What to wear for spring hikes: spring hiking outfits for women
In this blog I’m sharing trail-tested spring hiking outfits, as well as advice on navigating the spring hiking season. If you’re wondering what to wear for spring hikes this article is for you!
Whether you’re hiking or doing an early season backpacking trip, I think spring is the hardest season to dress for. Winter and fall hiking outfits are all about the layers, and summer hiking outfits are all about skin protection and staying cool. But spring hiking outfits? Those need to cover ALL the bases… you might encounter sun, wind, heat, cold, rain, and maybe even snow. Sometimes all in a single hike!
In this blog we break down what to wear for spring hikes. I cover the basics of layering for spring hikes, and a roundup of spring hiking outfits that are perfect for almost any trail. I then wrap things up with some general spring hiking tips and a list of spring hiking essentials you should ALWAYS have with you.
Welcome!
We’re Gwyn and Ami. Based in Spokane, Washington, we’re your guides to the Pacific Northwest and beyond!
We’re adventure travel experts, and our blog is all about helping you find the best hikes, weekend getaways, and national park adventures in the United States and abroad. You can find more on Instagram @gwynandami.
What to wear for spring hikes: trail-tested, budget friendly essentials
foundational basics of hiking clothes
When it comes to what to wear hiking in spring, your spring hiking outfits should build on four core elements. These include Base layers, mid-layers, outer layers, and footwear. See below for a breakdown of each category:
- Base layers: Base layers are your ‘next-to-skin’ layers. Look for moisture-wicking, quick dry layers that will keep you warm or cool, depending on the weather! I also look for clothing with built in UPF protection. UPF, which stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, is a measure of how effective clothing is at filtering light and protecting your skin from the sun. UPF ratings range from 15 (good) to 50+ (excellent). Higher UPF numbers provide more protection. My favorite base layers include the REI Sahara Sun Hoodie and REI Midweight Base Layer Tights.
- Mid layers: Middle layers are all about insulation and warmth. I love fleeces and light jackets for staying warm on the trail without overheating. Lightweight insulated jackets (puffers) can also be considered mid-layers. I’m a huge fan of the REI Trailmade Fleece Jacket.
- Outer layers: Outer layers and shells are key for combating wind, rain, and serious cold! I like to call these my ‘functional’ layers, as they’re often more specialized to specific weather conditions (snow, rain, wind) and trail activities. The REI 650 Down Jacket is one of my go-to options for cold weather layering, and I’m a huge fan of the REI Trailmade Rain Pants and Trailmade Rain Jacket for wet weather.
- Footwear: A category unto itself! There is a huge range in hiking footwear, from robust leather boots to slim and sleek trail runners that look more like sneakers. A lot of hiking footwear comes down to personal preference… My personal core requirements for footwear are comfort, long term durability, robust ankle support, good traction, and waterproofing. My favorite hiking boots include the LOWA Renegade and KEEN Jasper Zionic Sneakers.
Don’t forget about hiking gear!
Besides clothing, make sure not to forget out hiking GEAR! For spring I like to carry hiking poles to assist with muddy and slushy trail conditions. Sunglasses and a comfortable hiking backpack are also a must! See the below section for some specific gear recommendations, as well well as a spring hiking essentials packing list!
Spring hiking outfits: building a capsule hiking wardrobe
Below I’m sharing 5 hiking outfits that are perfect for spring! The theme of these outfits is cute but functional. For me, the MOST important thing on the trail is that my gear works as hard as I do, and stands the test of time, so function ALWAYS comes first. That said, I also like looking put together when I hike!
All the gear is easy to mix and match– think of this as a capsule hiking wardrobe that can carry you into summer and BEYOND. These pieces will last the test of time, and pull heavily from REI’s Trailmade collection. I love the Trailmade collection because it offers technical-but-affordable basics that are perfect for a wide range of hikers.
Spring hiking outfit for wet and muddy conditions
- Rain jacket: REI Trailmade Rain Jacket
- Rain pants: REI Trailmade Rain Pants
- Hiking shoes: LOWA Renegade (they’re waterproof!)
- Bag: Trailmade 10 Hydration Pack
- Sunglasses: SMITH ChromaPop Sunglasses
Wet and muddy hikes call for waterproof layers! I love the REI Trailmade Rain Jacket and Rain Pants because they provide robust 2-layer weather production at an affordable price point. They’re also SUPER comfortable and quiet on the trail!
The 10 Hydration Pack is also a fantastic buy that’s perfect for holding the essentials on a hike. Note, however, that it is not waterproof– just water repellant! The pack comes with a 1.5 liter water reservoir. REI Trailmade Trekking Poles can also be helpful for navigating slick descents!
Need more advanced waterproofing for spring hikes?
It’s important to note that waterproof layers aren’t all constructed the same way… The Trailmade collection uses 2-layer waterproofing protection, which allows these pieces to be both functional and affordable. However, more advanced (and expensive) gear uses a 3-layer system and usually comes with additional features.
If you want something even more robust, I recommend the XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket and XeroCloud 3L Rain Pants from REI. Pit zips (to help you cool off), seam sealing (which literally covers needle holes in stitched items), and more advanced waterproof zippers are amongst the premium features that set these two gear lines apart. We wear and love both, but for torrential downpour hikes the XeroCloud is my go-to!
