Spring Walking Tune-Up Week 2: Tune Up Your Walking Gear

This is part 2 in our Spring Walking Tune-Up series. For a look at the topics we’ll be covering (and to catch up on past posts), be sure to bookmark the series introduction page.

As we get closer and closer to the official start of spring, more of us are venturing back outside for our daily walks—or, if we’ve been walking outside throughout the winter, we’re starting to shed some of our cold-weather layers. As the seasons change it’s time to take a look at our go-to gear. Last week, we talked about giving our walking shoes a check-up (check it out here). And this week it’s time to refresh the rest of our gear.

Winter Is Rarely Kind…

If you’ve been walking outside throughout the winter, there’s a chance that your go-to gear has taken a hit. Winter weather means piling on extra layers and extra gear. It also means things like snow and ice and mud and maybe even salt—and that can damage gear over time.

Maybe your winter walking gear is showing signs of wear—or salt stains. Before you pack away your winter weather walking gear, make sure it’s cared for. Be sure to wash it and check for wear and tear—and if it needs to be retired and replaced, check out end-of-season gear sales. Not only can you get a good deal on next year’s gear, but you also won’t find yourself scrambling to buy new gloves or a new hat or some other gear as soon as the cold weather hits in October.

Plan Your Spring Layering Strategy

Whenever the weather starts to change, it’s time to change up your walking wardrobe right along with it. It’s not always easy to know exactly what to wear for your daily walk—especially in the spring, when the weather can be unpredictable. The temperature might say 65 degrees. It might look sunny. But when you get outside, you realize that there’s a cold wind blowing through. Or you might head out on your walk, only to get caught in the rain halfway through. That’s why it’s important to dress in layers.

Always choose breathable fabrics for your walking gear. Polyester blend performance gear is breathable and quick-drying, so you won’t end up with layers of sweaty armpit fabric. Start with something light—something you’d wear on a warm, sunny spring day. For me, that’s a pair of compression leggings and a short sleeve tech shirt.

On top of your light base layer, bring along a more protective mid-layer. I have a few lightweight full-zip hoodies that are my go-to layers for this time of year. They give me extra coverage, in case it turns out to be chillier than I expected. I can keep my arms covered and even cover my head if that cold spring wind starts to chill my ears. And I tend to prefer full-zip options instead of half-zip, so I don’t have to try to pull something over my head while walking if I want to take it off. I can just unzip, take it off, and tie it around my waist.

If the forecast shows a slight chance of rain, you’ll want to pack a light rain shell, just in case. I can’t tell you how many times that low-low chance of rain has turned into a quick shower on the trail—and I was left without a rain jacket. Don’t make the same mistake that I have; come prepared for the elements!

Make Some Spring Updates

As you’re bringing your spring gear out of seasonal storage (for me, that’s a gear bag in my closet), be sure to give it all a quick check—just like you did with your winter gear before packing it away. Make sure it’s all in good condition and ready to hit the trail.

Before you head out on your spring walks, see what needs updating or replacing. And, while you’re at it, pick up a few small items to upgrade your current gear. Things like cushy new walking socks can do more than just increase your comfort levels; they can also just make you happy when you put them on. I love a bright, colorful, cushy pair of walking socks—and when I put them on in the morning, I always feel cheery and comfy and ready to hit the trail.

While you’re prepping your gear for spring, you might also want to pick up some reflective gear for those evening walks. Check other gear like your handheld water bottle, too, to see if it needs a good deep cleaning—or maybe just a replacement.

And, while you’re at it, find some new entertainment for the new season, too. Download a new audiobook to enjoy while you’re on the trail. Or make a new playlist for some musical motivation. If you need some help, we’ve got all kinds of great suggestions!

Don’t Forget Your Other Spring Essentials!

If you live in a place where the winter months tend to be gray and gloomy—or if you’ve spent the colder months walking indoors—you might have forgotten about some of the sunny-day walk essentials. As the sun returns, you’ll need to remember to apply sunscreen to protect your face, your arms, your legs…and places like the tops of your ears and the back of your neck. Don’t wait until the first burn of the season to start protecting your skin!

While you’re at it, don’t forget to protect your eyes from the sun, too! While I wear my favorite goodr sunnies year-round, there haven’t been a lot of days over the past few months when I’ve actually needed them. Now, however, you’ll need them again. So make sure you grab some sunglasses on your way out the door—or, if you prefer, a visor or hat.

But it’s not just the sun that returns in the spring; it’s also the flowers and grasses and leaves…and all of the other things that make you sneezy and itchy. If you suffer from spring allergies, be sure to stock up on your favorite allergy meds before you venture outside, so you’ll be ready when allergy season strikes.

New seasons often call for new gear—from the warm, fleecy layers of winter to the cooling towels and hydration packs of summer. So as you make the transition from chilly winter walks to warm, sunny spring walks, it’s important to rethink your gear.

What’s one piece of gear that you need to refresh this spring?