Spring is a great time to get out hiking if you are prepared for spring run off to spring showers and having the right gear to keep you dry will make all the difference. This gear guide is full of some of our favorite picks for Spring 2014 hiking gear. From waterproof boots to a great snack, this gear guide has you covered from head to toe for your next hiking adventure. For all the ladies some of this gear comes in women’s as well, but check back soon as we are posting a women specific hiking gear guide later this week. Also we have partnered with Wolverine to giveaway a pair of Alto hikers to one lucky winner. Read on to learn more.
Wolverine Alto Hiker
Wolverine offers a customizable profile with the Wolverine Alto, a lightweight, mid-cut hiker with Wolverine ICS technology that serves as a perfect adventure shoe. Wearers can adjust the gel disc under the insole in the heel of the shoe to select their personal level of support. The Alto also features a waterproof nubuck leather upper with an abrasion resistant toe bumper for durability and a M6 Rubber lug outsole for traction. A waterproof membrane guarantees feet stay dry and an Ortholite footbed provide long-lasting support.
Features:
• Waterproof nubuck leather upper with abrasion resistant TPU toe.
• Moisture managing mesh lining with waterproof membrane.
• OrthoLite® footbed with performance arch support and Wolverine ICS®.
• Compression molded EVA midsole.
• M6 rubber outsole.
• MSRP: $152.00
• http://www.wolverine.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/32294M/78963/Mens/Alto-ICS-Waterproof-Leather-Trail-Hiking-Boot
Thorlos TRHXM Trail Hiking Socks
The TRHXM is specifically engineered to provide protection and comfort for men prone to blisters, foot pain, or discomfort. Constructed with THOR•LON® fiber for superior softness, resilience, durability and moisture wicking for drier, better feeling feet. Now you can enjoy trail hikes in any weather, on flat to varied terrain resulting in low to moderate stress on the feet.
Features:
• Clinically-tested padding specifically engineered to provide protection and comfort
• Cushioned instep and arch for better fit, more support and less pressure on feet for a more comfortable hike.
• Ventilation panel for extra moisture control and breathability
• Fiber Content: 60% THOR•LON® acrylic, 20% polyester, 15% nylon, 5% spandex.
• MSRP: $16.99
• https://www.thorlo.com/socks/trhxm/729
Howler Brothers Loggerhead Longsleeve
Most technical shirts look just like that, technical. But if you are looking for a shirt that you can wear out hiking or out to dinner, the Loggerhead Longsleeve is that shirt. Featuring quick-drying 100-percent polyester fabric and all day UPF 45 sun protection, the Loggerhead Longsleeve will surely become a go-to shirt for spring. Additional features include thumb holes to keep the sleeves down and a rear stash pocket lined with sunglass cleaning microfiber.
Features:
• 2-button Henley collar
• Certified UPF 45
• Contrast taping at side vents
• Stash pocket at lower back lined with sunglass-cleaning microfiber
• Thumb holes at cuffs
• Wicking and quick dry 100% Polyester
• MSRP: $65.00
• http://howlerbros.com/products/loggerhead-longsleeve-sp14
North Face Paramount Peak II Convertible Pants
North Face updated the Paramount Peak pants with larger pocket space and improved durability for prolonged use. Pant legs unzip at knees, morphing into shorts, creating the ultimate transitional hiking pant/short combination. DWR (durable water repellent) finish to shed moisture and keep the midweight abrasion-resistant nylon exterior dry when exposed to light rainfall. Elastic waistband at back with front webbed belt closure. This product contains over 90% bluesign approved fabric—a standard for environmentally responsible production.
Features:
• Relaxed fit
• bluesign® approved fabric
• Durable, midweight, abrasion-resistant nylon
• DWR (durable water repellent) finish
• Pant converts to 10” short
• Removable low-profile buckle belt and elastic in waistband for comfort
• Two hand pockets
• Two Velcro® secure cargo pockets
• Two back pockets
• Zip leg opening
• Cell phone pocket
• QuickDry
• Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) 50
• MSRP: $75.00-$85.00
• http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/men-39-s-paramount-peak-ii-convertible-pants.html
Sierra D
esigns All Season Windjacket
When the weather gets cold, windy, or even a little drizzly, the most effective layer to keep you comfortable is a breathable wind jacket. An effective wind blocker with enough air permeability to help sweat evaporate, the All Season Windjacket is ideal for keeping you comfortable during high exertion activities in wind or light rain. A double-woven blend of nylon, polyester, and spandex is highly tear resistant and offers a soft interior for added comfort. Stitch-free, welded construction combines with water resistant fabric and a DWR finish to keep you dry in a light rain. Ideal for hiking or backpacking, the All Season Windjacket features unique vents that allow you to clip a backpack hipbelt under the front of the jacket for a more comfortable, ventilated fit while hand and chest pockets are positioned for accessibility while wearing a pack.
