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Spring is finally here, bringing longer days and warmer weather along with it. Normally, that means it's time to lace up our boots, hit our favorite trail, and enjoy a nice long hike.
But hitting the trail for that first hike of the season isn't the only spring tradition that outdoor enthusiasts look forward to each year. For many hikers, this is a time to take last year's hiking gear out of storage and judging whether or not it might make it through another season.
Evaluating last year's gearPersonally, I start by assessing the tread on my hiking boots and the condition of my rain jackets, two incredibly important parts of my kit. If the tread looks worn down, years of hiking (and sore feet) taught me that it's always better to get a fresh pair.
The same goes for an aging rain jacket. Some regions are soggier than others during the spring months, so it's important to be able to rely on a rain jacket to handle its namesake. Make sure to check all seams as leaking zippers and small tears compromise its ability to keep you dry.
Even my backpacks get the fine-tooth comb treatment. If any straps are fraying or the suspension system isn't providing the correct support, I know it's time for an upgrade. You never want to be several miles into a backpacking trip and realize you're uncomfortable and should've sprung for a different pack.
None of this is lost on outdoor gear manufacturers, either, who time the arrival of their latest products with this annual rite of passage. As a result, companies like Arc'Teryx, Mammut, and Outdoor Research have a host of new products waiting for eager hikers.
Keep return policies in mindThere is one significant challenge hikers face when it comes to buying new gear and that's not being able to try anything out in-person. With many retail outlets closed, they can't just swing by their favorite outdoor shop to check out the latest equipment for themselves or purchase it directly.
Thankfully, many gear manufacturers still sell products either directly through their own websites or via online retailers like Amazon, REI, and Backcountry. Aside from the convenience of offering the gear online, many of these retailers also allow for returns in the event of a wrong fit — and we made sure to only include gear from sites that offer these easy returns, too.
With that in mind, here are a few of our favorite pieces of spring gear should you be shopping for a replacement.
Here is the best spring hiking gear:Editor's note: Although the coronavirus pandemic has made getting outside more challenging right now, health experts say that as long as people adhere to socially distancing standards, it's generally safe to be outdoors.
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