It can be a tricky feat, packing for outdoor adventures in the spring.
Depending on where you are in the West, temperatures can be drastically different. There may be rain in Seattle while the sun is shining in Palm Springs. So, when it comes to gearing up for hiking, biking, and the like, we’re looking for breathable apparel that can be easily layered.
And good news: We’ve already found a few favorites after extensive testing in wide-ranging climates from snowy southern Utah to the arid heat of the California desert.
This season’s new collections offer myriad options that are both versatile and stylish. Vuori’s performance apparel products span bright long-sleeve crews and durable ripstop pants that transition easily from trail to backwoods bar.
Prana redesigned a popular stretch fabric to become even more eco-friendly thanks to a years-long testing process that culminated in a 95% recycled nylon blend and water-repellant finish. You’ll find it in a range of women’s pants, joggers, and shorts that come in an array of nature-inspired colors.
Helly Hansen, meanwhile, partnered with experts like the Squamish Search and Rescue team in British Columbia as well as the Seattle Mountain Rescue team to create a series of jackets that are perfect for layering to protect from high winds or cooler weather.
Top it all off with one of Osprey’s new daypacks that, while minimal in design, pack a punch when it comes to on-the-go storage that can last all day. Even better: The brand’s Sportlite series is made with recycled materials.
Here’s a few of our must-have apparel pieces from our favorite outdoor brands’ spring and summer collections:
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