As the days get longer and the temperatures start to rise, there comes a time when you put away the heavy coats and thick wool layers, to bring out the light and cool layers for Spring and Summer. Whatever your favorite activity is in the warmer months, you need to be prepared for warm days, cool nights, and whatever else Mother Nature throws your way. That's why we've compiled a list of our recommendations for wool gear to help keep you warm (or cool) and protected, no matter what you're into.
Upper Body
When it comes to what kind of shirt to wear outdoors, you want to get the most out of your base layers. That's where our Lightweight and Midweight tops come in. Great for layering under each other, a sweatshirt, or other outerwear, these Merino wool shirts will provide just the right amount of warmth, without overheating you. With properties like moisture-wicking, insulating when wet, and keeping you protected against harmful UV rays, these tops are sure to keep you comfortable and protected!
Our Sequoia Women's Midweight Wool 1/4 Zip or the Isolation Men's Midweight Wool 1/4 Zip are great mid-layers, ideal for when temperatures vary throughout the day. The zipper allows for venting if you start to get too warm without having to remove the layer.
Layer these with a Lightweight longsleeve or shortsleeve crew, like our Men's Algonquin Lightweight Wool Shortsleeve Crew Women's Appalachia Lightweight Shortsleeve Crew, Men's Ticonderoga Lightweight Wool Crew, or Women's Moriah Lightweight Wool Crew, for a perfect base layer system!
Lower Body
We all have the dreaded decision of what to wear in the shoulder seasons: do I wear pants for when it's chilly or shorts for when it's warm? While there may never be a right answer, we do have a few solutions.
The Woolverino Midweight Wool Leggings for Women and the Woolverino Midweight Wool Flyless Running Tights are great layering pieces and will be a go-to no matter which activity you decide to take on this Spring. You can wear them underneath pants, shorts, or just as is!
Check out the Saratoga Lightweight Wool Bottom for Men and the Magalloway Lightweight Wool Bottoms for Women if you'd like a lighter option.
We also recommend the Chugach Men's Expedition Zip-Off 3/4 Bottoms. Perfect for hunters and hikers alike, who start in the early morning with freezing cold temperatures only to be sweating by mid-morning, these pants are the solution to taking off all your gear to remove a layer. Just unzip the sides and shed (or add) this layer when the time comes.
Accessories
Spring hiking means the weather is getting warmer, but wearing or packing a hat is considered essential, even in warmer months. According to NH Fish & Game's list of gear to bring with you no matter when you decide to hit the trails, you should always carry a hat, extra socks, gloves or mittens & a neck gaiter. Minus33 offers a variety of options for each.
Our Ridge Cuff Wool Beanie is the beanie for everyone! Available in 20+ colors, and made from 100% Merino wool, this lightweight hat will keep you warm while staying comfortable and packable. Our Midweight Wool Neck Gaiter is available in 20+ colors, made from the same fabric as the Ridge Cuff Beanie, and is sure to keep your face and neck warm and protected!
Our Mountain Heritage Sock collection has a sock no matter what your preferences are! With seven different heights and four different cushion levels, we've got you covered, warm, and comfortable. There really is a sock for every activity, season, and adventure!
HikeSafe recommends gloves on their list of the 10 Essential's to always carry in your pack, no matter what season you're hiking in! Our Merino Wool Glove Liners pair well with a waterproof glove for extra insulation and warmth or work well on their own when temperatures aren't extreme. When you still need to the function of your fingertips - hunting, photography, etc. - our Merino Wool Fingerless Gloves are our solution! With the same moisture-wicking, insulating, and breathability of our base layers, these gloves are a great addition to your gear!
While temperatures are steadily getting warmer, our White Mountain Woolen collection includes our favorite Wool blankets! Perfect for car camping, picnics at the summit, tailgating blankets for spring sports, a beach blanket, and more! Shop the Camp Blanket, a perfect throw size, or the Lodge Blanket, a twin size.
Whether you're out early in the morning for a hunt, hiking local trails, or starting your through-hikes, ensure you're always prepared and have a base layer system. Pack your essentials, plus a few extras, and enjoy the Spring season!
Written by Meaghan Ruby for Minus33. Featured image provided by Alex Fazekas-Boone. Midweight 1/4 Zip and Lightweight Tops Image Credits to Alex Fazekas-Boone and Mahting Productions. Lower Body Image Credits to Mahting Productions. Headwear Image Credit to Sam Davies - Three Peaks Media. Sock Image Credit to Every Mile Creative. Blanket Image Credit to Khai Ren Quek & Mahting Productions.