Spring Hike

     My wife and I are planning a spring hike in Pennsylvania Memorial day weekend. We are heading off to a wedding and will finish it up with a Sunday spring hike. She received a new trekking cane for Christmas this last year, and is itching to break it in. Spring hikes can be challenging as the weather isn’t very stable yet and, you have to plan on starting out in the cooler temperatures and ending up a little warmer.
     Spring hikes are the perfect time to practice layering your clothes. Start out with a good pair of silk or wicking underwear. This is important to keep chafing to a minimum. I like to layer with a pair of convertible pants. That way I don’t have to carry extra clothing, only the legs of the pants when I remove them. A nice wicking tee shirt covered with a comfortable shirt and maybe a hoody or thin jacket from North Face, depending on the temperature. I also like to start with a wicking pair of socks covered by a good quality wool sock. This keeps my feet dry and comfortable in the hiking shoes. Finish off the spring hike ensemble with a Vaporwick cap from North Face and I’m ready to roll.
      My wife prepares somewhat the same for a spring hike. Active Briefs and a Champion Double Dry Action Shape Sports Bra for comfort, breath ability and support is the base layer. She opts for a fleece jacket from North Face over a micro fiber top. For spring hikes she prefers to carry a pair of lightweight shorts with her to change into. Her feet are sensitive and prone to blisters, so her socks are very important to her. There is always a spare pair of socks in her bag.
      Since it will be a one-day spring hike, we will carry a lightweight daypack each. A couple of Nalgene water bottles and a cold lunch to sit and enjoy during a break will be enough to keep us going. I like to carry my sandals with me too, so that at lunchtime I can let my feet air out. You really need to take care of your feet when out for a spring hike. My wife will carry a small first aid kit, since she is the medical person, in case we need anything while we are out. I’ll have a flashlight and headlamp for safety also. That’s another thing you don’t want to get caught without. Anything can happen in the outdoors, so you need to be prepared.
       Moleskin is the most used item in our hiking first-aid kit. My wife will put some on her normal hot spots prior to our spring hike as a precautionary measure, and will usually replace or add as needed during the day. This is a very inexpensive item that will allow you to be on your feet for long periods of time with out blisters. We always have a couple of extra packages in our equipment bin just in case we decide on a whim to head out. Taking care of your body and feet during the damp cool times can make a spring hike more enjoyable.