rechargeable Headlamp 425 is built with running, hiking, biking and camping in mind, and at 78 grams and with a 10mm profile, sits flush on your head. The new rear red light — with solid or strobe mode — increases safety without increasing the overall weight of the headlamp, and the improved power button and tilting mechanism make this easier to use than ever, especially with gloves on. And since it's rechargeable, you can leave the batteries at home.
Price: $59.95
Vasque Breeze revamp
The Breeze is back, baby. After an extended hiatus, one of Vasque's most popular models again walks among us once more. The new and improved 2022 model features a new VasqueDry waterproof nubuck leather and recycled polyester mesh upper, a high-rebound midsole made with 20 percent recycled sugarcane, a dual-density EVA footbed and a proprietary outsole, which provides multi-directional traction and a defined heel break for added control.
Price: $159.99
Five Ten Freerider Pro BCA Mountain Bike Shoes
Old news: these MTB kicks are top-notch thanks to Stealth S1 rubber and a Dotty tread for pedal grip, a toughened-up toebox and Earth-friendly recycled materials. New news: this limited-edition version, featuring graphics by freeride athlete Vero Sandler, is part of a colorful collection of footwear and apparel that raises breast cancer awareness and funds too — through the end of November, every item sold means a $15 donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Price: $150
Giro Cascade Insulated Vest
Stay warm — but not too warm — with this strategically designed mountain biking vest, which features Polartec Alpha insulated panels and an un-insulated back, allowing excess heat to escape when your body temp rises due to exertion. Also boasting a DWR treatment, two-way front zipper, rear storage pocket and hand pockets, the Cascade Vest is part of Giro’s Renew Series, made using at least 50 percent recycled material to reduce environmental impact.
Price: $200
Wolf Tooth Components Resolve Dropper Post
Nerd alert: we get goosebumps watching this dropper post's promo video. Probably because the folks at Wolf Tooth rarely introduce a new product they haven’t pondered deeply — and decided they could do better. The Resolve has the shortest stack height (32mm) on the market, a short insertion depth and a super-low weight-to-travel ratio. But best of all is a first-of-its-kind self-bleeding cartridge: it purges air with every full drop, meaning you can kiss seatpost squish goodbye.
Price: $349.95