Features:
• Stretch Mobility – 4-way stretch fabric
• Pack-Compatible Pockets – Pockets are accessible while wearing a pack
• Lay-Flat Hood – Designed to lay flat under a pack
• Double-woven fabric is highly tear resistant, yet has soft interior for added comfort
• Fabric blocks wind, yet some air-permeability dries sweat quickly
• Welded, stitch-free construction and water-resistant fabric allows this windwear to pass as light rainwear
• Die-cut underarm vents keep you cool without the bulk and hassle of zippers
• Hem drawcord and adjustable cuff-tabs block out cold
• Trim cut fits over base layer and light mid-layer
• MSRP: $169.00
• http://www.sierradesigns.com/product/mens-all-season-windjacket
Columbia Men’s Pour Osity Stretch Jacket
On those days that a light wind jacket might not cut it, Columbia designed the Pour Osity Stretch Jacket. Spring is famous for rain showers or late snow falls and being caught off guard can ruin any hike. The Pour Osity Stretch Jacket is waterproof, highly breathable and built to move in. This innovative men’s rain jacket is built for intense dynamic movement in seriously wet weather—featuring a premium 4-way stretch fabric outfitted with a waterproof-breathable membrane and the next evolution in sweat-wicking technology to keep you dry and comfortable during all your active outdoor adventures.
Features:
• Omni-Wick EVAP™ advanced evaporation
• Omni-Dry™ ultrabreathable waterproof fully seam sealed
• 4-way comfort stretch
• Attached hood with peripheral adjustability
• Helmet compatible hood
• 2-way underarm venting
• Drawcord adjustable hem
• Interior security pocket
• Waterproof zip-closed pockets
• Contoured sleeve cuffs
• Abrasion resistant chin guard
• Drop tail
• Center Back Length: 29.5 in
• MSRP: $200.00
• http://www.columbia.com/Men%27s-Pour-Osity%E2%84%A2-Stretch-Jacket/WM2711,default,pd.html#detailsTab
Outdoor Research Helium Pants
Inspired by the jacket of the same name, the Helium Pants are a 5.9 ounce fully waterproof-breathable rain pant that you’ll forget you have in your pack until Mother Nature lets loose. Built with super light Pertex shield+ fabric, they are fully seam-taped and feature an elastic waist with a drawcord and ankle zippers.
Features:
• Lightweight
• Accepts Accessory Suspenders
• Ankle Zippers
• Elastic Waist with Drawcord
• Waterproof
• Fully Seam Taped
• Breathable
• MSRP: $119.00
• http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/catalog/product/view/id/41041/category/2220/
Salomon Synapse Flow 30 AW
The new Synapse Flow 30 is a great pack for longer day hikes or for fast, overnight adventures in the mountains. With dynamic shoulder straps and a Motion U Frame, Salomon built this pack to follow and adjust to the wearer’s movement on the trail. Loading and unloading the main compartment of the Synapse Flow is easy with the U-zipped top opening. Air circulation is another key design feature of this pack. A 3D Airmesh waistbelt allows enhanced air circulation and perforated waved foam on the backsystem offers huge ventilation through multiple holes all along the spine.
Features:
• Integrated rain cover
• Internal bladder hanging system
• Adjustable Sternum Strap
• Compression Straps
• Load Lifter Straps
• 1 Main Compartment, 2 Mesh Side Pockets, 2 Belt Zipped Pockets, 1 Zipped Back Pocket, 1 Zipped External Pocket, Top Pocket and 1 Key Holder
• Bottom Gear Carrier
• Stowable Poles Carrier
• Reinforced Bottom
• MSRP $160.00
• http://www.salomon.com/others/product/synapse-flow-30-aw.html
Cotton Carrier Camera Vest
Photographers who love the great outdoors are always looking for a way to reduce the strain on the neck and shoulders that comes from traditional camera neck straps. The Cotton Carrier Camera Vest, is engineered to eliminate neck and shoulder pain, as well as the nuisance of a swinging camera. The vest is made of 1680 Denier Polypropylene for comfort and durability, and its one size fits all photographers. The camera mount receptacle on the vest is constructed from rugged Lexan for durability and security. And the hubs are machined anodized aluminum. A fiberglass-reinforced camera tether, hand strap and universal tripod adapter plate are also included with the vest. The camera hub slides in and is securely mounted into the Camera Vest locking system, and releases instantly when the camera is turned 90 degrees so that you’re ready to shoot in an instant.
