Having lived in Nebraska for a couple of years (a LONG time ago), I would say that March conditions (outside of an actual blizzard) would be perfect for testing your clothing. Windy with temps in the low to mid 30's will do fine, and so will frosty mornings. Don't just hike, but sit around as though you were sitting around camp. Your back yard (unless too sheltered) is a great place for a gear shakedown cruise. You could try breakfast in the back yard on a cold morning!

Where in the Winds are you planning to go, or are you still working on that? So many choices, so little time, unless, like Wandering Daisy, you can spend the whole summer there!