Spring hiking is an exhilarating chance to make the most of fewer crowds, in-between temps, and stunning vistas. It’s also a chance to experience four seasons in a day. With unpredictable weather a hallmark of spring, we’ve created a guide to help you decide what to wear on a spring hike.
The Importance of Layering
We’ve gone in-depth about the importance of layering outdoor clothing before, but here’s a quick recap. The three layers — base, mid, and outer — allow for proper moisture management, good insulation, and weather protection, essential for spring hiking. Layering allows you to easily temperature regulate — taking off or adding layers when you need them — instead of relying on one bulky layer to keep you warm.
Spring’s transitional weather means its best to be prepared for any forecast, and layering allows that to be achieved effortlessly. Here’s a deeper dive into how.
Baselayer
A baselayer is the layer you wear closest to your skin. Its main job is to provide moisture management. A good baselayer wicks sweat away from your skin, helping you to avoid that cold, clammy feeling on a cooldown. It'll help your body temperature regulate, too, keeping you a more comfortable temperature for longer.
Breathability is key here. We recommend a natural fibre option like Merino wool or a synthetic like polypropylene, both provide temperature regulation, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. Due to spring hiking’s notoriously fluctuating temps, a proper baselayer is key to a comfortable hike.
Midlayer
A midlayer is key to insulation, keeping you warm in blustery conditions by locking heat inside. While it can be tempting to pick a bulky layer, it’s best to stick to lightweight layers that provide a good warmth-to-weight ratio, such as a synthetic fleece or midweight Merino wool layer.
Spring can bring chilling temps, especially when you’re hiking in mountainous regions, so look for a midlayer that can lock in the warmth while providing breathability.
Outer Layer
Your outer layer is key to a long, enjoyable time out there. Rain showers are a constant threat in spring, so we recommend a waterproof layer that’ll keep you dry and warm. Waterproof layers help provide protection from the wind as well, which can help keep the chill at bay for longer.
Our Trailhead Stretch range features a fully seam sealed waterproof and breathable ngx™2.5 fabric, four-way stretch, and stows away into its own pocket for easy packability.
Bottoms
Spring provides unpredictable weather and fluctuating temperatures. On hikes where the weather is cooler — think alpine regions — long pants are a good option. If you want more flexibility, opt for a convertible pant that allows you to zip off the bottom half with the flick of a wrist.
Shoes
The chances of running into deep mud or snow-melt swollen streams are high on a spring hike, so prepare yourself with sturdy, comfortable, and preferably waterproof footwear. Waterproof hiking boots are ideal in situations like these — especially for longer hikes or when you’re carrying a heavy pack — while waterproof hiking shoes are great for quick, fast jaunts where foot fatigue is an issue. Whatever you choose, comfy socks are a must, and we recommend packing an extra pair just in case you’re forced to trudge through that stream anyway.
Accessories
Depending on your destination — high altitudes, dense forests, exposed ridgelines — and your tolerance to cold, you might want to pack other essentials such as a wide brim hat for sun protection, gloves for warmth, and gaiters for muddy and wet track sections. If you’re planning a multi-day hike or the forecast calls for rain, chuck in a pack cover to keep everything inside dry.
Preparation is key for enjoying a spring hiked — a little extra planning will go a long way out there.