{"id":16620,"date":"2026-04-29T12:30:28","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T16:30:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportinglifeblog.ca\/?p=16620"},"modified":"2026-04-29T12:30:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T16:30:30","slug":"your-early-spring-hiking-gear-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/blog\/your-early-spring-hiking-gear-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Early Spring Hiking Gear Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early spring is usually a soft launch of good weather before it truly sticks around. It\u2019s a few days of sunshine, but then it hits you with wind, mud, and a temperature drop the second you\u2019re committed. Which is why your <strong>early spring hiking gear<\/strong> matters more than you might think.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The move is to be prepared for a hike without overpacking but packing smart with adaptable layers, lightweight carry, and just enough contingency planning to keep things enjoyable if conditions shift. And if the sun stays out? Well, that\u2019s just gravy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>What Should You Pack in Your Daypack for Spring Hikes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A well-packed bag is the difference between a relaxed day outdoors and a long, uncomfortable slog back to the car.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stick to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/equipment\/more-gear\/all-bags\/backpacks\/?srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=0&amp;sz=36\"><strong>lightweight daypack<\/strong><\/a> in that 15\u201325L range\u2014enough room for the essentials, without packing for a full expedition. From there:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/equipment\/more-gear\/hydration\/water-bottles-tumblers\/\"><strong>Water bottle<\/strong><\/a>: Something functional and easy to grab, like an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/owala\"><em>Owala water bottle<\/em><\/a>\u2014no fuss, no leaking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Snacks<\/strong>: Salt matters more than you think. This is where GORP comes in\u2026as in Good Old Raisins and Peanuts. Trail mix, bars, whatever keeps you moving without stopping too long.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/search?q=hiking+socks&amp;lang=en_CA&amp;csrf_token=BRPCaKfB62xsBQ2Uh2e86Ol_xdFyeN8h7ofUXtW68eEYGZqeYqw2YesBuvQGX_CaRnW0lj-HDKXLJrVAmpI2OxVerItf7-tLbkySTDHYDv7au7jnfzh_4pqQcqLRhr0viG8dy6k9EPrrbqGV2eIisMJ6ygWSWfda-q08G-bX-4hg5c9zevE%3D\"><strong>Extra socks<\/strong><\/a>: Quiet luxury, honestly. Dry feet can reset your entire mood<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/equipment\/more-gear\/camping\/camping-accessories-trekking-poles\/camping-accessories\/trek-ii-first-aid-kit\/25510165.html\"><strong>Compact first-aid kit<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Navigation basics<\/strong>: Even if you\u2019re just following the trail, it\u2019s not a bad idea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/equipment\/more-gear\/all-bags\/backpacks\/heliad-15-backpack\/25927885.html?dwvar_25927885_color=MANTIS&amp;cgid=all-bags-backpacks#srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"540\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Heliad-15-Backpack-MANTIS.jpg\" alt=\"Arc'teryx Heliad 15 Backpack\" class=\"wp-image-16626\" srcset=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Heliad-15-Backpack-MANTIS.jpg 540w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Heliad-15-Backpack-MANTIS-300x300.jpg 300w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Heliad-15-Backpack-MANTIS-150x150.jpg 150w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Heliad-15-Backpack-MANTIS-370x370.jpg 370w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Heliad-15-Backpack-MANTIS-24x24.jpg 24w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Heliad-15-Backpack-MANTIS-36x36.jpg 36w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Heliad-15-Backpack-MANTIS-48x48.