7 Outdoor Adventure Essentials for Spring

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After a long winter stuck inside, we can’t wait to get out into nature this spring. The downside of being out in nature: wet weather, lack of electricity, and no coffee shops. Fortunately, packing the right gear can solve all those problems, and keep you dry, caffeinated, and fully charged.

Coalatree Trailhead Pants

Coalatree’s world-famous Trailhead Pants raised over $400,000 and are Kickstarter’s highest-funded outdoor pant of all time. It’s easy to see why so many people wanted these pants—they’re made from a stretchy, durable, and eco-friendly material that repels water/stains, and resists tears. 

These lightweight and breathable pants are perfect for spring hikes and travel, thanks to an anti-microbial fabric that allows you to go longer in between washes. Available for men and women, the Trailhead Pants pack down small into their own pocket, and can be worn long or as capris (simply use the drawstring ankle ties to cinch them up).

Columbia Watertight II Cap

Rain shouldn’t stop your outdoor adventures, but having water dripping into your eyes can definitely put a damper on things. Bring Columbia’s Watertight II Cap along on drizzly days, and this hat will keep you dry but not sweaty, thanks to Columbia’s Omni-Tech fabric. This air-permeable coating keeps water out, but allows the inside of the hat to breathe. 

In addition to resisting water, the hat also repels stains, so it will still look as fresh as the day you bought it even after a muddy day out. 

EcoVessel Transit Mug

A mug of hot coffee (or a cold beer, depending on the weather/your mood) makes any outdoor adventure that much better. EcoVessel’s Transit Mug is great for camping or just for sitting outside with friends. The triple-insulated tumbler keeps drinks cold for 40 hours or hot for 4 hours, and the ergonomic handle makes it easy to hold without dropping. 

Take your drink with you anywhere (without spills), as the EcoVessel features a sealed, splashproof sliding-lid. A silicon bumper on the bottom keeps the cup from getting knocked over and ruining your drink. 

ChargeCard Charger

Having a charged cell phone is key in case of emergencies, but colder weather can make your phone die more quickly. Stay in touch without adding significant weight to your pack, with the ChargeCard by AquaVault, which weighs just 3.5 ounces. This ultra-thin credit card-sized charger comes with built-in USB-C, lightening, and micro-USB cables to power up any phone or device. 

Four LED power indicator lights let you see at a glance how much battery you have left, and it can be easily recharged with the included USB cable.

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Eddie Bauer Rainfoil Packable Jacket

Getting caught in an unexpected rainstorm is never fun, but you won’t be unprepared for bad weather if you have Eddie Bauer’s Rainfoil Packable Jacket. This lightweight jacket packs down into its own pocket, so you can always have it with you (it even doubles as a travel pillow when packed up). 

The patented StormRepel DWR finish and sealed seams keep water out without compromising on breathability. 

Fjällräven Samlaren Water-Resistant Backpack

Lessen your impact on the earth while enjoying all that nature has to offer with Fjällräven’s Samlaren Water-Resistant Backpack. Fjällräven’s new Samlaren line is named after the Swedish word for “gather.” All of the Samlaren clothes and accessories are made using leftover fabrics from Fjällräven’s mills and factories.

The backpack is not only sustainably-made, but water-resistant, roomy, and easy to organize (with multiple pockets both inside and out). It’s thoughtfully designed, and features a removable seat pad that you can use to comfortably take a break on cold or wet ground.

Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Boots

For a sturdy, go-anywhere hiking boot, look no further than the Merrell Moab 2. Available in versions for women and men, these rugged boots are completely waterproof, keeping you dry as you cross rivers or get caught in a rainstorm. The Vibram sole comes in handy during wet weather as well, offering up plenty of traction on slippery surfaces.

A removable insole and air cushion in the heel add to the comfort factor, no matter how long or tough of a hike you’re doing.

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

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