Spring Hiking Clothes
It is finally MAY! Which means warmer weather and hiking during the weekends. It snows quite a bit in Durango, CO, and even more in the surrounding mountains. So as the snow melts during the spring, the weather and terrain can be unpredictable. Each year may differ as to how much snow we get, so ensuring you are prepared with your hiking attire is super important. So here are my go-to recommendations for what I like to wear during the spring when I go hiking.
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Spring Weather
The weather in Colorado can be pretty unpredictable, especially during the Spring. Typically, it is fairly chilly in the morning and then warms up in the afternoon. It is not uncommon for it to rain at any time of day. While as it gets warmer during the day in the springtime, it can be quite chilly. It is a smart idea to ensure you’re prepared for the possibility of quick weather changes.
Material
The biggest thing to look for when deciding what to wear hiking, any time of year, especially in the summer, is the material that the clothes are made out of. The best material is quick-drying and moisture-wicking. This way, if it rains or you sweat, it’ll dry quickly. If you’re caught in sudden cooler weather in wet clothing, you will be much colder than you would be in dry clothes. My favorite clothing is any activewear brand as they are made out of synthetic materials that are moisture-wicking and fast drying.
My favorite pants are from Columbia. Even the black colored pants are super flexible and breathable. I don’t ever overheat and if it rains, they dry so fast. The majority of the time, especially in the spring, I like to wear some kind of pants while hiking to protect my legs from the sun as well as from plant life as I am allergic to many types of plants. I also like to wear leggings, so long as they are a material that dries fast since leggings are skin-tight. If they were to get wet, didn’t dry quickly, I’d get cold fast if It suddenly got chilly.
As for shirts, I loveeee t-shirts during the spring. I get chilly FAST. I always have a long sleeve shirt on my shirts and tank tops make me too chilly and I like to have the option to take off the long sleeve shirt without getting toooooo chilly.
When it comes to footwear, waterproof is probably the best option at all times of the year, but especially during the spring. As the snow melts and spring showers, it can become pretty muddy. So having waterproof hiking boots/shoes is super important. I highly recommend having long moisture-wicking socks as well as an extra pair in your day pack.
Sun Protection
No matter what time of year you go hiking, sun protection is super important. I highly recommend having some hats. This will protect your face from the sun. My favorite hats are baseball caps that are made of similar material that activewear is made of. This way, the hat is really breathable to allow heat to escape, and any sweat or rain will dry quickly. Also, sunscreen is essential! I don’t care if you don’t get sunburned easily; wear your sunscreen!
When it isn’t too hot, having a long sleeve shirt and long pants can be a good option for sun protection. This way, you have less skin showing and less area to remember to apply sunscreen to.
Rain Protection
Having a poncho or a waterproof rain jacket in the event of a downpour is highly recommended to having in your day pack no matter the time of year you’re hiking. This way your clothes don’t get soaked. Even if your base layers are fast drying and moisture-wicking, it still takes some time to dry.
Favorite Brands
Fabletics
The majority of my activewear is from Fabletics. I love the quality and the different styles that are added each month. I have purchased with Fabletics for around ten years! I have noticed an increased quality in all of their products since the beginning. The brand has also added several staple products. When they first began, they had something new every single month. Now, they may have new patterns in their staple items.
For example, these are my favorite styles
Leggings: Define PowerHold® High-Waisted 7/8 Legging
Sports Bra: Oasis Twist Sports Bra or All Day Everyday Bra
Rather than having a whole new product each month, they release these same styles in limited edition styles and colors.
I still have the leggings from the beginning; they are so thin compared to what they sell now. I use them as a base layer for sleeping when backpacking in the high country for warmth. They have held up, so the quality has been there since the beginning.
My Referral Link will give you 2 pairs of leggings for $24! I highly recommend Fabletics to anyone! You must remember to skip every month, or you will be charged a fee for your membership. You do receive a credit to use toward any item or outfit. I set a reminder for the 1st of every month so that I remember to go in and skip.
Amazon
Amazon has some hidden gems! Here are some of my favorites. For all items listed below, click this link to see them all in one place!
Bottoms
These leggings are SOFT and are high-quality and cost around $25. Supposedly, they are a dupe for Lululemon Aigns, but I have never had one, so I can’t compare them based on my personal experience.
These Fitted shorts are from the same brand, and these Fitted Shorts are super comfy for loungewear or summer running shorts.
These Loose Shorts and Loose Shorts are my favorites! I have several of the same ones.
Tops
At my home gym, most of the time, I am just wearing a sports bra and leggings or shorts. At the gym, I like to have a loose-fitted tank. Here are some of my favs!
This Fitted Crop Tank is my favorite for a little more coverage than a sports bra. This Longline Sports Bra is perfect for that same thing!
This Loose Crop Tank and Loose Crop Tank hit just above the top of high-waisted leggings, which I love! Sometimes, I will size it up to ensure it sits where I want it.
For me, at the gym top, I love this Loose tank or this Loose Tank. I also love these for backpacking and hiking too!
Sports Bras
This Underarmour bra and this Underarmour are my favorites. I have so many different colors in both of these styles. Not only can you get them on Amazon, but you can also find them on the outlet section of the website for older colors!
Shoes
These Under Armor shoes are amazing! I have purchased them over and over. I need to size up a half-size so they are comfy to run in. My usual size is PERFECT, but I need a little extra room in the toes for the impact of running.
Other shoes: Saucony, Asics, and Saucony Trail Runners.
If it is cold, I put on a hoodie. I currently do not have a favorite. Most of the ones I have are black cropped hoodies that I got forever ago. So, I don’t have any specifics to link and recommend.
Amazon
I have found some specific brands on Amazon that I love.
The Gym People
Baleaf
CRZ Yoga
Real Essentials
I hope you found this informative and helpful in deciding what to wear hiking during the springtime. What are your favorite clothing items to wear hiking?
Note: this post may contain affiliate links. I may make a small commission if you make a qualifying purchase through one of the links. Your support allows me to continue to do what I love and share my passion for living a healthy and active lifestyle. I appreciate your support!
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