No matter where you live, a fall camping trip can be an exhilarating way to celebrate the season. Whether you're luxuriating in autumn colors or taking in a desert vista, sleeping under the stars (and a bit of nylon) is always a welcome dose of nature. Here are a few items to pack for the journey:

Lightweight Tent

Even if the majority of your travels involve "car camping" – in which a traveler can drive to a camping site – it's a good idea to get a tent that's easily transported on backpacking trips as well. That way, you have the flexibility to go a bit deeper into the wildness without needing a chiropractor on your return.

When choosing a tent, be sure to poll those who'll be sharing the space about how much room they like while sleeping since tents sizes tend to be on the cozy side. For example, a two-person tent often has room for just two sleeping bags snuggled pretty close to each other and a bit of legroom for gear.

Properly rated sleeping bag

Climbing into a down-filled sleeping bag might seem divine when the weather is crisp, but in warmer climes, it could make for an uncomfortable night. Sleeping bags are rated according to warmth level, and although everyone appreciates toasty toes, be careful not to overestimate how chilly it may get in the evenings. For instance, if your destination usually dips down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, a bag rated for zero degrees could be far too hot for sleeping.

To see a range of sleeping bag brands and ratings, do research at a site that also includes user feedback. Knowing how the bags have worked for other campers can be a good way to narrow down the choices, and find a cozy, fluffy option that's best for you.

Rain gear

The weather forecast notes that it will be beautiful and sunny for the whole weekend. Bring rain gear anyway. Particularly in regions that have different altitudes from one point of a hike to another, sudden rainstorms can drench hikers for a brief period before the gorgeous weather resumes. Don't find yourself growling and shivering – a super lightweight rain poncho won't take up much room and can be invaluable.

Backpack

One of the most important components of any camping experience will be a backpack. It doesn't matter if you're going on a day hike or taking on the Adirondack Trail –choosing just the right one is essential. Backpacks come in different sizes, so pick according to the duration of your trip and how much gear you'll be hauling on your back. Something else to keep in mind when considering a backpack is gender. Women and men have different centers of gravity, and many women find men's packs to be uncomfortable. Also think about what you'll be carrying – some packs are ideal for toting ski poles and have numerous exterior pockets, for example, while others are more streamlined and better for rainy conditions or long hikes.

Water bottles

Keeping up hydration levels is crucial when hiking and camping, because there's not always access to clean, fresh water. Either get a durable, reusable water bottle made of hard plastic or aluminum or invest in a water filtration system that allows you to filter out impurities from streams and rivers.

Whether you're just dashing out on a weekend camping trip or pondering an epic backpacking journey, do some research at a site like REI.com, where users rate the products and give honest opinions about what works, and what doesn't. Options for camping gear abound, from headlamps and lanterns, to camp knives, stoves and trekking poles. So, pack up and get out.