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/equipment\/more-gear\/all-bags\/backpacks\/heliad-15-backpack\/25927885.html?dwvar_25927885_color=MANTIS&amp;cgid=all-bags-backpacks#srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><strong>Arc&#8217;teryx<\/strong><br>Heliad 15 Backpack<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/equipment\/more-gear\/all-bags\/backpacks\/refugio-daypack-26l\/25923615.html?dwvar_25923615_color=WEATHERED-STONE&amp;cgid=all-bags-backpacks#srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"540\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Refugio-Daypack-26L-WEATHERED-STONE.jpg\" alt=\"Patagonia Refugio Daypack (26L)\" class=\"wp-image-16623\" srcset=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Refugio-Daypack-26L-WEATHERED-STONE.jpg 540w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Refugio-Daypack-26L-WEATHERED-STONE-300x300.jpg 300w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Refugio-Daypack-26L-WEATHERED-STONE-150x150.jpg 150w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Refugio-Daypack-26L-WEATHERED-STONE-370x370.jpg 370w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Refugio-Daypack-26L-WEATHERED-STONE-24x24.jpg 24w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Refugio-Daypack-26L-WEATHERED-STONE-36x36.jpg 36w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Refugio-Daypack-26L-WEATHERED-STONE-48x48.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/equipment\/more-gear\/all-bags\/backpacks\/refugio-daypack-26l\/25923615.html?dwvar_25923615_color=WEATHERED-STONE&amp;cgid=all-bags-backpacks#srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><strong>Patagonia<\/strong><br>Refugio Daypack (26L)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/men\/accessories\/socks\/unisex-high-trail-sock-2-pack\/25926357.html?dwvar_25926357_color=BLACK-SPHINX&amp;dwvar_25926357_size=Xs&amp;cgid=men-accessories-socks#start=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"540\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Unisex-High-Trail-Sock-2-Pack-BLACK-SPHINX.jpg\" alt=\"On Unisex High Trail Sock (2 Pack)\" class=\"wp-image-16624\" srcset=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Unisex-High-Trail-Sock-2-Pack-BLACK-SPHINX.jpg 540w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Unisex-High-Trail-Sock-2-Pack-BLACK-SPHINX-300x300.jpg 300w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Unisex-High-Trail-Sock-2-Pack-BLACK-SPHINX-150x150.jpg 150w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Unisex-High-Trail-Sock-2-Pack-BLACK-SPHINX-370x370.jpg 370w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Unisex-High-Trail-Sock-2-Pack-BLACK-SPHINX-24x24.jpg 24w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Unisex-High-Trail-Sock-2-Pack-BLACK-SPHINX-36x36.jpg 36w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Unisex-High-Trail-Sock-2-Pack-BLACK-SPHINX-48x48.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/men\/accessories\/socks\/unisex-high-trail-sock-2-pack\/25926357.html?dwvar_25926357_color=BLACK-SPHINX&amp;dwvar_25926357_size=Xs&amp;cgid=men-accessories-socks#start=1\"><strong>On<\/strong><br>Unisex High Trail Sock (2 Pack)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/equipment\/more-gear\/fitness-monitors-electronics\/vivoactive%23174--6-gps-fitness-smartwatch\/25921127.html?dwvar_25921127_color=SLATE-WITH-BLACK-BAND&amp;cgid=equipment-fitness-monitors-electronics#srule=price-low-to-high&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"540\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vivoactive174-6-GPS-Fitness-Smartwatch-SLATE-WITH-BLACK-BAND.jpg\" alt=\"Garmin vivoactive\u00ae 6 GPS Fitness Smartwatch\" class=\"wp-image-16625\" srcset=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vivoactive174-6-GPS-Fitness-Smartwatch-SLATE-WITH-BLACK-BAND.jpg 540w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vivoactive174-6-GPS-Fitness-Smartwatch-SLATE-WITH-BLACK-BAND-300x300.jpg 300w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vivoactive174-6-GPS-Fitness-Smartwatch-SLATE-WITH-BLACK-BAND-150x150.jpg 150w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vivoactive174-6-GPS-Fitness-Smartwatch-SLATE-WITH-BLACK-BAND-370x370.jpg 370w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vivoactive174-6-GPS-Fitness-Smartwatch-SLATE-WITH-BLACK-BAND-24x24.jpg 24w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vivoactive174-6-GPS-Fitness-Smartwatch-SLATE-WITH-BLACK-BAND-36x36.jpg 36w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vivoactive174-6-GPS-Fitness-Smartwatch-SLATE-WITH-BLACK-BAND-48x48.