I’m an avid hiker and cyclist, so when I came across these outdoor apparel products, I just had to try them. Each one offers some serious protection from the cold as we slip into summer. This is the best outdoor apparel of 2025 in my view.
Everything you need to know about this light jacket is summarized with the tech involved, known as Polartec Power Dry fleece material. It has a low warmth-to-weight ratio so you’ll feel warm this spring and summer but won’t be bogged down. Air is trapped and released easily, which makes this jacket ideal for golf, running, or trail hikes.
My favorite running shoe of the year, the Nike Pegasus Premium is springy and comfortable, like running on a cloud of air. The ZoomX foam midsole is absolutely brilliant — providing comfort for long runs and a bounce in your step. (The same tech is used for professional running shoes.) I loved the outsole, which looks like a waffle and keeps you stable and secure.
This crew is amazingly warm, and yet for mountain hikes in my area, it’s still comfortable and breathable. The Threaded Crew is made of 70% cotton and 30% polyester blend. Highlights include rib-knit cuffs and waistband, double-stitched seams, and finely embroidered thread. I wore one on a long hike and felt comfortable and warm the whole time.
Another top contender for outdoor apparel of the year, this Walking Sweater feels like something you would wear in Ireland, not the Midwest. For early morning walks in April, it’s the best I’ve found for warmth without wearing a jacket. Made of 100% worsted wool and lanolin-rich fibers, the sweater is also water-resistant. Because the texture is heavy, it traps heat even during evening campfires in the cold.
My favorite jacket for spring (technically, I started testing it in late winter), the Bearbottom PrimaLoft Packable Jacket is loaded with innovative tech. First, the PrimaLoft Gold insulation is made for thinly-designed but serious protection in cold weather, and it uses 100% recycled material. The ripstop nylon shell is water-resistant as well. Weighs just 10 ounces.
Looking for something stretchy for a fishing trip or just hanging out at the campfire? The Ahi is made of 92% recycled polyester and 8% spandex with a comfy 4-way stretch. It’s also water resistant and offers UPF 50+ for sun protection. There’s a hidden side zip pocket, snap front, vented underarms, and a scalloped hem to keep you looking trim.
Go “green” with this comfortable shoe, which is easy to slip on and use for quick jaunts out to the mailbox or wearing at a campsite, yet they are stylish enough to wear to work. The footbed conforms to your foot over time, and the rubber outsole is also made of super lightweight material.
Another top pick for spring, this soft-shell jacket is the one I picked whenever the spring weather felt nippy. Like many of the best spring gear picks I had for this year, the jacket is water-resistant and made of 90% polyester with a 10% elastane softshell fabric. There’s zippered chest and hand pockets, an adjustable hem, and a full-zip front with chin guard for warding off the cold.
An absolute top pick for me, this popover (it has just a quarter zipper on the front) is like a smart combo of a fleece with a jacket that offers nice protection in spring. The reason? It is a combo of a nylon/spandex shell and lined with a soft polyester fleece — all in one. I loved the style, which has hints of camper life but ideal for the office, too. Has a snap-flap kangaroo pocket and ribbed cuffs. On hikes, the wind just could not penetrate the material.
I’m an avid cyclist and just starting to enjoy the outdoors here in the Midwest. This trail shirt is perfect for casual riding or hanging out at the biking campsite. It’s made of 100% recycled polyester, has moisture-wicking, and offers UPF 50+ for protection from the sun. The hood fits under your helmet as well and offers some nice spring protection.