10 of the Best Gear Items for Spring 2025
It’s officially a new season! Welcome, Spring 2025…
While spring might not have “sprung” in most of the country yet, flowers will soon be blooming, snow will be melting on mountain trails and fledglings will be learning to fly.
And you can get outside, too, with these 10 must-have gear items for spring outdoor adventures.
Icebreaker Cool-Light Featherlight SS Crewe
Icebreaker’s lightest merino fabric to date, the new Merino Blend 75 feels like nothing next to your skin. Meant to keep you cool during the warmest of workouts, this layer will transfer seamlessly from warm spring days to hot summer adventures. Made from 20 per cent ethically sourced merino wool and 80 per cent TENCEL®, this ultra-breathable, quick-drying, odour-resistant top is still incredibly soft and comfortable. With a jersey-like appearance, be aware—it’s very transparent.
Kari Traa Anelie Tights
I’ve dubbed these my Kim Possible pants thanks to the numerous utility cargo-style pockets. These hiking pants are streamlined, snug and stretchy against my legs. Safety stripes on the back make you visible on train runs when the sun dips below the trees and the UPF40+ fabric keeps you protected on sunny, exposed summits. The drawstring allows you to customize the size, though I found the size chart to be exactly right for my size. These are my new favourite slim-fit leggings with adjustable looseness for the perfect fit on any outdoor adventure.
Price: $111.96
Buy them here: Kari Traa Anelie Tights
Kari Traa Froya Bra
Comfortable, supportive and moisture-wicking, this is my new favourite hiking bra. It offers light support (no wires to be seen!) and removeable cups. The racerback style stays hidden beneath most tops and doesn’t get in the way of backpack straps. The fabric is smooth and sweat-wicking, made with quick-drying polyester and elastane. With a thick, wide ‘Kari Traa’ branded band under the bust, the fit feels comfortable and covered—it’s stretchy yet secure. The mesh panel allows heat to escape on warm spring hikes while the slim shoulder straps are adjustable for the perfect fit.
Price: $41.96
Buy it here: Kari Traa Froya Bra
The North Face Mountain Jacket 2025
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of their most iconic designs, The North Face has released an all-new Mountain Jacket. Made with 75 per cent recycled, regenerative, renewable and/or organic fabrics by weight, the jacket can also be recycled when you’re done with it as part of their commitment to exploration without compromise. The cropped style transitions easily from the mountains to urban adventures. The DryVent™ Mono delivers seam-sealed, waterproof protection in a mono-material construction, plus a durable water repellent finish will keep you dry and comfortable. With alpine-style pockets, adjustable hem and cuffs, it’s the perfect outer layer for slushy spring adventures when you’re not sure if it will rain or snow.
Price: $339.99
Buy it here: The North Face Mountain Jacket 2025
MEC Trek Pants
Looking for the comfiest pair of fleece pants to live in? Go ahead and rot on the couch after any outdoor adventure in these Trek Pants. Stretchy, warm and fuzzy, these are made of cozy midweight recycled polyester and spandex fleece with a soft-brushed finish. The elastic waistband features an internal drawstring, and the slim fit leg style allows for easy layering under hardshell pants. With two zippered pockets, a sweatpants-feel and cozy warmth for cool spring evenings, you can find me relaxing in these pants at the campground all season long.
Price: $89.95
Buy it here: MEC Trek Pants
MEC Wet Coast Waterproof Wide Brim Hat
Living in Vancouver, I rarely step out my door without an umbrella—especially in the springtime. But on outdoor adventures, when you want your hands to remain free, a waterproof hat is your new best friend. Yes, it looks a little silly, but style comes after comfort and remaining dry on a long hike. The dual-layer waterproof nylon with a DWR finish is still breathable; the fully taped seams prevent water from seeping in while the polyester mesh lining and sweatband wicks moisture away from your forehead. Find your perfect fit with the adjustable buckle. Bonus: the brim works just as well as a shade provider on those hot, sunny days.
Price: $49.95
Buy it here: MEC Wet Coast Waterproof Wide Brim Hat
MEC Pack Rain Cover
Need a way to keep your belongings from getting wet? Just because your gear is in a backpack, doesn’t mean it’ll stay safe and dry. If your daypack or overnight backpacking pack doesn’t already come with an attached rain cover, you’ll want to pick up one of these. Made of durable 75 D polyurethane and coated polyester, these seamless pack covers come with an attached stuff sack and will cover any backpack you’ve got, from 10 litres to 100. For only about $15 to $30, it’s well worth the price to keep your camera, layers, food and more from becoming a sopping moist mess in the bottom of your bag.
Price: $15.95–$29.95
Buy it here: MEC Pack Rain Cover
Nikwax TX.Direct Waterproofer Spray 300ml
Spring showers don’t stand a chance against this waterproof spray. Did you know that even heavy-duty waterproof jackets lose their durable water repellency finish over time? Dust off your spring coat and give it a spritz to restore the waterproof-breathable laminates and coatings. Simply spray and let dry. Safe to use on GORE-TEX® and most waterproof-breathable material—including fabrics with knitted wicking linings, single wall tents and items that can’t be machine-washed. Prewash your item with a mild soap before treating it. Made in the UK, you know it’ll outlast Canada’s rainstorms.
Price: $22.95
Buy it here: Nikwax TX.Direct Waterproofer Spray 300ml
KEEN KS86 Sneaker
KEEN has absolutely no business making a sneaker this stylish. Known for their utilitarian—and often, well, unique-looking—water shoes and sandals, the all-new KS86 is a swift departure from the trailway to the runway, or at least to the city streets. They still have that trail DNA, though—with a high-grip sole, Eco Anti-Odour (great because they look awesome sans socks), retro suede touches and strong arch support. Be prepared for people to ask, “Are those… KEENs?” as these lightweight kicks will stand next to any stylish sneakers on the shelf. —David Webb
Price: $140
Buy it here: KEEN KS86 Sneaker
Helly Hansen Cascade HellyTech Waterproof Low Cut Hiking Boots
There’s a lot to be said about a simple, trail-ready, all-purpose shoe that’s waterproof and supportive. You can wear them running errands in the spring, dashing through slush and puddles with ease. Dog walks in the rain? Done. Quick hikes in the park? Handled easily and without the need for strapping on some big clodhoppers. Outfitted with HellyTech Waterproof membrane, seam-sealed, quick-dry and with multi-directional traction—the Cascade HellyTech Waterproof Low Cut Hiking Boots are up to just about any challenge. I appreciate the heel-and-toe protection during the former and the all-day comfort for the latter. And you can feel good about your gift, as more than 70 per cent of the upper is made from recycled materials, and the DWR is PFC-free. —David Webb
Price: $170
Buy it here: Helly Hansen Cascade HellyTech Waterproof Low Cut Hiking Boots
BONUS: MEC Northern Light Hoodie
Spring is the perfect season to test out the MEC Northern Light Hoodie and let me tell you, it’s become my new best friend. I took it out for a run on a pretty windy morning and expected to feel chilled but I was surprised how the soft, brushed interior traps heat effectively without feeling bulky. It is a fantastic lightweight, warm and versatile layer for cool weather activities. It’s perfect for runs, hiking or evening boat rides at the cabin. The stylish design is surprisingly flattering, and I love the hood which is generously sized to keep your ears and neck toasty. Overall, the MEC Northern Light Hoodie is a solid mid-layer for comfort and packability. It balances warmth with breathability, making it a reliable choice for transitional seasons. —Adrianna Szarek
Price: $131.97
Buy it here: MEC
