It’s that strange time of year in between fall and winter, when the leaves have fallen off the trees but snow has yet to hit the ground. It’s not quite skiing weather, though a dip in the lake is entirely out of the question. With the recent string of warm temperatures here in New York, it’s also been slightly confusing in terms of what to wear. Do you break out the shearling boots and mittens just yet or try to stay warm in a denim jacket and vest?

We posed the question to our friends at Penfield, who have always made great outerwear for as long as we can remember (Seriously, my mother just dug out an old royal blue and yellow Penfield jacket of mine from the sixth grade the other day back home). Here’s what they suggest as ”five essentials” for the season, in keeping with their new “Life in the Open” campaign theme:

1. Penfield Kasson 60/40 Cotton Nylon Parka.

2. Leatherman Super Tool 300.

3. Penfield 750ml Water Bottle.

4. Red Wing Beckman Round Boots.

5. Globe Bicycles Haul 2.

What do you think of their list? Is there anything you’d add as a fall/winter essential? Or are you content to wait out this weird weather in your puffy down coat?

- TC