It's that time of year again! Spring is officially here to stay, and summer is just around the corner. The weather is at its absolute best right now--consistently sunny and warm but not yet stiflingly hot like it will be later in the summer. What better way to make the most of conditions like that than by embracing all of your favorite outdoor activities once again?
The return of picture perfect weather means it's also time to update your wardrobe with a few new essentials. It's time to invest in some new seasonal gear, too. Here, we'll take a closer look at some of the absolute essentials you'll want at your disposal when you explore your favorite outdoor activities this spring. Which will you be adding to your wardrobe?
Relaxing Spring Picnics
When the weather's dreary or chilly, spending a relaxing afternoon with family or friends usually means nesting on the couch with snacks and a full Netflix queue. Now that spring's officially here, picnics are back on the menu, and we couldn't be happier about it! Consider snagging the following items to make sure your spring outings are everything you've been dreaming about all winter.
Ponchos
Warm weather clothing staples like shorts, tank tops, and sundresses are practically mandatory when it comes to picnicking. Even so, you never know when things will get unexpectedly chilly or wet. Leave last season's jacket at home and reach for one of this spring's elegant ponchos instead. You'll beat the chill and keep yourself cozy without looking out of step with the season. Look for pretty colors like fuchsia or teal, energetic stripes, and cute bohemian touches like decorative pom-poms.
Strappy Sandals
The feeling of fresh new grass or warm sand between your toes is quite possibly one of the most enjoyable sensations associated with spring. Of course, going barefoot is the ideal way to enjoy it to the fullest. The rest of the time, you can enjoy the next best thing--beautiful, ultra-comfortable sandals that feel barely there. This season is all about strappy, super-open designs that leave your feet with plenty of room to breathe. Think hippie-style flats, gladiator sandals, and neutral tones that go well with everything.
Beverage Chasers
No proper picnic can be considered complete without plenty of ice cold beverages to enjoy. Balmy spring or summer weather can make keeping things perfectly cold a little challenging, but a set of beverage chasers can make unpleasantly warm drinks a thing of the past.
Check out this handy Chasertini from Orca. Use it to keep any mixed drink ice cold, from martinis for the adults, to spring punch and lemonade for the kids. Just make sure you stash extras in your picnic basket or beach bag in case some extra friends or family members decide to join at the last minute!
Exhilarating Spring Workouts
If you're a fitness enthusiast, you look forward to being able to swap your winter wear for shorts and t-shirts when it's time to enjoy the weekend. Springtime also means lacing up your favorite pair of shoes and getting active outside after months of being cooped up at the gym. Make sure you're ready to embrace all of your favorite ways to work out with the sun on your skin and fresh air in your lungs with options like the following essentials:
Walking Slip-Ons
Whether you're a bona fide workout enthusiast or just someone who loves spending a nice day wandering around on foot, there's nothing like a good, long walk this time of year. A great pair of walking shoes is absolutely essential, though. This season, some of the hottest, most comfortable walking shoes are laceless. Think sleek, comfy options in cheerful colors from brands like Converse and Skechers! They're just right for marathon shopping trips or long days at the amusement park with the kids.
Capri Pants
This spring, capri pants are back with a vengeance, and they're not just for casual gatherings with friends. You'll also be seeing a lot of them at the gym and on your local running trail, so now's the time to stock up! Of course, you can stick to basics like black, white, and gray, but colorful patterns and bright neon hues are also very much in style. Look for everything from florals, to stripes, to pop art-inspired prints. Anything goes!
Colorful Cross-Trainers
If you need a new pair of cross-trainers this season, we've got excellent news for you. This season's popular styles are just as pretty to look at as they are practical to wear for your toughest workouts. Look for eye-catching colors like cobalt, electric pink, sea foam, and citron from top brands like New Balance, Skechers, Easy Spirit, and Merrell.
Weekend Camping Trips
If you're a nature lover, then the chances are pretty good that you've already started putting together your late spring and summer camping schedule. You know which national parks you want to visit and who you'd like to invite to share the occasion. You probably even made a checklist of important things to bring. You don't want to hit your favorite campsite with an incomplete gear collection, though. Do you have all of the following squared away?
No-Nonsense Cooler
If you're planning on logging some serious time in the tent this season, you're probably all stocked up on non-perishable essentials like peanut butter and trail mix. However, no proper camping menu could possibly be considered complete without a few items that need refrigeration. The problem is making sure those items stay fresh and edible from the first day of your adventure to the last.
