The Perfect Kit for Spring Hiking

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. Buy here.

Going out on a hotter spring day and don’t need to carry more than a light warm or waterproof layer? This sleek new 10-liter daypack from REI Co-op will fit a packed rain jacket or sun hoodie in its generous main compartment, along with a 1.5-liter hydration reservoir that slides in and out easily for quick refills. Your back and shoulders will appreciate the air mesh panels and straps, which stay ventilated on the hottest, sweatiest hikes. Tether a pair of sandals (wet or dry) to the lash loops to save interior space and store the classic phone-wallet-keys combo in the zippered front panel pocket. Buy here.

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 6 Mid GTX hiking boots from Altra. These stylish sneaker-style boots take the brand’s signature roomy toe box and zero heel-to-toe drop and raise 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. Buy women’s. Buy men’s.

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.

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 blend Lightweight Hiking quarter-height socks from REI Co-op will no doubt do you right. Highly breathable merino is quick-drying, moisture-wicking and naturally antimicrobial to prevent odor. These foot protectors have built-in heel, toe, footbed and Achilles reinforcement, plus seam-free toes to prevent chafing and blisters. Want something a bit higher-cut? They’re also available in crew. Buy here.

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 nearly 1,000 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. Buy here.

When you need to go over, under and through, only the stretchiest hiking pants will do. That’s why we opt for the best-selling Stretch Zion pants from prAna, with their 2-way stretch and abrasion-resistant fabric that’s designed to last season after season. Made with recycled materials and treated with a PFA-free water-resistant coating, these versatile trousers are made for movement but are also at home behind a desk or headed out for post-hike brunch. And what would hiking pants be without a plethora of pockets? Both versions have standard drop-in hand and back patch pockets as well as a zippered security pocket. The men’s version also features a double-entry zipper cargo pocket on the left thigh; the women’s has a hidden zippered pocket behind the right hand pocket. Buy women’s. Buy men’s.

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-sleeve in case temps dip. The top-selling Sahara Shade hoodie from REI Co-op fits the bill on both counts. The Sahara’s buttery-soft, stretchy ShadeFactor™ 50+ fabric doesn’t just shield you from UV rays, it also wicks moisture and dries superfast to stay fresher longer. The relaxed style features a three-panel hood, whose crossover design adds extra protection for your neck. Comfortable thumbholes keep the raglan sleeves in place when you’re on the move—and who doesn’t want to go fast when the weather is finally beautiful? Buy women’s. Buy men’s.

The lightweight, breathable Ridgelite Waterproof rain jacket from The North Face is designed for high-output activities like hiking, trail and road running, and outdoor fitness. At just 7.6 ounces, it's the perfect just-in-case layer in a daypack, and it packs down into its own pocket for easy stashing. Its 2.5-layer waterproof shell keeps precip at bay without trapping sweat inside, and it’s made to move with you, thanks to details like underarm gussets and an adjustable, cordlocked hood. Not only will staying dry feel great out there, but so will knowing you're wearing 100% recycled nylon fabric treated with non-PFC durable water repellent (DWR). Buy women’s. Buy men’s.

When spring’s notorious gusts blow in, don the new Microtrek (and its insulated hood) from REI Co-op. The 100% recycled, bluesign®-approved recycled ripstop polyester fabric is wind and water resistant yet still soft to the touch, lightweight and breathable without sacrificing durability. Meanwhile, the 60 grams of synthetic insulation retains warmth even in damp conditions. And, when the sun suddenly peeks out and warms things up, this jacket packs down ultrasmall into its own left pocket. Buy women’s. Buy men’s. Buy kids’.

Since temps may drop unexpectedly, it’s always wise to keep an extra pair of gloves or mittens on hand. These touch-screen compatible gloves from The North Face 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 touch screen use, while the back of the hand (called the dorsal side, if you’re curious) features water-resistant and stretchy fleece, comprising 93% recycled polyester. Buy women’s. Buy men’s.

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. Buy here. 

Even if you don’t regularly hike with poles (and maybe you should), 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!” Buy here.

You're never fully dressed without a hat—and you're never fully protected from the sun without one either. The low-profile UPF-rated 50+ On The Trail cap from REI Co-op stretches to fit securely and features an adjustable cordlocked bungee to dial it in even more, making it ideal for fast hikes, trail running and super sunny spring days. Moisture-wicking fabric and side vent holes help you keep a cool head, and an interior sweatband offers one last line of defense against perspiration drips. Hand wash this topper when you're off trail for a fresh lid every time. Buy here.