10 things you need for viewing fall foliage
From New England to Appalachia, leaf peeping is a beloved pastime, taking place over a few short weeks as fall foliage transforms throughout the region. These natural sights are a fairly unique treasure, so if you’re planning to go leaf peeping, you’ll want to be well-equipped to enjoy the experience and remember it for years to come. Whether you’re driving, cycling, taking a chairlift or hiking to take in the views, here’s everything you need to make the most of a leaf-peeping excursion.
Best leaf-peeping binoculars
Pretty leaves won’t be the only thing you see on your adventure — wildlife like deer, eagles, migrating birds, squirrels and more will be abundant this time of year. Get a better view with a pair of compact travel binoculars. Make sure they come with a carrying case and a neck strap to keep them handy.
Best of the best leaf-peeping binoculars
Celestron Nature DX 10-by-32 Binoculars: available at Amazon
Our take: These lightweight binoculars offer everything you need to enjoy crystal-clear views of the leaves.
What we like: They have a rubberized armored coating for extra durability and better grip. They are water- and fog-proof, and their fully multi-coated lenses make what you’re looking at appear clearer and brighter.
What we dislike: Some users have concerns about how waterproof these binoculars are, and a few experienced issues with the adjustable eyepieces coming off.
Best bang for your buck leaf-peeping binoculars
Occer 12-by-25 Compact Binoculars: available at Amazon
Our take: These palm-sized binoculars offer surprisingly good image quality for their size.
What we like: They’re water-resistant and the injection-molded plastic body is rubber coated for better grip. Their field of view and image quality are good compared to other compact binoculars.
What we dislike: They’re not fully waterproof and the magnification may not be as powerful as stated.
Best camera for leaf-peeping
While many modern smartphones boast excellent cameras, the features offered in digital cameras can still deliver superior pictures. Depending on how comfortable you are with digital cameras or how much weight you want to carry around, either a small point-and-shoot or a fully equipped DSLR may be suitable for your excursion.
Best of the best camera for leaf-peeping
Sony A7III Camera: available at Amazon
Our take: It may be too complicated for beginners, but the features and image quality this camera offers make it a great pick for pros hoping to capture fall colors.
What we like: It captures true-to-life colors in 24MP as well as 4K and HD images. Lenses are interchangeable — this model is available with a 28-70-millimeter optical zoom lens. It produces crisp, high-quality images and video in a variety of settings.
What we dislike: The OLED viewfinder isn’t as clear as what some other cameras offer, and the menu and customization options can be overwhelming.
Best bang for the buck camera for leaf-peeping
Kodak PIXPRO Astro Zoom AZ421 camera: available at Amazon
Our take: This camera is loaded with features to help you take the perfect shot, like a powerful 42x optical zoom, face recognition and more.
What we like: It offers a 3-inch LCD screen and a 24-millimeter wide-angle lens. Users can capture high-quality 16MP photos, panorama shots and HD video.
What we dislike: The screen can be hard to see if there’s glare. The battery life can be inconsistent.
What to wear leaf peeping
Stay comfortable through autumn temperature swings — especially if you’re getting an early start — by dressing in layers. A hat, scarf, gloves, fleece jacket and raincoat are all recommended. Don’t forget comfortable, waterproof sneakers or hiking boots.
Best of the best gloves
RefrigiWear Thinsulate Insulated Convertible Fingerless Gloves: available at Amazon
Our take: Stay warm without sacrificing your ability to take pictures or send a text with these convertible gloves.
What we like: The ragg wool blend is warm and breathable, and Thinsulate lining keeps hands extra warm. The unisex style is suitable for all wearers. The flip-top mitten hood secures with a hook-and-loop patch and features rip-resistant stitching.
What we dislike: The gloves run small, but some users felt they loosened up after a few wears.
Best bang for your buck gloves
Achiou Winter Knit Touchscreen Gloves: available at Amazon
Our take: They’re affordable and offer features like a non-slip grip and touchscreen compatibility on two fingers and the thumb.
What we like: Having an extra digit equipped with touchscreen functionality adds versatility and comfort. The manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee. The gloves are available in several colors.
What we dislike: While the gloves are soft, they’re not as warm as other options. Sizing runs small. The touchscreen feature is sometimes unreliable.
Best of the best women’s fleece jacket
Columbia Women’s Bugaboo II Fleece Jacket: available at Amazon and Backcountry
Our take: This 3-in-1 jacket includes a waterproof outer shell and a warm fleece layer, which can be worn in any combination.
What we like: It features patented Columbia fabrics and technology for weatherproofing and visibility. The jacket is warm and breathable. Choose from 16 color options.
What we dislike: It’s pricey, and some users wished it included more pockets.
Best bang for your buck women’s fleece jacket
Amazon Essentials Women’s Classic Fit Polar Fleece Jacket: available at Amazon
Our take: This basic zip-up jacket features flattering styling and fun color choices.
What we like: It’s made from machine-washable midweight polar fleece and features zippered front pockets. It’s easy to layer this jacket with a raincoat.
What we dislike: The fit is sometimes inconsistent, particularly in the length. Some users were disappointed by how quickly the jacket wore out.
Best of the best men’s fleece jacket
The North Face TKA Glacier Full-Zip Jacket: available at Amazon, Backcountry, Macy’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods
Our take: This lightweight jacket is made with recycled fleece and features zippered pockets.
What we like: The jacket is easy to layer and features a flattering fit. It’s available in 11 color choices, some with color blocking.
What we dislike: Layering may be a necessity for some because the fleece is on the thin side.
Best bang for your buck men’s fleece jacket
Amazon Essentials Men’s Full-Zip Polar Fleece Jacket: available at Amazon
Our take: This affordable fleece jacket features a full-length zipper and zippered pockets.
What we like: Some color options have a color-block zippered chest pocket. It’s available in more than 30 colors and patterns.
What we dislike: Some users expressed concerns about the construction quality, particularly in the zipper.
Laura Duerr a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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