I know it's Spring, but seriously, it's still cold outside. The sun feels warm, especially after months of vitamin D deprivation, but step into the shade and you're right back to winter. It's tricky to properly prepare for Spring adventures. Whether you're sport climbing at a local crag, hiking into the high alpine or bike commuting to work, layer too lightly and you'll freeze your butt off. Dress too warmly and you'll sweat and curse the heavy pack you're lugging around all day. Even in desert climes like southern Utah, New Mexico and Texas, where the difference between sun and shade can feel like summer vs. winter, spring requires you prepare for both seasons at once. I've found a few key ways to outsmart spring's fickle temps. These three items will keep you warm in the shade, cool in the sun, and won't slow you down with winter weight.

Never leave home without your thermos! Fill it with tea, coffee, hot cocoa, whatever, and you'll be psyched to sip this delicious treat all day. Rock Stanley's vintage style at the crag, and you'll be the envy of all your friends, and warmer, too. Stanley's old school thermos is mega durable, with a lid that doubles as a cup. Yep, it's the same one your parents got from your grandparents, just new. Legend has it, this thermos stops bullets, an extra perk. $30.00.

Sure you've heard of Smartwool and Teko, but how about Dahlgren? These awesome socks are made of alpaca (which is ten times warmer than wool) and merino, in the USA. They're cushiony, cozy and actually wick sweat up and out of your shoes, for real. All of Dahlgren's socks are amazing but the Sno Comp is perfect for early spring adventures, where you might be belaying on the north side of a mountain, or bouldering in the shade all day. They're super thin, super warm, and keep your whole leg warm, not just your ankle. These socks will ratchet your spring adventure up a few notches, and you won't want to take them off at the end of the day. $20.00.

The last piece of gear you might not know you need, is a neck gaiter. Yep, a neck gaiter. Maybe you've made it all winter without one, but once you've tried the neck gaiter, there's no going back. Think about it. Your neck is one of the most sensitive, vulnerable spots on your body and it's constantly exposed to the elements. That means instant chill, especially on windy days. The best thing about neck gaiters is they're easy on, easy off and light enough to climb or hike in so you can minimize heavier layers. Marmot's is awesome. $18.00.

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