Some things in life are predictable. The sun will spin around the Earth. Your best friend will make you laugh. And time spent outside will lift the corners of your mouth. Summer and winter weather can be somewhat predictable too, making it easier to dress for a hike during those seasons.
On the other hand, let’s not call spring “unpredictable”—it’s spontaneous. Just like you may have the sudden urge to chuck everything in a daypack and play hooky from work, a sunny April day quickly might turn brisk with a chilly breeze or drizzle.
That unpredicta– er, spontaneity helps us feel extra alive this time of year, though. Hiking past the first wildflowers along the trail is well worth the added forethought needed for spring outings. While it might be hard to know what exact conditions you’ll encounter, we can help you feel prepared with nifty gear and stylish apparel. (Rules of thumb: Carry extra layers, prep for precipitation in different forms and have a hat and shades on hand for when the sun comes out. Don’t forget the Ten Essentials, which should always be in your pack. And here’s a complete Day Hiking Checklist, listing the gear and clothes to bring with you.)
Read on for gear to help shoulder the burden—or rather, the bliss—of spring’s unpredictability.
Hiking in the in-between seasons like spring and fall means packing a lot of extra layers and gear. That means you’ll need a backpack that’s up to the task. The Cloud Walker 18 from CamelBak certainly is: This hydration pack features body-mapped back panels, 18 liters of stow space, two side stretch pockets and trekking pole attachments—perfect for toting every item on this list. The Cloud Walker is made with 200-denier recycled ripstop nylon and comes with the brand’s signature water reservoir (2.5 liters) to ensure you’re sippin’ pretty. $90
Since spring weather can be as cantankerous as a toddler, it’s wise to have extra layers at the ready in your pack—preferably something UPF rated to protect against sudden sunshine and long-sleeved in case temps dip. The top-selling Sombra Sun Hoodie from certified B Corporation Cotopaxi fits the bill on both counts. The Sombra—which borrows its name from the Spanish word for “shade” or “shadow”—has a relaxed approach to style with its scuba hood, thumbholes and a monochrome aesthetic. Cotopaxi connoisseurs: Don’t worry, this traditional sun shirt delivers the brand’s signature, smile-inducing color pops in the trim and logo. Flatlock seams deter chafing, while a Polygiene® anti-odor finish keeps the stink at bay. $75
Learn more about How to Choose Sun-Protection (UPF) Clothing.
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket (Women’s & Men’s)
“Rain, rain, go away.” Rewrite the lyrics with the Rainier Rain Jacket from REI Co-op, which can help you learn to love the wettest season. The jacket pairs a recycled, 2.5-layer ripstop nylon shell and water-resistant (yet breathable) HydroWall™ nonfluorinated membrane with taped seams, a protective hood and a weatherproof center zipper. Have highway-speed gusts in the forecast too? The Rainier Rain Jacket has been tested—and triumphant—against 50+ mph winds. Four pockets (two zippered exterior hand pockets and two internal drop-in stow spots) provide ample room for trail snacks or even a slim water bottle. Articulated elbows ensure enough flexibility that you can reach whatever you stash with no issues. Too hot? Just open the pit zips to dump heat fast. The Rainier is one of the best-selling jackets at the co-op, and the latest version has been updated with a softer, quieter base fabric. That means you’ll be able to hear the gentle pitter patter of rain all around you—and since you’re warm and toasty inside, you won’t even care. Available in sizing up to 3X, and ready for anybody who sings, “Rain, rain, come out and play. $99.95 (Other versions: women’s Long Line, $139)
Arc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoodie (Women’s & Men’s)
When spring’s notorious gusts blow in, don the Atom (and its insulated hood) from Arc’teryx. The proprietary Tyono™ 20 face fabric is wind- and water-resistant yet still soft to the touch, lightweight and breathable without sacrificing durability. Meanwhile, the interior insulation retains warmth even in damp conditions. The trim-fitting Atom fits like a dream, stretches like a gymnast and features an on-trend matte exterior that works just as well in the city as it does on the trail. $300
Since temps may drop unexpectedly, it’s always wise to keep an extra pair of gloves or mittens on hand. These Screentap gloves from Black Diamond are a lightweight, tech-effective option. (An added bonus: They only come in one color, decision fatigue be darned.) Conductive material on the palm and fingers facilitates gloves-on touchscreen use, while the back of the hand (called the dorsal side, if you’re curious) features water-resistant and stretchy 195-gram Polartec® Power Stretch pro. $34.95
Fjallraven Keb Agile Trousers (Women’s & Men’s)
When you need to go over, under and through, only the stretchiest hiking pants will do. That’s why we opt for the Keb Agile Trousers from Fjallraven. Made with sustainable materials like partly recycled polyamide and elastane, these bottoms come in a longevity-boosting, double-woven construction that still dries in a blink if spring showers rain down. And the material in these midrise hiking trousers is made fore movement, with burly G-1000 Lite Eco Stretch fabric added in three areas for additional toughness: the zippered front pockets, articulated knees and interior ankles. Two zippered pockets hold essentials—like bear spray. $195
Altra Timp Hiker GORE-TEX Hiking Boots (Women’s & Men’s)
Looking for trusted waterproof protection, mid-height ankle support and lightweight cushioning paired with no-nonsense grip for your muddy spring treks? Step into the Timp Hiker GORE-TEX Hiking Boots from Altra. These stylish sneaker-style boots take the brand’s signature roomy toe box and zero heel-to-toe drop and raises the bar—and the profile—with a higher collar. A proprietary midsole puts pep in your step without sacrificing durability, while bonus thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) layers on the uppers boost the boots’ longevity and protect your toes. Underfoot, Vibram® Megagrip rubber chomps dirt, rock and whatever else the trail serves up, whether wet or dry.
