Your rain jacket is the only non-negotiable.

Here’s the short list for spring camping: a waterproof shell, a synthetic or wool mid-layer, and a way to keep your sleeping bag dry.

Spring weather is a liar. Sunny at noon, sleet at two. You can survive cold if you’re dry. You cannot survive wet if you’re cold. So spend your money on a breathable rain jacket with sealed seams, not a fleece that gets soaked. Fleece is fine as a mid-layer under the shell. For sleeping, a dry tent floor