Merlyn, ask Hikerduane about Tahoe in the early to mid spring...I think its going to be cold with lots of snow. It could be an excellent time to visit the more "deserty" regions. Joshua Tree, the Mojave, and numerous other areas would be great that time of year. There are tons of cool deserts to visit in Arizona and California in spring.

Oh yea, where you go and when will partially dictate what you bring.