Guide to Spring Hike: Clothing and Essential Gear
What clothing is suitable for a spring hike? The unpredictability of spring weather and trail conditions calls for careful preparation when hiking during this transitional season.
As the snow melts and the weather warms up, we enjoy more daylight, and the temperature begins to rise. You'll feel the itch to lace up your hiking shoes and head out for springtime adventures on the trails. Personally, I love hiking to see waterfalls, as their level rises with the snowmelt and spring rains. However, gearing up for spring hikes requires thoughtful preparation to handle changing conditions, especially in the Adirondack Mountains. The weather can swiftly transition from sunny and 60 degrees to cloudy and 30 degrees within a couple of hours. So, what should we wear for hiking, and how should we prepare for springtime hikes?
In this blog post, I’ll share valuable tips on how to hike in spring, especially on muddy trails, the spring gear I trust, and my favorite spring hiking clothes to make the most of your spring hiking experiences.
Table of Contents:
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Beginner Tips for Hiking in the Spring
Springtime is the time of year when everything outside is changing, with longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and adorable baby animals emerging! However, the warmer weather also signals the melting of snow and occasional spring rains, resulting in muddy trails. In this guide, I’ll share 7 essential tips to make your spring hiking experiences enjoyable and safe.
Check Trail Conditions
Before heading out, do your research by checking the trail conditions, especially if it has been raining recently. The DEC recommends avoiding hiking trails above 3,000 feet to prevent trail erosion and plant damage during spring conditions. You can find more information online from trusted sources from DEC, BLM, or your local trail websites.
Wear Proper Footwear
Choose hiking boots or shoes with good traction and ankle support. Waterproof or water-resistant footwear is an excellent choice for muddy trails.
Use Hiking Poles
I cannot stress this enough; hiking poles are your best friend! Hiking poles can assist in maintaining balance, provide stability, and navigate slippery or uneven terrain, including muddy sections and gauging the depth of the mud before stepping.
Plan for Weather Changing
Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including rain showers. Always bring a waterproof jacket or a poncho to stay dry!
Pack Essentials
Carry essentials such as water, snacks, a map or GPS device, a first-aid kit, and a small towel or wipes to clean off mud.
Leave No Trace
Practice Leave No Trace (LNT) principles by packing out all trash, staying on designated trails, and avoiding trampling vegetation, especially in fragile ecosystems.
Spring Gear Essentials
10 Essentials
As with any trip into the great outdoors, always bring the Ten Essentials no matter what time of year it is. Bringing the Ten Essentials for hiking is a fundamental practice that ensures your safety, preparedness, and ability to handle unforeseen situations while exploring the outdoors.
1. Navigation
Map
Compass
GPS (Garmin InReach)- optional
2. Sun Protection
Sunscreen: Kinfield Daily Dew SPF 35 is my go-to sunscreen product!
Lip balm: Kinfield Liplock SPF 15 is my favorite!
Sunglasses
3. Insulation
Shell, warm jacket, pants, gloves, hat
4. Illumination
Headlamp (plus spare)
Extra batteries
5. First Aid Supplies
First-aid kit
6. Fire
Matches and lighter
Waterproof container
Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)
7. Tools
Knife or multi-tool
Rope
Duct tape strips
8. Nutrition
Extra day’s supply of food
9. Hydration
Water bottles or hydration bladder
Water filter or other treatment system
10. Emergency Shelter
Emergency blanket or reflective blanket
Get yourself a good pair of waterproof hiking boots that cover your ankles. Look for boots that are engineered with GORE-TEX insulation, which is specifically designed for waterproofness. My go-to hiking boots are Salomon OUTpluse Mid GORE-TEX.
Chances are you may sink into soft mud; a pair of gaiters will prevent any unwanted moisture from penetrating your boots. It’s no fun hiking in soggy boots!
Muddy can be slippery! Hiking poles are great to use for balance and to test how deep the mud is before you step into a section of mud.
Always, always bring a backup pair of socks! I always bring two extra socks, one in the backpack and one in the car to change into after the hike!
If you decide to hike in the higher elevation, chances are there may be some snow and ice.
Always bring rain gear!! Rain jacket, rain pants, and backpack rain cover; some hikers like to use big, durable ponchos that go over themselves and their backpack. You do NOT want to be hiking in the wet, especially if it's cold and windy outside.
