A Few of My Favorite Spring Things

When it comes to gear for this mom to get outside and into nature, I don’t require much. What I do need is gear that can multi-task, taking me from walking the kids to school to a trail hike with a friend, to the beach or the zoo, and beyond as our nature travels might require.

Here are a few of my favorite things, each put to the test all winter long to ensure they’re up to snuff. (Keeping in mind that there’s not too much difference between winter and spring temperatures here in Los Angeles.)

Wizbang Classic Lightweight Hat
My outdoor blogger mom friends turned me on to Wizbang, a great company doing fantastic work. The classic lightweight hat was perfect for an L.A. winter and more, but they also make fleece hats for cooler temps (and headbands).

How I put it to use: Early morning winter & spring walks in the city & beyond; great for nature travels

Features: Fully lined, stretchy, can be worn with either side out and accommodates a wide range of adult sizes. PLUS, its lightweight, durable, flat-seamed construction means it can be worn comfortably under a helmet! Easy to wash in the delicate cycle.

Price: $28

Bottom line: This is one hat that stays in place, keeps me warm and doesn’t make my head itch. I like the fitted style and funky designs. It helps that I get a ton of compliments when I wear it!

KEEN Alamosa WP
I’ve got a confession to make: I love KEEN shoes. After much trial and error, I have discovered that KEEN is the brand that fits me. (Maybe that’s why I’ve got four pair sitting in my closet at the moment.) My new fave KEEN for the trail and more? The Alamosa WP.

How I put it to use: Touted as a trail shoe, I put it to use for far more, including my daily walks around the neighborhood and our nearby nature adventures

Features: Lightweight, warm, KEEN.DRY™ waterproof breathable membrane, plus the ever-important KEEN Patented Toe Protection (the shoe outsoles wrap up and over the toes for ultimate protection)

Price: $120

Bottom line: My last pair of walking/hiking shoes (not KEENs) hurt almost from day one. Not these. They’re comfortable even after hours on the trail, at the beach and around town. My one complaint: The shoelaces are a little long.

Sherpani Jag LE Handbag
Now that both Explorers are well past the diaper stage, I no longer need to carry a daypack on our adventures around town. After a year of using a backpack purse, I finally discovered the Sherpani Jag LE handbag, my new best friend.

How I put it to use: Casual daily use, nature adventures around town

Features: Six (yes, 6!) pockets (3 with zippers) to help keep you organized, large main pocket large enough for a laptop, adjustable strap which lets you wear the bag either across your body or over the shoulder

Price: $49.95

Bottom line: I still use a purse for daily use, but this is my go-to bag for our nature adventures around town. The nylon fabric makes it easy to spot clean, it stores enough for a non-trail adventure and allows me to sport a purse across my body while still having my hands free for important stuff – like holding hands with my boys.

UGG Celiste Boots
I know what you’re thinking: What is a winter boot doing on a list of Spring things? The UGG Celiste features a waterproof leather upper and membrane – which means you can wear it in the rain or snow and still keep dry. And the uber-comfy UGG sheepskin insole you’ve grown to love? It’s in there.

How I put it to use: My go-to rain boot, also performed great at the beach during the winter

Features: Temperature rated -20 degrees Celsius, waterproof leather upper, soft sheepskin cuff and insole, waterproof membrane, traditional laces for ease getting on and off

Price: $230

Bottom line: These boots are a bit heavy and cumbersome to get on and off, but they keep my feet warmer than anything I’ve ever worn. This is a luxury treat for sure. My advice? Look for sales now that the season is changing.

Note: I received a complimentary pair of UGG boots and KEEN shoes of my choice with no expectation of a review here. I purchased both the Wizbang hat and Sherpani handbag for personal use. All opinions expressed are my own. Check out my complete disclosure policy for more information.