Features:
• Eliminates neck straps that cause neck strain and swinging cameras
• Secure camera locking system, with instant release
• 1 camera carrying design
• MSRP: $149.00
• http://buy.cottoncarrier.com/camera-carrier-vest-system-p/635rtl-s.htm
Beyond Coastal’s non-mineral lip balm
Beyond Coastal’s non-mineral lip balm line is number one rated by the Environmental Working Group. The soft and smooth SPF 15 lip balms provide shelter from UVA rays with Avobenzone and effectively blocks 93% of UVB rays, providing everyday sun protection for your lips. Mint Leaf is moisturizing, goes on clear, and is flavored with natural spearmint oil extract. With only 11 ingredients, Beyond Coastal’s inactive ingredients aren’t just empty fillers but work to nourish, repair and hydrate your lips with aloe vera, shea butter, and vitamin E.
Features:
• Broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection stops 93% of UVB rays
• Repairs and restores cracked and dry lips
• Nourishes your lips with coconut oil, beeswax, and yerba mate
• Gluten Free, Cruelty Free, Fragrance Free
• Oxybenzone Free, Paraben Free
• MSRP: $2.99
• https://www.beyondcoastal.com/category/lip-balms/product/mint-leaf-active-lip-balm
Perky Jerky
Perky Jerky is a high-protein and invigorating snack sweetened with guarana that is free of nitrites, preservatives and MSG. This modern day jerky is ideal for active consumers in pursuit of toning and building lean muscle. Flavors include Orginal, Sweet & Spicy, Teriyaki and Hot & Bothered, which are available in both beef and turkey. Tender cuts of meat marinate overnight in a blend of all natural ingredients, including Guarana. Perky Jerky is the perfect snack for the adventure enthusiast.
• MSRP: 1 oz. – $2.99, 5 oz. – $9.99
• http://perkyjerky.com/products
FootBalance QuickFit Insoles
FootBalance QuickFit pre-molded footbeds can be customized to users’ unique feet in one of two ways—either the Wear Mold or Heat Mold methods. With the Wear Mold method, users place the pre-formed footbeds in their shoes, where a natural customization process will take place over time. The Heat Mold method allows users to customize the footbeds in their conventional oven at home, or in a FootBalance oven at participating retailers to quickly contour the QuickFit footbeds perfectly to their feet. By walking around for five minutes, the QuickFit Heat Mold footbeds take form while the patented Balance Plate core provides optimal posture and alignment.
Features:
• Patented dynamic core allows natural movement of the foot
• Heated shaped arches of the foot
• Improves shoe fit and comfort
• MSRP: $45.00
• http://www.footbalance.com/quickfit-online-retailers
DeLorme inReach Freedom Plans
The inReach satellite communicators enable you to send and receive text messages, trigger an SOS for help, and track your GPS coordinates, wherever your trip takes you. It keeps you connected when off the grid and outside of cell phone range. Previously you had to subscribe to a yearly plan if you wanted to use the inReach, but not anymore. Now, users of the inReach or inReach SE can pay for service only when they need it 30 days at a time. Freedom plans make it easier for more people to experience inReach on their backcountry adventures, providing peace of mind for family and friends and making communication possible in the remotest of locations with 100% global satellite coverage from Iridium. inReach sends and receives 160-character text messages, provides global interactive SOS capabilities, offers GPS tracking, and pairs with mobile devices for access to unlimited topographic maps and NOAA charts. A Freedom Plan subscriber pays for inReach satellite service only when they need it 30 days at a time, can suspend service when not in use, and still retain access to their data, such as messages and tracks from previous trips.
Features:
• Freedom Plans start at $14.95 per month for the safety service and go up to $99.95 per month for unlimited messaging and 2-minute tracking.
• A minimum 30-day commitment is required.
• inreachdelorme.com/freedom
