What’s not to love about hiking in spring? The crisp, clean air; the roaring rivers and waterfalls; the lush green grass; the sound of chirping birds as they return home. Did we mention hiking without bugs? The experience is something else.

As beautiful as all those things might be, hiking in spring can be tricky because of the temperature. It’s not quite as cold as winter but not as warm as summer.

With that in mind, here are some essential tips for a cold spring hiking adventure and what to wear hiking in the spring. Let’s jump in.


Spring Hiking Outfit Tips: What Not to Wear

Before we get into what to wear on a cold spring hiking adventure, let’s first talk about what not to wear.

Cotton

One sure way to spot rookie hikers on the trails is by checking for the ones wearing cotton outfits. Cotton is bad for hiking. It is the worst thing you can wear on a hike. Sure, it is extremely moisture absorbent, which you would think is a good thing—and for the most part, it is.

We have it on good authority that it can hold as much as 2400-2700% of its weight in water. The issue is it doesn’t let go of that water. It holds on to it for several hours at a time. Imagine hiking for six hours in a T-shirt, completely drenched in sweat. Not so fun, is it? You may end up with painful chafing and risk losing body heat to the point of hypothermia.

Denim

Denim is the universally accepted standard for casual wear. While that may be the case in everyday settings like a trip to the grocery store or a casual drink-up with friends at your local bar, denim on the trails is the most uncomfortable thing to wear.

Like cotton clothing, denim rubbing against your skin can cause painful blisters and chafing. Since it also holds onto water, it can cool your body temperature drastically, leading to hypothermia.

Fashion Sneakers

Yes, sneakers aren’t “just sneakers.” Some sneakers are designed to make a fashion statement, while others are designed for performance. Those that fall into the latter category are functional. The same cannot be said for their fashion-first counterparts.

For starters, fashion sneakers have no grip, which is the perfect recipe for a slip-and-fall accident on the trails. Also, most of them aren’t breathable, so your feet will get hot and sweaty, and that moisture will be trapped in your shoes for the duration you wear those sneakers. They’re also not waterproof. A little rain on the trails, and you can expect to walk with cold, wet feet the rest of the way.


What to Wear Hiking in the Spring: The Complete List

A hiker on a mountain summit

Now that you know which outfits and fabrics to steer clear of, let’s get into the ideal spring hiking outfit.

The key thing to remember when dressing for a cold spring hiking activity is to be ready for anything. It can go from being cold and rainy one minute to warm and sunny the next. Your hiking gear should accommodate a wider range of weather conditions. The secret lies in layering. That way, you can layer up or down depending on the temperature.

Here’s what to wear for a cold spring hiking adventure.


Hiking Tops

The specific hiking tops to bring with you on your day out will depend largely on the level of comfort you desire. As a rule, it is always better to bring something with you and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Moisture-Wicking Shirt

Roadbox Mens UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection Shirts...

You can choose between wearing a long-sleeve or short-short sleeve shirt. It needs to be lightweight and made of quick-drying fabric that can effectively wick moisture away from your body. Polyester and Merino wool are usually the go-to fabrics for hiking shirts. Just make sure it’s not cotton.


Lightweight Fleece Jacket

Lightweight Fleece Jacket

Early to mid-spring is still usually quite cold in most parts of the country. You want something that will preserve your body heat without getting too hot. A lightweight fleece jacket or pullover should be part of your default spring hiking outfit. If it gets colder, you can layer up, and vice versa if it gets warmer.

Fleece is extremely breathable and effective at wicking moisture away from your body to leave you dry and comfortable.


Heavier Fleece Jacket

adidas Men's Terrex Tech Flooce Light Hooded...

If it is too cold for a lightweight fleece pullover, consider bringing out the big guns—a heavier fleece jacket. It will keep you nice and toasty during your hike without drenching you in sweat.


Rain Suit

Acme Projects Rain Suit (Jacket + Pants), 100%...

Always have a rain suit and rain gear in your daypack, even if you don’t think it will rain. This piece of gear is especially important during spring when the weather can change in an instant.

Your rain suit should be rated waterproof and not just water resistant. These terms mean two completely different things. A waterproof rain jacket will keep your underlying layers dry. Ensure it is also breathable to prevent sweat buildup underneath, which would be counterintuitive.


Insulated Down Jacket

Columbia Men's Autumn Park Down Jacket

If the heavy fleece jacket doesn’t cut it, you can wear an insulated down jacket instead. Most are compact, pack well, and easily fit into your daypack. A down jacket will keep you a lot warmer than a fleece jacket. It is also lightweight in comparison, which is always a good thing.


Hiking Bottoms

Your spring hiking outfit bottoms have more to do with your personal preference than the weather conditions.

Hiking Pants

686 Women's Authentic Mistress Insulated Pant,...

Your winter hiking pants should be lightweight and stretchy and made of soft, breathable, quick-drying material like polyester or Merino wool if it is cold. Also, check to make sure they fit right. You don’t want to end up with them bunching up around the ankles. That would be uncomfortable, especially when they’re wet.


Hiking Leggings

BALEAF Fleece Lined Leggings Women Waterproof...

Hiking leggings are a great choice if it isn’t too cold on the trail. They’re so comfortable and stretchy that you forget you have them on.

Ensure your hiking leggings fabric is thick enough so it doesn’t snag when brushing up against branches or rough rock surfaces. It should also be long enough (think—ankle length) to protect your legs from the elements. As a bonus, get a pair with pockets because you can never have too many!


Hiking Shorts

NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry...

Rocking shorts on the trail during spring is a bold move. If you can handle the spring cold without getting hypothermia, go right ahead! Get yourself a comfy pair of hiking shorts.


Hiking Footwear

If nothing else, make sure your feet are comfortable during your time on the trails. Blisters, sore feet, and chafing can ruin your hike and turn it into one of the most agonizing experiences of your life.

Hiking Boots

KEEN Men's Targhee 2 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking...

Ditch the sneakers and invest in a high-quality pair of hiking boots. A hiking boot should provide adequate support, particularly around the ankles, and good traction, especially when trekking along muddy routes.

A good hiking boot should be waterproof, breathable, and lightweight. Look for the ones that are Gore-Tex treated. That means they possess all the features above.


Hiking Shoes

Columbia Mens Crestwood Hiking Shoe, Camo...

Hiking shoes are the sneaker-like version of hiking boots. Like boots, they can handle a wide range of terrains and are breathable and waterproof. The only thing a hiking shoe doesn’t offer is the same support and stability you get with a hiking boot. A hiking shoe will suffice if you’re going on a moderately easy trail.


Hiking Socks

Time May Tell Mens Merino Wool Hiking Cushion...

Last but certainly not least is the hiking sock. Socks are the single-most overlooked piece of hiking gear. However, when you’re 15 miles into a hike, having gained 4,000+ feet of elevation, you quickly realize their importance. You don’t want to come to this realization 15 miles away from civilization.

Ensure your hiking sock is made of Merino wool. It is known for its quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and anti-microbial properties. Also, check for a pair that offers adequate padding around the toes, heels, and balls of the feet to prevent blistering and chafing during your spring hike.


Final Thoughts

There you have it—the perfect cold spring hiking outfit for outdoor adventures. Don’t forget to bring your hiking gloves and beanie for those chilly spring mornings. Sunglasses and sunscreen too.

Use the tips in this guide to dress appropriately and find the best hiking clothing the next time you hit the trails. In the meantime, do you have the right daypack for your hikes? Check our top recommendations for the best daypacks for hiking.


Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?

Here are some links to our most popular articles:

Last update on 2024-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API