Gear Hub: Spring Hiking Essentials
No matter where you live in the country, spring brings an opportunity for a fresh start and a new outlook on the season ahead. Though spring does bring us sunny warm days, it comes with cool breezes and muddy conditions, too. Keep reading for some springtime hiking essentials that will improve every adventure.
Starting from the bottom — let’s talk boots! For years I’ve been loving the Merrell Moab 3s. They fit me right out of the box, offer exceptional cushion and support as well as a larger toe box for any swelling on long trail days. These boots were great, until they got wet. Living primarily in Maine, having a dog and being in all kinds of climates, waterproofing is necessary. The Breeze hiking boot from Vasque is a great option if you’re looking for a traditional hiking boot with an innovative feel. I was able to wear these boots out of the box with minimal problems. I will say, the Breeze boots are much narrower than my Moab 3s which reduce in-shoe slipping, but may require a little break in time. My Moab 3s, though, were mid-height, often let in small bits of debris and dirt, and with the Vasque Breeze that hasn’t been an issue. With extra support in the ankle comes extra fabric. My only critique for the Vasque Breeze is to be aware that the ankle section of the boot can be quite tight and if you like a tightly laced boot, be prepared for a little break-in time.
On every hike, my dog is likely with me. With hiking being our favorite thing to do, I knew it was important I took her safety seriously. With the BackTrack Evac Kit from Ruffwear, you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to get your furry companion off a mountain in case of an emergency. The BackTrack from Ruffwear seems much sturdier and more comfortable for both humans and dogs than others on the market. This BackTrack Evack Kit has color coded buckles for easy adjustment in high-stress scenarios. We hope you never have to use an evac kit, but should you need to, Ruffwear makes an extremely high-quality version.
When hiking, it’s important to have all your essentials while simultaneously not being weighed down. The Maya 15L Backpack from Gregory is a great option for light trail days. This pack fits a first aid kit, dog evacuation pack and extra layers with room for more. It has perfectly placed hip pockets to meet all your easy-to-access needs, such as snacking. All sizes of the Maya model have a 3D foam back panel for optimal breathability and aerodynamics. I’ve tried a lot of packs and I will say, this one felt like I was barely wearing it. With the weight distribution technology of a traditionally bigger pack, the Maya 15 packs a punch for its size!
You know those hikes where it’s too hot for a puffy but you want some protection from the alpine air? The Jack Wolfskin Pre-Light Alpha Insulated Jacket is the perfect solution. This ultralight hiking jacket has been my go-to for chilly runs, windy hikes and overcast days. Windproof PERTEX makes up the shell section of the jacket while stretchy fleece panels complete the sides, allowing for optimal movement and breathability. This jacket is complete with a soft lining around the neck and a fitted hood for when you need it!
Whether alpine objectives are in your future or you just want to hike the local mountain with your dog — having this line up of gear will set you on the right track. Happy hiking!