Gear Guide: Balancing the Ebb and Flow of Fall

Fall is a season that feels as if it’s here for only an instant… and then it’s gone. Getting the most out of everyday means adapting to variability, and rolling with unexpected weather changes. Whether it’s adjusting to waning evening light and foggy, misty mornings; or planning around sudden bouts of cold, mixed weather, or glorious, sunny afternoons — there’s no time to waste when it comes to capturing the unmistakable magic that waits around every bend in the trail.

We put together a guide of the best gear to help you and your dog enjoy the many moods of the fall season, and get out there no matter what the weather is like.

Crisp, Sunny Trail Days

These are the days where soaking in every last bit of sunshine feels like a luxury, and where fall offers some of the best hiking weather of the year — cool enough that your pup won’t overheat, and yet still dry enough that trail conditions are at their prime.

The Front Range® Harness is one of our favorite go-to pieces of gear for fall hiking. It’s padded, durable, easy to put on, and it has a structured feel that molds to your dog’s body over time. Pair it with the Front Range® Leash to stay comfortably connected wherever your adventure leads.

For longer hikes into the backcountry where additional help and cell phone service is limited, the BackTrak™ Evacuation Kit is worth stowing away in your pack — just in case of emergency. It's a two-part system that comes with a quick-adjust first-aid muzzle and a human-worn vest with a built-in carrying sling.

And while the days are warm enough for games of fetch in the park, it’s a good time to toss around the Remix™ Flying Disc. It’s soft on gums and teeth, and it folds down easily in your pack.

Rain and Mud Season

Fall rain brings colder temps and muddy conditions, but the Sun Shower™ Coverall is built for exactly days like these. It’s a waterproof, windproof shell with full-body coverage, and a chest zipper for quick on/off. When it’s gross outside, just zip it onto your dog to keep their fur and undercarriage protected, and simply shake it off when you’re done. It will save you from keeping a pile of towels by the back door, making clean-up after the adventure much easier.

For really keeping the mess contained, the Dirtbag™ Seat Cover shields your car from mud, wet leaves, sand, and anything else your dog might bring in. It can even handle it if they waited until they got into the car before shaking off (we know how this plays out all too well), and it wipes down for an easy clean.

Shrinking Daylight

For when the days are getting shorter, and your routine evening or early morning walk is taking place in near-dark, the Beacon™ Safety Light is the simplest way to get outside no matter what time it is. It’s a rechargeable, waterproof light that clips onto your dog’s harness, collar, or vest, and keeps them visible.

Three colors and three light modes make it easy to use on roads without sidewalks or trails that lose light early. Try placing two Beacons on your dog (front and back) and setting them at different colors.

Redesigned for 2026, The Lumenglow™ High-Vis Vest also combines high-contrast, high-vis color blocking with reflective accents, with two loops for the Beacon, for superior visibility in low light, or any situation where you need your dog to be extra visible. It comes with a back leash portal for layering over most harnesses, and durable shell fabric that’s abrasion-resistant.

For quicker trips out and about, the Crag™ Reflective Collar and Leash both include reflective detailing, so even a short walk around the block after dinner keeps your dog visible to oncoming cars.

The First Cold Snap

There’s something about the first really cold day that always takes us by surprise, with unexpected snow and low-hanging clouds that remind us winter isn’t very far away.

For dogs who get chilly at the drop of a hat, the Timberline Fuse™ Fleece Vest is a warm, fuzzy layer for when temperatures start to dip. Its integrated harness streamlines cold mornings and helps you get out the door faster, with a vest silhouette that’s easy to put on and take off. And for those late autumn days when winter comes knocking, the Palisades™ Poncho helps lock in heat to keep them extra toasty.

In-Between Weather

As the season shifts and the sky changes, there are inevitably some weather windows we’re not quite sure what to do with. The Overcoat Fuse™ Insulated Vest is a rugged, insulated vest that’s designed to stand up to the elements, so you can keep exploring no matter what the forecast brings. It’s built with an integrated harness and abrasion-resistant shell that shields against frost-covered underbrush and fallen branches, while keeping your dog warm in cooler temps.

The Basecamp™ Bed is for transitional moments – hanging out in front of a fire or trailside after the adventure. With recycled polyester cushioning inside and a soft microsuede outside, it features a low-profile that’s comfortable without taking up too much space. It also folds down small enough to store away or bring along if you're traveling for the holidays. And when it’s time for indoor downtime, the Toadstool™ Toy works as both a treat-dispensing toy and a chew-resistant fetch toy — perfect for slower days.

The shortened, moody fall season brings a shift in rhythm that requires some subtle adjustments, and gear that makes it easy to take advantage of what autumn brings us — new perspectives, optimal hiking temperatures, dazzling colors, and the excitement of snowy days on the horizon.

To find more gear for the season, check out the rest of our latest fall/winter collection that’s made for cold weather adventures.