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/equipment\/more-gear\/fitness-monitors-electronics\/vivoactive%23174--6-gps-fitness-smartwatch\/25921127.html?dwvar_25921127_color=SLATE-WITH-BLACK-BAND&amp;cgid=equipment-fitness-monitors-electronics#srule=price-low-to-high&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><strong>Garmin<\/strong><br>Vivoactive\u00ae 6 GPS Fitness Smartwatch<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><strong>How to Master the Hiking Layering System?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spring hiking lives and dies by your layering system. Temperatures can swing wildly depending on time of day, elevation, and wind exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong><strong><strong>Moisture-Wicking Base Layers<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start with a moisture-wicking base layer. This is your foundation\u2014something breathable that pulls sweat away from your skin to keep you dry. Look for lightweight merino wool or technical synthetics. Cotton is best avoided here; once it\u2019s wet, it stays wet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/men\/clothing\/base-mid-layering\/mens-merino-175-everyday-long-sleeve-crew-top\/25493586.html?dwvar_25493586_color=BLACK&amp;dwvar_25493586_size=Sml%20%20Small&amp;cgid=#q=wool%2Bbase%2Blayer&amp;lang=en_CA&amp;csrf_token=2_2KWgcs11OL4nPO57UQ0mPGAb2K3URaWFsaqNHtsu8FBp8-KwFIhF-SjPdo1-5rhxSCDnBjeIxeZyFO516APHawM2N7gmlDPh1n8obQjXb1ZvunWJAwvL79mURHvrbljnHp9JgFJBLUl4XZVZDek2fFv0W0xm-dMs0Avx5-xMQYonDxJeY%3D&amp;start=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"540\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Merino-175-Everyday-Long-Sleeve-Crew-Top-BLACK.jpg\" alt=\"Icebreaker Men's Merino 175 Everyday Long Sleeve Crew Top\" class=\"wp-image-16631\" srcset=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Merino-175-Everyday-Long-Sleeve-Crew-Top-BLACK.jpg 540w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Merino-175-Everyday-Long-Sleeve-Crew-Top-BLACK-300x300.jpg 300w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Merino-175-Everyday-Long-Sleeve-Crew-Top-BLACK-150x150.jpg 150w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Merino-175-Everyday-Long-Sleeve-Crew-Top-BLACK-370x370.jpg 370w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Merino-175-Everyday-Long-Sleeve-Crew-Top-BLACK-24x24.jpg 24w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Merino-175-Everyday-Long-Sleeve-Crew-Top-BLACK-36x36.jpg 36w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Merino-175-Everyday-Long-Sleeve-Crew-Top-BLACK-48x48.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/men\/clothing\/base-mid-layering\/mens-merino-175-everyday-long-sleeve-crew-top\/25493586.html?dwvar_25493586_color=BLACK&amp;dwvar_25493586_size=Sml%20%20Small&amp;cgid=#q=wool%2Bbase%2Blayer&amp;lang=en_CA&amp;csrf_token=2_2KWgcs11OL4nPO57UQ0mPGAb2K3URaWFsaqNHtsu8FBp8-KwFIhF-SjPdo1-5rhxSCDnBjeIxeZyFO516APHawM2N7gmlDPh1n8obQjXb1ZvunWJAwvL79mURHvrbljnHp9JgFJBLUl4XZVZDek2fFv0W0xm-dMs0Avx5-xMQYonDxJeY%3D&amp;start=1\"><strong>Icebreaker<\/strong><br>Men&#8217;s Merino 175 Everyday Long Sleeve Crew Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/women\/clothing\/base-mid-layering\/womens-merino-260-tech-long-sleeve-crew-top\/25493594.html?dwvar_25493594_color=BLACK&amp;dwvar_25493594_size=Sml%20%20Small&amp;cgid=#q=wool%2Bbase%2Blayer&amp;lang=en_CA&amp;csrf_token=2_2KWgcs11OL4nPO57UQ0mPGAb2K3URaWFsaqNHtsu8FBp8-KwFIhF-SjPdo1-5rhxSCDnBjeIxeZyFO516APHawM2N7gmlDPh1n8obQjXb1ZvunWJAwvL79mURHvrbljnHp9JgFJBLUl4XZVZDek2fFv0W0xm-dMs0Avx5-xMQYonDxJeY%3D&amp;start=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"540\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Merino-260-Tech-Long-Sleeve-Crew-Top-BLACK.jpg\" alt=\"Icebreaker Women's Merino 260 Tech Long Sleeve Crew