Spring hiking demands gear that can keep up with changing temperatures, unpredictable weather, and long days on the trail. This curated kit from Mountain Equipment Company brings together four standout picks: the Gregory Deva 60 backpack, the Patagonia Better Sweater jacket, the Kari Traa Malia pants, and the Zamberlan 309 New Trail Lite Gore-Tex boots. Each piece earns its place in the pack, and together they make a compelling case for heading out early in the season.
Spring is one of the best times to get out on the trail. The crowds are thin, the light is long, and the landscape is doing something genuinely beautiful. But spring hiking comes with its own set of demands: mornings that start cold, middays that warm up fast, ground that's still damp from snowmelt, and weather that can shift in an hour. Getting the kit right matters more this time of year than almost any other.
Mountain Equipment Company has been outfitting Canadian adventurers for decades, and their current spring selection reflects the kind of practical, performance-first thinking that serious hikers appreciate. Rather than chasing trends, these four picks earn their spot through a combination of smart design, quality materials, and genuine trail credibility. From a woman's pack engineered for heavy loads to a man's fleece that layers like a dream, this is gear built for real days outside.
Here's what made the cut and why.
Gregory Deva 60 backpack (women's)
Available at MEC: mec.ca
Multi-day spring trips call for a pack that can carry a full kit without punishing your body. The Gregory Deva 60 has long been one of the most respected women's-specific backpacks on the market, and the current version refines what was already a strong formula. At 60 litres, it has enough capacity for three to five nights of gear, and its suspension system is what really sets it apart.
Gregory's FreeFloat A3 suspension flexes and adapts to your natural walking motion, moving with your hips and upper body to deliver a genuinely different standard of trail comfort. A perimeter alloy frame surrounds the hipbelt and harness, enabling the suspension to move freely while still managing the load with stability. In practice, this means the pack tracks with you on uneven terrain rather than fighting against your movement.
The fit is genuinely women 's-specific, which matters more than most people realize. The shoulder pads are S-shaped, designed to wrap around the body without the pressure points that J-shaped straps on most unisex packs can create. Both the shoulder straps and hipbelt pivot dynamically as your torso angle changes, adapting to your body shape even when you're not scrambling.
What's packed in
The organizational layout is thorough without being overwhelming. Key features include:
- FreeFloat A3 suspension with auto-rotating shoulder straps and a pivoting hipbelt
- AirCushion foamless backpanel made from 90% open-air mesh for breathability and moisture wicking
- SideWinder bottle holster for one-handed water bottle access while moving
- U-zip front panel for full access to the main compartment without unpacking everything
- Zippered sleeping bag compartment at the base with a removable divider
- 12 external gear loops for trekking poles, ice axes, or sleeping pads
- Hipbelt pockets sized for a smartphone, snacks, or a compact camera
- Polygiene odour-control treatment on all contact surfaces
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Outstanding load-carrying comfort for heavy packs | On the heavier side for the pack itself (~2.1 kg) |
| Genuinely women's-specific fit | Not ideal for ultralight minimalists |
| Excellent organizational options | Premium price point |
| Sustainable recycled fabrics | Hipbelt waterproof pocket can feel stiff |
| Resolable construction | Daypack no longer included |
This pack is built for the adventurer who wants to comfortably bring a few extra luxuries into the backcountry. Everything about it is burly yet plush, which can feel overbuilt if you tend to pack light, but for anyone tackling bigger loads over multiple days, it earns every gram of its weight.
Specs at a glance: Volume: 60L | Max recommended load: 50 lbs (22.7 kg) | Weight: ~2.09 kg | Torso sizes: XS, S, M (with overlapping fit ranges)
Patagonia Better Sweater jacket (men's, New Navy)
Available at MEC: mec.ca
The Better Sweater has become something of a modern outdoor classic, and for good reason. It looks like a knit sweater, feels like one, and carries the sustainability credentials that Patagonia does well. For spring hiking, it fills a very specific and useful role: the midlayer you reach for at the trailhead, keep on through a shady forest climb, and stuff into a lid pocket when the sun hits.
Made from 100% recycled polyester with a sweater-knit aesthetic, the jacket uses a low-impact dyeing process that reduces the use of dyestuffs, energy, and water compared to conventional heather dyeing. It's also made in a Fair Trade Certified factory. The New Navy colourway is clean and versatile enough to work from trail to town without missing a beat.