What to wear for warm-weather neighborhood walks
- Hiking pants: Trailmade Relaxed Pants
- Hiking shirt: Sahara Shade T-Shirt
- Hiking shoes: KEEN Jasper Zionic Sneakers
- Sunglasses: SMITH ChromaPop Sunglasses
- Bag: Ruckpack Waist Pack
When you have a busy day and can’t make it to the trailhead after work a neighborhood hike/walk is the way to go! I love REI’s new Trailmade Relaxed Pants, which feature a loose and comfortable fit, UPF 50+ protection, and quick dry material that’s SUPER comfortable and durable. I paired the pants with an Sahara Shade T-Shirt, which also provides sun protection in a loose, comfortable fit.
Spring Hiking Outfit for Shoulder season summits
- Mid-Layer: REI Trailmade Fleece Jacket
- Pants: REI Trailmade Pull-On Pants
- Poles: REI Trailmade Trekking Poles
- Bag: REI Trailmade 10 Hydration Pack
- Hiking shoes: LOWA Renegade
For more challenging hikes in spring I love rocking my tried and true Trailmade Fleece Jacket as a comfortable mid-layer. I pair them with the Trailmade Pull-On Pants, which have a slimmer fit. I also recommend bringing trekking poles to help with muddy and slick conditions, as well as for additional support when hiking up and down hill. The REI Trailmade Trekking Poles are a fantastic value in this category!
Of course, what clothing is appropriate for a ‘summit’ really depends on what you’re summiting… If tackling spring hikes at higher elevations, be sure to pack additional warm and waterproof layers. You’ll also want to consider more advanced technical gear like MICROSpikes in case you encounter ice and snow! TLDR: do your research and be over-prepared before heading out.
Warm-weather spring hiking outfit
- Shirt: REI Sahara Shade Straight-Hem Hoodie
- Shorts: REI Trailmade Shorts
- Sunglasses: SMITH ChromaPop Sunglasses
- Hiking shoes: KEEN Jasper Zionic
When the weather is warm my focus for spring hiking outfits is on light layers and sun protection! I’ve owned Trailmade Shorts for YEARS, and they hold up well to just about everything (rocky scrambles, tons of washing cycles, and more!). The Sahara Shade Straight-Hem Hoodie is also a personal favorite. I’ve owned the longer version for years but, because I’m petite, I’ve fallen in love with the new Straight-Hem Hoodie version. It’s much more flattering on my frame!
Pro tip: My FAVORITE hiking hack is setting a “sunscreen alarm” on my phone every TWO hours when I’m on the trail. That’s how I remember to re-apply sunscreen so I don’t burn!
Trail-to-taproom spring hiking outfit
- Shirt: Sahara REI Sahara Shade Straight-Hem Hoodie
- Hiking pants: REI Trailmade Barrel Pants
- Sunglasses: SMITH ChromaPop Sunglasses
- Hiking shoes: KEEN Jasper Zionic Sneakers
- Bag: Ruckpack Waist Pack
If you’re looking for a balance of comfort and granola-approved fashion, this outfit is my number one pick! The new Trailmade Barrel Pants come in a trendy style that is SUPER comfortable, with deep pockets, an additional secure zip pocket, and UPF 50+. These pants will be flattering for a wide range of body types, and come in regular, petite, and tall sizes ranging from XS to 3X.
Shop the Looks / Gear List
Below are links to ALL of the items featured in this blog post. As I shared earlier, think of this as a capsule hiking wardrobe that can carry you into summer and BEYOND. These pieces are easy to mix and match to create TONS of hiking outfits. All that’s missing is a puffer or extra warm layer!
Why I love the REI Trailmade collection
If you’re thinking about investing in more hiking clothing, I can’t recommend the REI Trailmade collection enough. Below are a few things I love:
- Durable: I’ve owned several Trailmade pieces for YEARS. They wash well, can withstand rough trails, AND stand the test of time.
- Technical: fast dry materials, UPF fabrics, waterproofing, and thoughtful features mean this gear doesn’t just look good.
- Cost-conscious: the Trailmade collection stands out for its attention to price point and affordability
- Inclusive sizing: the Trailmade collection features sizes ranging from XS – 3X (I’m wearing an XS in all of these videos), as well as tall and petite pant sizing.
- Versatile: These pieces are easy to mix and match for different weather conditions. Plus, they’re cute enough to take you from the trail to the taproom!
Spring hiking tips + packing essentials
Spring can come with challenges, like muddy trails and volatile weather. But it also comes with beautiful flowers and fewer crowds than summer hiking season!
- Layering is key to ensure you’re comfortable and prepared on the trail. Be prepared for temperature swings.
- Always pack rain gear. Unless it’s a completely blue sky day and I’m going for a short neighborhood walk I ALWAYS like to be prepared just-in-case.
- Expect muddy trails! Embrace the muck – hike through it, rather than around it, to avoid widening the trail.
- Research trail conditions beforehand. This helps you know what to expect if the trail is icy, snowy, or has other adverse conditions. My go-to source is AllTrails.
Use this link to get 30% off AllTrails Plus ($35.99/year) and AllTrails Peak ($79.99/year), which gives you offline access to trail routes and wayfinding.
Final thoughts on what to wear for spring hikes
Spring can bring unpredictable weather, but with the right layering system and versatile pieces make it much easier to stay comfortable on the trail. With a small set of well-chosen clothing and gear, you can mix and match outfits that work across changing conditions. Make sure to focus on function first, be prepared, and you’ll be ready for whatever the trail looks like that day!
