Spring walking gear
Warm sunshine one minute, freezing rain the next. Never fear – the most versatile gear can help you cope with fickle spring weather
Haglöfs Micro Nordic Down Hood Jacket (m/f) £230, haglofs.com
Down jackets make a great lightweight back-up layer when it turns chilly. Synthetic insulation lines the sides of the Micro Nordic Down Hood, from inner cu to waist. The rest is filled with down, treated with durable water repellent (DWR), which helps it stay warm even when conditions are damp. The result is breathable and moderately warm – about right for hikers. The hood is quite close-fitting but the peripheral vision could be better. Other features include an elasticated waist and cu s to keep out draughts, and an external zip to the breast pocket. (JP)
Rab Arc Eco Rain Jacket (m/f) £200, rab.equipment/uk
The Arc Eco’s durable, three-layer fabric keeps wind and rain out, but when things warm up, you can open the underarm vents to let cool air in. It’s made from 100% recycled polyester and constructed using a single type of fabric, which Rab says makes it much easier to recycle when it reaches the end of its life.
The dual-adjustment hood makes a close fit around your face. The two large chest pockets can easily accommodate an OS map, but there is no separate breast pocket. The men’s fit is quite slim, so – depending on your build – you may find that bulky midlayers may not fit easily beneath it. (JP)
Montane Protium Hoodie (m/f) £65, montane.com
This highly adaptable top comes in handy all year round, in all kinds of conditions. A close-fitting hoodie that can be worn over a T-shirt or a thermal base layer, it adds a lightweight layer of breathable insulation thanks to the fabric’s soft, fleecy, grid-like inner surface.
The full-length zip helps you control your temperature. When it’s really cold, the hood zips up over your chin to keep the cold air out. The o set seams make it comfortable when wearing a backpack and it’s so low-profile, you can easily fit a second midlayer on top of it. (JP)
Yeti Rambler 18oz Bottle with Hotshot Cap £30, uk.yeti.com
A hot brew is welcome when temperatures drop. This robust bottle’s stainless-steel double-wall vacuum insulation keep drinks hot and cold for hours. It holds just over 530ml, and the leakproof Hotshot Cap is easy to sip from on the move. (JP)
EDZ Men’s Merino Wool Base Layer Zip Neck Top £59.99, edz.co.uk
On chilly spring days, try swapping bulky midlayers with a thermal baselayer, for lightweight and low-profile insulation. EDZ’s merino-wool base layer is solid and relatively a ordable (a similar version is available for women). It dries quickly and has remarkable anti-odour properties, so it seldom needs washing. The fit is close, without being tight, so there is good freedom of movement. There are wellplaced thumb loops on the cu s, and a half-zip on the neck can be pulled down to the chest, allowing you to release heat quickly and easily if needed. (DG)
Vented hiking trousers
When you get too hot you can always peel off a layer from your upper body, but what if your lower half is overheating? For some reason, vents in hiking trousers are rare, but they are a great way to keep cool when the weather turns warm.
Fjällräven Vidda Pro Ventilated Trousers (m/f) £180, fjallraven.com
These well-made, tough and durable trousers will doubtless survive 1,000 gnarly scrambles – as well they should at an undeniably stiff price. They will also keep you cool, thanks to the zip-vents. These open from hip to knee (a meaningful 25cm long on the men’s size 48 I tested), letting cool air in when you need it.
The wind-resistant polycotton fabric can be waxed to repel water and is extremely robust, with extra reinforcement over the knees. These trousers have a lot of features without looking fussy, including two pockets at the hip and three on the thigh. A panel of stretchy fabric tapers from groin to knee, to help you move freely. (JP)
Montane Men’s Terra Pants £90, montane.com
Launched in 2001, Montane’s classic Terra Pants were among the first walking trousers to feature vents. There may be some readers who prefer not to show a glimpse of thigh through the vents. You’ll be pleased to hear that unlike the Vidda Pro trousers above, the Terra’s vents are fitted with a mesh fabric that preserves your modesty, while allowing cool air to circulate.
Cut for comfort and ease of movement, these trousers are tough and breathable. The nylon fabric feels like cotton; panels of tough Cordura fabric reinforce high-wear areas: knees, inner ankles and backside.
The classic version of the Terra is for men only, but the range has several o shoots. Terra Ridge Pants for women (£95) include vents and have a closer fitting cut, made with stretchy fabric for comfortable movement. (JP)
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