Snag a heavy-duty cooler from a trusted name like Orca, and you'll never have to worry about overdoing it with the perishables for your camping trip! Look for options with integrated insulation, and you can trust that your juicy steaks and favorite morning bacon will stay nice and fresh.
Camping-Grade Hammocks
Don't simply assume that a hammock is something you can only enjoy at home in your porch or back yard. Add an ultra-durable all-purpose hammock like this option from ENO to your knapsack, and you can experience comfort right there in the middle of the woods as well. Many of today's hottest options are even roomy enough for two! Use yours to unwind after a long day of hiking your favorite trail or bring it as a bedtime alternative for those who prefer not to sleep on the ground.
Serious Hiking Boots
There are plenty of awesome ways to spend a day when you're out in the middle of the wilderness, but we can't think of a better one than hiking. You definitely don't want to trust your adventure to just any old pair of hiking boots, though.
Make sure yours are in good shape or treat yourself to an upgrade before tackling the trail. Look for high-top hiking boots from trusted brands that are well-known for producing high-performance products, like Timberland, Keen, and Merrell.
Sundays in the Garden
Are you one of the many people who feels most fulfilled at the end of a spring day when there's dirt under your fingernails? Is it hard for you to think of your summer as complete without plenty of fresh vegetables on the table, each grown from organic produce from your backyard? You're definitely a gardener, then. Keep your plot going strong by treating yourself to some new accessories this spring and tend those seedlings in style!
Super Comfy Clogs
If you're like many serious gardeners, you practically live in your favorite pair of clogs this time of year, for many good reasons. Clogs are supportive and comfortable. They're also absolutely perfect for spending time in the garden, whether you're hard at work hoeing and weeding or simply enjoying a little afternoon downtime with a good book.
Why not treat yourself to a contemporary pair of clogs that are popular this season? They offer phenomenal support, beautiful prints, and vibrant colors from trusted manufacturers like Dansko. Dansko clogs are ideal for spending long afternoons on your feet. However, they're also some of the most beautifully unique clogs on the market today.
Insulated Drink Container
Digging in the dirt can leave you very thirsty after a while, especially when you've decided to make it an all-day affair. Make sure you always have something to sip close at hand, with an insulated cup or thermos. A quality container is just as good at keeping your morning mocha hot as it is making sure your afternoon iced tea stays cold. Plus, sturdy materials and airtight seals make it perfect for using in the garden!
Utility Gloves
Are you just as hands-on when it comes to tasks like mending fences, pruning fruit trees, and constructing raised vegetable beds? Make sure your hands are properly protected with a solid pair of utility gloves. Look for features like reinforced thumb patches, wraparound palms, and sturdy elastic cuffs to make sure your hands stay extra safe.
Outdoor Get-Togethers
Are you the type of person that immediately starts shopping for swimsuits and planning your first pool party the minute the weather starts warming up? Do holidays like Memorial Day and Independence Day invoke the smell of hot charcoal and plump, juicy burgers sizzling on the grill to you? You'll want to start making sure you've got everything you need for your outdoor pool parties and barbecues!
Quality Flip-Flops
Who wants to be stuck wearing shoes and socks when it's time to play at the beach or host a backyard party. Warm weather and great company call for a good pair of flip-flops.
This year, invest in a pair that offers support and style. They'll last longer, look better, and offer the same level of comfort as any other pair of shoes. You'll be so glad to have the perfect pair all summer long.
No-Slip Boat Shoes
Attending a summer event that calls for a shoe more formal than a flip flop? One of this season's hottest trends is a good boat shoe, which is perfect for hanging out by the pool, attending a family barbecue, hitting a local clambake, or just about any summer event.
Boat shoes are comfortable and casual, and they go with everything from khakis, to shorts, to jeans. Plus, since they're made to be worn on boats, you can trust that they won't leave you slipping and sliding if things get a little damp by the pool or outside deck.
Ball Caps
Ball caps aren't just an important accessory for the summer wardrobe. They're essential when you spend entire afternoons outside in the gorgeous summer sun. Don't be left squinting and trying desperately to keep the sun out of your eyes. Add one of this season's fashionable ball caps to keep you comfortable all day long.
Wherever this year's beautiful weather takes you, it pays to be prepared. Complete your collection of essential outdoor gear today and make memories to treasure this summer!