Top\" class=\"wp-image-16630\" srcset=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Merino-260-Tech-Long-Sleeve-Crew-Top-BLACK.jpg 540w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Merino-260-Tech-Long-Sleeve-Crew-Top-BLACK-300x300.jpg 300w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Merino-260-Tech-Long-Sleeve-Crew-Top-BLACK-150x150.jpg 150w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Merino-260-Tech-Long-Sleeve-Crew-Top-BLACK-370x370.jpg 370w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Merino-260-Tech-Long-Sleeve-Crew-Top-BLACK-24x24.jpg 24w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Merino-260-Tech-Long-Sleeve-Crew-Top-BLACK-36x36.jpg 36w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Merino-260-Tech-Long-Sleeve-Crew-Top-BLACK-48x48.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/women\/clothing\/base-mid-layering\/womens-merino-260-tech-long-sleeve-crew-top\/25493594.html?dwvar_25493594_color=BLACK&amp;dwvar_25493594_size=Sml%20%20Small&amp;cgid=#q=wool%2Bbase%2Blayer&amp;lang=en_CA&amp;csrf_token=2_2KWgcs11OL4nPO57UQ0mPGAb2K3URaWFsaqNHtsu8FBp8-KwFIhF-SjPdo1-5rhxSCDnBjeIxeZyFO516APHawM2N7gmlDPh1n8obQjXb1ZvunWJAwvL79mURHvrbljnHp9JgFJBLUl4XZVZDek2fFv0W0xm-dMs0Avx5-xMQYonDxJeY%3D&amp;start=1\"><strong><strong>Icebreaker<\/strong><\/strong><br>Women&#8217;s Merino 260 Tech Long Sleeve Crew Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Insulating Mid-Layers<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your mid-layer is the piece you\u2019ll constantly negotiate with. Too warm going uphill, not warm enough when you stop. A lightweight fleece or packable insulated jacket usually gets it right. Easy on, easy off, easy to forget about when it\u2019s in your bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/women\/clothing\/coats-jackets\/mid-layer-jackets\/womens-atom-jacket\/25922188.html?dwvar_25922188_color=BLACK&amp;dwvar_25922188_size=Xs&amp;cgid=women-clothing-coats-midlayer-jackets#start=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"540\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Atom-Jacket-BLACK.jpg\" alt=\"Arc'teryx Women's Atom Jacket\" class=\"wp-image-16637\" srcset=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Atom-Jacket-BLACK.jpg 540w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Atom-Jacket-BLACK-300x300.jpg 300w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Atom-Jacket-BLACK-150x150.jpg 150w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Atom-Jacket-BLACK-370x370.jpg 370w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Atom-Jacket-BLACK-24x24.jpg 24w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Atom-Jacket-BLACK-36x36.jpg 36w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Atom-Jacket-BLACK-48x48.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/women\/clothing\/coats-jackets\/mid-layer-jackets\/womens-atom-jacket\/25922188.html?dwvar_25922188_color=BLACK&amp;dwvar_25922188_size=Xs&amp;cgid=women-clothing-coats-midlayer-jackets#start=1\"><strong>Arc&#8217;teryx<\/strong><br>Women&#8217;s Atom Jacket<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/women\/clothing\/coats-jackets\/mid-layer-jackets\/\">SHOP WOMEN&#8217;S MID-LAYER JACKETS<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/men\/clothing\/coats-jackets\/mid-layer-jackets\/mens-xenair-alpine-flex-insulated-jacket\/25926208.html?dwvar_25926208_color=LIGHT-ZINC&amp;dwvar_25926208_size=S&amp;cgid=men-clothing-coats-jackets-mid-layer-jackets#srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"540\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Xenair-Alpine-Flex-Insulated-Jacket-LIGHT-ZINC.jpg\" alt=\"Rab Men's Xenair Alpine Flex Insulated Jacket\" class=\"wp-image-16636\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Xenair-Alpine-Flex-Insulated-Jacket-LIGHT-ZINC.jpg 540w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Xenair-Alpine-Flex-Insulated-Jacket-LIGHT-ZINC-300x300.jpg 300w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Xenair-Alpine-Flex-Insulated-Jacket-LIGHT-ZINC-150x150.jpg 150w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Xenair-Alpine-Flex-Insulated-Jacket-LIGHT-ZINC-370x370.jpg 370w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Xenair-Alpine-Flex-Insulated-Jacket-LIGHT-ZINC-24x24.jpg 24w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Xenair-Alpine-Flex-Insulated-Jacket-LIGHT-ZINC-36x36.jpg 36w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Xenair-Alpine-Flex-Insulated-Jacket-LIGHT-ZINC-48x48.