New to zero-drop and minimalist footwear? Read our Minimalist/Barefoot Running Basics guide to decide if it’s right for you—and transition slowly. $185
Sunglasses aren’t just for summer days. Turns out that Mr. Golden Sun comes out to play in the shoulder seasons too (and damaging UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, even when he’s hiding). To help fend off eye damage from long-term exposure, we recommend making sunglasses a staple in your year-round hiking kit. Treat yourself to an affordable, durable pair of Torrey Pines polarized sunglasses from Knockaround, which block more than 99% of UV light. The impact-resistant lenses are designed to take a lickin’ and keep on protectin’. The spring hinges on these sunnies ensure the Torrey Pines will fit practically any size noggin. $35
A discerning sock choice is always essential for time on the trail, and that’s especially true when melting snow or sudden showers make for unexpectedly soggy conditions. The merino wool Eve Light Weight Hiker crew socks from new-to-REI-brand ToughCutie will no doubt do you right. They’re made by women for women, for everyone from newbies to seasoned hikers. ToughCutie incorporates multiple technologies to prevent tugging and rubbing, from ventilation zones and flex grooves to seamless toes and reciprocated heels. Pillowy cushion underfoot and 360-degree arch support up the comfort factor. Slouching in the sock’s cuff? Not on this crew’s watch, thanks to fortified spandex through the upper half. $24
Ice and snow stay late in some of the most hikeable parts of the country. Yes, even on warm, sunny spring days, high-elevation trekkers are likely to encounter remnants of winter. When you hit a patch of ice or snow, it’s time to get a grip—literally. This traction system from Kahtoola is our can’t-go-wrong pick. With 12 no-nonsense, stainless-steel spikes; reinforced eyelets; an easy on/off design; and flex chains to prevent frustrating snow clumps, it’s no surprise these spikes have earned top ratings out of more than 800 REI customer reviews. An included tote sack helps prevent the spikes from spearing the other gear in your pack, but we prefer to hook them to the outside of our bags for moment’s-notice deployment. $74.95
Even if you don’t regularly hike with poles, experts note that it’s wise to have a pair on hand to prevent injuries when hiking in wet and slippery conditions—you know, like those frequently found in spring. We highly recommend the Distance Z trekking poles, a best-selling pair that’s been in the Black Diamond lineup since 2018. Their aluminum shafts are lightweight yet durable; the EVA foam grips are comfortable; they’re snow basket compatible; and they come in four different fixed lengths to ensure you find the right fit (100, 110, 120 and 130 cm). Their main feature, Z-Pole, is quick to deploy and break down, and allows the poles to collapse down impressively small. We’ve lashed these poles to numerous backpacks, flown with them in our carry-on and relied on them to keep us upright while carrying our most precious cargo (our kids)—in all kinds of conditions. In short, we agree with the REI Co-op customer whose review says, simply, “I love these!” $139.95
We should never forget who first trod these lands we love to explore here on Turtle Island. The You Are On Native Land Everyday Cap from Urban Native Era, featuring the brand’s declarative phrase in bold embroidery—aims to remind us. Its six-panel, 100% organic cotton construction (rated UPF 50+) shields your skin and eyes from cancer-causing UV rays. Nontoxic dyes give the head-topper a stylish, distressed aesthetic, while the Urban Native Era hummingbird logo adds a pop of color. Size it to any noggin using the adjustable strap. $35