Gear Review: Spring into spring

The lifts have stopped turning, and it’s starting to look and feel like spring. These items are great ways for transitioning into warmer weather while also staying cozy during our cooler mornings and evenings.

Marmot AirExchange UPF 50 Hoodie (women’s and men’s)

Perfect for SUPing, rafting, hiking, or biking, this airy hoodie feels like I’m wearing next to nothing — a freeing feeling after a winter of bundling up. Made from pre-consumer recycled polyester, it’s breathable, soft, and dries quickly — plus, it wicks away sweat. Its relaxed fit, with dropped shoulders, makes it ultra-comfortable to wear. It’s perfect as a cover-up over a bathing suit while on the water; I rely on its sun protection and love the “scuba hood,” which is roomy enough to contain my long, curly hair. When not in use, the hoodie doesn’t cause any bulk or weight, and the neckline folds nicely for a flattering look. Thumbholes provide extra sun protection for hands, which is a big plus. A very small side zippered pocket holds a couple of keys and credit cards; I use it to hold my main car key. If you’re between sizes, I’d encourage sizing down due to its relaxed fit. $70, marmot.com

Backcountry Slickrock Drirelease Long-Sleeve Tech T-Shirt (women’s and men’s)

Backcountry combines silky smoothness with technical, drirelease fabric, which wicks away moisture while feeling ever-so-comfortable. Mesh jersey knit on underarm panels and the back promotes airflow; I broke it in on a very warm Denver visit, where I hiked and remained nice and cool. Two side pockets hold a phone and energy bars, and they’re located in the perfect place — on the side of the body, so there’s no bumping into hip bones or the belly area when you’re walking. I love the lightweight, super-soft, comfortable fit, as well as the subtle, yet reflective, Backcountry graphic on the back. And, speaking of the back, its drop-tail hem prevents any riding up when biking. $59, backcountry.com

Outdoor Vitals Nebo Windbreaker (unisex)

How this windbreaker is so featherlight (4 ounces), breathable, and protective from wind, I don’t know, but Outdoor Vital’s proprietary fabrics and coatings work extremely well. And, it’s not crunchy, like some windbreakers or shells. It’s easy to move in, and it easily rolls up, taking up virtually no space in a pack. When unzipped, the large mesh chest pocket doubles as an airy ventilator, but even with it closed, the windbreaker provides great breathability. The hood fits well, with comfortable elastic you can tuck your chin into. Elastic cuffs with thumb hooks keep sleeves secure so wind doesn’t sneak in. An elastic drawstring at the bottom lets you cinch in the windbreaker at the hips, and the lower drop back also helps prevent drafts to keep you warm. Comes in black and dark forest green. Women should size down. $99.97 ($89.97 for members), outdoorvitals.com

Curious Creatures SunDog Pant (men’s and women’s)

Soft and stretchy, these SunDogs offer so many fun colors, as well as earthy tones, that it’s hard to choose. I got the purplish nightshade to celebrate spring. These lightweight pants are designed for mountain biking, but I love hiking and simply hanging out in them. Bonus: They don’t pick up, or hold onto, dog hair. The stretchy-knit high waistband with a drawcord ensures they don’t ride down while biking and feel seamless against the belly. Built-in articulation within the knee panels sidesteps any pedal restriction and accommodates knee pads. Two snap options below the 7-inch-long opening at the bottom cuff allow it to remain completely snapped shut, partially snapped for a little air, or completely open for more ventilation. Two large, stretchy zip pockets on the thighs hold phones, etc. Oh, and the Sun Dogs make your booty look like a beauty. If you’re in-between sizes, go up. $180, wearecuriouscreatures.com

PAKA Snow Sebastian Socks

Last but not least, I must mention these ski socks, as I’ve been wearing them both skiing and around the house during cloudy days. If you’ve read my sock reviews, you know I’m a sucker for fun graphics, and looking at the skiers and snowboarders sliding under mountains simply makes me happy. But socks also have to perform, and these hit that mark, too. Light, full-sole cushion doesn’t feel tight in my boots. Likewise, the sock’s compression, which runs through the leg and the arch, doesn’t feel tight or restrictive; rather, it energizes my legs. Mesh adds ventilation, making them nice and breathable. Made with traceable alpaca fiber (30%) from Peru, they keep my feet warm without the potential itchiness of wool. $35, pakaapparel.com

Kimberly Nicoletti is a freelance writer, editor, and writing coach. She can be reached at kim@kimberlynicoletti.com