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/men\/clothing\/coats-jackets\/mid-layer-jackets\/mens-xenair-alpine-flex-insulated-jacket\/25926208.html?dwvar_25926208_color=LIGHT-ZINC&amp;dwvar_25926208_size=S&amp;cgid=men-clothing-coats-jackets-mid-layer-jackets#srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><strong>Rab<\/strong><br>Men&#8217;s Xenair Alpine Flex Insulated Jacket<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/men\/clothing\/coats-jackets\/mid-layer-jackets\/\">SHOP MEN&#8217;S MID-LAYER JACKETS<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Outer Layers for Wind and Rain<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An early spring hike without a shell is a gamble that doesn\u2019t always pay off. A lightweight, waterproof jacket\u2014something breathable, something packable\u2014is non-negotiable. You might not need it, but when you do, you really do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/men\/clothing\/coats-jackets\/hardshells\/mens-ducan-guide-hs-hooded-jacket\/25926711.html?dwvar_25926711_color=TSCHIEL&amp;dwvar_25926711_size=S&amp;cgid=men-clothing-coats-jackets-technical-shells#srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"540\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Ducan-Guide-HS-Hooded-Jacket-TSCHIEL.jpg\" alt=\"Mammut Men's Ducan Guide HS Hooded Jacket\" class=\"wp-image-16643\" srcset=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Ducan-Guide-HS-Hooded-Jacket-TSCHIEL.jpg 540w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Ducan-Guide-HS-Hooded-Jacket-TSCHIEL-300x300.jpg 300w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Ducan-Guide-HS-Hooded-Jacket-TSCHIEL-150x150.jpg 150w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Ducan-Guide-HS-Hooded-Jacket-TSCHIEL-370x370.jpg 370w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Ducan-Guide-HS-Hooded-Jacket-TSCHIEL-24x24.jpg 24w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Ducan-Guide-HS-Hooded-Jacket-TSCHIEL-36x36.jpg 36w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Ducan-Guide-HS-Hooded-Jacket-TSCHIEL-48x48.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/men\/clothing\/coats-jackets\/hardshells\/mens-ducan-guide-hs-hooded-jacket\/25926711.html?dwvar_25926711_color=TSCHIEL&amp;dwvar_25926711_size=S&amp;cgid=men-clothing-coats-jackets-technical-shells#srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><strong>Mammut<\/strong><br>Men&#8217;s Ducan Guide HS Hooded Jacket<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/men\/clothing\/coats-jackets\/hardshells\/\">SHOP MEN&#8217;S SHELL JACKETS<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/women\/clothing\/coats-jackets\/hardshells\/womens-beta-jacket\/25929534.html?cgid=women-clothing-coats-jackets-technical-shells&amp;dwvar_25929534_color=MALLOW&amp;dwvar_25929534_size=M#srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"540\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Beta-Jacket-MALLOW.jpg\" alt=\"Arc'teryx Women's Beta Jacket\" class=\"wp-image-16642\" srcset=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Beta-Jacket-MALLOW.jpg 540w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Beta-Jacket-MALLOW-300x300.jpg 300w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Beta-Jacket-MALLOW-150x150.jpg 150w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Beta-Jacket-MALLOW-370x370.jpg 370w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Beta-Jacket-MALLOW-24x24.jpg 24w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Beta-Jacket-MALLOW-36x36.jpg 36w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Beta-Jacket-MALLOW-48x48.