Seasonal Selections: How to Choose the Right Hiking Gear All Year Round

Hiking is an outdoor activity that’s constantly growing from year to year, and to have a successful experience, you’ll need to stay prepared for your journeys. One of the ways to get the most out of your hiking adventures throughout the year is by being prepared for hiking during any season. 

While trek shoes are very much needed in spring and summer, winter and autumn require the use of sturdier, deeper and more insulating footwear like boots. So, you get the point, right?! Every season needs different equipment for hiking, so if you want to have a booming outdoor season without any difficulties, you should shop for proper hiking gear to navigate the elements successfully.

What Type of Gear Do You Need for Hiking?

Before breaking down what items you need for different seasons, you need to pay attention to the handful of universally applicable and all-weather hiking gear. Regardless of the time of year, you’ll need a quality and waterproof backpack for storing all of your essentials. Having a good hydration system and water filters, a torch, headlamps and cooking utensils is also mandatory as well as having a first aid kit that contains all the basic things like bandages, gauze, saline wash, tweezers and some local antibiotics and antiseptic products for disinfecting and treating cuts, bruises and scrapes.

Hiking Equipment According to Seasons

Spring

Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons for many because this is the time when everything blooms thanks to the mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. However, spring can also be rainy and wet, so staying prepared for everything the weather has to throw at you is paramount. With that said, you should be on the lookout for the following:

Waterproof Gear

Aside from having a waterproof tent, you’ll also need waterproof clothes like a rain jacket and pants. In case your backpack isn’t fully waterproofed, you’ll also need a waterproof backpack cover. Investing in waterproof hiking boots is also crucial to keep your feet dry and warm all the time.

All-Season Tent

Instead of investing in more than one tent, you can invest in a three-season tent which is perfect for being used even in winter, just make sure that the chosen model is waterproof. Most models feature a rainfly that can be easily attached to the tent in case of unexpected bad weather.

Lightweight Sleeping Bag

Given the fact that the temperatures in spring aren’t as low as in winter, for that purpose you’ll need a sleeping bag that’s rated to about -6 Celsius degrees. While the nights may still be chilly, they likely won’t be as cold as in the winter months. A lightweight sleeping bag will keep you warm enough to have a good night’s sleep, but it also won’t weigh you down or take up too much space in your backpack.

Summer

Summer is one of the most favoured times of the year and the perfect one for hiking. But just like any other season, this one requires the use of other travel gear.

Breathable Clothing

When choosing hiking clothes for summertime, the first rule is to choose clothes made from breathable materials. The second rule is to choose a material that also has moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry and comfortable all the time. Ideally, you should choose merino-wool or polyester. And, the third and last rule is to stay away from dark colours and pick lighter colours since they will keep you cool.

Sun and Bug Protection

Wearing sunscreen and sunglasses during summertime is crucial for protecting yourself from the harmful sun. But aside from this protection, you should also protect yourself from bugs and insects. While choosing a tent with a net is paramount, you should also use a special bug spray that contains DEET or picaridin to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay.

Autumn

Similar to spring, fall is also a stunning time of the year with a bit of crispier air but with temperatures that aren’t that low. While spring is all about blooming, autumn is all about descending, however, there’s an incredible beauty in this for those who love it of course. If you want to explore this golden queen and its breathtaking landscapes and colours through hiking, you’ll need some of the following things:

Layers

For hiking in autumn, you’ll need to pack different types of clothes that you can layer according to the temperatures. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s warm, soft, waterproof and with moisture-wicking properties.

Three-Season Tent

This tent is an excellent choice for this time of the year, however, if you plan on hiking throughout the year,m choosing a 4-season tent might be a better option to use it in winter as well.

Warm Sleeping Bag

For this time of the year, you’ll need a sleeping bag that rates to -17 degrees Celsius. Going hiking or camping during the cold winter months can be an amazing experience, but only if you are well-prepared. If you plan on sleeping outdoors, having something to snuggle up in that will keep you warm and shielded from the elements is crucial.

Winter

If you love the idea of exploring new areas while enjoying the view in winter, then, you’ll need to stock on sturdier and warmer equipment.

Four Season tent

As you may already know, this tent is needed so you can stay warm during winter. These tents are designed to withstand heavy snowfall and harsher winds, so you can have peace of mind when choosing one like that.

Four-Season Sleeping Bag

Aside from the tent, you’ll also need to have something warm to sleep in, and these bags are the perfect solution. For an extra coat of warmth, you can pair it with an insulating sleeping pad.

Snow Gear

In times of snow, you’ll also need snow shoes, ice axe and crampons. Make sure to pack a pair of goggles and a bandanna to stay protected against wind and snow.