What to wear when hiking in spring
The weather plays a big part when choosing the correct gear for any adventure. You can experience all four seasons within just one hour when hiking, especially during spring — which is why it is essential to have the correct clothing and accessories. Understanding different layers and how they can be used individually as well as combined is essential when hiking in anytime but particularly in spring. The weather can be unpredictable, and being too warm can be just as dangerous as being too cold.
You should have a good fitting, moisture-wicking lightweight base layer to keep moisture away from your skin. On top of that layer should be an insulating breathable mid-layer usually a fleece or a down filled jacket. The third layer is essential to keeping you protected from the elements — a waterproof or wind-resistant outer layer.
Equally as important as your top layers are your choice of hiking pants. These should be lightweight, stretchy and quick drying to keep you comfortable. Socks are also often overlooked when gearing up for a day in the hills. A good moisture-wicking pair of synthetic or wool socks will help keep your feet dry and comfortable.
As with any hike the importance of choosing the correct footwear cannot be stressed enough. A lightweight pair of hiking boots or trail shoes (weather and trail depending) will see you right – and your feet will thank you.
Lastly don’t forget the accessories that could make all the difference to your spring hike. A hat/cap and gloves for if the temperature drops or those early morning starts when it’s still quite fresh. A pair of hiking poles can also make the world of difference especially on uneven or boggy terrain.
Getting to grips with choosing correct footwear
Hiking trails in the UK are generally wet and muddy affairs at the best of times – so knowing what makes the perfect walking shoe is essential.
Look for waterproof walking boots that offer good ankle protection — key for avoiding sprains. I’ve recently come across these Bestard Gore-Tex boots, and they have been fantastic. Your boots should have good tread on them as wet, muddy and uneven terrain can be difficult to navigate. For shorter or flatter hikes, you may want to consider a lighter option in a pair of trail shoes.
Always make sure to break in new walking boots and shoes before attempting a longer hike. Wearing them around the house, to the shops and on shorter walks will help prevent the agony of blisters when you do venture further. With your footwear sorted, combining your choice with a decent pair of hiking socks will only add to your hiking experience. One of my favourite brands to wear are these Darn Tough Men’s Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock.
Packing smart for your hike
Ideally for a day hike in the UK you should probably be looking for a rucksack with 20-30l storage. A rucksack of this size will mean you have plenty of room for all the essentials for a day trip. You should be looking to pack some additional layers, food and water (approximately 1l of water per 5 miles of hiking), a small first aid kit, head torch and some navigation accessories such as a paper map/compass. It is always handy to have a pack that has additional storage. Side pockets come in handy for water bottles and zipped pockets for items such as keys or a phone.
Knowing the best way to pack your gear is also important. A correctly packed rucksack can aid in comfort, stability and allow quick and convenient access to essential items. You will want to pack heavier items in the middle of the pack to aid in balance, with items you are less likely to need at the bottom and the items you are more likely to need at the top.
It’s all about the layers
There is an old adage that says “be bold, start cold” — and with good reason. Starting out with all of your layers on can lead you quickly overheating and sweating – which in turn can lead to your temperature dropping.
Carrying a mid-layer and/or outer shell is essential to helping maintain a comfortable body temperature. Weather conditions in the mountains can change dramatically so having these additional layers to swap between or combine is essential. A mid-layer can help keep you warm if the temperature drops or the wind picks up and an outer-layer can provide protection from the elements such as rain and snow.
Accessories are just as important
Make sure that you don’t overlook the importance of accessories when planning your hiking trip. As handy as it may seem to have the route map or directions on a phone, the battery can run out – especially in colder weather. Taking a compass and a paper map (ideally secured in a waterproof enclosure) with you could help prevent getting lost. A lightweight pair of gloves and a hat or cap are also useful to pack even during spring. Starting out early the weather can often still be chilly so hat and gloves can help keep you warm, likewise, a cap can help keep the sun off your face and head if the weather is warmer.
Most rucksacks have external clips to allow you to attach items such as walking poles – again having these with you can really help especially on uneven terrain and on steep descents. TheFitLife Hiking Walking Trekking Poles are a great entry level hiking poles and come in various colours and with a pouch and a variety of attachments for different weather conditions. A headtorch is always useful to carry, you might have planned to complete your hike in daylight hours but an injury or getting lost can easily mean you are hiking in the darkness.
