All-Seasons Gear Guide

We’re lucky that Vermont offers so many outdoor recreation opportunities all throughout the year, from skiing and snowshoeing to hiking and biking. But as any Vermonter will tell you, “there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong gear.” We pulled together this guide to help you enjoy the outdoors no matter what comes your way, whether it’s a warm, sunny day or a brittle wintry mix. Read on to find what you need for making the most of VT’s beautiful outdoors.

Summer Gear Guide:

Exploring Vermont’s mountains, trails, and forests during the warm and sunny summer months is a truly special experience. To get the most out of your time outside, and be comfortable while doing so, check out the list below.

Hiking

• Sturdy hiking boots
• Darn Tough merino wool hiking socks
• Hiking or trekking poles
• Hydration pack or water bottle 
• Sunscreen 
• Snacks (and lunch if you’re headed out all day)

Running

• Everyday shoes for varied terrain 
• Trail running shoes 
• Road running shoes
• Running socks
• Lightweight and breathable shorts and shirt 
• Hat 

Biking 

• Roadies: road bike 
• Adventure seekers: road or gravel bike with 32mm+ tires
• All-mountain biker: Full suspension mountain bike with 130-160mm of travel
• XC shredders: Hardtail mountain bike with 100mm-120mm front fork

Kayaking and Canoeing 

• Kayak or canoe ready for changing conditions (especially on Lake Champlain) 
• Dry bag 
• Paddle 
• Personal Flotation Device (Life Jacket)
• Looking for rentals? Check out these state parks. 

Dock and Boat Fishing 

• Rod and reel
• Lures for trout, bass, landlocked salmon, pike, and walleye, and others
• Fly fishers: check out these spots!

Swimming

• Swim trunks or bathing suit 
• Goggles to explore clearer waters 
• Sunscreen
• Check out these Vermont state parks with swimming
• For adventure seekers: try these swimming holes

Fall Gear Guide:

People come from all over the country to see the foliage in Vermont, and for good reason! The yellows, oranges, and reds are a sight to behold, and there is no better way to experience the foliage than getting out for an adventure. Here are a few essentials to keep you comfortable during your fall excursions.

Hiking

• Rain jacket 
• Hat 
• Light gloves
• Rain pants 
• Camera! 

Running

• Long sleeve wicking layer 
• Light gloves
• Leggings to joggers 
• Warm headband 

Biking 

• Booties or overshoes help keep your feet stay toasty and dry 
• A buff or neck gaiter can be pulled up on descents, or put under the helmet 
• Windproof gloves with a light thermal liner 
• Full length bibs 
• A windproof vest and long sleeve base layer

Climbing

• For climbs around Vermont, check out this guide
• Find an experienced partner to stay safe and have double the fun!
• Harness 
• Helmet
• Rope
• Chalk 
• Carabiners and belay equipment

Swimming

• Swimming trunks or bathing suit 
• Towel and dry clothes nearby - the water will be chilly! 
• For cold water seekers: check out the Red Hot Chilly Dippers

Winter Gear Guide:

Getting out in the winter can be intimidating, with cold temps, snow and the occasional rainstorm rolling through Vermont. But with the proper gear, getting out during the winter can be a great experience despite challenging conditions. Vermont truly turns into a winter wonderland, and is ready for you to explore!

Downhill Skiing

• Boots (get them heat molded!)
• Layers for changing conditions (check the forecast!)
• Gloves with liners 
• Hand and toe warmers
• For the one-ski quiver: 85-95mm underfoot frontside-oriented ski
• Two ski quiver: dedicated frontside groomer and a powder ski

Backcountry skiing 

• Alpine touring boots with a ski/walk mode 
• Lighter pair of skis or easier uphill travel 
• Touring bindings
• Climbing skins 
• Weather resources: Single Chair Weather blog, Mount Mansfield Snow Stake, Open Snow
• Backcountry ski resources: Catamount Trail Association, Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast

XC Skiing 

• Skate or classic skis and boots
• Water bottle belt
• Snacks 
• Spare set of gloves 
• Wicking base layers 
• Hat
• Wool socks 
• Neck gaiter or Buff 
• Sunglasses

Fat Biking 

• Fat bike with 3.7-5’’ tires
• Wicking base layers - don’t be afraid of being a little chilly at the start, you’ll warm up! 
• Bar Mitts
• Hand warmers

Ice Fishing

• Extra gloves and hats 
• 5 gallon bucket
• Ice auger and scoop 
• Plastic sled 
• Spikes for boots 
• First aid kit 
• Retractable ice picks

Spring Gear Guide:

In Vermont, spring can add a whole new set of challenges for outdoor recreation, with the seasonal  thaw making conditions muddy and wet. Here are a few tips and essentials to enjoy “mud season.” 

• Invest in some microspikes for hiking and running
• Even if it’s cloudy, don’t forget sunscreen 
• If you want to pond skim, sign up for an event and get your shorts and sunglasses
• Tune up your bike 
• Make sure your summer gear’s good to go and make any repairs/replacements you need so you don’t waste any of that long-awaited sunshine! 
• Score some deals on winter gear at Burton, Alpine Shop, SkiRack, OGE, or MountainOps 

Getting out the door in Vermont can take a little extra effort when conditions change, but you’ll always be thankful for having the right equipment to make the most of your time outdoors.