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/women\/clothing\/coats-jackets\/hardshells\/womens-beta-jacket\/25929534.html?cgid=women-clothing-coats-jackets-technical-shells&amp;dwvar_25929534_color=MALLOW&amp;dwvar_25929534_size=M#srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><strong>Arc&#8217;teryx<\/strong><br>Women&#8217;s Beta Jacket<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/women\/clothing\/coats-jackets\/hardshells\/\">SHOP WOMEN&#8217;S SHELL JACKETS<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>Spring Hiking Footwear<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What\u2019s happening below the ankle will determine if your spring hike is a success or not. You need something to handle puddles, mud, wet rock, soft ground, all of it.&nbsp; Something like the Keen Targhee Apex Waterproof Hiking Shoes hits a nice middle ground: lighter and quicker than old-school hikers, but still with that roomy fit, grip, and waterproof protection when the trail gets sloppy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/shoes\/men\/hiking-shoes\/mens-targhee-apex-waterproof-hiking-shoe\/25925265.html?dwvar_25925265_color=BRINDLE-CANTEEN&amp;dwvar_25925265_size=7&amp;cgid=#q=waterproof+hiking+shoe&amp;srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"540\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Targhee-Apex-Waterproof-Hiking-Shoe-BRINDLE-CANTEEN.jpg\" alt=\"Keen Men's Targhee Apex Waterproof Hiking Shoe\" class=\"wp-image-16649\" srcset=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Targhee-Apex-Waterproof-Hiking-Shoe-BRINDLE-CANTEEN.jpg 540w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Targhee-Apex-Waterproof-Hiking-Shoe-BRINDLE-CANTEEN-300x300.jpg 300w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Targhee-Apex-Waterproof-Hiking-Shoe-BRINDLE-CANTEEN-150x150.jpg 150w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Targhee-Apex-Waterproof-Hiking-Shoe-BRINDLE-CANTEEN-370x370.jpg 370w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Targhee-Apex-Waterproof-Hiking-Shoe-BRINDLE-CANTEEN-24x24.jpg 24w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Targhee-Apex-Waterproof-Hiking-Shoe-BRINDLE-CANTEEN-36x36.jpg 36w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-Targhee-Apex-Waterproof-Hiking-Shoe-BRINDLE-CANTEEN-48x48.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/shoes\/men\/hiking-shoes\/mens-targhee-apex-waterproof-hiking-shoe\/25925265.html?dwvar_25925265_color=BRINDLE-CANTEEN&amp;dwvar_25925265_size=7&amp;cgid=#q=waterproof+hiking+shoe&amp;srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><strong>Keen<\/strong><br>Men&#8217;s Targhee Apex Waterproof Hiking Shoe<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/shoes\/women\/hiking-shoes\/womens-targhee-apex-waterproof-hiking-shoe\/25925267.html?dwvar_25925267_color=SAFARI-BIRCH&amp;dwvar_25925267_size=6&amp;cgid=#q=waterproof+hiking+shoe&amp;srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"540\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Targhee-Apex-Waterproof-Hiking-Shoe-SAFARI-BIRCH.jpg\" alt=\"Keen Women's Targhee Apex Waterproof Hiking Shoe\" class=\"wp-image-16650\" srcset=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Targhee-Apex-Waterproof-Hiking-Shoe-SAFARI-BIRCH.jpg 540w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Targhee-Apex-Waterproof-Hiking-Shoe-SAFARI-BIRCH-300x300.jpg 300w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Targhee-Apex-Waterproof-Hiking-Shoe-SAFARI-BIRCH-150x150.jpg 150w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Targhee-Apex-Waterproof-Hiking-Shoe-SAFARI-BIRCH-370x370.jpg 370w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Targhee-Apex-Waterproof-Hiking-Shoe-SAFARI-BIRCH-24x24.jpg 24w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Targhee-Apex-Waterproof-Hiking-Shoe-SAFARI-BIRCH-36x36.jpg 36w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-Targhee-Apex-Waterproof-Hiking-Shoe-SAFARI-BIRCH-48x48.