Gear Up for Spring: Essential Hiking Equipment for Changing Conditions Spring hiking offers some of the most spectacular outdoor experiences — vibrant wildflowers, gushing waterfalls, and trails less crowded than summer peaks. But anyone who's ventured out during this transitional season knows it can be unpredictable. One minute you're basking in sunshine, the next you're scrambling for cover from an unexpected downpour. I learned this lesson the hard way on a supposedly "mild" April hike in the Cascades several years back. Three hours in, what began as a perfect blue-sky day transformed into a miniature monsoon, leaving me shivering in cotton clothes (rookie mistake) and squelching through mud in inadequate footwear. Let's make sure you avoid my soggy fate! Why Spring Hiking Demands Special Preparation Spring conditions present unique challenges that require specific gear considerations: Temperature fluctuations (sometimes 30+ degrees in a single ...