10 hiking essentials for spring, plus how to tell if it's time to replace your old gear

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• From the type of hiking boots and day packs you wear to the headlamps and rain jackets you pack along, it's important to take a measured approach to the gear you use for spring hiking.
• It's important to determine whether last year's gear is fit for the upcoming season, too, and if you should plan to upgrade a worn-down pair of boots or a ratty pair of hiking socks.
• We've tested some of the best new spring hiking equipment from brands like Arc'Teryx, Merrell, and Outdoor Research to find the gear that's worth trekking with this season.

Spring is finally here, bringing longer days and warmer weather along with it. Normally, that means it's time to lace up our boots, hit our favorite trail, and enjoy a nice long hike.

But hitting the trail for that first hike of the season isn't the only spring tradition that outdoor enthusiasts look forward to each year. For many hikers, this is a time to take last year's hiking gear out of storage and judging whether or not it might make it through another season.

Personally, I start by assessing the tread on my hiking boots and the condition of my rain jackets, two incredibly important parts of my kit. If the tread looks worn down, years of hiking (and sore feet) taught me that it's always better to get a fresh pair.

The same goes for an aging rain jacket. Some regions are soggier than others during the spring months, so it's important to be able to rely on a rain jacket to handle its namesake. Make sure to check all seams as leaking zippers and small tears compromise its ability to keep you dry.

Even my backpacks get the fine-tooth comb treatment. If any straps are fraying or the suspension system isn't providing the correct support, I know it's time for an upgrade. You never want to be several miles into a backpacking trip and realize you're uncomfortable and should've sprung for a different pack.

None of this is lost on outdoor gear manufacturers, either, who time the arrival of their latest products with this annual rite of passage. As a result, companies like Arc'Teryx, Mammut, and Outdoor Research have a host of new products waiting for eager hikers.

There is one significant challenge hikers face when it comes to buying new gear and that's not being able to try anything out in-person. With many retail outlets closed, they can't just swing by their favorite outdoor shop to check out the latest equipment for themselves or purchase it directly.

Thankfully, many gear manufacturers still sell products either directly through their own websites or via online retailers like Amazon, REI, and Backcountry. Aside from the convenience of offering the gear online, many of these retailers also allow for returns in the event of a wrong fit — and we made sure to only include gear from sites that offer these easy returns, too.

With that in mind, here are a few of our favorite pieces of spring gear should you be shopping for a replacement.

• Best daypack: Gregory Miwok 24
• Best hiking boots: Merrell Altalight Mid Waterproof
• Best hiking jacket: Mammut Kento Light
• Best hiking shirt: Arc'Teryx Remige SS
• Best Hiking Pants: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
• Best hiking socks: Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion
• Best trekking poles: Leki Micro Vario Cor-Tec TA AS
• Best headlamp: Lander Kiva
• Best water bottle: Hydro Flask Trail Series
• Best portable power bank: Goal Zero Flip 24

Editor's note: Although the coronavirus pandemic has made getting outside more challenging right now, health experts say that as long as people adhere to socially distancing standards, it's generally safe to be outdoors.