ArcaMax

Uh-oh. We weren’t even a half-day into our trek up Mount Kilimanjaro and my daughter Reggie’s new rain jacket was leaking. We were hiking through a tropical rain forest in a light rain, the first of four distinct climate zones on the legendary mountain trek.

Having leaky rainwear, whether you are on a once-in-a-lifetime mountain trek, a day hike in the Rockies (afternoon thunderstorms a given), sailing in New England, fishing in Alaska (weather changes fast) or in Arizona on a Grand Canyon raft trip as we were earlier this month (the water is only a little more than 50 degrees) is not only annoying but can be life-threatening.

We were lucky on that Kilimanjaro trip. One of the guides obligingly raced back down — and up again — to bring Reggie a jacket she could borrow. I learned my lesson: Always test your gear before heading out. When we got home, we learned there had been a defect in that jacket design.

This fall, with remote work and school, many families are taking the opportunity for a fall getaway focused on the outdoors where we feel safest. The right gear will help keep you comfortable — and confident — on your adventures.

But you don’t have to spend a fortune. See what you can borrow from outdoors-loving friends and their kids. Companies like REI and Patagonia now offer “gently used” options at a significant discount, which incidentally helps the environment by cutting down on consumption.

You don’t want to leave home without a mask or two. For outdoor adventures, try a Buff neck gaiter. They are typically breathable, and you can just pull them up and down as needed. You may even be able to find one from a national park or other places you are visiting — instant souvenir.

Here are some other things you will want:

EXTRA JUICE for your devices is essential if you are working or doing schoolwork outdoors. I have the compact Mobile Edge’s 2,700 Core Power that has three ports and will hold a charge up to three months in cool weather. Mine was great on our Western Rivers Expedition Grand Canyon raft trip with no electricity for a week. There are obviously less expensive options.

FOLLOW THE PACKING LIST. If you are going on a bona-fide adventure for the first time, make sure to use the company’s packing list. They are the experts, after all. The family owned company New Headings can help if you don’t have anything you need. Owner Mark Lamont says their “Get Ready” packages for men and women do exceptionally well. You can also order individual items for kids.

WATERSMARTS. If you are going to be enjoying water sports this fall, consider neoprene socks and gloves made of thin wetsuit material and a waterproof case for your phone like one from aquapac.info .

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