March and April in Memphis mean 45°F in the morning, 75°F by noon, and a thunderstorm by 5 p.m. Dressing for it is a gamble.
The shorts rule
If the forecast low is above 50°F and the high is above 68°F, shorts. I'll start cold, warm up within a mile, and be comfortable the rest of the hike.
If the forecast low is under 50°F, pants. Nothing ruins a hike faster than being cold for two hours waiting for the temperature to come up.
Convertible pants
I have opinions. In theory, convertible pants are the solution. In practice, most of them fit poorly as pants and worse as shorts. The zip is always in the wrong place on your thigh.
The one exception is KUHL Renegade Rock, which zips below the knee and stays clean as shorts. Still bulkier than dedicated shorts, but manageable.
Pants I actually like
Mountain Hardwear Yumas: lightweight, stretchy, dry fast. Perfect for spring. Not the best in cold wind.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi: more robust, more weatherproof, great for trips where you might scramble. Not as breathable in heat.
Patagonia Quandary: nice looking enough to wear to dinner after. Moderate weight, great stretch.
What to skip
Jeans. I say this gently. Denim is cotton. Cotton is slow to dry and heavy when wet. Fine for the drive to the trailhead, not for the trail.
Leggings as hiking pants. Depends on the leggings. Most running tights tear on branches and abrasion. Good thicker leggings (Vuori Daily Pant, Lululemon Align in full length) can work on mellow trails but not rocky terrain.
Lightweight rain pants
If your forecast is sketchy, throw a pair of lightweight rain pants (OR Helium) in your day pack. 6 ounces. Keeps you dry enough to finish the hike in a spring shower.