The fleece is Bluesign-approved, which means the materials used are safe for workers, consumers, and the environment. If sustainability matters to how you spend your gear budget, these aren't just talking points.
Key features
On the trail, the Better Sweater is a comfortable, capable midlayer with a few thoughtful design details that make it especially suited to hiking:
- Raglan sleeves that offer mobility and pack-wearing comfort, so it doesn't bunch up under shoulder straps
- Full-length zipper with a zip-through stand-up collar and kissing-welt zipper garage to seal out drafts
- Three zippered pockets, including a chest security pocket sized for a phone
- Flatseam construction that reduces bulk and helps eliminate seam chafe
- Soft, shape-holding trim at the cuffs and hem for durability
- Regular fit that works as both a midlayer and a standalone piece
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatile midlayer for shoulder-season use | Limited wind resistance on its own |
| Sustainable materials and ethical production | Can feel damp during high-output activity |
| Looks great on and off trail | Pilling possible over time with regular use |
| Raglan sleeves won't fight your pack straps | Arms run slightly snug; consider sizing up if layering heavily |
| Durable and easy care |
One honest note: the Better Sweater is not a windblock. In still conditions, it's warm and comfortable, but when the wind picks up, a shell layer on top is necessary. For spring hiking, where conditions can shift quickly, pair it with a lightweight wind or rain jacket, and it becomes a much more versatile system.
Specs at a glance: Material: 100% recycled polyester knit fleece | Fit: Regular | Weight: ~485 g (men's medium) | Pockets: 3 zippered | Certification: Fair Trade, bluesign
Kari Traa Malia pants (women's, Thyme)
Available at MEC: mec.ca
Baselayer pants don't always get the attention they deserve in a spring kit, but the right pair makes a meaningful difference on cool mornings and variable-temperature days. The Kari Traa Malia pants take a different approach to the category by combining two natural fibres in a targeted panel construction that manages both warmth and moisture regulation.
The main fabric is a blend of 62% Lyocell (TENCEL) and 38% Merino wool, with the contrast fabric at 50% Tencel and 50% wool. The fabric weight is 210 gsm, and the construction uses flatlock seams for a smooth, chafe-free finish. That Tencel content matters: derived from eucalyptus bark using a closed-loop production process, TENCEL Lyocell is soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking, while Merino wool adds natural warmth, odour resistance, and the ability to insulate even when damp.
The Thyme colourway is earthy and understated, fitting naturally into a spring palette without looking like purpose-built base-layer gear.
What makes them work
The targeted panel construction insulates where you need it and sheds heat where you don't, so temperature stays regulated even when the climb gets hard. For spring hiking, where you might start a day at 2°C and hit 18°C by early afternoon, that kind of adaptive regulation is genuinely useful.
- Slim fit and high waist with a wide elastic waistband that stays in place during movement
- Jacquard knit construction and IWTO-certified, traceable, non-mulesing Merino wool
- Naturally odour-resistant, meaning you get more wear out of each pair on multi-day trips
- Quick-drying performance for mornings with creek crossings or unexpected rain
- Fold-up hem and embroidered logo detail
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smart natural fibre blend with real-world performance | Slim fit may not suit all body types |
| Great for multi-day trips (odour-resistant, quick-drying) | Requires hand or gentle machine wash |
| Temperature-regulating panel construction | Mid-weight warmth, not for deep-cold conditions |
| Comfortable enough for camp and the trail | Limited pocket options |
| Sustainable and traceable Merino sourcing |
These aren't bulky base-layer pants designed to hide under hard-shell trousers. The Malias are slim-fitting and flattering enough to wear on their own in milder conditions, which makes them genuinely versatile across the spring range.
Specs at a glance: Main fabric: 62% Lyocell-TENCEL / 38% Merino wool | Contrast: 50% Tencel / 50% Wool | Fabric weight: 210 gsm | Fit: Slim, high waist | Construction: Flatlock seams, jacquard knit
Zamberlan 309 New Trail Lite Gore-Tex hiking boots (men's, Waxed Chestnut)
Available at MEC: mec.ca
If there's one product in this kit that might become a lifelong piece of gear, it's the Zamberlan 309. Italian boot-making has a long reputation for quality, and Zamberlan's Trail Lite GTX epitomizes timeless design and exceptional Italian craftsmanship from a third-generation family factory. It's constructed with a single-piece upper of full-grain Italian leather for durability and a refined silhouette.