Beginner’s Guide to Spring Hiking Clothing
Spring, from March to May, undoubtedly poses unique challenges for hikers – the weather's inconsistency, lingering snow, and overall lack of dry trail conditions make it tricky to hit the trails. Proper preparation with layered clothing is essential, especially for hikes in higher elevations. I strongly recommend opting for waterproof or water-resistant apparel to ensure a comfortable and dry hiking experience on the trail!
Meanwhile, here are some of my favorite clothes for spring hiking. I personally own and love each item featured in this guide.
Base Layers
The purpose of the base layer is to wick sweat off the skin and keep you dry. These should be the first clothing items you put on, right after your underwear and bra. Look for materials such as synthetic fabric, merino wool, or a polyester and nylon blend. Avoid cotton—no cotton t-shirt, sweatshirt, sweatpant, socks, or underwear!
I personally like to wear a short sleeve (t-shirt) base layer; however, I pack a long sleeve base layer in case the weather gets a bit colder in the higher elevation!
Short Sleeve Base Layer:
Long Sleeve Base Layer:
Midlayer
The purpose of the midlayer is to preserve body heat and shield you from the cold. Look for materials such as fleece, wool, down, or synthetic materials.
Depending on where I hike and the weather, a mid-layer may make me too hot; however, it doesn't hurt to pack one just in case! In spring, despite the warmer temperatures, I still prefer to bring along an insulated jacket for safety and comfort, especially in higher elevations where it can still be quite chilly.
Fleece Jacket/ Pullover:
Outer Layer (Shell layer)
A shell layer is essential for spring hiking as it serves to shield you from wind, rain, and snow. Its primary purpose is to keep you dry and comfortable amidst unpredictable weather conditions by preventing external moisture from seeping in while allowing internal moisture to escape. This ensures that you stay warm and dry throughout your hike.
Rain Hiking Pants
Wearing rain pants while hiking in spring provides protection from moisture and wind, adds warmth in cooler temperatures, and offers versatility with easy layering over other clothing. Their durability makes them a practical choice for outdoor activities like hiking.
Waterproof/ Water-Resistant Hiking Boots
When deciding on hiking footwear, opt for styles that provide reliable traction and ankle stability. Waterproof or water-resistant features are especially advantageous when tackling muddy trails. Personally, I swear by Salomon, and the Salomon OUTpluse Mid GORE-TEX hiking boots remain my top recommendation!
Accessories
I highly recommend bringing lightweight gloves for chilly mornings and a buff or bandana to protect your neck from sunburns or insects, along with a hat for sun protection, depending on the weather and trail conditions.
Cap Hat
Sunglasses
What I pack for a Spring Day Hike
In my REI Trail 25 Pack day backpack, I pack:
Water bottle, extra if I’m bringing my dogs
Lots of snacks, yum!
Ten Essentials
Trash bags—unfortunately, people continue to litter on the trail
Microspikes, I always bring if I’m hiking in the higher elevation
Extra socks
Buff neckwear
Sun hat and lightweight gloves
Extra layers (Rain jacket, and/or fleece sweater, depending on where I am hiking)
Headlamp & extra batteries
Tissue
Hand sanitizer
Paper & pen (Because I’m Deaf, I don’t always want to rely on my phone as a means to communicate and to save the battery for emergencies)
Chapstick
Kula cloth
She’s birdie alarm
Garmin InReach GPS (optional) - depending on the location/trail
If I'm bringing my dog
Dog poop bags
Extra collar & leash
Snacks/treats
Water bowl
Post Hike Tips!
Here are a few things I make sure to have in the car after hiking in muddy trails:
To avoid making a mess in my car after a muddy hike, I bring a plastic bag to store my muddy boots
Bring a pair of clean, dry shoes and socks in your car to change into after a muddy hike
Paper Towels/Wet Wipes to clean after the muddy hike
Towel for your dogs to keep your car clean
Additional snacks to enjoy post-hike!
Final Thoughts on Spring Hiking Clothing and Gear Essentials
I hope these recommendations inspire and prepare you for some hikes before summer! Though it may require extra preparation at times, it's definitely worth it!
p.s. I've shared a reel on how to clean your hiking boots after a muddy hike; click here to watch.
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