Spring has officially sprung, although in some parts of the country old man winter is still  hanging around.  When the seasons change typically you’ll find me lusting over the latest gear. A good rule of thumb is to go through what you have and donate a few things to make room for a few new pieces.  Trying to pare down a Top 3 list for Spring wasn’t an easy task, there’s a ton of new gear to be had out there. You’ll find my picks are everyday life staples for Spring and beyond.

3.  Scrunchie Tote from Timbuk2 MSRP: $80

• Because one can never have too many bags.  Ladies you can relate, each bag has a different purpose in life and the Scrunchie Tote is one of those GREAT everyday bags. Since it’s from Timbuk2 I can guarantee you’ll get miles out of this bag. Although, I’m not too keen on the name as it reminds me of  the 80′s hair scrunchie, it’s still a perfect fit for ladies on the go. So what would I use it for you ask? Everything!  Work, gym, farmer’s market, carry-on and so much more. It’s too new for fun funky colors, but I’m digging on potrero as it’s sure to match any outfit.

Details:

• A roomy all-around gear bag that cradles your yoga mat and looks good doing it.
• Refined weave ballistic nylon exterior with a stylish printed graphic liner.
• Exterior slash pockets for quick access and hidden zipper pocket for safe keeping.
• Waterproof TPU base so your gear stays dry, even on a damp gym floor.
• Key tether to keep you locked in.
• Zip top closure gives you the option to be super secure or casually closed.

2.  Aura Sunglasses from Smith Optics/ MSRP: $129

• Living in Tahoe you can’t leave the house without your trusty sunglasses.  It’s also handy to have sunglasses for specific occasions. The Smith Aura is more of  the fun weekend warrior type. They’re  also not only  functional but fashionable. Remember I usually opt for functional fashion. Wear them on a boat or cruising down the boardwalk with your pals. I’m digging  the stone frame with a brown gradient lens for Spring.

Details:

• Anti-Reflective and Hydrophobic Lens Coating
• Medium Fit/Medium Coverage
• Techlite Polarized Glass TLT Lenses
• Stainless Steel Spring Hinges

1. Rain Shadow Jacket from Patagonia / MSRP: $179

• An oldie but a goodie, the Women’s Rain Shadow Jacket is a lightweight jacket every woman should have in their closet.  It packets down to a small ball making it easy to throw in your Timbuk2 Scrunchie Tote when weather calls for rain showers. Roomy enough to layer over a sweatshirt on colder days without it being bulky. I purchased this jacket for my trip to Central America with the idea of trekking through rain forests and hanging at beach for three weeks. It kept me dry and warm. Today, I wear my Rain Shadow Jacket around town and while hiking.  This is the jacket for you if you’re looking for something lightweight, waterproof, and breathable.  Make a statement with color, I’m digging on the prickly pear for 2011.

Details:

• Lightweight – 10.9 oz
• waterproof/breathable H2No barrier and Deluge DWR
• Roll-down, 2-way-adjustable hood with a laminated visor improves hood structure and visibility
• Microfleece-lined neck and chin for comfort
• All exterior zippers and pit zips are watertight, coated and treated with a Deluge DWR

Small tweaks and a full zipper makes the Arc’teryx Accelero Jacket a welcome improvement over the Accelero Pullover (one of my personal favorites). This lightweight and breathable material sheds water extremely well and breathes like a mesh shirt. Wind resistance is minimal–just enough to keep the chill off, but perfect for a cool morning or a light rainstorm. I love my Accelero Pullover, but the full zip should make this jacket that much better.

Buy Now: Search for Arc’teryx Jackets

Ultralight shells are excellent companions on summer hiking trips for unexpected weather changes, or for those crisp Spring or Fall mornings to take the edge off. I’ve tested a few items from Penfield over the years and have been impressed with the quality of their products. New to their Spring/Summer collection is the Penfield 360 lightweight, breathable and weatherproof jacket.

The 360 jacket looks to be a great companion for hiking, mountain biking or trail running should the need arise for a little more protection from the elements. Built from 100% nylon, this jacket will definitely do the trick. Here are a few more features:

• Fabric: 100% weatherproof nylon
• Adjustable hood
• Lower pouch pocket
• Chest pocket with printed waterproof zip
• Elastic cuff and hem
• Mesh lining
• Colors: Yellow, Blue or Black
• MSRP: $110

While the colors and styling aren’t anything earthshaking, it can be your silent partner on many outdoor adventures.

More Info: Visit PenfieldUSA.com

The first time I laid eyes on the Diad jacket from The North Face I knew buying it would be a no brainer. These were the basic specs:

• 7 oz total weight
• Fully adjustable hood
• Waterproof, seam-sealed, breathable
• Designed for Ski Mountaineering

Sign me up!

I first had the chance to use the Diad in the Tetons last spring while ticking off a couple of ski descents from my list. With the temps on the warmer side this was the perfect call for a jacket that would easily stow in my pack for the climb up lines like the Middle Teton Glacier but would be ideal for keeping the wind at bay at the top and be essentially non existent on the descent. But I wondered how it would perform as a shell in the winter.

Given it’s super ultralight build and no frills construction (having shortened pits zips and a small Napoleon pocket) it is best suited for the short approaches and yo-yo descents. I’ve worn it while skinning up peaks over top of my softshell jacket and base layer and found that although it’s built with HyVent DT which is touted to be breathable I’d say that breathing is not it’s strong suit.

Unlike it’s other waterproof brethren, the Diad features North Face’s “skinny seam tape” which is 13mm wide compared to the standard 19mm to 22mm seam tape of the heavy weight jackets. Does this compromise waterproofness? Thankfully no. Does is save weight faster than the South Beach diet plan? Most certainly.

The best part about this jacket is how simple and functional it has been for just about any weather condition I’ve skied in. I’ve left it home on the ultra bitter days, opting for a 3 layer Gore-Tex XCR jacket like the Arc Teryx Sidewinder AR, but for all other backcountry ski days it’s ideal when teamed up with a good softshell. And like I said, it excels in spring time conditions and I’d bet it’s a great summer hiking jacket as well. Simple draw cords at the bottom and easy Velcro adjustments on the sleeves keep the fit dialed. I’ve not lacked for a snow skirt despite it missing from this jacket.

If you’re looking to shave some weight and bulk in a jacket (or your person), try out the bomber yet sleek Diad jacket from The North Face.

Buy Now: Search for North Face Jackets