Roots and Rambles

Fall Gear Essentials for Your Next Arkansas Outing.

We’re dreaming of crisp air, early morning hikes, glorious fall foliage and bagging bucks worth writing home about. Whether you’re hunting in the Ozarks, hiking the scenic trails or simply soaking in the valleys and bluffs, our curated gear guide ensures you’re prepared for every adventure. From essential hunting tools to must-have hiking gear, plus a few camping necessities, we’ve got everything you need to make the most of this season. Get ready to enjoy the outdoors your way with gear that meets every challenge.

Here are five must-have items to consider this autumn:

Hiking on mountain time. The Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar is the ideal GPS watch for hikers, designed to excel on the trail. Its rugged construction and scratch-resistant Power Sapphire solar charging lens ensure it can withstand the toughest outdoor conditions, while the solar power extends battery life, keeping your watch charged even on long hikes. With advanced GPS tracking, topographic maps and built-in health monitoring features, this watch provides everything you need to navigate and stay safe on your journey. Whether you’re tackling a mountain or exploring new trails, the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar keeps you connected and on track. If this one is out of your price range, you can always check out the Garmin Instinct 2. Get yours at Ozark Outdoor Supply in Little Rock.

Photographing the path less taken. The Canon EOS R50 is the ideal hiking companion for capturing the vibrant colors of Arkansas’s glorious fall foliage. Lightweight and compact, this mirrorless camera features a 24.2MP APS-C sensor and DIGIC X image processor, delivering stunning image quality even in challenging light. Its fast Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system covers nearly the entire frame, ensuring you never miss a moment. The Vari-Angle Touch Screen allows for creative shots from any angle, making it easy to document the beauty of your favorite Arkansas autumn landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, the Canon EOS R50 offers a powerful blend of portability, precision and ease of use, making it the perfect gear for your fall adventures. Get yours from Bedford Camera in Little Rock or Fayetteville. (PRO TIP: Find a staff member who specializes in nature photography to help get you started. Bedford also occasionally offers classes for beginners as well.)

Safety first. The Adventure First Aid 1.0 is a compact and comprehensive kit designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Weighing just 8 oz and measuring 5″ x 6.5″ x 1″, it’s perfect for treating a range of common injuries during short trips. Ideal for 1-2 people on day-long adventures, the kit includes supplies for cuts, scrapes, sprains, insect bites, and more. Essential items like fabric bandages, gauze dressings, moleskin for blisters, medications, and survival tools like a mini rescue whistle and compass are all included. Be prepared for any minor mishap with the Adventure First Aid 1.0. Find yours at Pack Rat Outdoor Center in Fayetteville.

Cool threads for hot hunts. Though we crave the crisp fall air, the reality is that early-season hunting can still feel a bit toasty. The Natural Gear Uninsulated Bib is an exceptional choice for warm-weather hunting, offering balanced comfort, durability and functionality. Crafted from a durable 60/40 cotton-poly blend with rip-stop stretch material, this lightweight bib allows for unrestricted movement, making it ideal for navigating dense brush or crouching in a blind. The adjustable shoulder straps provide a customizable fit, while the button-adjust sides ensure the bib stays in place throughout your hunt. With a convenient zippered fly, cargo pockets and a large chest pocket, all your essentials are easily accessible. Grab yours from Fort Thompson Sporting  in North Little Rock.

Right on target. The 2024 Mathews Lift 29.5 Compound Bow is a lightweight yet powerful hunting bow weighing under 4 pounds. This particular model boasts the new SwitchWeight-X Cam, delivering impressive speeds up to 348 FPS while maintaining a quiet shot. The Lift features reimagined RPD limbs to reduce post-shot vibration and a new top axle system for enhanced stability. The Lift is versatile and precise, with adjustable draw weights from 55-80 pounds and draw lengths ranging 24.5-31.5 inches. Equipped with MATCH bowstrings, it eliminates stretch and ensures consistent performance. The integrated Shot Sense module also provides real-time shot analytics, making it a top choice for serious bowhunters. Get it at DNW Outdoors in Jonesboro. (PRO TIP: This item is available for purchase in-store only; however, take your time and talk to the experts in their archery department. They won’t lead you astray.)

Toast to the great outdoors. “Camp Cocktails” is your ultimate guide to crafting simple yet flavorful drinks for any outdoor adventure. Whether you’re cooling off after a hike with a Flask Boulevardier or warming up by the campfire with a Salted Nutella Hot Chocolate, this book offers a variety of recipes that bring a touch of sophistication to the wilderness. With easy-to-follow instructions and expert tips, you can mix everything from beer-based cocktails to foraged ingredient drinks. Perfect for cabin trips, camping or patio parties, this 192-page hardcover book makes outdoor imbibing fun and effortless. Find yours at the Freckled Hen in Fayetteville.

But first, coffee fire. The Coffee Campfire Starter is the perfect companion for outdoor enthusiasts. Hand-made from all-natural, recycled coffee grounds and organic beeswax, each 4.2 oz tin contains 8 fire starters that ignite your fire quickly, burning for over 10 minutes each. Housed in a reusable tin, these fire starters are convenient to take on the go. Plus, they are plastic and petroleum-free, ensuring your commitment to the environment extends beyond the firepit. Whether you’re camping or enjoying a backyard fire, the Coffee Campfire Starter makes kindling a breeze. Find it at Domestic Domestic.

Rifle through the woods to bag your buck. The Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC) 20″ Ovix is a top-tier hunting rifle designed for precision and reliability. The adjustable Feather Trigger offers a crisp pull for enhanced shot placement. Additional features include a detachable rotary magazine, Inflex Technology recoil pad, and a free-floating barrel, all contributing to its exceptional performance. For hunters seeking a rugged and advanced rifle, the X-Bolt 2 Speed 7mm PRC is an excellent choice. Get yours at Mack’s Prairie Wings.

All images courtesy of vendors