Best Hiking Gear: 12 Cool-Weather Essentials

Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pant

For those longer day hikes when you hit the trail at sunrise, these pants will allow you to adjust your wardrobe to the changing weather and terrain. When the clouds burn off and the trail heats up, just zip off the calf area to leave 10" inseam shorts—then zip them on again if cooler temps return or you need protection against unyielding vegetation. Bonus: The fabric is UPF 50, for a little extra shield from the sun.

($60, columbia.com)