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/shoes\/women\/hiking-shoes\/womens-targhee-apex-waterproof-hiking-shoe\/25925267.html?dwvar_25925267_color=SAFARI-BIRCH&amp;dwvar_25925267_size=6&amp;cgid=#q=waterproof+hiking+shoe&amp;srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><strong>Keen<\/strong><br>Women&#8217;s Targhee Apex Waterproof Hiking Shoe<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another solid option is Merrell\u2019s SpeedArc Matis GTX Hiking Shoe, which comes complete with&nbsp; Gore-Tex baked in for wet conditions and quick movement. Either way, the goal is the same: traction, some level of water resistance, and enough comfort that you\u2019re not thinking about your feet by the third kilometre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/shoes\/men\/hiking-shoes\/mens-speedarc-matis-gtx-hiking-shoe\/25925491.html?dwvar_25925491_color=WHITE-SAGE&amp;dwvar_25925491_size=7&amp;cgid=#q=waterproof+hiking+shoe&amp;srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"540\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-SpeedARC-Matis-GTX-Hiking-Shoe-WHITE-SAGE.jpg\" alt=\"Merrell Men's SpeedARC Matis GTX Hiking Shoe\" class=\"wp-image-16647\" srcset=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-SpeedARC-Matis-GTX-Hiking-Shoe-WHITE-SAGE.jpg 540w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-SpeedARC-Matis-GTX-Hiking-Shoe-WHITE-SAGE-300x300.jpg 300w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-SpeedARC-Matis-GTX-Hiking-Shoe-WHITE-SAGE-150x150.jpg 150w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-SpeedARC-Matis-GTX-Hiking-Shoe-WHITE-SAGE-370x370.jpg 370w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-SpeedARC-Matis-GTX-Hiking-Shoe-WHITE-SAGE-24x24.jpg 24w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-SpeedARC-Matis-GTX-Hiking-Shoe-WHITE-SAGE-36x36.jpg 36w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-SpeedARC-Matis-GTX-Hiking-Shoe-WHITE-SAGE-48x48.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/shoes\/men\/hiking-shoes\/mens-speedarc-matis-gtx-hiking-shoe\/25925491.html?dwvar_25925491_color=WHITE-SAGE&amp;dwvar_25925491_size=7&amp;cgid=#q=waterproof+hiking+shoe&amp;srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><strong>Merrell<\/strong><br>Men&#8217;s SpeedARC Matis GTX Hiking Shoe<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/shoes\/women\/hiking-shoes\/womens-speedarc-matis-gtx-hiking-shoe\/25925502.html?dwvar_25925502_color=CASPER&amp;dwvar_25925502_size=6&amp;cgid=#q=waterproof+hiking+shoe&amp;srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"540\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-SpeedARC-Matis-GTX-Hiking-Shoe-CASPER.jpg\" alt=\"Merrell Women's SpeedARC Matis GTX Hiking Shoe\" class=\"wp-image-16648\" srcset=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-SpeedARC-Matis-GTX-Hiking-Shoe-CASPER.jpg 540w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-SpeedARC-Matis-GTX-Hiking-Shoe-CASPER-300x300.jpg 300w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-SpeedARC-Matis-GTX-Hiking-Shoe-CASPER-150x150.jpg 150w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-SpeedARC-Matis-GTX-Hiking-Shoe-CASPER-370x370.jpg 370w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-SpeedARC-Matis-GTX-Hiking-Shoe-CASPER-24x24.jpg 24w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-SpeedARC-Matis-GTX-Hiking-Shoe-CASPER-36x36.jpg 36w, \/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Womens-SpeedARC-Matis-GTX-Hiking-Shoe-CASPER-48x48.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportinglife.ca\/en-CA\/shoes\/women\/hiking-shoes\/womens-speedarc-matis-gtx-hiking-shoe\/25925502.html?dwvar_25925502_color=CASPER&amp;dwvar_25925502_size=6&amp;cgid=#q=waterproof+hiking+shoe&amp;srule=sort-by-newest&amp;start=1&amp;sz=36\"><strong>Merrell<\/strong><br>Women&#8217;s SpeedARC Matis GTX Hiking Shoe<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Early spring is usually a soft launch of good weather before it truly sticks around. It\u2019s a few days of sunshine, but then it&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16640,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[871],"tags":[3151,3147,3161,3155,3153,1251,3149,3159,3157],"class_list":["post-16620","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","tag-hiking-checklist","tag-hiking-gear","tag-hiking-tips","tag-layering-system","tag-outdoor-essentials","tag-outdoor-gear","tag-spring-hiking","tag-spring-outdoors","tag-waterproof-hiking-shoes","post-item","post-even"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Your Early Spring Hiking Gear Checklist - Sporting Life Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Heading out for a spring hike? 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