For spring hiking specifically, the 309 addresses the two biggest seasonal challenges: wet ground and varied terrain. Snowmelt, rain, muddy approaches, and creek crossings are all part of the equation in April and May, and these boots are built to handle them.
The GORE-TEX Performance Comfort membrane provides 100% waterproof and breathable reliability. A PU wedge absorbs shock and increases lateral stability, while the midsole uses a 3mm rockered Nylon + PE board that provides impact resistance and an easy heel-to-toe roll.
The Waxed Chestnut colourway is the kind that ages beautifully with use and conditioning, developing character over time rather than looking tired.
Built to last
What separates the 309 from a lot of its competition is how it's actually made:
- Single-piece full-grain waxed leather upper with Hydrobloc treatment for water repellence, 2.2–2.4mm thickness
- Vibram Grivola outsole with an aggressive lug pattern for grip in tough trail conditions; the taper and spacing of lugs clear mud and debris as you hike
- Self-locking side hook for a precise, secure fit
- Nylon + PE insole (3mm) for structure and cushioning
- Resolable with original factory Vibram outsoles, extending the boot's lifespan significantly
That last point is worth emphasizing. Many long-term users have worn this model for years and had the soles replaced rather than replacing the boots entirely. In an era of throwaway outdoor gear, that kind of longevity is both economical and sustainable.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full-grain Italian leather with Hydrobloc waterproofing | Premium price point |
| Gore-Tex membrane for all-day waterproof/breathable performance | Runs narrow; wide-footed hikers should try before buying |
| Vibram Grivola outsole for reliable grip on varied terrain | Heavier than synthetic alternatives |
| Resolable for a multi-year lifespan | May require some break-in time for those new to the brand's last |
| Handcrafted in Italy from premium materials |
One sizing note worth repeating: Zamberlan's standard last runs narrow and slightly short, so sizing up from your usual size is generally recommended. If possible, try them in-store before committing.
Specs at a glance: Upper: Hydrobloc full-grain waxed leather (2.2–2.4mm) | Lining: GORE-TEX Performance Comfort | Outsole: Vibram Grivola | Midsole: PU wedge + 3mm rockered Nylon/PE board | Weight: ~680g per boot (size 42) | Made in Italy
How it all fits together
Part of what makes this selection work as a coherent spring kit is how the pieces complement each other across different body temperatures, trail conditions, and trip durations.
| Product | Role | Best conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Gregory Deva 60 | Load carrier for 2–5 day trips | Overnight and multi-day hiking |
| Patagonia Better Sweater | Midlayer fleece | Cool mornings, rest stops, camp |
| Kari Traa Malia pants | Base layer bottoms | Variable-temp days, overnight trips |
| Zamberlan 309 GTX | Waterproof trail boots | Mixed terrain, wet spring conditions |
The Zamberlan boots handle wet, rough underfoot conditions. The Malia pants manage moisture and temperature against the skin. The Better Sweater sits over the top as a warmth layer that goes on and off without fuss. The Deva 60 carries the whole system plus whatever else a multi-day trip demands. It's not a coincidence that these pieces work well together; good layering systems follow a consistent logic.
Where the trail takes you next
Spring hiking rewards the people who show up prepared. The season has a way of testing your kit faster than summer ever does, throwing cold snaps, mud, and sudden rain at you before the trees have even finished leafing out. Gear that can flex across conditions, carry a real load, and hold up over multiple seasons earns its cost quickly.
All four of these products are available at Mountain Equipment Company, a retailer with its own deep roots in Canadian outdoor culture. Each piece reflects a straightforward commitment to performance over marketing: Italian craftsmanship in those Zamberlan boots, Norwegian design sensibility in the Kari Traa pants, Patagonia's decades-long sustainability track record, and Gregory's relentless focus on carry comfort. Whether you're planning a long weekend in the backcountry or easing into the season with some early-spring day hikes, this kit is worth knowing about.
The mountains are greening up. Good time to go.