Halloween Costumes for the Outdoor Enthusiast

Less than four weeks till everyone’s favorite holiday! You know, the one where we dress up, mutilate pumpkins, and eat lots of candy? If you’re still scrambling for a costume or you’re tired of wearing the same vampire costume that you’ve been wearing for the past 10 years, then read on for some quick and easy alternatives using supplies any outdoor enthusiast should have at their disposal.

80’s Hiker
What you’ll need: (1) pair of short jean short cut offs (1) pair of enormous wool socks (1) pair leather hiking boots (1) external frame Jansport pack (1) blue bandana to be used as headband (1) tight t-shirt to be tucked into shorts

Raid the garage, people. We’re bringing sexy back.

Tip: The shirt is optional.

Ninja
What you’ll need: (1) drysuit liner (1) balaclava

This costume is as classic as it is genius. Not only will you be allowed to spend all night pulling moves worthy of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, you get to spend the evening in the kayaker’s equivalent of footie pajamas.

Tip: White Acorn slipper socks would totally take this costume from “pretty awesome” to “best. costume. ever.” Don’t forget to make ninja stars out of duct tape and tinfoil.

Boater
What you’ll need: (1) beer (1) Maori necklace from New Zealand (1) pair of Chacos

When you don’t have time to head home after a day out on the river, this is a solid choice. Just roll up (with your boat on your car, of course), grab a beer and you’re good to go.

Tip: Leave halfway through the party because the river flows are up.

Ultra runner
What you’ll need: (1) bottle holster/hydration system or both, (10) GU packets, (1) bottle of fake blood to be spread on elbows and legs (1) Western States baseball hat (1) pair of the shortest nylon shorts known to mankind

What can I say? Halloween isn’t Halloween unless it involves short shorts and fake blood.

Tip: Make sure to roll around in the dirt before attending the party. If you’re not covered in blood and mud, you’re not an ultra runner.

Michelin Man
What you’ll need: (1) down expedition suit

This is best pulled out when you find yourself trick-or-treating in Alaska or attending Halloween parties in homes without central heating.

Tip: Don’t attempt this costume in California, Florida, Hawaii or any other location where locals refer to long-sleeved shirts as “winter jackets.”

Create your own superhero
What you’ll need: (1) spandex long-sleeved running top or rash guard (1) pair of spandex running tights (1) XL PackTowl to be used as a cape (1) pair of sunglasses with clear lenses

This is a great excuse to raid your drawer of the miscellaneous neon spandex clothing you’ve accumulated over the years.

Tip: Oh right, like you don’t have a drawer full of miscellaneous neon spandex clothing. Really? Really?! Fine. Use your long underwear instead.

Gearhead
What you’ll need: (1) Arc’teryx or Mammut jacket (minimum $500 retail value) (1) Backpacker Buyer’s Guide (1) stack of 2012 gear catalogs (1) pair of La Sportiva trail runners…Montrail is acceptable if you have wider feet (1) article of Icebreaker clothing

Your friends will probably tell you this doesn’t count as a costume because it’s exactly what you do every other day. They’re probably right.

Tip: Walk around all night sipping beer out of the following: an orikaso cup, a double insulated thermos, or a titanium mug.