Camping over 50, What I actually wear.

You’ve probably spent years reading “what to wear camping” articles written by people who seem to think the answer is just buy everything at REI and call it good. While I Love Shopping at REI, that’s not how I shop, and I’m guessing it’s not how you shop either. When you are camping over 50, you have the sense and freedom to buy dependable, long lasting and comfortable gear, vs the latest cute styles (cute is still important though!)

I recently turned 60 and currently camp out of a teardrop trailer or out of the back of my SUV. I care about comfort, packability, and actually being warm or cool when I need to be. And I want to keep it simple because I do not have a lot of room in my camper for clothes. So here’s what’s actually in my camp wardrobe, some new, some gear I have had for years, and a few things on my wish list.

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The Layers I Rely On

Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket

The Fuego is my go-to when temperatures drop at camp. It’s lightweight, compressible, and because it’s down, you will be warm without getting overheated. The hood is a bonus when the wind picks up. This is my go-to jacket.

If you’re on the fence, just get it. I bought a second one on sale to keep in my car just in case. There are. many color combos to choose from.

Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker

This one stays in my camper. It folds down small enough that it takes up almost no space in my T@B 320, and it’s perfect for a rainy or windy day or to throw in your pack for a hike. Lightweight, packable, and cheerful. Cotopaxi’s colorblock style is genuinely fun to wear.

Patagonia Better Sweater Quarter-Zip Pullover

A solid mid-layer, the Patagonia quarter-zip combines a sweater-knit aesthetic with the easy care of Better Sweater fleece. A classic. This is a slim fit so you may want to size up. Or look for the full zip version.

The Base Layers That Changed Everything

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer (Bottom)

Once you camp in merino wool, you don’t go back. These base layer bottoms are warm without being bulky, and merino has a natural ability to regulate temperature and resist odor, which matters when you’re living out of a small camper. These will keep you warm at night in cold temps as pajamas too.

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Colorblock Crew (Top)

The top counterpart to the base layer bottoms. Same logic applies, warm, breathable, and doesn’t feel like you’re wearing long underwear even when you are. I layer this under a fleece or the Fuego when temps are genuinely cold. This works as a shirt not just “underwear”.

Smartwool Active Ultralite V-Neck T-Shirt

This is my warm-weather merino option. It’s lighter weight, moves well, and is just as odor-resistant as the heavier Smartwool pieces. A merino tee sounds like an indulgence until you realize you can wear it three days in a row at camp and it still doesn’t smell. Worth every penny. I wash my merino on “delicate” in the washing machine – it’s not like the old wool that would shrink to child size if you wash it.

Smartwool Merino Wool Hiking Socks + Hike Targeted Cushion Socks

Socks are important. Seriously. Smartwool hiking socks are the reason my feet feel good and warm at the end of a long camp day. The targeted cushion version has extra padding exactly where you need it. I keep several pairs in rotation and nothing will keep your feet warmer than wool socks on a cold night.

The Underlayer Nobody Talks About

REI Co-Op Active Bralette 2.0

Comfort starts from the inside out. A supportive, non-underwire bralette is something I wish someone had told me about years ago for camping. This one is soft, doesn’t dig in, and works well under any of the layers above. Not glamorous to talk about, but genuinely useful.

My favorite Boots and Shoes

Blundstone Classic Chelsea Boots

I just started wearing these because I liked the look and I’m already a convert. When I went to try them on at REI the staff was wearing them too. They take a bit to break in, they are comfortable right away, but may be a bit difficult to slip on and off until they are broken in. They look good enough to wear off-trail, and hold up well on uneven ground around the campsite.

A note on sizing: Blundstones are sized in Australian/UK sizing, not US. I’d recommend checking the Blundstone sizing guide before you order, or trying them in person if you can.

Xero Shoes Pagosa Fireside Slippers

After a day of hiking boots or trail shoes, sliding into something soft and easy around the campsite is a small luxury that makes a big difference. I currently wear Chaco Slip on shoes but they are not made anymore. These are the closest match I can find where you can step on the heel and wear like a clog, or pull the heel up for a longer walk. I love the ability to slip in and out of the shoes easily when I am getting in and out of the camper.

The Pants That Work

Fjällräven Keb Trousers

On my wish list. These are a serious hiking pants but with a curved fit. Fjällräven is a Swedish outdoor brand known for building clothes that last for years, not seasons. The Keb Trousers are made with their G-1000 fabric, which is windproof, highly durable, and can be wax-treated for added water resistance. They have a ton of pockets, articulated knees, and fit well for active days. These are an investment piece, but the kind you buy once.

Sizing note for Fjällräven: They size in EU sizing. Check their specific size chart — the Keb Trousers run a little different than their standard pants.

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Midi Jogger Pants

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, these are camp lounging pants. Soft, stretchy, comfortable enough to sleep in. When relaxing at the campsite or heading to the bathhouse in the morning, these are perfect.

Columbia Leslie Falls Long Shorts

A solid active short for warmer camping days. Comfortable, quick-drying, and long enough to be practical without being frumpy. Good for hiking or just hanging around camp.

A Brand Worth Knowing: Zorali

Zorali is an Australian outdoor brand that’s starting to get more attention in North America — and for good reason. They focus on sustainable materials (recycled fabrics, merino wool) and make clothing designed for real outdoor use. The aesthetic leans toward relaxed and modern rather than overly technical, which I appreciate. These may take a bit longer to get to you due to the distance but worth the wait.

I have several Zorali items; the Air-Grid Fleece and Merino Base Layer and am looking forward to putting them through their paces this season. The collection also includes several other Zorali pieces, merino tees, fleece layers, and base layer that fit the same philosophy: natural or recycled materials, built for outdoor life.

A sizing note: Zorali uses Australian sizing. Double-check their size guide before ordering and then size up.

The Hat You’ll Never Want to Take Off

Columbia Global Adventure Packable Hat

Sun protection at camp is something I didn’t take seriously enough in my earlier camping years. Now I wear a hat almost every day outside. This one packs flat, has a wide brim, and the chin cord keeps it on when the wind picks up. Simple, functional, and does exactly what a camp hat should do.

The Bottom Line

Camping over 50 doesn’t mean you have to choose between comfort and looking put-together. It means you’ve finally earned the right to stop buying things that don’t work and start investing in things that do.

Everything in this collection can be found in my Rock Porch shop — curated specifically for the way I actually camp.

Now who wants to go camping?